Multiple Hydrophone Cable Systems Patents (Class 367/20)
  • Publication number: 20120300581
    Abstract: Method and catenary front-end gear for towing streamers under water. The catenary front-end gear includes a main cable configured to be attached to a vessel and a device; a connecting system configured to connect streamers to the main cable; and plural streamers. The main cable takes a catenary shape when towed by the first vessel underwater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA
    Inventor: Behzad VAHIDA
  • Publication number: 20120275265
    Abstract: Buoy for marine surveys. At least some of the illustrated embodiments are a buoy including an elongated main body and a mast system coupled to the elongated main body. The mast system includes: a forward mast; an aft mast; a spanning portion coupled between a distal end of the forward mast and a distal end of the aft mast; and an aperture defined at least in part by the main body, forward mast, aft mast, and spanning portion. The buoy is configured to float in water such that the water level intersects the forward mast and aft mast, the elongated body is submerged, and the spanning portion resides above the water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: PGS GEOPHYSICAL AS
    Inventors: Einar Nielsen, Karl Petter Elvestad
  • Patent number: 8300497
    Abstract: A method for reducing noise in a towed acoustic array includes providing a towed array having a length, diameter, frequency range and tow speed. The relationship between tension in the towed array and wall pressure fluctuation spectral levels is determined. Wall pressure fluctuation spectral levels are related to the noise in the array. An optimal towed array tension is calculated using the determined relationship. Tension is increased to the optimal towed array tension by either provided additional towed array hose or a drogue at the end of the towed array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William L. Keith, Kimberly M. Cipolla
  • Publication number: 20120269033
    Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a sensor comprises an axially oriented body including a plurality of axially oriented channels arranged in opposing pairs; a plurality of hydrophones arranged in opposing pairs in the channels; a pair of orthogonally oriented acoustic particle motion sensors; and a tilt sensor adjacent or associated with the particle motion sensors. The streamer has a plurality of hydrophones, as previously described, aligned with a plurality of accelerometers which detect movement of the streamer in the horizontal and vertical directions, all coupled with a tilt sensor, so that the marine seismic system can detect whether a detected seismic signal is a reflection from a geologic structure beneath the streamer or a downward traveling reflection from the air/seawater interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SERCEL, INC.
    Inventors: Mike MAPLES, John S. HEPP
  • Publication number: 20120257474
    Abstract: A method for towing a marine seismic acquisition array in a body of water includes towing a plurality of laterally spaced apart sensor streamers behind a survey vessel in the water. A lateral spacing between adjacent streamers is represented by L. At least two laterally spaced apart seismic energy sources are towed behind the survey vessel. A lateral spacing between the at least two sources is represented by kL, wherein k is a constant and wherein k is at most equal to the number of streamers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Guillaume Cambois, Orjan Myrvold
  • Publication number: 20120250456
    Abstract: A disclosed geophysical survey system includes one or more streamers having sensors powered by at least one energy harvesting device that converts vibratory motion of the streamers into electrical power. The vibratory motion may originate from a number of sources including, e.g., vortex shedding, drag fluctuation, breathing waves, and various flow noise sources including turbulent boundary layers. To increase conversion efficiency, the device may be designed with an adjustable resonance frequency. The design of the streamer electronics may incorporate the energy harvesting power source in a variety of ways, so as to reduce the amount of wiring mass that would otherwise be required along the length of the streamer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PGS Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: Stig Rune Lennart TENGHAMN
  • Publication number: 20120250457
    Abstract: A disclosed survey method includes towing geophysical survey streamers in a body of water and using sensors within the streamer to collect measurements that are then conveyed along the streamer to a recording station using at least one wireless transmission link. In some implementations at least one sensor is coupled to a wireless transceiver in a streamer to transmit geophysical survey measurement data along the streamer to a wireless base station. The base station receives the wirelessly transmitted seismic data and communicates it to a central recording station. Each segment of the streamer may contain a base station to collect wireless data from the sensors in that segment, and each base station may be coupled to the central recording station by wiring (e.g., copper or fiber optic). Other implementations employ ranges of sensors wired to local transceivers that form a peer-to-peer wireless network for communicating data to the central recording station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PGS Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: William Thomas RICKERT, JR., Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn
  • Publication number: 20120250458
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA
    Inventor: Hélène TONCHIA
  • Publication number: 20120243370
    Abstract: System and method for providing an anti-fouling function to a streamer to be towed under water for seismic survey data collection. The method includes mixing a thermoplastic material with a biocide material to form an external sheath material; and forming an external sheath over a main sheath of the streamer to provide the anti-fouling function. The external sheath is formed from the external sheath material such that the biocide material is distributed throughout the external sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SERCEL
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques VIGNAUX
  • Publication number: 20120236684
    Abstract: An electromagnetic sensor streamer may include a jacket, at least one electromagnetic sensor in operational communication with a voltage measuring circuit disposed inside the jacket, and at least one wire coil. The at least one wire coil is in signal communication with the voltage measuring circuit, and the voltage measuring circuit is configured to determine motion-induced voltages imparted to the at least one electromagnetic sensor in the streamer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: ANDRAS ROBERT JUHASZ, Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 8267031
    Abstract: A method for towing a sensor streamer array in a body of water includes towing a plurality of sensor streamers behind a vessel in the water, measuring tension at a plurality of positions along the array and determining at least one of an optimum operating speed for the vessel, when the streamers and associated towing equipment have become affected by marine debris so as to require cleaning, and an optimum angle of attack of at least one paravane in the towing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Martin Austad, Jan Erik Stokkeland, Karl Petter Elvestad
  • Patent number: 8260555
    Abstract: To perform a marine survey, a streamer is deployed into a body of water, where the streamer has plural first sensors to perform a subterranean survey. Indications are received from second sensors in corresponding sections of the streamer, where the indications are regarding which sections are in the body of water. Information is updated regarding which sections of the streamer are in the body of water in response to the received indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Welker
  • Patent number: 8254206
    Abstract: A technique for use in towed-array, marine seismic surveys includes a method and an apparatus. The method includes accessing a set of multicomponent seismic data acquired in a wide tow, marine seismic survey; and interpolating a set of seismic data from the acquired seismic data in the crossline direction such that the combined acquired and interpolated seismic data meet the discrete spatial sampling theory requirements for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise. In some aspects, the technique includes programmed storage media and/or programmed computers for use in executing such a method. The apparatus is a wide tow array, including a plurality of streamers spaced apart by a cable separation exceeding the maximum cable spacing for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise as determined by discrete spatial sampling theory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Morley
  • Publication number: 20120176860
    Abstract: Systems and methods comprise marine geophysical equipment with polyurethane-based material at least partially covering a surface. The surface also at least partially coated with a suspension medium and with a biocide. A method comprises disposing such marine geophysical equipment in a body of water. A method comprises applying a suspension medium and a biocide to a surface at least partially covered with a polyurethane-based material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Andre Stenzel, Bruce William Harríck, Steven Michael Roberts
  • Publication number: 20120176859
    Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to seismic streamers. More specifically, the subject disclosure relates to seismic streamers with self healing properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jahir Pabon, Oeyvind Teigen
  • Publication number: 20120176858
    Abstract: A marine sensor cable comprises a jacket covering an exterior of the sensor cable, wherein the jacket comprises an outer portion containing biocide disposed in a co-extrusion process. A method for producing a marine sensor cable jacket comprises providing a co-extruder to construct a polyurethane jacket for a sensor cable with a first extruder constructing an inner portion of the jacket and a second extruder constructing an outer portion of the jacket; producing a mixture of thermo polyurethane and biocide; supplying thermo polyurethane to the first extruder; supplying the mixture of thermo polyurethane and biocide to the second extruder; and constructing the polyurethane jacket with the outer portion containing the biocide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Andre Stenzel, Bruce William Harrick
  • Publication number: 20120163119
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Richard E. Pearce
  • Publication number: 20120120760
    Abstract: An embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure for conducting a marine survey includes towing a survey spread comprising a plurality of receivers and an energy source along a selected course; emitting a signal from an energy source; receiving backscattered acoustic signals at the receivers; and actively detecting a cetacean from the received data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Halvor S. Groenaas (Grønaas), Svein Arne Frivik
