Underwater Seismic Node with Removable Battery and Data Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine seismic survey technologies are expensive and inefficient, with traditional streamer systems providing poor coupling and limited azimuthal coverage, and previous ocean bottom node solutions are either costly or unreliable due to maintenance and deployment issues.
Innovation Solution
A marine seismic node with separate compartments for recording units, sensors, batteries, and data storage, allowing for quick deployment, retrieval, and reconfiguration, with removable batteries and data storage units to facilitate rapid redeployment and data download, maintaining symmetry for vector fidelity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional streamer systems are used for marine seismic surveys, then deployment is straightforward, but coupling between seismic receivers and sea water is poor for s-waves and azimuthal coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the seismic survey operation into two independent segments: OBS nodes remain on the seabed to provide stable multi-component recording with wide azimuthal coverage, while the seismic source array on the vessel can independently position itself to illuminate targets from various angles. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If OBS nodes with heavy pedestals are deployed to improve coupling, then sensor-seabed coupling improves, but deployment and retrieval become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The OBS node is segmented into a heavy base plate for coupling and a lighter sensor assembly that can be independently handled. The base plate remains on the seabed to provide stable coupling, while the sensor assembly can be deployed and retrieved more easily, reducing overall deployment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the heavy base plate and the sensor assembly. This intermediary allows the heavy plate to provide stable coupling while enabling the sensor assembly to be deployed and retrieved with reduced complexity through the coupling interface.
3Reliability
If OBS nodes are left permanently on the seabed to improve coupling, then data quality improves, but retrieval for data download and redeployment is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The OBS node is segmented into a permanent heavy base plate that remains on the seabed to ensure stable coupling and data quality, and a removable sensor assembly that can be retrieved, have its data downloaded, and be redeployed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high data quality while enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed to be temporarily placed on the seabed for data collection, then recovered for data download and processing. The heavy base plate remains permanently deployed to maintain coupling, while the recoverable sensor assembly enables repeated survey operations.
4Strength
If integrated modular design with fixed batteries is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but replacement and recharging take significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into removable battery packs that can be independently exchanged without affecting the structural integrity of the main node housing. The housing maintains its strength while the battery compartment provides quick-access replacement capability, reducing downtime to minutes rather than hours.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple charged battery packs are prepared in advance on the vessel. When a battery pack needs replacement, a pre-charged pack is immediately inserted, eliminating waiting time for charging. This preliminary preparation of backup batteries significantly reduces the time loss associated with power system maintenance.
5Device complexity
If fixed data storage units are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but data download requires full node retrieval which increases operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage system is segmented into removable data storage units that can be independently accessed and downloaded. This allows data retrieval without requiring full node retrieval, significantly reducing operational time while maintaining reasonable system complexity through standardized interfaces.
6Measurement precision
If symmetric mass distribution is implemented, then vector fidelity is improved, but design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The node design incorporates asymmetric internal component placement that is compensated by an asymmetric counterweight or mass distribution in another region, achieving overall symmetric mass distribution for vector fidelity while maintaining asymmetric internal arrangements that provide design flexibility for component access and maintenance.
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
Enables efficient and flexible seismic data acquisition with improved vector fidelity, reducing costs and deployment time, and allowing for large-scale operations in shallow water without the need for ocean-bottom cables or towed streamers.
Implementation Method 1
seismic sensors configured to sense seismic waves
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a marine node for recording seismic waves underwater. The node includes a first module configured to house a seismic sensor; bottom and top plates attached to the first module; a second module removably attached to the first module and configured to slide between the bottom and top plates, the second module including a first battery and a data storage device; and a third module removably attached to the first module and configured to slide between the bottom and top plates, the third module including a second battery.