Automated Seismic Sensor Deployment Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ocean bottom seismic data acquisition in deep water are costly due to the reliance on heavy work class ROVs, which are prone to mechanical failures and increase the overall cost of seismic surveys, while also facing challenges in accurate positioning and equipment maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An automated basket system is used to transfer and position seismic sensor devices on the seafloor, utilizing a frame structure with rails and motors for precise placement, reducing the need for multiple ROVs and minimizing mechanical failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heavy work class ROV's are used for deep water seismic receiver deployment, then highly accurate placement of receiver units is achieved, but operational costs increase significantly (exceeding 50 percent of entire seismic program cost)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs lighter, simpler deployment vehicles that can be easily replaced or reused, eliminating the need for expensive heavy work class ROV's. The system uses a framework with gravity feed mechanisms and simple motorized carriers that are far less costly to operate while still achieving accurate receiver placement through controlled release mechanisms and positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ROV systems with a simplified framework-based deployment system using gravity feed mechanisms, linear rails, and motorized carriers. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive remotely operated vehicles while maintaining deployment capability through automated control systems and precise mechanical guidance structures.
2Reliability
If multiple heavy work class ROV's are employed to prevent mechanical failures, then reliability of seismic operation is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the deployment system into modular components including a framework structure, gravity feed mechanisms, and individual motorized carriers. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and reliable, avoiding the complexity of integrated ROV systems while maintaining overall system reliability through modular redundancy and independent operation of each deployment unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system uses automated control mechanisms including motorized carriers that self-navigate along linear rails and gravity feed systems that automatically release receivers at predetermined locations. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex ROV operation and monitoring, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable deployment through automated positioning and release mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If ROV operations are used for receiver deployment and retrieval, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the seismic survey process becomes slower and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous deployment system where the framework can sequentially release multiple receivers along linear rails without interruption. Motorized carriers continuously transport receivers to release points, and the system can operate without the setup and retrieval time associated with ROV operations, significantly reducing the overall seismic survey duration while maintaining positioning accuracy through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated motorized carriers that independently navigate and release receivers at predetermined locations without requiring ROV intervention. This self-service capability allows continuous operation and rapid deployment of multiple receivers, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations of ROV-based systems while ensuring accurate positioning through programmed release mechanisms and positioning control.
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 solution decreases operational costs by eliminating the need for multiple ROVs and minimizing mechanical failures, while ensuring accurate and efficient placement of seismic sensor devices, thus streamlining the seismic survey process.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is coupled to the carrier and adapted to apply a force to the carrier to move the carrier along the linear rail
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for transferring one or more seismic sensor devices to or from a support vessel on or near a surface of a body of water and a subsurface marine location. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transferring seismic sensor devices is provided. The apparatus includes a frame structure having one or more rails disposed thereon, the one or more rails comprising an elevator mechanism and defining at least one exit path for one or more seismic sensor devices, and one or more motors coupled to the elevator mechanism.