Abstract: A locking device for locking an object capable of sliding along a cable, the device includes the cable and a clamp, the cable passing through the clamp while extending along an axis, the clamp comprising: a fixed part connected to the object, a ring comprising an elastic material with fluid behavior, the ring comprising a central cavity through which the cable passes, an actuator configured to compress the ring between two shapes, in a first shape, referred to as the open shape, the cable being able to run freely in the central cavity and in a second shape, referred to as the closed shape, the cable being compressed by the ring.

Abstract: A method includes: towing sources in a wide-tow source survey configuration; actuating at least one of the sources to create a signal; detecting the signal with a first receiver of a first plurality of streamers; and detecting the signal with a second receiver of a second plurality of streamers, wherein: the second plurality of streamers are interspersed with streamers from the first plurality of streamers in the port outer region and in the starboard outer region. A system includes: sources in a wide-tow source survey configuration and coupled to the survey vessel; a first plurality of streamers comprising a regular streamer spread and coupled to the survey vessel; and a second plurality of streamers coupled to the survey vessel, wherein: the second plurality of streamers are interspersed with streamers from the first plurality of streamers in the port outer region and in the starboard outer region.

Abstract: Method for acquiring seismic data is described. The method includes determining a non-uniform optimal sampling design that includes a compressive sensing sampling grid. Placing a plurality of source lines or receiver lines at a non-uniform optimal line interval. Placing a plurality of receivers or nodes at a non-uniform optimal receiver interval. Towing a plurality of streamers attached to a vessel, wherein the plurality of streamers is spaced apart at non-uniform optimal intervals based on the compressive sensing sampling grid. Firing a plurality of shots from one or more seismic sources at non-uniform optimal shot intervals. Acquiring seismic data via the plurality of receivers or nodes.

Abstract: A foil for a towed cable includes a body defining at least two conduits. The body has a foil shape having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The foil shape defines a first surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge configured to provide lift. The foil shape defines a second surface opposed to the first surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The foil shape defines first and second lateral sides that extend between respective lateral edges of the first and second surfaces, the leading edge, and the trailing edge. A first conduit is defined within the forward half of the body adjacent to the leading edge, is open to each of the first and second lateral sides, and is configured to receive a cable therethrough. A second conduit may be defined within the body and filled with buoyant material.

Abstract: Geophysical survey methods. At least some of the example embodiments are methods of performing a marine geophysical survey including: towing a plurality of sensor streamers behind a tow vessel, each sensor streamer coupled to the tow vessel by a respective lead-in cable; towing, by the tow vessel, a plurality of lead vessels with each lead vessel pulling a respective seismic source, each lead vessel pulled by a respective tow cable and at least one intermediate cable; actuating the respective seismic sources pulled by the plurality of lead vessels; and gathering seismic data by each of the sensor streamers.

Abstract: In the field of marine geophysical surveying, systems and methods for controlling the spatial distribution or orientation of a geophysical sensor streamer or an array of geophysical sensor streamers towed behind a survey vessel are provided. Various techniques for changing the spatial distribution or orientation of such geophysical sensor streamers in response to changing conditions are provided. For example, crosscurrent conditions may be determined based on configuration data received from positioning devices along the length of a streamer, and a new desired orientation for the streamer may be determined based on the crosscurrent conditions. The new desired orientation may include a new desired feather angle for the streamer.

