Seismic Node Handling Wheel Damping and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic surveying methods are inefficient and costly due to challenges in handling seismic nodes attached to cables, particularly in high-speed and varying weather conditions, which can result in node damage and prolonged survey times.
Innovation Solution
A node handling device with a rotatable wheel that dampens and aligns seismic nodes during deployment and retrieval, featuring a contact surface with damping materials like rubber or elastic nets, and a washing station for cleaning, allowing for secure and efficient handling of nodes regardless of vessel movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seismic nodes are deployed or retrieved at high speed, then productivity is improved, but node damage occurs due to harsh reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a water-filled container that acts as a cushioning receptacle before the seismic nodes reach it. The container is positioned to receive nodes at high speed and the water inside absorbs the impact energy, preventing node damage during high-speed deployment and retrieval operations.
2Device complexity
If a simple wheel device is used for damping, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot handle varying weather conditions and vessel movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wheel device rotatable about a vertical axis and allowing it to swing vertically. This dynamic capability enables the wheel to adapt to varying weather conditions and vessel movements while maintaining its damping function, providing versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the wheel device to perform multiple functions: damping nodes during deployment, damping nodes during retrieval, rotating to follow cable direction, and swinging to accommodate vessel movements. This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to handle various operational conditions effectively.
3Ease of operation
If the wheel rotates to follow cable direction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the wheel device to rotate automatically about its vertical axis in response to cable tension and direction forces. The system uses the natural forces present during deployment and retrieval to drive the rotation, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
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 solution enables faster and more efficient seismic survey operations by reducing node damage and operational time, leading to decreased costs and improved handling efficiency during deployment and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a water-filled container arranged to receive the seismic nodes from the wheel upon rotation of the wheel away from a vertical position
Implementation Method 2
a water-filled container arranged to receive the seismic nodes
Data Source
AI summary
It is described a node handling device for use during deployment or retrieval of a plurality of seismic nodes (10) attacked to a cable (8), the node handling device comprising: a wheel device (1) adapted for damping of the cable (8) with attached seismic nodes (10) during deployment or retrieval. A wheel device and a method for deployment or retrieval are also disclosed.