Seismic Data Acquisition Positioning With Hydrodynamic Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in efficiently deploying seismic data acquisition units in target locations with precise orientation and retrieval mechanisms, leading to increased complexity and survey time, which elevates operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A seismic data acquisition positioning apparatus featuring a non-buoyant seismic data acquisition unit with a hanging unit, beacon, and retrieval system, including a connector and buoyant elements, ensures accurate placement and retrieval by controlling descent and providing hydrodynamic stability and ease of retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional seismic data acquisition units are deployed without specialized positioning apparatus, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but positioning precision and orientation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a non-buoyant seismic data acquisition unit for precise positioning, a hanging unit with buoyant elements for stability, and a retrieval system for easy recovery. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is pre-configured with buoyant elements and connectors before deployment. The hanging unit is attached to the seismic data acquisition unit, and the retrieval system is prepared in advance, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly and ensuring precise positioning from the moment of deployment.
2Productivity
If conventional deployment methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but survey time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic data acquisition unit with non-buoyant characteristics automatically sinks to the target depth, while the hanging unit with buoyant elements automatically orients itself using hydrodynamic forces. This self-positioning and self-orientation capability eliminates the need for time-consuming manual positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with hydrodynamic stabilization. The buoyant elements create natural orientation forces in water flow, substituting for mechanical orientation mechanisms and reducing both complexity and deployment time.
3Ease of operation
If retrieval mechanisms are added to seismic data acquisition units, then ease of retrieval is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging unit serves as an intermediary between the non-buoyant seismic data acquisition unit and the retrieval system. It provides a convenient attachment point for retrieval operations and uses its buoyant elements to assist in bringing the unit to the surface, simplifying the retrieval process without requiring complex mechanical retrieval mechanisms on the unit itself.
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
The apparatus enhances the efficiency of seismic data acquisition by ensuring precise positioning and retrieval, reducing complexity and survey time, thereby lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A seismic data acquisition positioning apparatus features a non-buoyant seismic data acquisition unit with a hanging unit, beacon, and retrieval system, including a connector and buoyant elements, ensures accurate placement and retrieval by controlling descent
Data Source
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AI summary
A seismic data acquisition positioning apparatus (100) is provided. The apparatus can include a seismic data acquisition unit (105). The unit can include a case having an internal compartment. The unit can include a power source, a clock, a seismic data recorder, a control unit, and at least one sensor disposed within the case. The apparatus can include a hanging unit (110) including a beacon unit (115). The apparatus can include a connector (120) having a first end coupled with the seismic data acquisition unit and having a second end coupled with the hanging unit. The connector can pivot about the first end of the connector.