Abstract: An ultrasonic system for treating a submerged surface of a target structure, the system including: an ultrasonic generator for generating electrical energy to drive first and second ultrasonic transducers, the electrical energy including at least two different frequencies including a first and second operation frequency; first ultrasonic transducers configured to be mounted as a first array to the target structure, and connectable to the ultrasonic generator and operable to generate a first ultrasound signal from the first operation frequency; and second ultrasonic transducers configured to be mounted as a second array to the target structure, and connectable to the ultrasonic generator and operable to generate a second ultrasound signal from the second operation frequency, wherein the first and second ultrasonic transducers are spaceable from one another to produce guided ultrasonic waveforms through the target structure including heterodyned frequencies from the first ultrasound signal and the second ultras

Abstract: Methods and devices for simplifying data collected from assets are provided. An example method involves obtaining raw data from a data source at an asset, determining that a data logging trigger is satisfied by determining that a recently obtained point in the raw data differs from a corresponding predicted point predicted by extrapolation based on previously saved points included in one or more previously generated simplified sets of data by an amount of extrapolation error that is limited by an upper bound that is fixed as the raw data is collected over time, and, when the data logging trigger is satisfied, performing a dataset simplification algorithm on the raw data to generate a simplified set of data.

Abstract: A seabed object detection system is provided. The system can include a receiver array including a first streamer and a second streamer. The system can include a first plurality of receivers coupled with the first streamer and a second plurality of receivers coupled with the second streamer. The system can include a receiver array cross-cable to couple with the first streamer and the second streamer. The system can include a source array including a first source and a second source. The system can include a first source cable coupled with the first source and a second source cable coupled with the second source. The system can include a source array cross-cable to couple with the first source cable and the second source cable. The system can include a first lateral cable to couple with a first diverter and second lateral cable to couple with a second diverter.

Abstract: An actuation location for actuation of a first source coupled to a first marine survey vessel relative to a position of a second marine survey vessel towing a receiver to enhance illumination of a subsurface location can be determined based on a survey route of the second marine survey vessel and a priori data of the subsurface location. The first marine survey vessel can be navigated along a survey route of the first marine survey vessel to the actuation location during a marine survey by changing at least a cross-line position or an in-line position of the first marine survey vessel relative to the survey route of the second marine survey vessel.

Abstract: A subsea garage for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) has a body having a receptacle for the UUV, an open top providing a transit path for the UUV into and out of the receptacle and a base opposed to the open top, the base being arranged to lie on the seabed. At least one post is movable, subsea, relative to the body into a deployed position extending upwardly from the body above the open top. A lid may also be movable relative to the body between a closed position that closes the open top and an open position that allows the UUV to move along the transit path through the open top. A fixed post may extend upwardly from the body above the open top, in which case the lid may enclose the post when in the closed position and expose the post when in the open position.

Abstract: A method for a marine seismic survey can include towing streamers that are spaced apart in a cross-line direction by a streamer separation (L) and towing seismic source elements that are spaced apart in the cross-line direction by a source separation based on an integer (k), an inverse of a quantity of the seismic source elements (1/S), and the streamer separation as represented by (k+1/S)L. The seismic source elements can be actuated and seismic signals can be detected at each of a plurality of receivers on the streamers.

Abstract: Embodiments, including systems and methods, for deploying ocean bottom seismic nodes. Two or more underwater vehicles (such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)) may be deployed by a surface vessel and each connected to the surface vessel by a ROV deployment line. A catenary shape of each ROV deployment line may be modeled for more accurate and efficient subsea ROV operations. Real-time modeling and predictive modeling of the catenary shape of the deployed lines may be performed, and the surface vessel and/or ROVs may be positioned based on the modeled catenary shapes. The ROVs may be automatically positioned and/or controlled based on commands from a dynamic positioning (DP) system. An integrated navigation system (INS) may be located on the surface vessel and directly coupled to the one or more DP systems. The surface vessel may travel backwards during deployment operations and deploy one or more subsea baskets astern from the ROVs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for measuring the mechanical properties of sea floor sediments at full ocean depth.

