Abstract: System and method for monitoring a reservoir underwater. The system includes plural nodes, each having a seismic sensor for detecting seismic waves; a remote operated vehicle (ROV) configured to deploy or retrieve the plural nodes to seabed; and an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) configured to monitor and exchange data with the plural nodes. At least one node of the plural nodes has a head that houses the seismic sensor and the head is configured to burrow in the seabed, up to a predetermined depth, and the head remains in electrical contact through a connector with a base of the at least one node.

Abstract: A buoy is configured to record seismic signals while underwater. The buoy includes a body; a buoyancy system configured to control a buoyancy of the body to descend multiple times to a predetermined depth (H) and then resurface with a controlled speed; and a seismic sensor located in the body and configured to record the seismic signals. The seismic sensor is instructed to record the seismic signals as the buoy travels up and down between the water surface and the predetermined depth.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body having a flush shape; an intake water element located on the body and configured to take in water; at least one propulsion nozzle located on the body and configured to eject the water from the intake water element for actuating the AUV; at least one guidance nozzle located on the body and configured to eject water to change a traveling direction of the AUV; and a seismic payload located on the body of the AUV and configured to record seismic signals.

Abstract: A seismic survey system for recording seismic data underwater. The system includes first plural buoys configured to descend to a first predetermined depth (H1) in water, at least one buoy having a seismic receiver for recording the seismic data; a first vessel configured to launch the first plural buoys; and a first acoustic system attached to the first vessel and configured to detect a position of the at least one buoy while underwater. The at least one buoy is instructed to maintain the first predetermined depth (H1) underwater while recording the seismic data.

Abstract: Method and vessel for performing marine acoustic survey of a subsurface. The vessel includes a launching module configured to deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater; a recovery module configured to recover the AUV; a homing device mounted on the recovery module and configured to guide the AUV to the recovery module; and a management module connecting the launching module to the recovery module and configured to transport the AUV.

Abstract: Node, system and method for collecting seismic data. A node for collecting seismic data includes a base configured to land on the ocean floor; and a head connected to the base through a connecting member and configured to bury itself into the ocean floor. The head includes a seismic sensor configured to detect seismic data and first to third burying units configured to bury the head.

Abstract: A recovery underwater base for handling an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with seismic sensors for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The recovery underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; an inlet part configured to control access to the storing part; a control part configured to control the inlet part; and a support part configured to support the control part, the storing part and the inlet part and to prevent a burial of the recovery underwater base if deployed on the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV from the ocean bottom to the inlet part.

Abstract: Method and vessel for performing marine acoustic survey of a subsurface. The vessel includes a launching module configured to deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater; a recovery module configured to recover the AUV; a homing device mounted on the recovery module and configured to guide the AUV to the recovery module; and a management module connecting the launching module to the recovery module and configured to transport the AUV.

Abstract: An underwater base handles an autonomous underwater vehicle. The underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; a control part configured to control the storing part; and a support part configured to support the control part and the storing part and to prevent a burial of the underwater base into the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV while approaching a desired target position on the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A seismic survey system records seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The system includes at least two underwater bases and plural autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that carry appropriate seismic sensors. An AUV is housed by an underwater base and it is launched to a final destination from the underwater base. The AUV receives pinger signals from at least two underwater bases for correcting its trajectory toward the final destination.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body having a base and sides; a propulsion system for guiding the AUV to a final target on the ocean bottom; a pump-jet connected to an inlet and plural base outlets, wherein the plural base outlets are distributed on the base; a processor connected to the pump-jet and configured to activate the pump-jet when the base in on the ocean bottom; and a seismic sensor configured to record seismic signals. The pump-jet has a first low speed so that water jets expelled at the plural base outlets fluidize the ocean bottom underneath the base and buries the AUV.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body having a head part and a tail part); a propulsion system for guiding the AUV to a final target on the ocean bottom; a jet pump group connected to the body and including plural jet pumps; a control device connected to the jet pumps; and a seismic sensor configured to record seismic signals. The jet pump group controls a steering of the AUV by generating water jets according to a given sequence.

Abstract: A seismic survey system records seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The system includes first and second clusters, each including a set of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs); each cluster being associated with a corresponding first or second unmanned surface vehicle (USV); and a central control unit located on a floating platform and configured to control the first and second USVs. The first USV follows its own path and the first cluster follows the first USV independent of the second USV or the second cluster.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is configured to record seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body having a base (B) and first and second sides (A, C), the body having a head part and a tail part; a propulsion system for guiding the AUV to a final target on the ocean bottom; jet pumps connected to corresponding nozzles on the first and second sides (A, C); a control device connected to the jet pumps; and a seismic sensor configured to record seismic signals. The jet pumps are actuated by the control device in a given sequence so that the base (B) penetrates into the ocean bottom.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body extending along an axis X and having a head portion, a middle portion, and a tail portion, wherein the middle portion is sandwiched between the head portion and the tail portion along the X axis; a cross-section of the middle portion, substantially perpendicular on the X axis, having a triangular-like shape; the head portion including a base portion having the triangular-like shape and configured to match the middle portion; the head portion having a tip that, when projected along the X axis on the base portion, substantially coincides with a centroid of the base portion having the triangular-like shape; and a seismic payload located within the body and configured to record seismic signals.

Abstract: A seismic survey system for recording seismic data underwater. The system includes first plural buoys configured to descend to a first predetermined depth (H1) in water, at least one buoy having a seismic receiver for recording the seismic data; a first vessel configured to launch the first plural buoys; and a first acoustic system attached to the first vessel and configured to detect a position of the at least one buoy while underwater. The at least one buoy is instructed to maintain the first predetermined depth (H1) underwater while recording the seismic data.

Abstract: A buoy for recording seismic signals while underwater. The buoy includes a body; a buoyancy system configured to control a buoyancy of the body to descend to a predetermined depth (H1); a propulsion system configured to actively adjust a position of the body at a given position (X, Y); a seismic sensor located on the body and configured to record the seismic signals; and a control device configured to control the buoyancy system to maintain the body substantially at the predetermined depth (H1) and to control the propulsion system to maintain the body substantially at the given position (X, Y) while the buoy records seismic data, and also to instruct the seismic sensor when to record seismic signals.

Abstract: A seismic survey system for recording seismic data underwater in the presence of underwater currents. The system includes first plural buoys configured to descend in water at a predetermined depth (H1) and each having a seismic receiver for recording the seismic data; a first vessel configured to launch the first plural buoys along a first line; and a second vessel configured to recover the first plural buoys at a second line, wherein there is a predetermined distance between the first and second lines. The first plural buoys are configured to travel underwater, at substantially the first predetermined depth (H1), from the first line to the second line, due exclusively to the underwater currents.

Abstract: Systems and method described herein provide for obtaining information which can be used to create a seismic image of a portion of the earth surrounding a well. A device for obtaining information for creating a seismic image proximate a well includes at least one set of acoustic transducers mounted to an exterior surface of a well tubing and configured to transmit at least one acoustic signal, at least one set of hydrophones mounted to the exterior surface of the well tubing and configured to receive at least one reflected acoustic signal; and a cable configured to convey information to and from the at least one set of acoustic transducers and the at least one set of hydrophones.