Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and systems for using a rigid-stem lead-in assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected rigid stems in a marine geophysical survey. An embodiment discloses a method of towing a survey device from a survey vessel, comprising: coupling the survey device to the survey vessel with a lead-in comprising a rigid-stem lead-in assembly, the rigid-stem lead-in assembly comprising a plurality of rigid stems that are interconnected and each comprise a stem both defining one or more interior chambers; and towing the survey device through a body of water. Also disclosed are marine geophysical survey methods and marine survey systems.
Abstract:
Described is an improved optical fiber cable specially adapted for seismic sensing. Compared with standard optical fiber cable, this improved optical fiber cable is reduced in size, lighter, and more flexible. These characteristics make the optical fiber cable more robust for reusable applications. Due to modifications in the design of the optical fibers, the size and weight of the seismic sensing cable may be substantially reduced. That allows longer lengths of seismic sensing cable, and more seismic sensor boxes, to be reeled on a given sized reel, and makes deployment of the seismic sensing cable faster, easier, and less expensive. A preferred cable design for reaching these objectives comprises multiple optical fibers, of a design just described, encased in a dual-layer optical fiber buffer encasement of acrylate resin.
Abstract:
Buoyant tail section of a geophysical streamer. At least some of the example embodiments are methods of performing a geophysical survey in a marine environment, the method including: towing an active section of a geophysical streamer in the marine environment, the active section having a buoyancy; towing a tail section, the tail section coupled to a distal end of the active section, the towing of the tail section by way of the active section, and at least a portion of the tail section having a buoyancy that is both positively buoyant and greater than buoyancy of the active section; towing a tail buoy in the marine environment, the tail buoy coupled to a distal end of the tail section, and the towing of the tail buoy by way of the tail section; and gathering geophysical survey data by way of the active section.
Abstract:
Disclosed are flexible printed circuits incorporated into marine geophysical streamers. An embodiment discloses an apparatus comprising: a streamer; and a flexible printed circuit located in the streamer. Another embodiment discloses an apparatus comprising: a jacket; a strength member extending along a length of the jacket and disposed inside the jacket; geophysical sensors disposed inside the jacket; spacers disposed at spaced apart locations along the jacket; and a flexible printed circuit assembly extending along a length of the jacket. Another embodiment discloses a method comprising: towing at least one streamer in a body of water, wherein the at least one streamer comprises a flexible printed circuit.
Abstract:
Sensors used in mapping strata beneath a marine body are described, such as used in a flexible towed array. A first sensor is a motion sensor including a conductive liquid in a chamber between a rigid tube and a piezoelectric motion film circumferentially wrapped about the tube. A second sensor is a traditional acoustic sensor or a novel acoustic sensor using a piezoelectric sensor mounted with a thin film separation layer of flexible microspheres on a rigid substrate. Additional non-acoustic sensors are optionally mounted on the rigid substrate for generation of output used to reduce noise observed by the acoustic sensors. Combinations of acoustic, non-acoustic, and motion sensors co-located in rigid streamer housing sections are provided.
Abstract:
Pressure activated linear locking mechanisms and related methods. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including: a first and second cover defining an inner and outer surface, a length, and a locking portion, respectively; a first and second hollow defined in the locking portion of the first and second cover member, respectively, the hollows extending along the length of the first and second cover members, respectively; a locking member defining first and second appendages extending along a first and second side, respectively, each appendage defines a cross-section and an internal volume; said first and second appendages disposed within the first and second hollows, respectively, and when the releasable cover is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the first and second appendages in an inflated condition; and the first and second appendages are configured to transition to a deflated condition in response to a predetermined pressure greater than the initial pressure.
Abstract:
It is proposed a method for monitoring an electrical power supply line comprised in a seismic cable and extending along the seismic cable. The seismic cable includes: a plurality of seismic sensors arranged along the seismic cable, a plurality of controllers arranged along the seismic cable, and an optical transmission line extending along the seismic cable for carrying data signals from or towards the controllers. The electrical power supply line supplies at least one pair of master and slave controllers. The master controller of a given pair of master and slave controllers performs a step of monitoring a portion of the electrical power supply line between the master and slave controllers, by using an optical loop established on a portion of the optical transmission line between the master and slave controllers, and starting from the master controller and passing through the slave controller.
Abstract:
An underwater utility line, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. The underwater utility line can include an adjustably buoyant tube. The underwater utility line can also include a transmission line to transfer energy disposed in an interior of the adjustably buoyant tube. The underwater utility line can further include a gas source and a controller to control the gas provided by the gas source to alter the buoyancy of the adjustably buoyant tube.
Abstract:
Pressure activated linear locking mechanisms and related methods. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including: a first and second cover defining an inner and outer surface, a length, and a locking portion, respectively; a first and second hollow defined in the locking portion of the first and second cover member, respectively, the hollows extending along the length of the first and second cover members, respectively; a locking member defining first and second appendages extending along a first and second side, respectively, each appendage defines a cross-section and an internal volume; said first and second appendages disposed within the first and second hollows, respectively, and when the releasable cover is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the first and second appendages in an inflated condition; and the first and second appendages are configured to transition to a deflated condition in response to a predetermined pressure greater than the initial pressure.
Abstract:
Method and an array of streamers that prevent/slow down marine animals to attach to the streamers. The array includes at least one streamer including plural sections; and a net provided over at least one section of the at least one streamer.