Abstract: A mobile transportation apparatus for transporting at least one data collector to at least one data collection position has at least one set-down apparatus for setting down the data collector at the data collection position and at least one receiving apparatus for receiving data which the data collector transmits to the transportation apparatus. Accordingly, a data collection system has at least one mobile transportation apparatus and at least one data collector. In a data collection method, at least one data collector is transported to at least one data collection position by way of at least one mobile transportation apparatus and is set down at the said data collection position by a set-down apparatus of the transportation apparatus, the data collector which is arranged at the data collection position collects data, and the collected data is transmitted to the transportation apparatus by the data collector.

Abstract: A marine survey system can include a first cable including a first end configured to be coupled to a direct current (DC) power supply on a marine survey vessel and a support module coupled to a second end of the first cable and configured to receive power therefrom. A first electrode of towable electromagnetic (EM) source equipment can be coupled to the support module and configured to receive power therefrom. A depth control device can be coupled to the first electrode and configured to control a depth of the first electrode. A first end of a second cable can be coupled to the support module and configured to receive power therefrom. A second electrode of the towable EM source equipment can be coupled to a second end of the second cable and configured to receive power therefrom.

Abstract: A method for processing seismic data may include receiving, via a processor, the seismic data acquired via a seismic survey. The seismic survey may include seismic sources that emit seismic wavefields at different locations. Each of the seismic sources may change a directivity pattern of a respective seismic wavefield based on a respective location of the respective seismic source. The seismic survey may also include seismic receivers that may receive the seismic data. The method may also include generating one or more basis functions that correspond to measurements of the seismic data, modelling a signal component of the seismic data as a sum of the one or more basis functions, and storing the signal component in a storage component. The signal component may be used to acquire an image of a subsurface region of the earth for identifying a feature in the subsurface region of the earth.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting reconnaissance marine seismic surveys. In one example method of acquiring a marine seismic survey, a plurality of streamers are towed behind an acquisition vessel, the plurality of streamers defining a swath. A source is towed behind the acquisition vessel, and at least one other source is towed outside of the swath of streamers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers. In some embodiments, the system includes a carrier containing receivers. The carrier can include a frame having a mounted structure (e.g., a movable carousel, movable conveyor, fixed parallel rails, or a barrel) for seating and releasing the receivers (e.g., axially stacked). The structure can facilitate delivering receivers to a discharge port on the frame. The system can include a discharge mechanism for removing receivers from the carrier. In some embodiments, the method includes loading a carrier with receivers, transporting the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed, and using an ROV to remove receivers from the carrier and place the receivers on the seabed. In some embodiments, an ROV adjacent the seabed engages a deployment line that guides receivers from the vessel down to the ROV for “on-time” delivery and placement on the seabed.

Abstract: An electronic cable is provided that is able to measure, store, transmit, and/or interpret mechanical strains that are applied to the electronic cable. The electronic cable includes a centrally located piezoelectric fiber sensor, two or more flex sensors, a battery, a memory, and a microprocessor. The piezoelectric fiber sensor is configured to produce voltage readings that are proportional to tensile loads experienced by the electronic cable in the axial direction over time. The flex sensors are arranged radially external to the piezoelectric fiber sensor, and are configured to output voltage readings that are proportional to lateral loads experienced by the electronic cable in a radial direction over time. The battery is configured to supply a current to the piezoelectric fiber sensor and flex sensors. The microprocessor is configured to store the voltage output readings in the memory.

Abstract: A first portion of electric potentials generated by a first detector and a second detector of a hydrophone can be isolated, wherein the first portion is indicative of particle motion. A second portion of the electric potentials generated by the first detector and the second detector of the hydrophone can be isolated, wherein the second portion is indicative of pressure.

