Seismic Cable Positioning via Drone Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic prospecting methods in aquatic mediums face challenges such as dynamic noise, high hydrodynamic drag, cable fatigue, limited measurement area, and the attenuation of low-frequency signals due to surface reflection, leading to increased costs and decreased productivity.
Innovation Solution
A seismic prospecting method and device that minimizes cable deviation from a desired route by restricting maximum track curvature and deviation values, using drones to maintain tension and position the cable in a quasi-stationary position, allowing for deeper submersion and reduced mechanical stress, thereby enhancing data collection efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cables are towed at high speed to maintain measurement area, then productivity is improved, but hydrodynamic drag increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from high-speed towing to slow-speed station-keeping operations. The system uses active positioning systems and dynamic tensioning to maintain cable configuration at minimal speeds, reducing hydrodynamic drag from dozens of tons to manageable levels while preserving the 1×8 km measurement area through controlled cable deployment and retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical towing system with an active positioning and tensioning system. Instead of relying on boat speed to maintain cable configuration, the system uses controlled deployment mechanisms, tensioning devices, and positioning systems to maintain the measurement area, significantly reducing energy consumption.
2Productivity
If cables are towed at high speed, then measurement area is maintained, but cable fatigue and breakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from high-speed towing to slow-speed station-keeping operations. The system uses active positioning systems and dynamic tensioning to maintain cable configuration at minimal speeds, reducing hydrodynamic drag from dozens of tons to manageable levels while preserving the 1×8 km measurement area through controlled cable deployment and retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using gradual deployment and retrieval mechanisms that prevent sudden cable movements and shock loads. The system employs controlled tensioning and damping mechanisms to cushion cable stresses during operations, preventing fatigue accumulation and breakage while maintaining measurement area coverage.
3Ease of manufacture
If cables are submerged shallowly (5-10m), then cable deployment is easier, but surface reflection attenuates low-frequency signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical towing system with an active positioning and tensioning system. Instead of relying on boat speed to maintain cable configuration, the system uses controlled deployment mechanisms, tensioning devices, and positioning systems to maintain the measurement area, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting cable submersion depth to optimal levels that balance deployment feasibility with signal quality requirements. The system dynamically controls cable depth and tension to minimize surface reflection effects on low-frequency signals while maintaining practical deployment characteristics.
4Measurement precision
If multiple source boats are used to compensate for anisotropy, then measurement quality is improved, but operational costs increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single source boat capable of performing multiple functions: it can emit seismic waves, actively position itself to maintain optimal geometry with the cable array, and adjust its operations to compensate for anisotropy. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized source boats while achieving isotropic measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from high-speed towing to slow-speed station-keeping operations. The system uses active positioning systems and dynamic tensioning to maintain cable configuration at minimal speeds, reducing hydrodynamic drag from dozens of tons to manageable levels while preserving the 1×8 km measurement area through controlled cable deployment and retrieval.
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
This approach decreases energy expenditure, mechanical stress, and noise, allowing for more effective and rapid seismic prospecting with improved seismic density and longer cable lifespan, while enabling deeper submersion to mitigate surface reflection issues and enhance data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The source boat may be the boat pulling the seismic cables... provided with means capable of creating a wave in a sea medium, generally in the form of an air gun... The waves thus formed spread as far as the sea bottom, then on the different geological layers to be reflected by the latter, and are lastly collected and measured by said submerged sensors
Implementation Method 2
the hydrodynamic drag resulting from the drag of the cables is very high, and can be counted in dozens of tons... The movement of the cable minimizes the deviation of the cable relative to a desired route in the terrestrial reference frame. The movement of the cable is also restricted by a maximum track curvature value in the water
Implementation Method 3
using drones to maintain tension and position the cable in a quasi-stationary position, allowing for deeper submersion and reduced mechanical stress
Implementation Method 4
the attenuation of low-frequency signals due to surface reflection... enabling deeper submersion to mitigate surface reflection issues and enhance data accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for seismic prospecting in an aquatic medium using a device having at least one seismic cable provided with sensors and at least one moving seismic source. The method includes the following steps: 1) moving the cable in the water using two drones each placed at one end of the cable and which maintain tension in the cable, the movement of the cable minimizing the deviation of the cable with respect to a desired route in the terrestrial reference frame where the movement of the cable is also being restricted by a maximum track curvature value in the water, and, at the same time; and 2) moving the seismic source in a reference frame connected to the cable, emitting waves via the seismic source, and sensing reflections of the waves by the cable.