US3794965A - Marine seismic cable buoyancy system - Google Patents
Marine seismic cable buoyancy system Download PDFInfo
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- US3794965A US3794965A US00289928A US3794965DA US3794965A US 3794965 A US3794965 A US 3794965A US 00289928 A US00289928 A US 00289928A US 3794965D A US3794965D A US 3794965DA US 3794965 A US3794965 A US 3794965A
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
- G01V1/00—Seismology; Seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting
- G01V1/38—Seismology; Seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting specially adapted for water-covered areas
- G01V1/3817—Positioning of seismic devices
- G01V1/3826—Positioning of seismic devices dynamic steering, e.g. by paravanes or birds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
- B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
- B63G8/42—Towed underwater vessels
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
- G01V1/00—Seismology; Seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting
- G01V1/16—Receiving elements for seismic signals; Arrangements or adaptations of receiving elements
- G01V1/20—Arrangements of receiving elements, e.g. geophone pattern
- G01V1/201—Constructional details of seismic cables, e.g. streamers
- G01V2001/207—Buoyancy
Definitions
- VALVE OPEN (UP FCPHl +SURFACE)-(VALVE OPEN ENABLE) 2. VALVE OPEN ENABLE DOWN 3. VALVE CLOSE (UP l DOWN FCPHI HVALVE CLOSE ENABLE) 4. VALVE CLOSE ENABLE SURFACE 2 5. PUMP RUN (FCPLO DOWN )'(PUMP ENABLE) 6. PUMP ENABLE UP Z SURFACE 2 PATENTEDFEBZBIHH 3.794865 s IzsI a.
- This invention relates to seismic cables for use in marine prospecting operations and is particularly concerned with a method and apparatus for controlling the buoyancy of such cables.
- Seismic prospecting operations carried out in marine areas generally require the use of a seismic cable or streamer containing hydrophones.
- This cable is normally made up of sections that can be joined to form an assembly of any desired length.
- Each section is usually a long tubular member having an outer wall of heavy plastic or similar material.
- a bulkhead at each end of the section provides a fluid-tight seal about electrical conductors and tension cables extending through the section.
- the hydrophones are spaced at intervals within each section and the interior is filled with a light oil or similar material to give a neutral or slightly positive buoyancy.
- Depth controllers provided with vanes that can be adjusted to change the vane angle are installed at intervals along the cables length. By monitoring the hydrostatic pressure at various points along the cable and automatically or manually adjusting the depth controller vanes, the cable can be maintained at the required depth during prospecting operations.
- This invention provides an improved method and apparatus for controlling the buoyancy of a seismic cable or similar device which largely eliminates the difficulties associated with external depth controllers and other equipment available heretofore.
- the system of the invention makes use of isolated buoyancy chambers located at intervals along the length of the cable.
- Each buoyancy chamber contains an expansible section within which a gas is maintained at a pressure in excess of the ambient water pressure.
- An electric pump associated with each buoyancy chamber permits the introduction of water into the chamber under sufficient pressure to further compress the confined gas. The reduction in the volume of gas in the chamber and the corresponding increase in the amount of water present results in a decrease in the buoyancy of the apparatus.
- an electrically-actuated valve When an increase in buoyancy is required, an electrically-actuated valve is opened and water is expelled from the buoyancy chamber as the gas expands.
- the buoyancy of the entire cable can thus be adjusted as necessary to maintain the required cable depth during a seismic prospecting operation. Since the system does not require external vanes or similar projections, the cable can be towed at relatively high speeds with little noise.
- the buoyancy control system of the invention provides either manual or automatic control of the depth of individual sections of a marine seismic cable.
- Switches on a buoyancy control panel aboard the towing vessel are connected through cable conductors to each of the individual buoyancy control units in the cable or to each of several groups of units. These switches control operation of the motor and valve on each control unit so that the buoyancy can be increased or decreased at will.
- each of the buoyancy control units includes a pressure comparator which actuates the motor or valve in the unit in response to changes in pressure and thus serves to main tain the marine cable at constant buoyancy. This can be adjusted to operate at neutral buoyancy for any desired depth within the normal seismic cable operating range. Fail-safe features which will cause the cable to rise to the waters surface in the event of an emergency are also included in the system.