Abstract: A method for steering a marine seismic acquisition system by determining a steering point associated with towed seismic equipment is described. Coverage boundaries for a current line in a seismic survey and for an already acquired adjacent line in the seismic survey are computed. Cross-line distances between the coverage boundary for the current line and the coverage boundary for the adjacent line are computed based on a set of specifications for the seismic survey. A steering point associated with towed seismic equipment is determined based on the computed cross-line distances. A least one steering command for a steering element in the marine seismic acquisition system is generated based on the determined steering point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing survey time while enhancing acquired seismic data quality are provided. Data corresponding to plural source lines are acquired simultaneously, using sources at cross-line distance at least equal to their illumination width, with at least one source being towed above a streamer spread.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for noise attenuation. The method includes receiving seismic data associated with at least two vintages (di, dj) collected for a same subsurface, wherein the first and second vintages (di, dj) are taken at different times; calculating a set of filters (fi, fj) that minimizes an energy function (E), wherein the energy function (E) includes a term representing a 4D difference between the first and second vintages (di, dj); calculating primaries (pi, pj) corresponding to the first and second vintages (di, dj) based on the set of (fi, fj); and calculating a 4D difference (?ij) based on the primaries (pi, pj). The 4D difference (?ij) is minimized.

Abstract: A seismic deployment system having a deployment apparatus, a tow line, and a carrier line having a plurality of seismic sensor coupled therealong. The deployment apparatus has a hydrodynamic body. The tow line is configured for towing the hydrodynamic body through a water column. The carrier line is engaged with the deployment apparatus. The deployment apparatus is configured to control tension in the carrier line for deployment of the seismic sensors while the hydrodynamic body is towed through the water column by the tow line.

Abstract: Seismic survey system and method for adjusting positions of plural autonomous receiver nodes (ARNs) of a seismic survey system. The method includes calculating first travel-times of direct arrivals of seismic waves, based on (i) offsets between shooting positions of seismic sources and recording positions of the plural ARNs, and (ii) a speed of the seismic waves in water; estimating second travel-times of the direct arrivals, based on seismic data recorded by the plural ARNs; estimating, in a computing device, positioning errors of one or more of the plural ARNs by applying an inversion algorithm to a misfit between the first and second travel-times; and adjusting the recording positions of the one or more ARNs with the positioning errors.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer instructions and method for separating up-going and down-going wave fields (U, D) from seismic data recorded within or beneath a body of water, or in general below the surface of the earth. The method includes a step of receiving seismic data (Po, Zo) recorded in the time-space domain with seismic recorders distributed on a first datum, wherein the first datum is non-flat; a step of establishing a mathematical relation between transformed seismic data (P, Z) and the up-going and down-going wave fields (U, D) on a second planar datum; and a step of solving with an inversion procedure, run on a processor, the mathematical relation to obtain the up-going and down-going wave fields (U, D) for the second datum. The second datum is different from the first datum.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to wide towing of marine survey signal sources. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a signal source and a wing coupled to the signal source. In this embodiment, the wing is configured to impart a force to the signal source when towed through a body of water by a survey vessel. In this embodiment, the force includes a lateral component and a vertical component. The wing may be configured to impart the force based on a shape of the wing and an orientation of the wing. The wing may extend over at least a third of a length of a keel of the apparatus. At least a majority of a top surface of the wing may be oriented within 20 degrees of parallel to a surface of the body of water. The wing may include a plurality of wing sections.

Abstract: A marine source element is configured to generate seismic waves. The source element includes a body and a source actuator attached to the body and configured to generate the seismic waves. The body is autonomous from a vessel towing streamers along a pre-plot line associated with a seismic survey.