  • Patent number: 8164977
    Abstract: Various methods for simulating up-going pressure wavefield data. In one implementation, a processing apparatus may receive pressure data from pressure sensors that may be installed on a first and second streamer of an over/under streamer pair. The processing apparatus may also receive velocity data from velocity sensors that may be installed on the second streamer of the over/under streamer pair. Using the pressure and velocity data obtained from the sensors installed on each streamer, the processing apparatus may simulate the pressure and velocity data that would have been obtained by a streamer in a calm sea at a depth equal to the vertical distance between the first and second streamers. The simulated pressure and velocity data may then be combined to estimate the up-going pressure wavefield data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ralf G. Ferber
  • Publication number: 20120087208
    Abstract: A deployment and retrieval method for ocean bottom seismic receivers, the method employs a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a carrier attached thereto to carry a plurality of receivers. The receivers are individually placed on the ocean bottom floor by utilizing a conveyor to move the receivers along a linear path to remove the receivers from the carrier. In one embodiment, multiple linear conveyors may be operated independently to alter the relative positions of the receivers on the respective conveyors to adjust the weight distribution of the receivers within the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Fairfield Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe
  • Publication number: 20120087207
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a marine seismic source array comprises, consequent to actuation of a seismic source array (14), making a near-field measurement of seismic energy emitted by the seismic source array (14), using at least one near field sensor (15) and also acquiring seismic data using at least one seismic receiver (18). The far-field signature of the source array at one or more of the receiver location(s) is estimated from the near-field measurements of the emitted seismic energy, and this is compared with seismic data acquired at the receiver(s). This provides an indication of whether the source array and the method for predicting far-field signatures are operating correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: WesternGeco LLC
    Inventors: Clement Kostov, Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Philip Kitchenside, Johan Olof Anders Robertsson
  • Publication number: 20120081996
    Abstract: According to one or more aspects of the invention, a marine seismic survey method comprises towing at least two streamers below a sea surface forming a survey spread, each streamer comprising a survey sensor and a profiler; and at each profiler, emitting an acoustic signal; recording an echo of the emitted signal at the profiler; and determining a parameter from the recorded echo, the parameter comprising at least one selected from the group of a distance between the profiler and the sea surface, a water current vector and a sea surface slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Svein Arne Frivik, Nicolas Goujon
  • Publication number: 20120081997
    Abstract: A marine vibrator with improved seal is described. The marine vibrator includes a housing and piston within the housing for generating vibratory signals. The improved seal is comprised of a two-stage seal having a first seal disposed adjacent the water interface and a second seal disposed away from the water interface, thus improving the reliability of the marine vibrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Kamal Babour, Emmanuel Coste, Martin Howlid
  • Publication number: 20120081995
    Abstract: A method for marine geophysical surveying according to one aspect of the invention includes towing at least one geophysical sensor streamer in a body of water. The streamer includes a plurality of spaced apart electromagnetic field receivers disposed at spaced apart locations along the streamer. The streamer also includes a plurality of seismic sensors disposed at spaced apart locations. The seismic sensors each include at least one pressure responsive receiver and at least one particle motion responsive receiver. At selected times, a seismic energy source is actuated in the water. Particle motion and pressure seismic signals, and electromagnetic field signals are detected at the respective receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Øyvind HILLESUND, Nils Lunde
  • Patent number: 8149647
    Abstract: A robust seismic cable and sensor module system wherein the sensor modules include a housing and sensing unit. The housing substantially transfers the load and torque of the cable from one end of the housing to the other bypassing the sensing unit and the sensing unit and housing are acoustically decoupled from each other for the seismic frequencies desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lars Borgen, Geir Holm, Ivar Andreas Valstad, Kambiz Iranpour
  • Publication number: 20120069703
