MXPA98002726A - Improved method for recognitions of the oce fund - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for acquiring seismic data, the method comprising: deploying a first ocean floor cable from a first cable management and recording vessel, generating first waves of origin with a source vessel for data acquisition Record the data of the first ocean floor cable with the first cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin, prepare a second cable of ocean bottom with a second cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin, generate second waves of origin with the source vessel for data acquisition, and record the data of the second ocean bottom cable with the second vessel for cable management and recording during the generation of second waves of orig

Description

IMPROVED METHOD FOR RECOGNITIONS OF THE OCEAN FUND FIELD OF THE INVENTION This request claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) for provisional application No, 60 / 004,957, filed on October 6, 1995, still pending. The present invention relates to ocean bottom seismic techniques and to methods for deploying and recovering cable systems and for recording seismic data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The ocean bottom cable (OBC) method employs fixed arrangements of receivers on the ocean floor, and a vessel towed only one source arrangement. In the work at the bottom of the ocean, one of the most expensive aspects of the operation is that of the operating costs of the many vessels required. Previously, at least 3 vessels were required for operations OBC: an origin vessel towing only the origin provisions of an air pistol, a registration vessel that remains stationary while it is attached to the ocean floor cables, and at least one cable vessel for laying and retrieving these cables. Most operations consist of 4 to 6 boats, with additional cable boats and a utility boat. By means of the present invention, improvements have been made with respect to the accuracy of the data collected and the efficiency of the method in general, by modifying the vessel of origin and combining the functions of the cable boats and the record boats in individual vessels. Since the beginning of technology, the industry has taught the use of 3 boats for work on the ocean floor. The deployment and recovery of cables is a difficult task. The roof space required for cable storage is significant and requires the dedication of the entire deck space. Similarly, the registration and energy equipment necessary to receive and record cable data is significant and also requires the dedication of an entire vessel. The use of separate vessels for cable management and data logging results in excessive operating costs due to the downtime of the various vessels. With a system of 3 vessels, the cable vessel could first lay the OBC, while the origin vessel and the registration vessel wait closely. Then, the record vessel locates exactly each receiver on the OBC and couples with the OBC for a registration configuration while the cable boat and the source vessel wait closely. Then, the origin vessel starts firing while the registration vessel records the reflected seismic waves received by the OBC. Of course, the cable boat must wait closely until the shots are finished. Finally, the OBC is decoupled from the registration vessel and retrieved by the cable vessel. The cable vessel then deploys the OBC in a new location and the process is repeated. Also, the seismic systems of the ocean floor have used only a single origin deployed from each vessel of origin. A single origin allows the reading of only one group of data points for each step of the origin vessel. The origin vessel must tow the origin to each designated origin point, so that a wave of origin can be generated from those source point sources. However, if multiple origins are towed from a single source vessel, multiple groups of data points can be obtained with one step of the origin vessel. The process described above results in excessive dead time for recording, requiring the originating boat to be in standby during deployment or cable testing. Also, the origin vessel must make multiple passes over the survey area to provide seismic waves at the desired locations. An object of the present invention is to reduce this problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention makes more efficient use of vessels, reducing the number of vessels required and increasing the number of origins towed by the vessel of origin. In accordance with the present invention, the operations of the cable boats and the registration vessels are carried out by individual vessels. The invention produces a 200% increase in the amount of data received per unit of operating cost, compared to the practice of a single origin of 3 long-stay vessels in the industry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for acquiring seismic data is provided. One modality of the method comprises: deploying a first cable to the ocean floor from a first cable management and logging vessel; generate first waves of origin with a source vessel for data acquisition; record the data of the first ocean floor cable with the first cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin; prepare a second ocean floor cable with a second cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin; generate second waves of origin with the origin vessel for data acquisition; and record the data of the second ocean floor cable with the second cable management and logging vessel during the generation of second waves of origin. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a method for acquiring seismic data is provided; the method comprises: deploying a first ocean floor cable from a first cable management and logging vessel; prepare the first ocean floor cable for data collection with the first cable management and recorder vessel; generate first waves of origin with a source vessel for data acquisition; record the data of the first ocean floor cable with the first cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin; deploy the second ocean floor cable with the second cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin; prepare a second ocean floor cable with a second cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin; generate second waves of origin with the origin vessel for data acquisition; record data from the second ocean floor cable with the second cable management and logging vessel during the generation of second waves of origin; and retrieve the first ocean floor cable on the first cable management and logging vessel during the generation of second waves of origin. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for acquiring seismic data is provided, the data comprises: deploying a first ocean bottom cable from a first cable management and logging vessel; deploy a second ocean floor cable from the first cable management and logging vessel; generate first waves of origin with a vessel of origin, for the acquisition of data; record the data of the first and second ocean floor cables with the first cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin; prepare a third ocean bottom cable with a second cable management and logging vessel during the generation of the first waves of origin; generate second waves of origin with the source vessel for the acquisition of data, and record data from the second and third ocean bottom cables with the second cable management and recorder vessel, during the generation of the second waves of origin. