Remote Streamer Recovery Using Inflatable Buoyancy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for retrieving severed marine seismic streamers are inefficient, as they require manual location and retrieval by divers, and existing systems lack remote activation capabilities to bring the streamers to the surface for easy recovery.
Innovation Solution
A programmable and dynamically controlled streamer recovery device equipped with a compressed gas cartridge and floatation system, which can be activated remotely to inflate and raise severed streamers to the surface, utilizing a communication network for command and data exchange between the seismic vessel and streamer devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If divers are used to manually locate and retrieve severed streamers, then retrieval can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The streamer recovery device enables the streamer to retrieve itself to the surface automatically. When activated, the floatation device inflates and lifts the severed streamer without requiring manual intervention from divers, thereby improving retrieval efficiency and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual retrieval system (divers physically handling streamers) with an automated buoyancy-based system. The floatation device provides automatic lift to the surface, substituting human mechanical effort with a self-activating mechanical system.
2Loss of information
If transmitters are placed in streamers to provide location tracking, then the streamer position can be determined, but manual diver intervention is still required for retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the location tracking function (transmitters) with the retrieval function (floatation device) into a single integrated system. Both functions are incorporated into the streamer recovery device, allowing the streamer to be both tracked and automatically retrieved without requiring separate systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The streamer recovery device provides self-service by automatically inflating the floatation device to lift the streamer to the surface. This eliminates the need for divers to manually attach floatation devices or cables to the streamer, greatly simplifying the retrieval operation.
3Ease of operation
If floatation devices are deployed to bring streamers to surface, then retrieval is facilitated, but activation must be manual or diver-initiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual activation mechanisms with an automated sensor-based activation system. Depth sensors detect when the streamer reaches a predetermined depth, and this information is processed by a controller that automatically activates the floatation device, eliminating the need for manual or diver-initiated activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates depth sensors that provide feedback about the streamer's position. This feedback is continuously monitored by the controller, which uses the depth information to determine when to automatically activate the floatation device, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables remote activation of streamer recovery, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving the efficiency of retrieving severed streamers, thereby minimizing costs and facilitating their reuse.
Implementation Method 1
A streamer recovery device is provided as described herein. Additional embodiments include one or more seismic streamers, each comprising at least such one streamer recovery device
Implementation Method 2
A programmable and dynamically controlled streamer recovery device equipped with a compressed gas cartridge and floatation system
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for operating streamer recovery devices (116) to retrieve seismic streamers (112), for example streamers that become severed from their towing vessels (110). The streamer recovery can be remotely activated to cause the streamer to surface where the streamer is more easily retrieved.