Subsea Basket Elevator for Single-Docking Seismic Node Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea transfer systems for seismic nodes face difficulties in effectively and efficiently coupling and transferring nodes between an underwater vehicle and a subsea basket, limiting the shape and size of nodes that can be deployed, and requiring multiple docking positions for transferring multiple levels of nodes.
Innovation Solution
A subsea basket equipped with a vertical elevator system that moves seismic nodes between different vertical heights within the basket, allowing for a single docking position to transfer multiple levels of nodes to an ROV, eliminating the need for multiple docking steps and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple docking positions are used to transfer multiple levels of nodes, then all nodes can be transferred, but the number of docking steps increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the transfer mechanism by using an elevator system that moves node holders between different vertical levels within the basket. This allows a single docking position to access multiple levels of nodes through vertical movement, eliminating the need for multiple docking positions at different horizontal locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single docking position and the multiple levels of nodes. It mediates the transfer by vertically moving node holders to the appropriate level for transfer to the ROV, enabling one docking position to serve multiple levels.
2Productivity
If conventional transfer systems are used, then nodes can be transferred, but the system is slow and not cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
Nodes are pre-organized into node holders that can be vertically positioned by the elevator system. This preliminary organization allows for efficient batch transfer of multiple nodes at once, rather than individual transfer operations, significantly reducing total transfer time.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system enables continuous vertical movement of node holders during the transfer operation, maintaining constant useful action. Multiple nodes can be transferred in sequence without stopping the docking operation, eliminating idle time between transfers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional basket systems are used, then nodes can be held, but the shape and size of nodes that can be deployed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The node holders are designed to be dynamically positionable at multiple vertical levels through the elevator system. This dynamic positioning capability allows the basket to accommodate nodes of various shapes and sizes by adjusting the vertical position of node holders, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for transferring a subsea payload (such as seismic nodes) at a subsea position by using an elevator system located on a subsea basket. A plurality of seismic nodes may be located on a plurality of support slides, trays, or other node holders at different levels within the basket. The elevator system is configured to move the seismic nodes between different heights within the basket for external transfer from one or more vertical positions. During transfer operations between a subsea basket and an underwater vehicle (e.g., ROV), the desired level of seismic nodes may be positioned to the desired vertical position within the basket and transferred to the ROV by various transfer mechanisms, such as an extendable stinger or chain drive. Multiple levels of seismic nodes (or node holders) may be transferred between the basket and ROV during a single subsea docking.