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for acquiring seismic data is provided. One modality of the method comprises: generating first seismic waves from a first seismic origin associated with a vessel of origin; generate second seismic waves that are not concurrent with the generation of first seismic waves from a second seismic vessel associated with the vessel of origin; receive seismic waves reflected with a receiver from the ocean floor; and records the reflected seismic waves.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a method for acquiring seismic data is provided, the method comprising: towing first and second origins from a vessel of origin; the second origin is farther from the origin vessel than the first origin; tow the origins until the first origin is placed on a first line of recognition; generate a first seismic wave from the first origin in the first scan line; tow the origins until the second origin is placed on the first line of recognition; and generate a second seismic wave from the second origin in the first recognition line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is best understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are briefly described as follows: Figure 1 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagram of a configuration for performing an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a diagram of a configuration for performing an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a diagram of the cables coupled to the cable management and registration vessel; Figure 6 provides a side view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of the present invention, also illustrating an exemplary vessel on which the system is provided, as well as an exemplary cable during its recovery; Figure 7 provides a partially detached top view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of Figure 6, illustrating the different elements of the cable deployment and retrieval system and their respective locations on an exemplary vessel, as well as an exemplary cable that is recover and save; Figure 8 provides a partially detached isometric view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of Figure 6, illustrating a more detailed view of the bow recovery wheel and the eight-wheel front cable puller pulling a seismic cable; Figure 9 provides an isometric view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of Figure 6, particularly illustrating the cable tray and the rear cable puller; Figure 10 provides an isometric view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of Figure 6, which particularly illustrates the cable gutter for guiding the cable from the upper deck to the main deck; Figure 11 illustrates a top view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of Figure 6, which particularly illustrates the lower portion of the cable gutter of Figure 10; Figure 12 provides a top isometric view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of Figure 6, illustrating the operation of the cable trolley system deploying cable to the cable storage tank; Figure 13 provides a cross-sectional top view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of Figure 6, illustrating the relative movement of the trolley; Figure 13a is a top view of the cable deployment and retrieval system illustrating the mass storage of the cable in the cable storage tanks; Figure 14 provides a detached view of the mechanics of an exemplary cable deployment and retrieval system, detailing an exemplary means for varying the space between the wheels of the cable puller; Figure 15 provides an end view of the cable deployment and retrieval system of Figure 6, illustrating the position of two wheels in a cable pull arrangement as used in Figure 15, with an exemplary seismic cable connector located between them, as if pulled by the rotation of the tires, as well as the relative deviation of the tires associated with them; Figure 18 provides a flowchart for a method of acquiring seismic data from the ocean floor; Y Figure 19 provides a diagram of a configuration for associating origins of seismic waves with a source vessel. However, it is noted that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not considered a limitation of the scope of the invention, which includes other equally effective modalities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is a flow diagram of the steps to acquire seismic data, and a diagram for the configuration of cables and vessels for the ocean floor. The method is described with reference to both figures. First, a first cable management and logging vessel deploys a first ocean floor cable (101). This is the ocean bottom cable (11) in the first position A of cable No. 11. The cable management and logging vessel is thus identified because it has both the ability to deploy and retrieve cable from the bottom of the ocean, and record seismic data transmitted by the cable. Signal receivers (15) are located at different points along the cable (11). These signal receivers (15) comprise hydrophones and geophones that are coupled together to remove reverberations of each wavelength of reflection, simultaneously recording the signals of both the hydrophone (pressure detector) and the geophone (speed detector) at each location of the receiver. Following is a detailed discussion of the deployment apparatus. The cable management and recording vessel (10) then prepares (102) the cable (11) to receive seismic data. The preparation process includes: calibration of the registration equipment on board the vessel (11); precise location of the receivers (15); cable test (11) and receivers (15). These tests are discussed in more detail later. At some point, either during the preparation of the cable for data acquisition, or after that, the cable is coupled with the cable management and logging vessel (10). This coupling allows the cable management and logging vessel (10) to provide power to the cable (11) and to receive the seismic data from the cable (11) (see Figure 5). Once the cable (11) is ready for data acquisition, the origin vessel (14) starts generating (103) source waves in the water above the cable (11). The origin vessel crosses the area in the vicinity on the cable that generates waves of origin from several predetermined points. The cable management and recording vessel (10) then records (104) seismic data received by the cable (11). Although the origin vessel (14) is generating waves and the cable management and recording vessel is recording data, a second cable management and recording vessel (20) is deploying (105) a second cable (21). The cable management and logging vessel (20) then prepares (106) the cable (21) to receive seismic data just as the first cable management and logging vessel (10) has done previously. The preparation process includes again: calibration of the registration equipment on board the vessel (21); precise location of the receivers (15); cable test (21) and receivers (15). This cable (21) is placed in such a way that as the origin vessel (14) moves over an area between the cables, both cables obtain data from the same origin waves generated by the origin vessel (14) (see Figure 2). Initially, the origin vessel (14) operates near the cable (11) and only the cable management and recorder vessel (10) records the data. Subsequently, as the origin vessel (14) works away from the cable (11) and towards the cable (21), both cable management and recording vessels (10) and (20) record data. Finally, as the origin vessel (14) approaches the cable (21) and generates waves of origin (107), only the cable management and recording vessel (20) records the data (108).

