Sensor Capsule Handling with Integrated Control Battery Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling sensor capsules and their inner components during marine seismic exploration, such as deployment and retrieval of seismic cables, lack efficiency and reliability, particularly in separating and reassembling the control and battery units, which can lead to operational challenges and potential damage to the components.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for handling sensor capsules involve combining a control unit and battery unit into a single control/battery unit for easy insertion and separation, using mechanisms like threads and bayonet locks for secure locking and release, and employing gas injection to prevent condensation, with automated processes to ensure safe and efficient handling, including robotic assistance for deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensor capsules and their inner components are handled separately during deployment and retrieval, then the components can be individually managed and stored, but the handling process becomes complex and time-consuming with increased risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit and battery unit are merged into a single integrated control/battery unit that is pre-assembled and tested together. This unified unit is then handled as one component during deployment and retrieval operations, eliminating the need to separately manage multiple inner components while maintaining the ability to individually store and test the control and battery units when separated.
2Ease of repair
If control unit and battery unit are separated for separate storage and testing, then maintenance and replacement become easier, but the assembly and disassembly process increases operational time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit and battery unit are preliminarily assembled and tested together to form a pre-tested control/battery unit before deployment. This preliminary assembly ensures proper configuration and functionality, allowing for faster field operations since the unit is ready-to-use. When maintenance is needed, the pre-assembled nature of the unit allows for quick replacement in the field, while detailed testing can be performed later at a maintenance facility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling methods are used for sensor capsules, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but the risk of personal injury and operational errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control/battery unit is designed with self-contained features including integrated connectors, alignment guides, and interlocking mechanisms that enable automated handling systems to manipulate the unit without human intervention. The unit's design allows robotic systems to grasp, transport, and interface with the control/battery unit safely and accurately, eliminating exposure to hazardous operations while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for handling of sensor capsules and their inner components during deployment and retrieval of a seismic cable into the sea by a vessel where the seismic cable includes seismic node casings to contain the sensor capsules when the seismic cable is in the sea. The method includes the following steps: withdrawing a sensor capsule from a sensor capsule storage; withdrawing a battery unit from a battery unit storage; withdrawing a control unit from a docking station; combining the control unit and battery unit into a control/battery unit; inserting the control/battery unit into the sensor capsule and closing the sensor capsule; and loading the sensor capsule into a seismic node casing.