Marine survey apparatus, system, and method with a rigid structure
AssigneePGS Geophysical AS
InventorsKarl Petter Elvestad, Thomas M. Hvesser
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Seismic source element modules can each include a seismic source element. Spacer modules can each have a hydrofoil shape. A first end of the spacer modules can be coupled to a respective first one of the seismic source element modules. A second end of the spacer modules can be coupled to a respective second one of the seismic source element modules. The source element modules and the spacer modules can collectively form a rigid structure.
Claims35
A marine survey apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of seismic source element modules each including a seismic source element;
- and
- a plurality of spacer modules each having a hydrofoil shape and, at a first end, being coupled to a respective first one of the plurality of seismic source element modules and, at a second end, being coupled to a respective second one of the plurality of seismic source element modules;
- wherein the plurality of source element modules and the plurality of spacer modules collectively form a rigid structure.
A marine survey system, comprising:
- a rigid structure including:
- a plurality of spacer modules each having a hydrofoil shape;
- and
- a plurality of seismic source element modules each coupled to at least one of the plurality of spacer modules;
- a tow line winch coupled to the rigid structure and to a plurality of tow lines such that operation of the tow line winch changes an amount by which the plurality of tow lines are extended to change an orientation of the rigid structure between vertical and approximately horizontal;
- a support float coupled to a first end of the rigid structure;
- and
- an umbilical coupled to the rigid structure, wherein the umbilical includes a bridle coupled to the plurality of tow lines, and wherein the umbilical includes a power cable coupled to the tow line winch.
A method for deploying a marine survey system, comprising:
- deploying the marine survey system into a fluid volume from a marine survey vessel in an approximately horizontal orientation;
- and
- operating a tow line winch on the marine survey system to retract a plurality of tow lines coupled to an umbilical of the marine survey system and to a rigid structure of the marine survey system until the rigid structure is in a vertical orientation.
A method for recovering a marine survey system, comprising:
- operating a tow line winch on the marine survey system to extend a plurality of tow lines coupled to an umbilical of the marine survey system and to a rigid structure of the marine survey system until the rigid structure moves from a vertical orientation to an approximately horizontal orientation;
- and
- recovering the marine survey system from a fluid volume onto a marine survey vessel in the approximately horizontal orientation.
A marine survey apparatus, comprising:
- a first seismic source element module including a first seismic source element;
- a second seismic source element module including a second seismic source element;
- and
- a hydrofoil shaped member coupled between the first and the second seismic source element modules;
- wherein the first and the second seismic source element modules and the hydrofoil shaped member collectively form a rigid structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.