When the boat handling and record cable (10) is no longer recording data, the cable management and registration vessel (10) is uncoupled from the cable (11) and then begins to recover (109) the cable (11). Recovery involves pulling the cable up from the ocean floor and stowing the cable over the boat. Following is a complete discussion of cable recovery. After the cable (11) is safely stored in the cable management and recorder vessel (10), the vessel (10) then redeploys (110) the cable (11) in a position opposite the cable (21), from which the cable (11) was initially deployed (see Figure 2, cable No.11, second position C). Again, the cable management and registration vessel (10) prepares (111) the cable (11) to receive seismic data. The preparation process, as before, includes: calibration of the registration equipment on board the vessel (11); precise location of the receivers (15); cable test (11) and receivers (15). The cable management and registration vessel (10) is coupled to the cable (11), in order to be able to record data from the cable (11). As the origin vessel (14) works away from the cable (21) and towards the recovered cable (11), a third group of origin waves (112) is generated. Then, the cable management and recording vessel (10) begins to record the data (113). In this way, both cable management and logging vessels (10) and (20) register again at the same time. As the origin vessel (14) approaches the retrieved cable (11), the cable management and registration vessel (20) stops registering. The cable management and registration vessel (20) is then uncoupled and retrieves the cable (21) just as the cable management and registration vessel (10) has done before. The cable management and logging vessel (20) then redeploys the cable (21) in a position opposite to the cable (11) from which the cable (21) was initially deployed (see Figure 2, cable No. 21). , second position B). Again, the cable management and registration vessel (20) will prepare the cable (21) to receive seismic data. The cable management and registration boat (20) is attached to the cable (21) to be able to record the cable data (21). All this process continues until the recognition is completed. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a flow diagram of another method for acquiring seismic data and a diagram for configuration of ocean bottom cables and vessels according to this method is shown. First, the cable management and logging vessel (30) deploys (301) an ocean bottom cable (31) on the ocean floor. A second cable (35) is also deployed (302) near the cable (31), so that an area (71) is disposed on the ocean floor between them. These two cables are coupled (303) to the cable management and registration vessel (30) by couplers (81) (82). An origin vessel (50) traverses the area (101) and generates (304) a first group of waves of origin in particular locations. The cable management and registration vessel (30) registers (305) the data obtained from the cables (30) and (35) at the same time. Although the origin vessel (50) is generating (304) an area (71) and the cable management and logging vessel (30) is registering (305), a third cable (41) is deployed (306) by the cable management and logging vessel (40). The cable management and registration vessel (40) is then coupled (307) with both cables (35) and (41) by couplers (83) and (84). The origin vessel (50) continues to work its trajectory through the area (71) until it finally passes over the cable (35). When the origin vessel (50) begins generating the area (72), it is generating (308) a second group of origin waves. The cable management and recording vessel (40) then records (309) the data received by the cables (35) and (41). Although the origin boat (50) is generating (308) in the area (72), the cable management and registration vessel (30) is then uncoupled (310) from the couplers (81) and (82). Then, retrieve (311) the cable (31) from the first position of the cable (31) and redeploy (312) the cable (31) in the second position of the No. 31 cable. The cable management and registration vessel (31) is then coupled (313) to the cables (31) and (41) by couplers (85) and (86). As the origin vessel (50) moves through the area (72), it finally passes over the cable (41) in its first position and into the area (73). At this point, the origin vessel (50) begins to generate (314) a third group of waves of origin. The cable management and registration vessel (30) then records (315) the data received by the cable (41) and the redeployed cable (31). This process continues as the cable management and registration vessel (40) uncouples from the cables (35) and (41) and retrieves the cable (35) to redeploy the opposite cable (31) in a second position of the cable No. 35. Another aspect of the invention comprises the modification of the vessel of origin used in reconnaissance of the ocean floor. Multiple sources of seismic waves are used in association with a single vessel of origin. Also, the origins are regulated in time according to the speed of the boat of origin, so that the origins generate seismic waves in particular locations. The origins can be made to generate seismic waves in positions that correspond with straight lines of recognition. These lines of recognition may be perpendicular to the course line of the originating vessel, but not necessarily required. Referring to Figures 18 and 19, a method for acquiring seismic data from a reconnaissance of the ocean floor is shown. The method comprises towing (1801) a first seismic origin (1) and a second seismic origin (2) from a source vessel (3). The second seismic origin (2) is towed beyond the vessel of origin (3) that the first seismic origin (1). The origins are towed (1802) until the first seismic origin (1) is placed on a first recognition line (10). Then, a seismic wave (1803) of the first seismic source (1) is generated on the first recognition line (10). Then, the origins are towed (1804) until the second seismic origin (2) is placed on the first recognition line (10). A second seismic wave (1805) is generated by the second seismic origin (2) in the first recognition line (10). The origin vessel continues towing 1806 the two origins until the first seismic origin (1) is placed on a second recognition line 20. A third seismic wave 1807 is generated by the first seismic origin (1) on the second survey line 20. Then the origin vessel tow 1808 the origins until the second seismic origin (2) is placed on the second recognition line 20. A fourth seismic wave 1809 is generated on the second recognition line 20 by the second seismic origin ( 2). This process continues until seismic waves have been generated at appropriate points on the survey lines. In this particular method, the lines of recognition are perpendicular to the course line of the source vessel, the origins can still be made to generate seismic waves from points on the survey lines, varying the relative distance of the origins to the vessel of origin. Also, the timing of the origins can be configured in such a way that the origin vessel can maintain a constant speed as it trawls the origins over the recognition lines. Several modifications to the seismic technology of the ocean floor are combined to make the present invention possible. These include: cable management systems, cable registration and activation systems, positioning and navigation systems, and receiver location systems.