- the method and apparatus of the invention have numerous advantages over seismic depth control systems advocated in the past.
- the use of streamlined control units of substantially the same diameter as the active sections of the streamer cable containing the hydrophones eliminates extraneous noise associated with paravanes and similar devices and makes possible higher towing rates than are ordinarily feasible with conventional systems.
- the vertical sensing devices required with paravanes and similar units are not required and hence no anomalous vertical force is needed at the point of control.
- the provision of both manual and automatic controls results in a versatile system which can be used under adverse conditions where conventional systems may not be applicable and which permits more precise control of cable depth than can normally be attained with conventional systems.
- the system of the invention makes possible substantial improvements in offshore seismic prospecting operations.
- FIG. 1 in the drawing is a schematic representation of a seismic prospecting operation carried out in accor dance with the invention
- FIG. 2 is a block and flow diagram illustrating the major components of the buoyancy control system and their operation
- FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross sectional view through a buoyancy control unit constructed in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 4 sets forth the logic equations involved in the system of the invention
- FIG. 5 is a logic diagram illustrating the pump and valve control system of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross section through a buoyancy control unit of the invention showing the buoyancy chamber
- FIG. 7 illustrates, in longitudinal cross section, the pressure comparator employed in the apparatus
- FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross section through the valve used in the system.
- FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross section through the pump employed in the system.
- FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram of the cir cuitry employed in the buoyancy control system
- FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of the constant current battery charging circuit employed in the system.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of inverter circuits used in the system
- FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of logic gates employed in the system.
- FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing details of the valve motor control and drive system of the buoyancy control apparatus of the invention.
- a marine seismic cable is shown being pulled behind a tow vessel 11 fitted with a reel 12 or the like for storing the cable aboard the vessel and unreeling it outwardly into the water.
- the cable shown includes an initial lead-in section 13 which extends between the towing vessel and the active portion of the cable, buoyancy control units 14 and 15, and detector section 16.
- the entire cable may range from a few hundred feet to 10,000 feet or more in length and will normally include a plurality of depth control units and detector sections. The number of each and their arrangement within the cables will depend in part upon the particular seismic prospecting operation to be carried out and the type of active cable sections employed.
- buoyancy control units should be located at intervals along the cable length sufficiently close together to permit maintaining of the cable at a substantially uniform depth.
- This depth will normally be between about 10 and about 50 feet below the waters surface, depending in part upon the particular type of seismic operation being conducted, sea conditions, the towing speed, and other factors.
- the initial lead-in section 13 of the cable assembly shown in FIG. 1 may be fitted with a conventional paravane or similar depth controller 17 which will serve to hold the forward end of the cable at the desired depth beneath the surface of the water as it is towed.
- a conventional paravane or similar depth controller 17 which will serve to hold the forward end of the cable at the desired depth beneath the surface of the water as it is towed.
- Such a device if used, will normally be positioned well forward of the active section of the cable so that the noise generated will not seriously interfere with the signals picked up by the hydrophones.
- a weighted lead-in section into which fluid can be introduced from the tow vessel to permit adjustment of the depth at which the lead-in section moves through the water may be employed.
- the apparatus of the invention functions to maintain the rest of the cable at an average neutral buoyancy so that it will readily trail at constant depth behind the lead-in section.
- FIG. 2 The block and flow diagram of FIG. 2 in the drawing illustrates the major components of the system of the invention and the overall mode of operation of the system.
- the system includes a buoyancy chamber 20 with which a pressure comparator 21 and a calibration pressure chamber 22 are associated.
- Bypass valve 23 and pump 24 permit the transfer of water between the buoyancy chamber and the surrounding body of water 25 along separate paths.
- a valve and pump control means 26 regulates operation of the pump to introduce water into the buoyancy chamber in response to input signals from either the tow vessel or the pressure comparator.
- Operation of the bypass valve to permit the expulsion of water from the buoyancy chamber into the surrounding body of water is similarly regulated by the valve and pump control means in response to other signals from either the tow vessel or the pressure comparator.
- the buoyancy of the system is thus regulated by forcing water into or out of the buoyancy chamber upon receipt of signals which may be initiated manually aboard the tow vessel or generated automatically by the pressure comparator.
