Modular Seismic Node Storage and Conveyor Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine seismic node handling systems are inefficient, requiring significant operator involvement, and lack the capacity to store and handle large numbers of autonomous seismic nodes in a compact and portable manner.
Innovation Solution
A modular, container-based node handling and storage system that includes conveyor systems and standardized containers for efficient deployment, retrieval, and storage of seismic nodes, allowing for automated operation and high-capacity node management on a marine vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional node handling systems are used, then nodes can be deployed and retrieved, but operator involvement and handling time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vessel into multiple zones (storage zone, handling zone, deployment zone) with dedicated containers and conveyor systems in each zone, enabling parallel processing of multiple nodes simultaneously and reducing overall handling time while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
Conveyor systems act as intermediaries between storage containers and the deployment area, automatically transporting nodes without operator intervention. The conveyor system includes transfer mechanisms that seamlessly move nodes between different zones, eliminating manual handling time
2Quantity of substance
If large numbers of nodes are stored, then survey capacity is increased, but vessel space requirements are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
Containers are designed to be stacked vertically in multiple tiers on the vessel deck, with storage containers placed on top of each other. This vertical stacking arrangement maximizes the use of vessel space, allowing hundreds of nodes to be stored in a compact footprint without increasing the horizontal deck area
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal spreading of storage space to vertical utilization by stacking containers in multiple levels. The conveyor systems are configured to access containers at different heights, enabling efficient node retrieval from vertically arranged storage positions while maintaining a compact deck footprint
3Ease of operation
If nodes are handled manually, then flexibility is maintained, but safety risks and operational complexity are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to handle nodes autonomously through automated conveyor systems and transfer mechanisms that operate without operator intervention. Nodes are automatically transported from storage containers through the handling zone to the deployment area, eliminating the need for operators to physically manipulate nodes and thereby removing safety risks associated with manual handling while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for storing and handling a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes are presented. The node handling and storage system may be coupled to a node deployment system that deploys and/or retrieves nodes from water from the back deck of a marine vessel. One embodiment of the node handling and storage system includes a plurality of portable containers that may be assembled in a variety of configurations based on the vessel and survey requirements. The containers are coupled to an autonomous or semi-autonomous node conveyor and/or transport system that moves the nodes between and within the containers for node cleaning, downloading, charging, servicing, and storage. The conveyor system may include a plurality of different transport devices and/or systems, such as rotatable conveyors, lateral conveyors, lift mechanisms, and elevators.