Cable management system. The cable management and logging vessels are fully self-contained and are capable of accommodating their crew complement and sustained operations of more than 5 weeks at sea. Each boat is equipped with a cable management gear complement that is interchangeable between different boats. The handling equipment includes: - Large diameter drum mounted forward of the wheel box. - An 8-wheel impulse syringe and control pedestal for recovery. - Teflon coated guide that is flooded during cable recovery operations, and carries the wiring from the front syringe to the back cover, where the cable is automatically stacked. - A 4-cylinder hydraulic power source (diesel) that drives the entire system. - A 2-wheel side syringe that slides on rails from tank to tank. - 4-wheel impulse deployment syringe and control pedestal for the deployment of the wiring. Seine blocks to quickly move the cable around the deck. - Antennas mounted on drop points. - Buzzer boxes of the rear cover for marking points. - Manual radios equipped with receiver and head transmitter for communication with the navigation and the bridge (Each boat has a discrete frequency during cable operations for safety). An integrated navigation system for each operation. - Probe for each cable boat.

The cable management and logging boats are also equipped with a third power source, which will be used in the case of a fault. In addition, cable management and logging vessels are equipped with the QC Syntrac cable system, which allows the Vessel cable to examine the equipment independently of registration operations. By operating the equipment's QC system from both cable vessels, operators can ensure that the equipment is within specifications before deploying the gear, which will result in a better quality product. The boats are equipped with Macha telephone scrolling TDR and rotary check boxes for QC or individual detectors, or complete cables. In addition to the cable QC, the cable management and recording vessels are equipped with the Syntron acoustic system (ARPS &BATES), which works as a backup for the acoustic system on board the original vessel. A typical distribution of connections will begin with two of the cable management and logging vessels that run in parallel, but in opposite directions, on two adjacent receiving lines. These boats begin a line distribution with a straight run at one end with a turn towards the adjacent line. One of these vessels then connects the lines together with drills and operates the drills to the DP site where the management vessel and cable record will be located for registration. The cable management and logging vessels can also take the surface buoys that have been left, and replace them with acoustically released submersible buoys that are activated remotely by a cover box and transmitter. The cable boats are manned for 24-hour operations and typically a crew of 4 men will be aligned on each of the two ships. Once the connection is in the water, and connected to the cable management and recorder vessel, a projection of the connection will be included (up to 480 channels). The Syntrac system will then be used for QC of the detectors in the background and will review any telemetry problems or power leakage. With the extension within specifications, the cable management and logging vessel begins to locate the receivers on the sea floor. As shown in Figure 6, a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is contemplated for use in conjunction with a V vessel having a bow 1 or forward end, a roda 2 or rear end, a side of door and starboard 3, a cover of upper level 4 and a cover of main level 5. The present system is configured for the deployment and recovery of seismic type cable, the modality of the present invention operates in conjunction with bottom-type seismic cable. During seismic operations, rather heavy and problematic seismic cable lengths are deployed from the stern of the vessel and, once deployed, the cable is used to monitor seismic activity, particularly for hydrocarbon exploration purposes. The recovery of the cable has been an intense, difficult and somewhat manual task, and although the previous systems used devices to pull the cable from the water, none have considered having a system that does not require extensive manual control of the cable. In general, the present system retrieves water cables 6 from the bow of the vessel, using a vertically rather large bow recovery wheel 7 that rotates 9 as the cable is dragged 7 by a front wheel puller 10. From the front wheel handle, the cable is placed on the front end 12 of a cable tray 11, which generally runs the length of the boat, the slide rope (25 in Figure 7) along the tray 11 and exits in the rear portion 13 of the tray, where the cable passes through a rear cable puller 14, driving the cable through a cable gutter, which in turn deposits the cable on the level cover 16. With reference to Figure 7, the cable then passes through a cable trolley 17, which drags, 24, and positions the cable, depositing it in this Figure at the front portion 18 of the cable deposit area on the cable. e the main deck, as would occur in the early stages of a typical cable recovery operation. The trolley is then maneuvered throughout the recovery operation as the cable stack grows in the cable deposit, distributing the cable in a manner that prevents tying or knots. The trolley is mounted on an overhead crane 19, allowing the transverse placement 23 and longitudinal of the trolley in the entire main deck area. As a sample, the cable storage area can be divided into first and second reservoirs 20, 21, respectively, by means of a dividing well 22; this feature has been found to be particularly advantageous under offshore operating conditions, to better support the cable stacks and prevent cable run-off. For a more detailed discussion of the recovery system of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 8. During the recovery operation, the cable end to be retrieved will typically have a fixed recovery bolt thereto, that can be recovered by the crew by means of a hook or similar. The cable end would then be lifted, placed on the wheel 8, and screwed into the cable front handle 10. The bow recovery wheel 8 of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is approximately 2.75 m in external diameter , and runs freely using Teflon bushings and bearings for lower maintenance. The preferred embodiment is the aluminum construction, so as not to be corrosive. The wheel 8 is located in the present system of a generally vertical shape along the starboard side of the bow of the boat above the water, and is supported by a structure 29 which engages the axle 30 of the wheel. The wheel includes a hub portion 31 about its outer diameter, which is coated, for example, with a high-density neoprene bed 32, 2.5 cm, or vulcanized rubber, to protect and cushion the cable from possible damage. The wheel is configured to lift and support the cable 6, including any connector 28, along the upper portion of the wheel 33, allowing the cable to travel on the wheel, the cable then engages the front wheel puller 10, which It is directly below and aligned with the wheel 8. Therefore, the wheel is positioned to lift, align, and guide the cable from the water, to pass through the handle of the front wheel 10. Once it has been lifted the water and aligned by means of the wheel puller, the following cable is pulled and guided by the 8-wheel cable puller, comprising first 34 and second 35 horizontally located groups of rotating wheels, matched to make contact with the cable and pull it. As shown, the present system uses inflated tires 36 on hubs such as wheels, each of the rims supported by a vertical axis 37, which in turn rotates by means of a pneumatic or electric motor 38 or the like. The exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes 8 respective motors, one for each wheel, using a Charlyn hydraulic motor model # 104, 2000 series with displacement of 195.2 cm3. The unit is activated by a 50 horsepower electric motor operating at 25 GPM. Rollers 39, 39 'may be provided to position the cable so as to make contact with the outer diameters of the tires, between the respective pairs. As further illustrated, the pairs of rims are configured to be spaced 42 so that each one makes contact with the cable (along the outer diameter 41 of the rims) with sufficient force to drag the cable frictionally over the driven rotation. of the tires. The separation and speed of rotation of the respective puller pairs of the rims can be varied, as necessary, by means of the control box 43, which can be operated by personnel 44, or be automatic, with the use of detectors and switches placed approximately. During use, the rims on the side of the ship rotate in a right-handed manner 40, since the opposite rims rotate in a levorotatory manner, thereby frictionally driving the cable 45 in a forward manner, towards the front portion 12 of the tray of the vehicle. cable (11 in Figure 6). In addition, the divisions would be reversible as necessary, to stretch the cable backwards. In addition, detectors can be provided to monitor the drag force of the cable, especially in rough seas, and the cable handle controls can be configured to decrease, stop or reverse when the detector indicates excessive drag force on the cable. Likewise, boat speed control can be linked to the speed of the rope puller, to facilitate the faster, less tense means of cable recovery. The tires are resized and to some degree, underinflated, to allow the "soft" grip of the cable, providing enough grip to pull the cable, while allowing the rims to find the passage of a larger diameter connector 28 to through, so as not to have to vary the mechanical space between the tires during the recovery of the cable. The preferred exemplary embodiment of the front 8-wheel cable puller is designed so that each wheel operates at an operating speed greater than 97 RPM, with the present components. Each pair of wheels is capable of providing 143 kg of line haul, providing a total of 572 kg of line haul alone, without the help of other cable haulers in the system. Further details of the operation of the cable shooter are discussed below. Referring to Figures 6, 7 and 8, the tray 11 generally operates on the length of the starboard side of the vessel, along the upper level deck, and is aligned 46 with Teflon sheet material of molecular weight ultrahighway (UHMW), so that the cable slides easily to the back of the boat. In the present exemplary embodiment, the trays are approximately 3.5 m long.