Abstract: It is proposed a method for steering a seismic vessel associated with a sail line and a preplot line. The seismic vessel tows at least one acoustic linear antenna including receivers, the receivers receiving signals generated by at least one source and reflected by subsurface's layers at reflexion points. The method includes: computing, according to a regression method, a shifted preplot line which has a shape substantially identical to the shape of the preplot line and which is the best fit line associated with at least some of the reflexion points; computing a distance D between the preplot line and the shifted preplot line; and providing steering information comprising or based on the distance D to a navigation system or to an operator of a navigation system, to alter the course of the seismic vessel.

Abstract: A marine seismic sensor system includes a seismic node having at least one seismic sensor. The sensor is configured for sampling seismic energy when towed through a water column on a rope. The coupling can be adapted to modulate transmission of acceleration from the rope to the seismic node.

Abstract: Proactive control of watercraft movement based on water surface features. A method obtains, from a plurality of floating sensors at least partially surrounding a watercraft in a body of water, information about movement of a surface of the body of water, the plurality of floating sensors being arranged in multiple sets, the floating sensors of each set of the multiple sets being interconnected by a respective tether extending from the watercraft. The method builds a surface model of the surface of the body of water based on the obtained information about movement of the surface, the surface model including indications of force and directional movement of features of the surface of the body of water, and determines, based on the surface model, at least one control maneuver for controlling movement of the watercraft.

Abstract: The presently disclosed seismic acquisition technique employs a receiver array and a processing methodology that are designed to attenuate the naturally occurring seismic background noise recorded along with the seismic data during the acquisition. The approach leverages the knowledge that naturally occurring seismic background noise moves with a slower phase velocity than the seismic signals used for imaging and inversion and, in some embodiments, may arrive from particular preferred directions. The disclosed technique comprises two steps: 1) determining from the naturally occurring seismic background noise in the preliminary seismic data a range of phase velocities and amplitudes that contain primarily noise and the degree to which that noise needs to be attenuated, and 2) designing an acquisition and processing method to attenuate that noise relative to the desired signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for marine seismic data collection and high resolution imaging is described. A marine seismic surveying flotilla is described for acquiring seismic data from both beneath an obstruction and in unobstructed water using a configuration of floating energy source vessels and a floating acquisition vessel towing an array of parallel seismic streamers. Different energy sources can be disposed on or towed by floating vessels that are not the floating acquisition vessel, with these energy sources maintained at a preset radius from a center of the array of parallel seismic streamers.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to geophysical surveying. In some embodiments, an added unique fold parameter is determined for one or more bins during a survey of a geophysical formation. In some embodiments, the position of one or more elements of a survey system is adjusted based on the added unique fold. In some embodiments, a ratio of the determined added unique fold to a theoretically obtainable added unique fold is determined, and the adjustment may be based on this ratio. In some embodiments, an acceptability parameter is also considered. In some embodiments, survey elements may be steered to increase added unique fold without leaving coverage holes that violate an acceptability criterion. In some embodiments, the steering is performed automatically. In some embodiments, coverage parameters are graphically displayed to an operator.

Abstract: Method and system for high-accurate position determination of control devices arranged in connection with instrumented cables towed behind a survey vessel by at least one autonomous surface vessel provided with acoustic communication means, where the control devices are provided with acoustic elements, and where the acoustic communication means and acoustic elements are used for accurate positioning of the surface vessel above the control device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving azimuth distribution in a seismic acquisition system are described. A survey acquisition system includes a plurality of streamers towed by a plurality of streamer vessels, including a first streamer vessel and a second streamer vessel and a plurality of sources towed by a plurality of source vessels. The plurality of streamer vessels and plurality of source vessels are configured relative to one another such that the plurality of source vessels are positioned at one or more predetermined inline distances behind a portion of the first streamer vessel and are also positioned at one or more predetermined inline distances in front of a portion of the second streamer vessel. The plurality of streamer vessels and plurality of source vessels are also spaced apart from one another in a cross-line direction.