    Abstract: There is provided a solid seismic streamer cable for use in seismic surveying in marine environments. The streamer is characterised by a buffer layer 2 which is provided with a cut-out 50 and a sensor element arranged in the cut-out 50. There is also provided an associated hydrophone for integration into the seismic streamer cable. The hydrophone is characteristic in a split-element sensor base 10, 11 being suited for efficient mounting into the cut-outs 50 of the seismic cable. There is also provided an associated accelerometer for integration into the seismic streamer cable. The accelerometer is characteristic by a split-element sensor base 30, 35 for being efficiently arranged into the cut-outs 50 of the seismic cable. A method of producing a seismic streamer cable according to the invention incorporating a hydrophone or accelerometer according to the invention is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Optoplan
    Inventors: Arne Berg, Jon Thomas Kringlebotn
  • Publication number: 20120051175
    Abstract: A method for determining a longitudinal position of at least one geophysical sensor on a towed marine streamer includes measuring a parameter related to tension at least one position along the streamer. A change in length of the streamer is determined using the measured parameter. The longitudinal position of the at least one sensor is determined. A marine streamer includes at least one geophysical sensor and at least one tension sensor capable of measuring a parameter related to axial tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Andras Robert Juhasz
  • Publication number: 20120033525
    Abstract: This is a method of acquiring marine wide azimuth towed streamer seismic data. Preferably, a recording boat which tows a plurality of seismic streamers and at least one source may be accompanied by a plurality of source boats that each tow at least one source. The source boats may preferably activate their respective sources such that the subsurface reflections generated by each source interfere. The time separation between successive shots may preferably be a random variable related to the lowest frequency of interest in the data. Additionally, the source boats may preferably be alternatively fired from the head and tail of the recording streamers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Lee Abma, Gerard Beaudouin
  • Patent number: 8098542
    Abstract: A method for marine geophysical surveying according to one aspect of the invention includes towing at least one geophysical sensor streamer in a body of water. The streamer includes a plurality of spaced apart electromagnetic field receivers disposed at spaced apart locations along the streamer. The streamer also includes a plurality of seismic sensors disposed at spaced apart locations. The seismic sensors each include at least one pressure responsive receiver and at least one particle motion responsive receiver. At selected times, a seismic energy source is actuated in the water. Particle motion and pressure seismic signals, and electromagnetic field signals are detected at the respective receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Øyvind Hillesund, Nils Lunde
  • Publication number: 20120002502
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Øyvind Hillesund, Stian Hegna
  • Publication number: 20120002503
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for acquiring seismic data in a marine environment using survey paths following a series of linked curved paths so as to obtain multi-azimuthal data over a sub-surface target. Marine vessels towing multiple seismic streamers may be configured to travel substantially along a series of linked deviated paths or a series of linked curved paths. Sources may be excited to introduce acoustic wave energy in the marine environment and into the subsea region. The acoustic wave energy then reflects and refracts from the subsea region to form reflected and refracted wave energy, which is detected by seismic receivers spaced along the streamers. The detected seismic data is then interpreted to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed subsea region. Other enhancements include configuring the streamers in a flared configuration, where the lateral spacing increases rearwardly over the length of the seismic streamers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Frank D. Janiszewski, Joel D. Brewer, Shan Shan, Peter M. Eick
  • Publication number: 20110317516
    Abstract: A technique includes designing a streamer, which includes a cable and seismic sensors based at least in part on a relationship between vibration noise and a bending stiffness of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Oeyvind TEIGEN, Nicolas GOUJON, Lars BORGEN
  • Publication number: 20110317515
    Abstract: A seismic source includes a flextensional shell defining a longer axis and a shorter axis and at least one driver coupled to the flextensional shell proximate an end of the shorter axis. The seismic source may be a component of a marine seismic survey system. The marine seismic survey system may be utilized in a method of marine seismic surveying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn
  • Publication number: 20110310698
    Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a sensor comprises an axially oriented body including a plurality of axially oriented channels arranged in opposing pairs; a plurality of hydrophones arranged in opposing pairs in the channels; a pair of orthogonally oriented acoustic particle motion sensors; and a tilt sensor adjacent or associated with the particle motion sensors. The streamer has a plurality of hydrophones, as previously described, aligned with a plurality of accelerometers which detect movement of the streamer in the horizontal and vertical directions, all coupled with a tilt sensor, so that the marine seismic system can detect whether a detected seismic signal is a reflection from a geologic structure beneath the streamer or a downward traveling reflection from the air/seawater interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SERCEL, INC.
