Segmented Seismic Cable with Ellipsoid Protrusions for Borehole Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for deploying seismic device arrays into boreholes face inefficiencies due to large, inflexible nodes on cables, leading to non-uniform winding and potential entanglement, and require extensive space and time for deployment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing inter-connectable cable segments with small-sized electrical and mechanical connections, allowing for uniform winding and deployment of seismic devices with ellipsoid-shaped sensors that form stable contact with the borehole wall using protrusions, reducing deployment time and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seismic devices are attached to the cable by electrical and mechanical mechanisms, then the devices can be securely connected, but the nodes become large and inflexible, causing non-uniform winding and potential entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cable into multiple segments with connection mechanisms located at intervals along the cable. Each segment can be independently managed and connected, reducing the size and complexity of individual nodes while maintaining secure connections. The segmented structure allows for more uniform winding around the drum.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms are designed with nested structures where electrical and mechanical components are integrated within each other, minimizing the overall node size. The protrusions and recesses fit together in a compact manner, reducing the bulk of the connection assembly.
2Quantity of substance
If a large-sized drum is used to deploy arrays with a large number of seismic devices, then all devices can be deployed, but the drum takes up large space near the rig
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple segments that can be connected sequentially. This allows the use of a smaller drum that can accommodate individual segments or fewer segments at a time, rather than requiring a large drum to hold the entire array. The segmented approach enables deployment of large numbers of devices using compact equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-long-cable approach to a multi-segment approach, adding the dimension of modular connectivity. This allows the system to achieve the same functional capacity (deploying many devices) with a smaller physical footprint by utilizing multiple shorter cable segments instead of one long cable.
3Ease of operation
If seismic devices are deployed one by one into the borehole, then deployment flexibility is improved, but the deployment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seismic devices are pre-assembled on cable segments with connection mechanisms prepared in advance. This preliminary assembly allows for rapid deployment when the segments are lowered into the borehole, combining the flexibility of individual device placement with the efficiency of batch deployment. The connection mechanisms are pre-positioned to enable quick assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Deploying systems and methods for deploying a plurality of seismic devices into a borehole comprising a cable including a plurality of inter-connected cable segments and ellipsoid seismic units with at least two rows of offset seismic protrusions to establish at least three points of contact between the seismic units and adjacent cylindrical surface of a borehole casing.