- the outer housing of the apparatus will normally comprise an elongated cylindrical tube or sleeve 30 of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or similar material.
- the material selected should be flexible, impervious to fluids, and resistant to deterioration in the presence of water, brine, ultraviolet light, and oil. Laminated materials reinforced with fiberglass or the like may be employed if desired.
- Bulkheads 3] and 32 are located near the ends of the housing and are held in place by bands or straps 33 and 34. Cables 35 and 36 of steel or similar material extend through the apparatus and serve to take the tension during towing operations. Although only two cables are shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus will normally include three cables spaced at intervals. The bulkheads are sealed about the cables to prevent the leakage of fluids into or out of the apparatus.
- Spacer rings 37 are mounted between the cables and the inner wall of the housing to hold the assembly in shape.
- An electrical cable 38 extends through the housing from an electrical connector 39 on one end of the apparatus to a similar connector on the other end.
- the connectors are designed to mate with similar connectors on adjacent sections of the seismic cable so that charging current and control signals from the apparatus aboard the tow vessel can be transmitted to the various buoyancy control units spaced along the cable and seismic signals can be transmitted from the hydrophones to the seismic recording apparatus on the tow vessel.
- the bulkheads are sealed around electrical cable 38 to prevent fluid leakage.
- the housing can be connected to adjacent sections of a seismic cable by making up the electrical connectors, connecting the tension cables extending from the bulkheads to similar cables in the adjacent sections, positioning the ends of sleeve 30 over the bulkheads on the adjacent sections, and then fastening the sleeves in place with straps or bands.
- the buoyancy control unit components mounted within the housing 30 in FIG. 3 include a pressure comparator 40 which is connected by tubing 41 to an air injection port 42 in the side of bulkhead 31.
- the pressure comparator includes a calibration pressure chamber which is not shown in FIG. 3.
- the air injection port is provided with a fluid-tight cap and may be fitted with a check valve to facilitate the introduction of air or gas into the chamber under pressure.
- the buoyancy chamber 43 is located adjacent the pressure comparator and next to this is positioned an electrical pump 44.
- the batteries used to power the pump are contained in area 45.
- Area 46 contains a part of the electronic equipment used to control operation of the apparatus.
- a depth and pressure sensor 47 which may be of conventional design, is located adjacent the electronic components.
- Water intake port 51 is located in the side of bulkhead 32 and communicates with water intake line filter 52.
- Water line 53 extends from the filter to the intake port on pump 43.
- Water discharge line 54 extends from the buoyancy chamber to the bypass valve through T 55. The discharged water passes from the bypass valve through filter 52, backwashing off any solids accumulated during the intake step, and is ejected through port 51.
- Port 56 and branch line 57 permit the initial injection of water into the system without running the pump. The individual components thus employed in the system are described in greater detail below.
- FIG. 7 of the drawing The pressure comparator employed in the apparatus described above is shown in detail in FIG. 7 of the drawing.
- This unit includes a cylindrical housing which is preferably made up of an inlet section 60, an intermediate section 61, and a connecting section 62 in order to facilitate assembly of the apparatus and permit ready access to the internal components.
- the three sections are held together by bolts 63 and 64 as shown.
- lnlet section 60 is provided with a fitting 65 by means of which air line 41 is connected to the comparator. Electrical leads extend through fluid-tight fittings in the end wall of the inlet section to terminals 66, 67 and 68.
- Leads extend from these terminals to snap-action switches 69 and 70, which are mounted within intermediate section 61 and held in place by cylindrical spacers 71 and 72 and by bolts 73 and 74.
- Piston 75 is positioned between the two switches so that the switches are actuated by movement of the piston. Each switch has two positions, an on" position and an off position. The of position of switch 70 is not used.
- Rod 76 extends from piston 75 to members 77 and 78, between which rolling diaphragm 79 is positioned. The outer edge of the diaphragm is held in place between the ends of intermediate section 61 and connecting section 62. Fittings 80 in the end of the connecting section permit the passage of air between the pressure comparator and the adjoining buoyancy chamber.
- the outer housing 81 of the buoyancy chamber extends over the outside of the connecting section 62 and is held in place by band or strap 82.
