Seismic Node Housing with Separate Sealing Skin for Deepwater Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic nodes for marine surveys face challenges in achieving a compact profile while ensuring pressure resistance and waterproofing, which affects efficiency and cost of handling.
Innovation Solution
A seismic node design comprising a pressure-resistant inner structure with a separate waterproof sealing skin, where the sealing skin is applied over the inner structure to provide waterproofing without needing to withstand high pressures, allowing for a thinner, more flexible material to be used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick metal housing is used to provide pressure resistance and waterproofing, then the node can withstand high seabed pressures and protect internal components, but the node becomes heavier and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two distinct parts: an inner pressure-resistant structure made of thin-walled material (aluminum or plastic) and an outer waterproof sealing skin. The inner structure provides mechanical strength to withstand pressure, while the outer skin provides waterproofing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall weight compared to a single thick metal housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The node housing combines different materials with complementary properties: the inner structure uses lightweight materials (aluminum alloy or plastic) for pressure resistance, while the outer skin uses elastomeric material (rubber or plastic) for waterproofing and shock absorption. This composite approach achieves both pressure resistance and waterproofing with reduced weight.
2Reliability
If a thick metal housing is used to ensure pressure resistance, then internal components are protected from high pressure, but the node size increases and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the pressure-resistant function (inner structure) from the waterproofing function (outer skin), the design achieves compact dimensions suitable for efficient handling and deployment, while maintaining the necessary pressure resistance through the optimized inner structure geometry and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer waterproof sealing skin is made from a thin elastomeric material that provides waterproofing and shock absorption without adding significant thickness or weight. This thin-film approach maintains compact node dimensions while ensuring protection against water ingress and mechanical shocks during handling and deployment.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated pressure-resistant and waterproof housing is used, then the structure is simple, but the material selection is limited and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into an inner pressure-resistant structure and an outer waterproof skin, allowing independent optimization of each component. The inner structure can use lightweight materials like aluminum alloy or plastic, while the outer skin uses elastomeric material for waterproofing. This segmentation expands material selection beyond what would be possible with a single integrated housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs composite construction combining lightweight structural materials (aluminum, plastic) with elastomeric sealing material. This composite approach provides both pressure resistance and waterproofing while minimizing weight, offering greater material flexibility than a single-material housing design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a seismic node, comprising: at least one seismic sensor; a pressure resistant structure having a first wall, a second wall, and one or more supporting elements extending between the first and second walls to define one or more cavities for containing pressure sensitive components; and a separate waterproof sealing skin surrounding the pressure resistant structure and the at least one seismic sensor. Also described herein is a method for producing a seismic node.