ROV Deployment Line Catenary Modeling for Seismic Node Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inefficient and impractical for deploying a large number of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for ocean bottom seismic node deployment due to increased complexity, requiring excessive manpower and manual operation, which limits the feasibility of high-speed and efficient subsea operations.
Innovation Solution
The deployment of two or more ROVs connected to a surface vessel by ROV deployment lines, with real-time and predictive modeling of catenary shapes to optimize positioning and automation of ROV operations using dynamic positioning systems and integrated navigation systems, allowing for simultaneous operation of multiple ROVs without manual steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple ROVs are deployed simultaneously for ocean bottom seismic node deployment, then deployment productivity increases, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex operation into independent modules: each ROV is equipped with its own autonomous navigation system, and the surface vessel uses separate catenary modeling systems for each ROV's deployment line. This segmentation allows multiple ROVs to operate independently without requiring centralized manual coordination, reducing overall operational complexity while maintaining high deployment productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous navigation systems on each ROV that automatically track their own positions and calculate catenary shapes without human intervention. The ROVs autonomously manage their deployment lines and coordinate with the surface vessel, eliminating the need for excessive manual operation and reducing the number of operators required.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for ROV positioning and deployment, then operational control is maintained, but the number of operators required increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic and computational systems. Autonomous navigation systems on ROVs use sensors and processors to automatically determine positions and calculate catenary shapes, while the surface vessel uses computer-based modeling to predict and optimize deployment line configurations. This substitution eliminates the need for excessive human operators while maintaining precise operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where ROV position data is continuously transmitted to the surface vessel, and catenary modeling results are fed back to adjust ROV positioning commands. This automated feedback loop maintains operational control without requiring constant manual intervention, significantly reducing the number of operators needed.
3Reliability
If deployment lines are managed manually, then wire entanglement can be monitored, but operational efficiency decreases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using catenary modeling systems to predict the future configuration of deployment lines before ROV movements occur. The surface vessel calculates optimal ROV positions and deployment line arrangements in advance, preventing wire entanglement before it happens rather than responding to it manually during operations, thereby maintaining high operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring of wire configurations with automated computational catenary modeling. The system automatically calculates and visualizes deployment line shapes and potential entanglement risks, providing real-time guidance for ROV positioning without requiring manual intervention, thus preventing entanglement while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments, including systems and methods, for deploying ocean bottom seismic nodes. Two or more underwater vehicles (such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)) may be deployed by a surface vessel and each connected to the surface vessel by a ROV deployment line. A catenary shape of each ROV deployment line may be modeled for more accurate and efficient subsea ROV operations. Real-time modeling and predictive modeling of the catenary shape of the deployed lines may be performed, and the surface vessel and/or ROVs may be positioned based on the modeled catenary shapes. The ROVs may be automatically positioned and/or controlled based on commands from a dynamic positioning (DP) system. An integrated navigation system (INS) may be located on the surface vessel and directly coupled to the one or more DP systems. The surface vessel may travel backwards during deployment operations and deploy one or more subsea baskets astern from the ROVs.