Referring to Figure 9, located at the trailing end 13 of the tray, is the rear cable puller, which the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates as a two-wheeled shooter, but may also include a wheeled frame puller, as shown, which may be suitable for larger boats, for example. The handle is composed of first (47) and second (48) group of handle wheels arranged horizontally, and operates with the same methodology and arrangement as the front eight-wheel cable puller, cited above. The rear cable puller 14 can also include front rollers 20 and rear 50 'located at the entry points of the puller, as well as between the roller groups, in systems with more than two wheels, for a better collection of the cable between the wheels of transmission. The rear cable puller 14 pulls the cable down through the trays, and further pushes the cable 51 towards the gutter for the main lower cover, as will be discussed further below. This unit has the same type of hydraulic motors as the front cable handle, and can be operated, if desired, by means of the power unit in the front unit, so that both units operate in series and at the same speed, providing with it uniform control of the cable that passes between both. Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, once the cable has been pulled through the rear cable puller, it is driven downwardly into the generally horizontal upper opening 52 of the cable gutter 15, which is configured to direct the cable 55 from its longitudinal path in the upper level generally in a vertical manner 53, towards the main deck level that is deposited, generally transversely 54 over the main deck level 61. In the lower section 57 of the gutter, a radial slide 56 to drive the cable in a way that does not damage it; also, it can be provided a flange 58 to further guide the cable with the path generally toward the bow of the ship. The gutter can also be configured, as necessary and convenient, so that the cable is deposited in a generally reversed longitudinal manner, with the cable running out - ^ 15 on the main deck directly towards the ship's tank, as opposed to the previous transverse discharge. Referring to Figure 12, the main deck level 61 includes a cable storage area, running generally from the rear of the cabin The main one towards the rear of the boat, and comprises in exemplary embodiment first 65 and second 65 'cable storage tanks, formed by a dividing wall 64 and contained by side walls 63, 62, respectively, and an end wall, located in the front position 18 of 1.a main cover. The walls that retain the cable in the exemplary mode are approximately 1.22 m high, and are manufactured with a 0.48 cm plate. Floating above the cable storage area is the trolley assembly 69, which supports a floating cable puller 79 for moving or pulling 67 the cable 66 by driving it into a stack 68 in the storage tank. The cable handle 69 includes an entrance opening 35 that receives the cable, whose cable is pulled by a first 87 and a second group of horizontally located handle wheels, each supported by a vertical axis 87 and driven by the motor 92. The floating cable puller can be a two- or four-wheel puller, as preferred and convenient, and is constructed and operated in the same manner as indicated by the cable pullers discussed above. The floating cable handle 79 is supported by a crane 70 having a first 71 and a second 72 ends, each end of the crane is slidably supported, by rolling support members 75, by a longitudinal support member 73, the longitudinal support members traced along opposite lengths of the underside of the upper level deck, and extending from the rear of the main cabin towards the back of the boat. An engine 74 is provided with the roller support members at each end of the gantry for moving the crane along the longitudinal support members, thereby moving the crane in a generally longitudinal direction 76 along the main deck of the crane. the ship. In the exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trolley moves at approximately 45.7 m / min in a generally longitudinal direction aligned with the axis of the vessel. The trolley assembly 69 can also be moved in a side-to-side direction, i.e. transverse movement 77 to the longitudinal axis of the vessel, by the rolling crane support 83 which is driven by the motor 84. In addition to a longitudinal movement and transverse (relative to the longitudinal axis of the vessel), the vertical position 78 of the floating cable puller 79 can be varied by the vertical support member 80, which is telescoping, having an upper support part 81 which slidably engages a lower support part 82. The telescoping action can be provided by reciprocating hydraulic piston, servoelectronic, or a multitude of other technologies in use. The vertical (up-down), transverse (side-side), and longitudinal (front-back and vice versa) can be controlled by the control chassis 90, which controls the respective engines or other means for the placement of the trolley discussed above . Infrared, RF, or wire 89 can be used to communicate commands from the control box to the trolley assembly. An individual system 91 or an automatic system, such as a computer, can control the positioning of the system. In addition, the control chassis or automatic system must also control the floating cable puller, including selective operation, such as on and off, speed, and direction, and separation of the wheels, as necessary and convenient. Generally, in the formation of the cable stack 68 in the cable tank, the trolley need only be placed in a separation relationship with the stack, in approximately the center of the tank, in a vertical position around the height of the tank. the pile of the cable, and not at high speed of the cable puller, and the cable will usually stack itself in a uniform manner. Referring to Figure 13, the cable, once stacked 93 to fill a reservoir 65 '(in cases where divided reservoirs are used), the trolley is then propelled to the front of the other reservoir 65, forming a new stack 94. If the cable begins to knot or tie during stacking, or if the type of cable is difficult to move, the trolley 95 can move to move 97 along the gantry in a side-by-side movement 96, as a speed consistent with the speed of the cable handle, in order to spool the cable on the pile in a non-tethered manner. This process can be automated in several scheduled routines, depending on the type and size of the cable deposit, the type of cable and the operating conditions. Referring now to Figure 13A, to deploy the cable to the sea from the storage tank, the trolley is placed at the stern of the vessel, so that the floating cable puller is generally adjacent to the rear end of the vessel, and it can be closed in position in predetermined deployment area, as convenient, by means of an insurance pin or the like. The first end of the cable is then threaded through the cable puller, and the shooter then starts to pull the cable 99 out of the boat 105 towards the water 106. The vessel V can be driven in a forward direction 98 to route uniformly the wire. A ramp 103 may be provided to propel the cable upward toward the wheel puller area of the cable puller 79, this ramp can be attached removably to the rope puller, as appropriate. During cable deployment operations, the floating cable control speed control can be linked to the speed of the boat, for optimal deployment of the cable. Referring now to Figure 15, the front and rear cable pulls on the upper level deck, and the floating wire pull on the main deck, all use a common cable drag system, which provides a superior means of dragging of seismic cable, and relatively large diameter connectors associated therewith. As shown, the cable puller 114 includes a first 115 and a second 116 sets of horizontally located rims or hubs 120, the rims placed to support a spacer space 118 therebetween, each of the rims also having a front fastener outer diameter 117. Although the variation of the space between the rims 118 is not particularly necessary with the present system, as will be explained more fully below, it may be advantageous to vary the spacing, and therefore, the exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention includes means for varying the separation between the tires. As shown further, each of the cubes is supported by a vertical arrow 121 resting on a support member 122, which in turn is pivotally connected 123 to the support chassis.; the pivotal movement 125 of this support member 122 results in the movement of the sustained wheel member, resulting in a variation 119 of the spacing of the wheels 115 and 116. Referring now to Figure 16, the rims of the handles The cables used in the present invention are configured to be relatively over-stressed when compared to other prior art tires, and in addition the tires are filled to a lower air pressure than would probably be used normally in most the applications that include the tires. With the present tire arrangement, it has been found that cable puller wheels 115, 116 provide better grip even with less frictional damage on cable 126, tires bypassing 127 to accommodate the cable during its rotational / dragging operations , without the need for space adjustments 118. In addition, as shown in Figure 17, when the cable connector 130 (28 in Figure 8) passes between the rims, the tires only deflect 131 more, providing a relatively tight grip. soft, still firm for the connector in a drag operation that is not harmful but effective. Again, the separation 118 between the rims does not need to be mechanically adjusted; the tire only deviates, and the connector is pulled through them. Figure 14 illustrates an exemplary mechanical means of separating the opposing pairs of tires in the cable handle arrangement used in the present system, which includes the front and rear cable puller on the upper level cover, as well as the flotation cable on the main deck. As shown, the base member 140 of the spacer member 132 first supports 133 and second 134 groups of opposed rims, each supported by a vertical arrow 135. A rim support member (under the rim shown) engages the arrow 135 at one end, and pivotally connected 137 to the support member at the other end. As further shown, the first end of a pivot member 139 is pivotally connected 138 to the middle area of the rim support member 136, the other end is connected to the slider member 141, which has first 143 and second 144 ends. The sliding member is slidably connected to the base member 140 with 142, so that the longitudinal movement 145 of the sliding member that can be driven by motor, cylinder or servomechanism, causes the respective pairs of clamping wheels to move pivotally. closer together, 146, 147 or extend away, from an open rim position 148 to a cable grip position 149, depending on the direction in which the slide bar is driven.