Abstract: In a first embodiment the invention comprises a method for gathering geophysical data, including towing geophysical data gathering equipment behind a survey vessel in a body of water, said equipment including an array of sensor streamers extending behind said vessel, and determining a geodetic location of a streamer steering reference point at a forward end of the sensor streamers and a reference direction. At least one sensor streamer included in said array of sensor streamers is laterally deflected in response to the determined geodetic location of said streamer steering reference point and the determined reference direction.

Abstract: A method for managing a target location of at least a first vessel in a seismic survey involving at least one vessel, the first vessel performing a series of shoots according to a predefined set of shot points, called preplot. The method includes, during at least a part of the survey, computing an updated position of the center of the target location for the first vessel, using the trend, as a function of time, of a curve representing a time prediction shift for a shot point, for the first vessel, and depending on at least one parameter related to the capabilities of a vessel involved in the seismic survey.

Abstract: There is a method for acquiring seismic data over a survey area. The method includes deploying streamer and source vessels to acquire seismic data along a survey line; performing one pass with the streamer and source vessels along the survey line for collecting wide azimuth (WAZ) data; and performing another pass with the streamer and source vessels along the survey line for collecting narrow azimuth (NAZ) data.

Abstract: An unmanned water vessel can include a body defining an internal volume and having a shape adapted to travel through water, with a front and a back; at least one directional device that is exposed to the flow of water past the vehicle when the vehicle travels in a forward direction, the directional device having a first position that provides an angle of attack through the water flow and a second position that provides a second angle of attack through the water flow; and a control system that provides commands to the at least one directional device in view of a starting point, an end point, and at least information about water flow expected to be encountered by the water vessel during travel.

Abstract: Controllable tail buoy. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: towing a sensor streamer and tail buoy through water, the sensor streamer defining a proximal end and a distal end with the tail buoy coupled to the distal end, and the towing with the sensor streamer and the tail buoy submerged; and during the towing controlling depth of the distal end of the sensor streamer at least in part by the tail buoy; and steering the distal end of the sensor streamer at least in part by the tail buoy.

Abstract: Methods related to controlling a source array while performing a seismic survey to achieve an intended source signature. A current three dimensional arrangement of the individual seismic sources is compared with a target 3D arrangement. In view of the comparison, position of at least one of the individual seismic sources is adjusted so that the adjusted 3D arrangement of the individual seismic sources to substantially match the target 3D arrangement.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to wide towing of marine survey signal sources. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a signal source and a wing coupled to the signal source. In this embodiment, the wing is configured to impart a force to the signal source when towed through a body of water by a survey vessel. In this embodiment, the force includes a lateral component and a vertical component. The wing may be configured to impart the force based on a shape of the wing and an orientation of the wing. The wing may extend over at least a third of a length of a keel of the apparatus. At least a majority of a top surface of the wing may be oriented within 20 degrees of parallel to a surface of the body of water. The wing may include a plurality of wing sections.

Abstract: A method for marine seismic surveying includes determining at least an initial depth of a plurality of spaced apart seismic sensors on streamers towed in a body of water. The sensors each include a substantially collocated pressure responsive sensor and motion responsive sensor. A ghost time delay is determined for each sensor based on the at least an initial depth. Seismic signals detected by each motion responsive sensor and each pressure responsive sensor are cross ghosted. The at least initial depth is adjusted, and the determining ghost time delay and cross ghosted seismic signals are repeated until a difference between the cross ghosted motion responsive signal and the cross ghosted pressure responsive signal falls below a selected threshold. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and cleaning device for cleaning a seismic streamer. The cleaning device includes a flexible body having a shape that wraps around a longitudinal axis; a movement-generating device attached to an end portion of the flexible body; and first cleaning elements provided on a first portion of the flexible body and configured to clean the seismic streamer. The flexible body is configured to wrap around the seismic streamer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The vessel includes a cable storage device disposed on a deck of the vessel, a workstation disposed on the vessel, a ramp at least partially disposed on the deck, and a node storage and handling system disposed on the vessel. The node storage and handling system comprises a cable handler disposed between the cable storage device and the ramp, the cable handler having a cable disposed thereon and the cable defining a cable path passing over the workstation during a node deployment or retrieval operation, a node storage rack positioned between a bow and a stern of the vessel, and at least one conveyor belt to transfer nodes between the workstation and the node storage rack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for 3D seismic exploration for use in a small ship. The apparatus includes a seismic source towed by the small ship from a rear side thereof, a pair of support rods connected to the rear side and horizontally arranged in two rows behind the seismic source in the direction extending from a sailing direction of the ship, and a plurality of streamers arranged between the support rods in the sailing direction of the ship.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic survey including: deploying nodal seismic sensors at positions in a survey region; activating a plurality of seismic sources; and using the nodal seismic sensors to record seismic signals generated in response to the activation of the plurality of signals.