    Inventors: Mike Maples, John S. Hepp
  • Publication number: 20110305107
    Abstract: A method of determining an optimal flare spacing for streamers towed behind a seismic vessel comprising the steps of: using a computer specially adapted with a seismic data analysis package to analyze prior seismic data for a survey area; analyzing migration broadcast patterns to estimate a maximum sampling distance; calculating a wavelet expansion as a function of flare spacing; creating synthetic gaps in the prior seismic data coverage by dropping traces at different flare spacing; testing capability of different interpolation algorithms in the seismic data analysis package to close the synthetic gaps; and determining an optimal flare spacing based upon the capability of the different interpolation algorithms to close the synthetic gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter M. Eick, Joel D. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20110299360
    Abstract: An over/under seismic source system includes a first umbilical to a first gun array at a first depth and a second umbilical at a different air pressure to a second gun array at a second, lower depth. The air pressure to the second, lower gun array is tuned so that the periods of the gun bubbles from the higher and lower gun arrays match in order to improve wavefield separation in subsequent data processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Roy Malcolm Lansley, Madjid Berraki, Michel Marc Maurice Gros
  • Publication number: 20110292759
    Abstract: A method for making a marine electromagnetic survey streamer includes affixing connectors to longitudinal ends of a strength member. At least one signal communication line is extended along the length of the strength member. The strength member, connectors, and at least one signal communication line form a mechanical harness. Electrodes are affixed to the mechanical harness at selected positions. The mechanical harness is drawn through a co-extruder. The co-extruder fills void spaces in the harness with a void fill material. The co-extruder applies a jacket to an exterior of the void filled harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Andras Robert Juhasz, Bengt Finnoen
  • Publication number: 20110292760
    Abstract: Launch and retrieval equipment for use in seismic testing and methods for seismic testing are described. Elements of the equipment may include a pivoting frame to hold the seismic equipment, sliding rails that hold the seismic equipment in place on the frame and a winch and line that operates to launch the seismic equipment keeping it tethered to a vessel. The launch device is capable of launching and retrieving seismic equipment without the use of conventional cranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BERZERKER, INC.
    Inventor: Robert W. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20110292758
    Abstract: A method of deploying a seismic recorder array on a seafloor is disclosed. The seismic recorder array comprises a plurality of removable seismic data recorders. The method comprises the step of forming the seismic recorder array by connecting a plurality of recorder housings in series, wherein adjacent recorder housings are connected by a connector cable. The recorder housings are configured to retain the removable seismic data recorders. The method comprises the step of loading the plurality of removable seismic data recorders in the recorder housings, and lowering the seismic recorder array into water until the seismic recorder array is positioned on the seafloor underlying the water. The method comprises the step of operating the seismic data recorders to detect seismic signal reflections and to record seismic data representing the reflections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fleure, Craig Lindberg, Ralph B. Muse, Joe Davis, Damir S. Skerl, Justin N. Farrelly
  • Publication number: 20110286303
    Abstract: A seismic source array includes at least one float. A plurality of rigid conduit sections each includes a bracket for suspension from the float at a selected depth in a body of water and configured to suspend a seismic energy source therefrom. At least one bend strain relief is coupled between adjacent rigid conduit sections. Each bend strain relief includes a coupling at each longitudinal end. Each bend strain relief includes woven fiber molded into flexible plastic for transmitting axial loading while absorbing bending and torsional stress. A seismic energy source is suspended from each bracket. Lines for operating the seismic energy sources pass through the rigid conduit sections and the at least one bending strain relief.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Wayne Russell Paull, Karl Petter Elvestad
  • Patent number: 8064286
    Abstract: Seismic sensor systems and sensor station topologies, as well as corresponding cable and sensor station components, manufacturing and deployment techniques are provided. For some embodiments, networks of optical ocean bottom seismic (OBS) stations are provided, in which sensor stations are efficiently deployed in a modular fashion as series of array cable modules deployed along a multi-fiber cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Optoplan AS
    Inventors: Erlend Rønnekleiv, Ole Henrik Waagaard, Hilde Nakstad, Arne Berg
  • Patent number: 8060314
