Autonomous Subsea Sensor Deployment Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deploying and retrieving seismic sensors on the seafloor are time-consuming, costly, and inefficient, often requiring extensive equipment and personnel, and are limited by the need for cables that can leak and contaminate the environment, with no known equipment allowing direct communication between devices on the seafloor without additional acoustic buoys.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical apparatus with a rounded forward end and frustoconical tail section, featuring movable control faces, ballast tanks, and acoustic communication capabilities, allows for autonomous deployment and retrieval of seismic sensors by compensating for currents and depth, using a slurry or insoluble ballast that does not contaminate the environment, and enables direct acoustic communication between devices on the seafloor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ocean Bottom Cable (OBC) with electrical wires and outer skin is used to connect sensors, then seismic data can be recorded and transmitted, but the cable is prone to water leakage through connections, is time-consuming to handle, and limits maximum survey depth due to weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable connection system entirely by deploying autonomous sensor nodes that communicate acoustically without physical cable connections to the surface, eliminating water leakage risks and handling time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with acoustic communication between sensor nodes and surface vessels, eliminating the need for sturdy outer skins, stress-absorbing elements, and cable assembly connections
2Reliability
If multiple cooperating vessels are employed for seismic survey, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but the process becomes very expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous sensor nodes are self-deploying and self-positioning using integrated GPS, depth sensors, and control systems, eliminating the need for multiple specialized vessels and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor nodes integrate multiple functions including seismic sensing, acoustic communication, GPS positioning, and autonomous control into single units, replacing the need for multiple specialized vessels performing different functions
3Ease of operation
If separate sensors/nodes are deployed by dropping overboard and using buoyancy arrangements or anchoring weights, then sensors can be placed on the seafloor, but the method is very time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor nodes are pre-assembled with all necessary components including sensors, batteries, and communication equipment on the surface, then deployed as complete functional units rather than being assembled or activated sequentially at depth
Solution Approach 2:
The nodes use integrated GPS positioning and autonomous control systems to self-position accurately on the seafloor without requiring manual placement, buoyancy adjustment, or anchoring operations
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 significantly reduces deployment and retrieval time, from 20-30 days to 2-5 days, and allows for accurate placement of multiple sensors simultaneously, while avoiding environmental contamination and eliminating the need for additional acoustic buoys, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of seismic data collection.
Implementation Method 1
ballast tanks, and acoustic communication capabilities, allows for autonomous deployment and retrieval of seismic sensors by compensating for currents and depth
Implementation Method 2
enables direct acoustic communication between devices on the seafloor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an apparatus (1) for deployment and retrieval of a measurement system (8) on an ocean bottom, comprising devices for temporary storing the measurement system (8), movable control faces (7), software and devices for manoeuvring and at least one ballast tank (11A) for ballast (11B). The ballast (11B) comprises a slurry consisting of free soluble salt and a saturated solution of the salt in water, or a solid body or insoluble coarse or fine grained material.