Abstract: A real time deflector monitoring system related to a deflector used in a seismic survey system is provided. The system includes a bridle block configured to connect the deflector to a first rope. The system further includes sensors embedded in the bridle block and configured to measure strength and direction of a tension in at least one of (A) the first rope and/or (B) one of rig ropes connecting the deflector to the bridle block. The system also includes a motion detector configured to acquire information related to deflector's motion.

Abstract: Streamer and method for deploying the streamer for seismic data acquisition related to a subsurface of a body of water. The method includes a step of releasing into the body of water, from a vessel, a body having a predetermined length together with plural detectors provided along the body; a step of towing the body and the plural detectors such that the plural detectors are submerged; and a step of configuring plural birds provided along the body, to float at a predetermined depth from a surface of the water such that a first portion of the body has a curved profile while being towed underwater.

Abstract: Controllable tail buoy. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: towing a sensor streamer and tail buoy through water, the sensor streamer defining a proximal end and a distal end with the tail buoy coupled to the distal end, and the towing with the sensor streamer and the tail buoy submerged; and during the towing controlling depth of the distal end of the sensor streamer at least in part by the tail buoy; and steering the distal end of the sensor streamer at least in part by the tail buoy.

Abstract: A marine electromagnetic survey source includes a power cable configured to couple to a high voltage power supply at one axial end and to a head unit at the other axial end. The head unit includes equipment configured to output a lower voltage at higher current than the current imparted thereto by high voltage power supply. The head unit has an electrically conductive exterior coupled to one output terminal of the equipment. An electromagnetic antenna cable having an electrode thereon is coupled to the head unit and configured to receive the output of another terminal of the head unit equipment. In some implementations, electromagnetic fields are induced in formations by conducting current to the equipment. Marine geophysical surveys are conducted utilizing such induction of electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: A method for towing a streamer array includes moving a vessel along a body of water. Streamers are towed by vessel. A relative position is determined at selected points along each streamer with respect to the vessel. At least one of the streamers is deflected at at least one longitudinal position along the streamer in response to the determined positions to maintain the streamers in a selected geometry. The selected geometry is related to one of survey vessel heading, energy source trajectory, previously plotted sensor trajectory and a lateral separation related to distance from the towing vessel.

Abstract: A method for simulating the positioning of at least one acoustic linear antenna towed in a study zone is provided. The method includes at least one simulation step of at least one future position of at least one point of the acoustic linear antenna(e), at least one step for predicting the temporal and spatial variations of at least one marine current likely to interact with the acoustic linear antenna(e) and at least one step for determining the form of the acoustic linear antenna(e) by the resolution of a hydrodynamic model. The prediction step(s) include an upstream phase for determining a current at at least two determined points of the zone; a simulation phase of at least one future position of the determined points; a temporal projection phase of the current determined during the upstream phase at each future position; and a spatial projection phase of the currents at at least two distinct points of the acoustic linear antenna(e) occupying future position(s) of the simulation step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seismic acquisition process where the streamers are intentionally directed to follow an oscillating sweep pattern behind a tow vessel to counteract the effect of the large gaps between the streamers while acquire a wide sweep of data through each pass over the survey area.