Method for retrieval of seismic data acquisition units
AssigneeFairfield Industries Incorporated
InventorsClifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, James N. Thompson, Hal B. Haygood
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Abstract
A method for retrieval of self-contained, autonomous ocean bottom seismic data acquisition units secured to a non-rigid, non-conducing cable, wherein the cable is retrieved over the trailing edge of a working vessel on the surface of the water so as to permit the cable to billow out in the water column behind the vessel, thereby reducing stress on the cable and permitting greater control in cable handling.
Claims11
A method for retrieving a seismic data collection system from the ocean floor, wherein the seismic data collection system consists of a cable to which multiple seismic data collection units are attached and said cable is laid out on the ocean floor extending between a first point and a second point, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. Providing a boat for retrieval of said cable, said boat having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end represents the leading edge of the boat as the boat is guided through the water and the second end represents the trailing edge of the boat;
- b. Engaging the end of the cable located at said first point;
- c. Securing said engaged end of the cable to said boat at said second end of said boat;
- d. Moving said boat along the surface of the water toward a position above the second point;
- and
- e. As the boat is moving along the surface of the water toward the position above the second point, retrieving said cable from the water over the trailing end of said boat.
A method for retrieving a seismic data collection system from the ocean floor, wherein the seismic data collection system consists of a cable to which multiple seismic data collection units are attached and said cable is laid out on the ocean floor extending between a first point and a second point, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a boat for retrieval of said cable, said boat having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end represents the leading edge of the boat as the boat is guided through the water and the second end represents the trailing edge of the boat;
- b. engaging the end of the cable located at said first point;
- c. securing said engaged end of the cable to said boat at said second end of said boat;
- d. causing said cable to billow out behind the trailing edge of the boat;
- e. moving said boat in a direction opposite said billowed out cable;
- and
- f. retrieving said cable from the water over the trailing end of said boat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.