Abstract: Foil systems for steering source and receiver arrangements for gathering seismic data are connected to buoys supporting seismic sources and receivers. Each foil system includes a positive buoyancy device, a pair of control cables, a plurality of foil sections, and an actuator. The pair of control cables may be attached to the buoyancy device and extend downward from the buoyancy device to a submerged end. The plurality of foil sections may be disposed along the control cables between the buoyancy device and the submerged end. The actuator may be configured to adjust attack angles of the foil sections by changing a tension in one or both of the control cables. Steering control is provided through a number of modes described by data distributed through a control system in communication with the foil systems.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for, in a computing system, perturbing an initial three-dimensional (3D) geological model using a 3D vector field. A coherent 3D vector field including 3D vectors may be generated where each 3D vector of the 3D vector field is associated with a node of the initial 3D geological model and has a magnitude within a range of uncertainty of the node of the initial 3D geological model associated therewith. The coherent 3D vector field may be applied to the initial 3D geological model associated therewith to generate an perturbed 3D model. The perturbed 3D model may differ from the initial 3D geological model by a displacement defined by the 3D vector field associated with nodes having uncertain values. The perturbed 3D model may be displayed.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between a tow vessel and a predetermined point along a line being towed by the tow vessel. In addition, the method includes adjusting a length of the line from the tow vessel. Further, the method includes determining a change in the distance a predetermined amount of time after adjusting the length of the line. Still further, the method includes determining whether a difference between the change in the distance and the adjustment of the length exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Seismic source modules are combined into seismic source strings that are grouped into seismic source arrays. The seismic source array includes a plurality of seismic source strings arranged in parallel and towed behind a seismic source vessel. Each seismic source string includes a plurality of seismic source modules coupled in series along the seismic source string. Each seismic source module includes a protective cage, at least one seismic source disposed within the protective cage and decoupled from the protective cage and a pair of couplers in communication with the protective cage. The seismic source string also includes a plurality of tethers attached to couplers between adjacent pairs of seismic source modules in the series of seismic source modules.

Abstract: A sensor streamer drag body system. At least some of the example embodiments include a system having a sensor streamer towable behind a vessel in a body of water, the sensor streamer defining a defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end nearest the vessel. The system further includes a drag body coupled to the distal end of the sensor streamer, wherein the drag body remains submerged while the sensor streamer is deployed. The drag body includes an inertial navigation system. The inertial navigation system is configured to determine a position of the drag body, the drag body lacking an internal GPS.

Abstract: A trawl door, deflector, vane or paravane (40) constructed with adjustable panels (22, 23, 24) and driving units (25) for control the water flow through the spreading device during towing through the water with remote control where driving units (25) are used to adjust the position of the panels control the water flow through the spreading device and maneuver the spreading device in optimum position in the towing direction, horizontally or vertically, the panels are adjustable independently to give enhanced performance of the operating systems, fishing trawl or seismic survey system, without having to pull the system to the towing vessel to adjust manually.

Abstract: A control device or “bird” for controlling the position of a marine seismic streamer is provided with an elongate, partly flexible body which is designed to be electrically and mechanically connected in series with a streamer. In its preferred form, the bird has two opposed wings which are independently controllable in order to control the streamer's lateral position as well as its depth.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating element for connection to a flexible pipe and method of producing a buoyancy compensating element are disclosed for increasing or decreasing buoyancy of the portion of flexible pipe. The buoyancy compensating element includes a body portion; and a channel extending through the body portion for receiving a portion of flexible pipe, wherein the body portion and channel are configured such that when a portion of flexible pipe is received in the channel, the portion of pipe has increasing ability to flex towards an end of the channel.

Abstract: A system of designing and acquiring 3D marine seismic surveys such that the prevailing sea current is parallel or orthogonal to a major axis of the area to be surveyed. By steering the vessel and towed seismic source and receiver arrays through the water, heading into the sea current at some significant angle away from the sea current direction, then the resultant movement of the seismic source and receiver arrays will result in a much richer sampling and measurement of the earth's sub-surface by virtue of increasing the range of source-to-receiver azimuths available. By adopting this method, the final 3D seismic image of the subsurface will be more accurate and will be correctly focussed. Also line change times may be reduced significantly and the overall carbon footprint of the seismic survey may be lessened.

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: An operation managing system is provided for managing the operation of a navigation control device. The navigation control device is adapted for controlling the depth and/or the lateral position of a towed acoustic linear antenna and including a body to which is attached a set of wings. The operation managing system operates the navigation control device according to a degraded operating mode, by acting on at least one non-released and motorized wing when detecting that at least one wing of the set of wings has been released or must be released.

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.

Abstract: A device for collecting samples of the sea floor, including a collection apparatus, a diving apparatus and a control apparatus.