Registration Systems Cable Activation. The registration system used is a Syntrac 480 ocean bottom cable system, manufactured by Syn ron Inc. The seventh comprises the following features: Type and manufacturer: Syntrac 480 Ocean Botton Cable System, Syntron Inc, Registration format / density: 3480 cassettes No. of channels / SR: 1920/2 ms Locut / Hicut filters: According to the specification for the particular project Preamp gain: Typical, 24dB +/- 0.2%, max 0.5% Input noise: Typical, 0.2uBar RMS Dynamic scale: HOdB Tape transport drives of 3480 cassettes Camera OYÓ Attribute analysis data group attributes for QC purposes, and raw 2D batteries Before starting daily production, daily tests must be performed for presentation at the end of the day with a summary and failure record of the test, according to a field quality control manual. These tests include: 1) pulse tests 2) continuity test 3) pulse test on receivers and display of results in the camera. 4) record of environmental noise 5) continuity test of leakage of background cable and detectors to identify inactive detectors. 6) detector output.

Several tests should be conducted weekly including: 1) total harmonic distortion 2) transverse advance insulation 3) common mode rejection 4) dynamic scale test 5) pulse test 6) equivalent input noise Finally, there are several tests that must be performed on a monthly basis, including: 1) total harmonic distortion 2) transversal advance insulation 3) common mode rejection 4) linearity of the A / D converter 5) dynamic scale test 6) pulsation test 7) equivalent input noise Although a ProMax can offer high-quality 2D processing, it can only be considered as a QC tool during full 3D recognition. However, through the Tensor that processes on board fully functional using an interim Hypercube MPP for on-board migration. A quality control system (QC) is provided to monitor specific attributes, coupled with the availability of on-board QC processing. This gives a real-time determination of the data group. The crew members are equipped with three IBM 6000 series, to determine the real time of the data group. Each workstation has disk space equal to 10 to 11 GB of memory. A Promax processor system is offered as a standard to provide an array of 2D QC processing tools. The second system operates the QC 'Census' tools system. In addition to controlling the deposit, this system is capable of mapping attributes defined by the user. A second Promax provides almost 3D trace bucket friction.

The cable drive system supplies power to the ocean floor cables. This system draws energy from the ship's normal source of energy. The energy is provided by the cables by coupling the cables with the cable management and logging vessel. See Figure 5. Also, instruments and recording equipment are stored in a record room (20), shown in Figure 6.