    Abstract: To perform a marine survey, a streamer is deployed into a body of water, where the streamer has plural first sensors to perform a subterranean survey. Indications are received from second sensors in corresponding sections of the streamer, where the indications are regarding which sections are in the body of water. Information is updated regarding which sections of the streamer are in the body of water in response to the received indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: WesternGeco L. L. C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Welker
  • Publication number: 20110273957
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a streamer having one or more sensor holders for retaining seismic sensors therein. An elastic material is disposed about the sensor, thereby decoupling the sensor from its surroundings. The streamer is filled with a gel-like material that is in communication with the elastic material disposed about the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Fabien Guizelin, Oeyvind Teigen, Oeystein Traetten, Rafael Ryberg
  • Publication number: 20110261646
    Abstract: A method of acquiring marine seismic data using an acoustic source to generate an acoustic signal, a portion of which is reflected at one or more subsurface formation interfaces as a seismic signal is described. The method includes sailing a surface vessel along a sail line which lies over a survey area while towing a seismic streamer, the sail line having a sinusoidal configuration defined by an amplitude and a wavelength. The streamer includes a plurality of hydrophones for receiving the reflected portion of the acoustic signal. The method is characterised in that the streamer follows the sinusoidal configuration of the sail line while seismic data is acquired, the streamer having a length at least equal to the distance travelled by the surface vessel as it sails along one full wavelength of the configuration as measured along the sinusoidal sail line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: WOODSIDE ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Malcolm Donald MacNeill, Joe Frank McNutt
  • Publication number: 20110255369
    Abstract: A system comprises marine geophysical equipment, adapted for towing through a body of water; and tightly fitting covers, attached to the marine seismic equipment, to fill-in indentations in the marine geophysical equipment, for gathering marine geophysical data. A method comprises marine geophysical equipment having tightly fitting covers, to fill-in indentations in the marine geophysical equipment, attached thereto, for gathering marine geophysical data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce William Harrick, Andre Stenzel
  • Publication number: 20110255368
    Abstract: A method for acquiring electromagnetic data in at least two dimensions includes towing a first streamer cable behind a vessel in a body of water, the first streamer cable including a reference line extending substantially along the entire length thereof, a plurality of spaced apart measuring electrodes electrically insulated from the reference line and a voltage measuring circuit functionally coupled between each measuring electrode and the reference line. At least a second streamer cable is towed at corresponding distance from the vessel. The second streamer cable is configured substantially as the first streamer cable. The second streamer cable is displaced from the first streamer cable in one of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. At selected times an electromagnetic field is imparted into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Gustav G?ran Mattias S?dow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Andras Robert Juhasz
  • Publication number: 20110205839
    Abstract: A method for operating a geophysical sensor streamer in body of water includes operating a remotely operated vehicle coupled to a forward end of the streamer to tow the streamer in the water. Signals generate by sensors on the streamer are communicated substantially in real time to a recording unit on a survey vessel using at least one of electrical and optical cables in an umbilical cable connecting the remotely operable vehicle to the survey vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Andras Robert Juhasz, Rune Johan Magnus Mattsson, Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn
  • Publication number: 20110205840
    Abstract: Launch and retrieval equipment for use in seismic testing and methods for seismic testing are described. Elements of the equipment may include a pivoting frame to hold the seismic equipment, sliding rails that hold the seismic equipment in place on the frame and a winch and line that operates to launch the seismic equipment keeping it tethered to a vessel. The launch device is capable of launching and retrieving seismic equipment without the use of conventional cranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Robert W. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20110199857
    Abstract: A wide-azimuth marine seismic survey system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure may include a streamer array; a first source towed from a first vessel; a second source towed from a second vessel; and a supplemental offset source towed from the first vessel and the second vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Mikael (Mikäel) Garden
  • Patent number: RE43666
    Abstract: A multi component seismic sensor which utilises orthogonal accelerometers to determine its orientation. The accelerometers may be used to measure seismic signals directly, or the system may include geophones for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Concept Systems Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Stephen