Abstract: A streamer steering device to be attached to a streamer or a source of a marine seismic survey system. The streamer steering device includes a casing configured to be attached to the streamer or to the source; a wing assembly connected to the casing and having an active surface used to control depth and/or lateral position of the streamer; and an actuating mechanism located inside the casing and connected to the wing assembly, the actuating mechanism being configured to change a state of the wing assembly from an operational state to a folded state. The active surface has substantially the same area during the operational state and the folded state.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for controlling spread and/or depth in a geophysical survey. An embodiment discloses a method for geophysical surveying, comprising: towing two streamers laterally spaced apart through a body of water at a depth of at least about 25 meters, each of the streamers comprising geophysical sensors disposed thereon at spaced apart locations; maintaining lateral separation of at least about 150 meters between the two streamers using at least two submersible deflectors, the two submersible deflectors being individually coupled to one of the two streamers; and detecting signals using the two geophysical sensors while the two streamers are towed at the depth of at least about 25 meters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a marine seismic streamer usable underwater for marine seismic surveys. The marine seismic streamer includes: a lead-in section; at least one bird section; at least one data acquisition module; and at least one vibration module configured to vibrate the marine seismic streamer, wherein the lead-in section, the at least one bird section, the at least one data acquisition module and the at least one vibration module are connected together to form the marine seismic streamer.

Abstract: A method for water monitoring about a deviated well is disclosed. The method includes positioning a series of electromagnetic (EM) receivers in a completed deviated wellbore, said receivers being spaced along substantially the length of the well located in a region of a reservoir to be monitored. The method also includes positioning an electromagnetic (EM) source at a first Earth surface location. Then the EM source is activated for a first survey measurement of the reservoir, and an EM field detected at each EM receiver is recorded. The EM source is moved to a second Earth surface location, and activated for a second survey measurement of the reservoir, and an EM field detected at each EM receiver is recorded. From the first and second survey measurements at each of the receivers, an inversion is performed to determine position of water about (and specifically below) the horizontal well.

Abstract: A towable and steerable elongated float for a marine seismic source arrangement for use in making a seismic survey at sea, having first attachment means at a lower or bottom part of a float body for allowing at least one seismic source to be suspended from the float, and second attachment means on a fore part of the float body for attachment of a strength taking source towing line or umbilical. The float body comprises first and second elongated steering foils being attached to and spaced from respective port and starboard sides of the fore part of said float body by respective support arrangement. The steering foils have respective longitudinal steering foil axes being oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the float body and so as to be substantially perpendicular to a sea surface when in use, the elongated steering foils having respective first and second chord axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for seismic streamers used in the acquisition of seismic data in a marine environment where the spacing between each adjacent pair of streamers is not all the same. Some streamer spacings and/or receiver spacings are larger and some are smaller to provide a higher quality wavefield reconstruction when covering a larger total area or for a similar total area of seismic data acquisition while providing a wavefield that is optimally sampled by the receivers so that the wavefield reconstruction is suitable for subsurface imaging needs.

Abstract: Disposable antifouling covers for geophysical survey equipment. At least of example embodiments are methods including deploying marine geophysical survey equipment. The deploying may include: installing a disposable antifouling cover of plastic material on a portion of the marine geophysical survey equipment, wherein the disposable antifouling cover occludes a majority of an exterior surface of the portion of the marine geophysical survey equipment; and placing the marine geophysical survey equipment in a body of water.

Abstract: Method and marine acoustic source array for generating an acoustic wave in a body of water. The marine acoustic source array includes first and second external source sub-arrays, each sub-array including one or more individual source elements; a first actuator device connected to the first external source sub-array; and a second actuator device connected to the second external source sub-array. The first actuator device has a corresponding cable configured to connect to a first lead-in, and the second actuator device has a corresponding cable configured to connect to a second lead-in such that a position of the source array as a whole is controllable along a line substantially perpendicular to a path of the source array.

