Marine seismic diverter with vortex generators
AssigneeWesternGeco L.L.C.
InventorsDaniel George Martin, Mark S. Zajac
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for steering one or more cables towed through water by a vessel. In general, a diverter attached to the one or more cables may comprise a float, a vane extending from a bottom surface of the float, and one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane. The one or more vortex generators may prevent stall of the diverter at high attack angles.
Claims29
An apparatus for steering a cable towed behind a vessel comprising:
- a float having a top portion and a bottom portion;
- at least one vane extending or suspended from the bottom portion of the float, the vane shaped to provide a force for moving the cable to a specified position relative to the vessel as the vessel tows the cable through the water;
- and
- one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane.
A system for steering a cable towed through water behind a vessel comprising:
- a diverter coupled with the cable, the diverter having a float, at least one vane extending or suspended from a bottom surface of the float, one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane, and an integrated controller capable of adjusting an attack angle of the vane;
- and
- an external controller in communication with the integrated controller, the external controller capable of sending control signals to the integrated controller to adjust the attack angle of the vane.
A system for spreading an array of cables towed through water behind a vessel comprising:
- at least two diverters to engage opposing outer cables of the array, each diverter having a float, at least one vane extending from a bottom portion of the float, and one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane, wherein the vane of each diverter is shaped to provide a lateral force for moving a corresponding one of the outer cables in an outward direction from a centerline of the array.
A method for steering a cable towed through water behind a vessel, comprising:
- attaching a diverter to the cable, the diverter comprising a float, a vane extending from a bottom surface of the float into the water, and one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane;
- and
- towing the cable and attached diverter through the water, wherein the diverter provides a lateral force for moving the cable.
A method for spreading an array of cables towed through water behind a vessel, comprising:
- attaching at least two diverters to opposing outer cables of the array, wherein each diverter comprises a float, a vane extending from a bottom surface of the float into the water, and one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane;
- and
- towing the array of cables and attached diverters through the water, wherein the diverters steer the opposing outer cables in outward directions from a centerline of the array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.