Positioning and navigation systems. The acknowledgments are made with Syntrack digital background cable system. The positioning and navigation control is performed using DGPS as a primary system with a secondary DGPS system for backup. A minimum of two reference stations and an integrity monitor are required for the system to be efficient. Receiver positioning is carried out with the use of ARS by Syntron's (acoustic scale placement system). This system is accurate up to one meter, in relation to the navigation system. The on-board QC will include the development of attribute models through the QC 'Census' tool systems. Graphs of compensation deposit and theoretical and real duplication are produced. The deposit files are also collected in the context of all the recognition, so that the attributes are monitored not only on a connection-to-connection basis, but also in the cumulative form. 'ProMax' is available to provide on-board QC processing for raw stacking. Additional QC software includes OBRL Vs Acoustic solution results, and Gun QC on board the registration vessel. The post-processing navigation is finished on board. An INS (integrated navigation system) remotely links 5 or more operating systems located on each of the vessels assigned to the survey. There is a navigation system that uses DGPS for both the first and secondary placement. A minimum of two differential stations is maintained along with an integrity monitoring station at all times. The starting materials that are used to calculate the corrections are grouped in an exhibition file system. The INS is capable of many features that are critical for efficient bottom-line operation. The system includes a Hazard deployment system, which can be loaded with known obstructions along with pre-recorded origin and reception line positions. Typically, risk deployments are also burdened with operating risks, buoys, etc., from day to day. These daily risks are added and subtracted from the Hazard database as the crew advances in the reconnaissance. Two other features are integrated into the risk deployment: a determination monitor and a DP (dynamic positioning) screen. The determination monitor updates the position of each of the vessels in the recognition area, after a few seconds. The individual boats placed are registered port to port of a main vessel (in this case the vessel of registration) and then displayed on the Hazard screen along with the other details that are part of its database. This feature gives the crew a fast superior deployment of each position of the ship in relation to the different obstructions. It also allows crew managers to properly manage boats in the most efficient manner, depending on their location. This deployment gives a quick reference when a potential question regarding the position or tracking arises. The DP screen allows the crew on board the registration vessel to set an opening around the DP point at which they will be placed at each connection. The helmsman can then have an easy reference regarding the position of the DP boat in relation to the maximum compensation that the boat can deviate from the original point. The deployment ensures that both the rudder and the navigation are monitoring the vessel during DP operations. Both locations are monitored by an alarm system that is activated if the vessel exceeds the maximum deviation that has been introduced in the systems. This is a safety advantage when DP operations are performed within an obeyed area. The risk display and the positions that are fed into the DP system are operated independently from the rest of the navigation system. However, it uses the lever for the main navigation system as a backup in case the primary DP system fails. The cable management and logging vessels are equipped with INS capable of calculating the position independently of the other vessels. Each cable management and logging vessel system is integrated with an antenna located on the drop position, a digital probe, and a door for the door communication system. The main function, which has been outlined above, is to feed the positions for the dynamic positioning system that maintains the cable management and logging vessel in its location during the acquisition phase. of the project. The secondary system will act as a boom or non-intervention to position the vessel remotely. File transfer is used from port to port so that the data groups of several vessels are transmitted to the record vessel. The second seisma that is used for file transfer and remote control positioning acts as a backup system for the main DP navigation system in the event of a primary system failure. The INS on board the origin vessel calculates a multi-position adjustment in, and around, the boat.

The first adjustment is derived from the mast of the boat. In addition to the adjustment of the mast, each of the exterior gun arrangements are equipped with a GPS antenna located in the middle part of the arrangement. The position of the two antennas in the arrangement is taken and an angle and deviation of the mean of the arrangement is applied. The average of the two antennas is then calculated. From this calculation, a scale and support is originated back to the mast, which produces the final adjustment of the origin. The TNS is also integrated with the acoustic transmission system and the Macha time control interface for gun time regulation.

Receiver location systems. A Syntron acoustic system is used to locate the receivers. This system transmits a time-regulated acoustic signature that is located in a marine ark on the boat of origin. A series of pulsations regulated in time at a frequency of 77 KHz are transmitted at predetermined intervals along offset lines (min 100 m) from, or orthogonal to, the receiving lines. As the source boat moves from one PING point to the next, it transmits the location from which the acoustic subject was fired back to the record vessel. The record vessel then records the transmitted location along with the scales that are taken by each of the acoustic receivers located in the background. The acoustic receivers are located in each receptor group on the sea floor and electrically bridge through the hydrophone pair of each receptor group. As the acoustic sequence begins, the source boat sends a signal to the Syntrak system aboard the recorder, so that the acoustic pulse is close to being made. The Syntrak recorders then trigger down any seismic acquisition and trigger a 5 volt signal that is generated from the modules of the sea floor, towards acoustic receivers located in the individual receiver groups. This signal activates the acoustic receivers. The pulsation is then transmitted from the originating vessel and a scale is measured by the acoustic receivers. The signatures are then digitized in the floor module of the sea and transmitted back to the recorder, where they are combined with the location of the transmission that has been sent to the recorder by means of the origin. Each receiver of the sea floor will collect numerous scales from an opening of about 700 meters. Once all the cable has sounded the ARPS side of the acoustic system, you will be given the command to resolve the location and calculate the receiver locations. Then the output can be analyzed in printed form or take a coordinate conversion, through a DXF input and displayed on ACAD along with other layers that allow the analysis of receiver location against files "AS LAID" or "PREPLOT". The solutions can be analyzed on the registration vessel within 30 minutes of the acquisition. The embodiments of the invention described herein are thus made in detail for exemplary purposes only, and may be subject to many different variations in design, structure, application and operation methodology. Therefore, the descriptions detailed herein should be construed as illustrative, in an exemplary manner, and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (10)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A method to acquire seismic data, the method comprises: deploying a first ocean floor cable from a first cable management and logging vessel; generate first waves of origin with a vessel of origin for the acquisition of data; record data of the first ocean floor cable with the first cable management and recorder vessel during said generation of first waves of origin; preparing a second ocean floor cable with a second cable management and logging vessel during said generation of first waves of origin; generate second waves of origin with the origin vessel for data acquisition; and recording data of the second ocean floor cable with the second cable management and logging vessel during said generation of the second waves of origin.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said deployment of a first ocean floor cable comprises deploying a first plurality of ocean floor cables.

3. A method according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises preparing the first ocean floor cable for data collection with the first cable management and recorder vessel.

4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that said preparation of the first ocean floor cable comprises a prior data acquisition test of the first ocean floor cable.

5. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that said test comprises performing at least one test of the group of tests consisting of: pulse test, continuity test, pulse test on receivers and display of results on camera , record of ambient noise, total harmonic distortion, transverse advance isolation, common mode rejection, dynamic scale test, equivalent input noise, A / D converter linearity, cable leak and continuity, and detector output.

6. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that said preparation of the first ocean floor cable comprises pre-calibration of the acquisition of registration data of the equipment on board the first cable management and registration vessel.

A method according to claim 3, characterized in that said preparation of the first ocean floor cable comprises locating receivers on the first ocean floor cable.

8. - A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said preparation of the second ocean floor cable comprises prior testing of the acquisition of data from the second ocean floor cable.

9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that said test comprises performing at least one test of the group of tests consisting of: pulse test, continuity test, pulse test on receivers and display of results on camera , record of ambient noise, total harmonic distortion, transverse advance isolation, common mode rejection, dynamic scale test, equivalent input noise, A / D converter linearity, cable leak and continuity, and detector output.

10. A method according to the claim 1, characterized in that said preparation of the second ocean floor cable comprises pre-calibration of the acquisition of registration data of the equipment on board the second cable management and recorder vessel. 11.- A method in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that said preparation of the second ocean floor cable comprises locating receivers in the second ocean floor cable. 12. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises deploying the second ocean floor cable with the second cable management and recording vessel during said generation of first waves of origin. 13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that said deployment of the second ocean floor cable comprises deploying a second plurality of ocean floor cables. 14. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises connecting the first cable management and registration vessel to the first ocean bottom cable for a recording mode. 15. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises connecting the second cable management and logging vessel to the second cable of • Ocean bottom for a record mode during said r -. 15 generation of the first waves of origin. 16.- A method according to the claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises recovering the first ocean floor cable in the first cable management and recording vessel during said second wave generation. 20 origin. 17. A method according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises recovering the second ocean floor cable in the second cable management and recorder vessel. 18.- A method for acquiring seismic data, the method comprises: deploying a first ocean floor cable from a first cable management and logging vessel; prepare the first ocean floor cable for data collection with the first cable management and recorder vessel; generate first waves of origin with a vessel 5 origin for data acquisition; record data of the first ocean floor cable with the first cable management and logging vessel during said generation of the first waves of origin; deploy the second ocean bottom cable with the second cable management and logging vessel 10 during said generation of the first waves of origin; prepare a second ocean floor cable with a second cable management and logging vessel during said generation of the first waves of origin; generate second * waves of origin with the vessel of origin for acquisition t t 15 of data; record data from the second ocean floor cable with the second cable management and logging vessel during said wave generation of origin; and recovering the first ocean floor cable in the first cable management and logging vessel during said generation of the 20 second waves of origin. 19. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that said preparation of the first ocean floor cable comprises: pre-testing the acquisition of data from the first ocean floor cable; calibrate 25 previously the acquisition of data from the recording equipment on board the first cable management and recorder vessel; locate receivers on the first ocean floor cable. 20. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that said preparation of the second ocean floor cable comprises: pre-testing the data acquisition 5 of the second ocean floor cable; pre-calibrate the acquisition of data from the on-board recording equipment of the second cable management and recorder vessel; locate receivers on the second ocean floor cable. 21.- A method to acquire seismic data, the The method comprises: deploying a first ocean floor cable from a first cable management and logging vessel; deploy a second ocean floor cable from the first cable management and logging vessel; generate first ** waves of origin with a source vessel for acquisition i, 15 of data; record data from the first and second ocean floor cables with the first cable management and logging vessel during said generation of first waves of origin; prepare a third ocean floor cable with a second cable management and logging vessel during said 20 generation of the first waves of origin; generate second waves of origin with the origin vessel for data acquisition; record data from the second and third ocean floor cables with the second cable management and logging vessel during said generation of the second 25 waves of origin. 22. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises recovering the first ocean floor cable in the first cable management and recording vessel during said generation of the second waves of origin. 5 23.- A method according to the claim 22, characterized in that it comprises recovering the first ocean floor cable with the first cable management and recording vessel during said generation of the second waves of origin. 10 24.- A method of compliance with the claim 23, characterized in that it comprises generating third waves of seismic origin with the origin vessel for data acquisition. * 25.- A method of compliance with the claim ^ 15 24, characterized in that it comprises recording data of said third party and said first ocean floor cable recovered during said generation of third waves of seismic origin. 26.- A method for acquiring seismic data, the method comprises: generating first seismic waves from a first seismic origin associated with a vessel of origin; generate second seismic waves not concurrent with said generation of the first seismic waves from a second seismic origin associated with said origin vessel; receive reflected seismic waves with a 25 ocean bottom receiver; and record the reflected seismic waves. 27. A method according to claim 26, characterized in that it comprises generating seismic waves from at least two origins associated with the vessel of origin. 28.- A method in accordance with the claim 5 26, characterized in that it comprises placing the first and second seismic origin, so that said generation of the first seismic waves and said generation of the second seismic waves are in a line of recognition. 29.- A method in accordance with the claim 10 28, characterized in that the recognition line is perpendicular to a course line of the origin vessel. 30. A method according to claim 26, characterized in that it comprises alternating said generation of * first seismic waves and said generation of second waves ? J 15 seismic. 31.- A method according to claim 26, characterized in that it comprises graduating relative positions of the first and second seismic origins. 32. A method according to claim 20, characterized in that said graduation comprises towing the first seismic origin at a greater distance behind the origin vessel than the second symmetrical origin. 33.- A method in accordance with the claim 32, characterized in that it comprises regulating the speed of the 25 vessel of origin so that said generation of first seismic waves and said generation of second waves are in a line of recognition. 34.- A method to acquire seismic data, the method comprises; towing first and second origins of a vessel of origin, where the second origin is more distant from the vessel of origin than the first source; tow the origins until the first origin is placed on a first line of recognition; tow the origins until the second origin is placed on a first line of recognition; and generate a second seismic wave of the second 10 origin in the first line of recognition. 35. A method according to claim 34, further characterized in that it comprises: towing the origins until the first origin is placed on a second recognition line; generating a third seismic wave 15 of the first origin in the second recognition line; tow the origins until the second origin is placed on the second line of recognition; and generating a fourth seismic wave of the second origin in the second recognition line.