Abstract: Marine seismic streamer steering apparatus are described having an elongate body, at least a portion of which is positioned eccentric of a marine seismic streamer, the apparatus having stability features selected from: one or more lateral steering control surfaces providing a center of lift approximately through a vertical streamer axis; one or more buoyancy elements providing a center of buoyancy through the same or a different vertical axis approximately through the center of the streamer; and combinations thereof. The apparatus have improved stability and avoid heeling during use.

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: In the field of marine geophysical surveying, systems and methods for controlling the spatial distribution or orientation of a geophysical sensor streamer or an array of geophysical sensor streamers towed behind a survey vessel are provided. Various techniques for changing the spatial distribution or orientation of such geophysical sensor streamers in response to changing conditions are provided. For example, crosscurrent conditions may be determined based on configuration data received from positioning devices along the length of a streamer, and a new desired orientation for the streamer may be determined based on the crosscurrent conditions. The new desired orientation may include a new desired feather angle for the streamer.

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 deflector is configured to be attached to a cable towed by a vessel. The deflector includes a foil configured to provide a lift force; first and second bulbs attached to opposite ends of the foil; and a joint attached to the foil and configured to receive the cable. The first and second bulbs are offset by a predetermined distance from a plane that extends through the foil, and at least one of the first and second bulbs has a longitudinal axis that makes an angle (?) with a cord of the foil, the cord extending in the plane.

Abstract: An inventive method provides for control of a seismic survey spread while conducting a seismic survey, the spread having a vessel, a plurality of spread control elements, a plurality of navigation nodes, and a plurality of sources and receivers. The method includes the step of collecting input data, including navigation data for the navigation nodes, operating states from sensors associated with the spread control elements, environmental data for the survey, and survey design data. The positions of the sources and receivers are estimated using the navigation data, the operating states, and the environmental data. Optimum tracks for the sources and receivers are determined using the position estimates and a portion of the input data that includes at least the survey design data. Drive commands are calculated for at least two of the spread control elements using the determined optimum tracks. The inventive method is complemented by an inventive system.

Abstract: Embodiments describe methods, devices and systems for marine seismic surveying which prevent or inhibit marine growth thereon. Towed seismic array elements which can become fouled given their presence in the water for extended time periods are coated with a hydrophobic coating, e.g., a superhydrophobic nanocoating applied manually via an aerosol can or brush. Application of the hydrophobic coating can be performed on board the towing vessel, or even potentially in the water.

Abstract: A far-field detection apparatus for measuring a far-field signature of a seismic source includes a main tow cable, a depth control device, sensor lines, at least two deflectors and seismic sensors. The depth control device is attached to the main tow cable. Each of the sensor lines has a first end attached to the main tow cable. Each of the deflectors is attached to a second end of the sensor lines, respectively. The deflectors are configured to generate forces pulling the sensor lines away from the main tow cable. The seismic sensors are attached between the first end and the second end of each of the sensor lines. The seismic sensors are configured to measure seismic waves generated by the seismic source.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating power by a hydrogenerator which can be attached to a portion of a towed marine streamer. A hydrogenerator includes: a stator configured to impart a spin to water which flows through the stator, wherein the stator is inline with and fluidly coupled to a propeller; the propeller configured to receive water which has passed through the stator, wherein the propeller is connected to a generator; the propeller configured to spin; and the generator configured to output power for use by components attached to the towed marine streamer.

Abstract: A compound buoy. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are buoy systems that include: a surface buoy; a subsurface buoy comprising an elongated outer body; a connector disposed on the lower surface; and a winch having a line, the line coupled between the surface buoy and the subsurface buoy. The buoy system has first configuration in which the upper surface of the subsurface buoy abuts the surface buoy, the abutting relationship held by tension in the line, and the buoy system has a second configuration where a distance between the surface buoy and the subsurface is limited by a length of the line spooled off the winch. In operation, the subsurface buoy supports more of the subsurface load than the surface buoy.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer instructions and method for deghosting seismic data related to a subsurface of a body of water. The method includes inputting data recorded by detectors that are towed by a vessel, the data being associated with waves travelling from the subsurface to the detectors; applying a migration procedure to the data to determine a first image of the subsurface; applying a mirror migration procedure to the data to determine a second image of the subsurface; joint deconvoluting the first image and the second image for deghosting a reflectivity of the subsurface; and generating a final image of the subsurface based on the deghosted reflectivity of the joint deconvoluting step.

Abstract: A streamer usable underwater for a marine seismic survey has a portion adjacent to a protuberance covered by an adhesive antifouling tape or substrate. The tape, which may be made of copper or copper alloy is configured to be fast fastened, may be applied when the streamer is deployed and may be covered by a protective jacket during recovery.

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: A bird for a streamer or source of marine seismic survey system has a body configured to be attached to the streamer or source, and a wing connected to the body and having an active surface used to control depth and/or lateral position of the body. The wing is configured to be changed between an operational state in which the active surface is extended away from the body, and a folded state in which the active surface is folded close to the body.

Abstract: A method and system for deploying seismic tows, such as seismic streamers, from a common carrier rope for conducting marine seismic surveys. The deployment system generally comprises a carrier rope having at least one deflector urging the carrier rope laterally relative to the towing vessel and seismic tows that are independently moveable along the deployed carrier rope to desired locations from which to be deployed. The carrier rope may be deployed from the tow vessel into the water prior to deploying the seismic streamer(s) into the water.

Abstract: Disclosed are rigid protracted geophysical equipment that comprise control surfaces and associated methods of use in marine geophysical surveys. An apparatus for use in a marine geophysical survey comprising: rigid protracted geophysical equipment having a ratio of length to a largest dimension of width or height of about 1000:1 or more, wherein the rigid protracted geophysical equipment comprises control surfaces for controlling movement of the rigid protracted geophysical equipment when towed through a body of water.

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the use of a self-propelled underwater vehicle for seismic data acquisition. The self-propelled underwater vehicle is adapted to gather seismic data from the seafloor and transmit such data to a control vessel. The self-propelled underwater vehicle may be redeployed to several seafloor locations during a seismic survey. Methods for real-time modeling of a target zone and redeployment of the self-propelled underwater vehicle based on the modeling are also described.

Abstract: A method and a marine front-end gear for connecting a set of streamers to a towing vessel. The front-end gear includes ropes for connecting a first sub-set of streamers to the vessel; lead-ins for connecting a second sub-set of streamers to the vessel; and a back loop cable electrically connected between tails of first and second adjacent streamers. The first streamer belongs to the first sub-set of streamers and the second streamer belongs to the second sub-set of streamers, and streamers of the first sub-set are interspersed with streamers of the second sub-set.

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: A seismic survey system having a source array (11) coupled to a deflector device (15) that controls the position of the source array. A positioning system unit (16) is mounted on the source array to provide a signal to a controller, informing the controller of the current position of the source array so that the controller can control the position of the deflector device (15) and the coupled source array. A seismic source (14) on the source array may be triggered when the source array is at a desired location as measured by the positioning system unit. The deflector device (15) comprises one or more wings (18) in a generally vertical or, alternatively, in a generally horizontal arrangement disposed adjacent to a central body (19). The streamlined central body has connection points that allow the deflector device (15) to be connected to a tow cable (13) from the tow vessel (12) and to the source array (11).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to acquire seismic waves by means of a streamer towed by a vessel and comprising a plurality of seismic receivers. The streamer comprises a head portion that is slanted relative to the water surface and a tail portion having at least one section with a different slant.

Abstract: A system of designing and acquiring 3D marine seismic surveys such that the prevailing sea current is parallel or orthogonal to a major axis of the area to be surveyed. By steering the vessel and towed seismic source and receiver arrays through the water, heading into the sea current at some significant angle away from the sea current direction, then the resultant movement of the seismic source and receiver arrays will result in a much richer sampling and measurement of the earth's sub-surface by virtue of increasing the range of source-to-receiver azimuths available. By adopting this method, the final 3D seismic image of the subsurface will be more accurate and will be correctly focussed. Also line change times may be reduced significantly and the overall carbon footprint of the seismic survey may be lessened.