- the buoyancy or flotation chamber of the apparatus is shown in FIG. 6, which also depicts outer housing 30, tension member 35, and supporting ring 37.
- the outer wall of the flotation chamber is an elongated, flexible tube 81 of heavy plastic material which will bend readily but tends to maintain a circular cross-section of fixed diameter.
- One end of this member extends over 5 the connecting end 62 of the pressure comparator as indicated in FIG. 7 and the other end is mounted on the end of the pump assembly as shown in FIG. 9.
- an elongated collapsible bladder 83 Positioned within the flotation chamber is an elongated collapsible bladder 83 of thin rubber, plastic or similar highly flexible material.
- One end of this bladder extends over the end of the pump assembly to permit the movement of water into and out of the bladder. The other end is sealed to preclude escape of the water as shown in FIG. 6.
- a low friction l5 piston or other device for separating the air and water in the flotation chamber may in some cases be em ployed
- the dimensions of the flotation chamber and bladder will depend in part upon the size and weight of the marine seismic cable or other device with which the buoyancy controllers are to be used, the spacing of the controllers within the cable assembly, and other factors.
- the buoyancy controller is normally designed with a flotation chamber volume such that the average density of the controller unit and the associated length of active marine cable equals the average density of sea water when the chamber is two-thirds full of water. Since the dimensions and densities of all the materials which are used in the active cable section and the buoyancy controller unit are known, the required volume for a particular case can be readily calculated.
- the float chamber may have an inside diameter of about 1 inch and may be 24 feet or more in length. A 24 foot chamber of this size would have a capacity of about 1 gallon and would result in a weight increase of approximately 6 pounds when two-thirds filled with sea water. If a chamber of this type is located between each two active sections of a typical marine seismic cable, a length considerably less than 24 feet would normally be adequate.
- the air or gas pressure employed in the pressure comparator and flotation chamber will depend primarily upon the depth at which the marine seismic cable or similar device is intended to operate. Marine seismic cables are normally operated at depths between about 30 and about 40 feet but in most cases the buoyancy controller will be designed to function at all depths from zero to about 50 feet or more.
- the air or gas pressure in the pressure comparator and buoyancy chamber should be sufficiently in excess of the hydrostatic pressure to rapidly expel water from the bladder when the bypass valve in the apparatus is opened.
- the ambient pressure in the zero to 50 foot depth range varies from atmospheric up to about 37 pounds per square inch absolute.
- the air or gas pressure in the comparator section will therefore normally be set at about 45 pounds per square inch absolute. That in the flotation chamber will normally be the same when the chamber is twothirds full of water. This is a practical working pressure for the materials used in the buoyancy control unit and one which can be employed without any safety hazard. Higher pressures can be used if desired, however.
- FIG. 9 of the drawing The pump assembly employed in the apparatus of the invention is shown in FIG. 9 of the drawing.
- This assembly includes a discharge section 84 over the end of which buoyancy chamber tube 81 and bladder 83 are held in place by strap or band 85.
- a discharge port 86 extends through the wall of the discharge section and communicates with passageway 87 in adjacent member 88 containing a check valve 89. This check valve prevents the flow of water from the flotation chamber back through the pump assembly.
- Passageway 90 extends from the check valve through adjacent section 91 into section 92, where drive gear 93 and an associated idler gear which does not appear in the drawing serve as the pumping elements.
- Passageway 94 extends from the gears into adjacent section 95 where it communicates with water intake line 53.
- the drive gear 93 is mounted on pump shaft 96, which is supported by suitable bearings and seals in sections 97 and 98 of the pump assembly.
- the end of shaft 96 is connected by drive coupling 99 to the shaft of a fractional horsepower direct current electric motor 100.
- the motor is powered through leads 101 and 102, which are connected to contacts 103 and 104. Power is supplied to the contacts through fluid-tight fittings 105 and 106. It will be understood, of course, that the invention is not restricted to the particular type of pump assembly shown in the drawing and that other electrically powered pumps may be used.
- FIG. 8 in the drawing is an enlarged view of the electrically driven bypass valve assembly employed in the apparatus of FIG. 3.
- the bypass valve assembly includes a fractional horsepower direct current electrical motor 110 which is powered by leads extending through fluid-tight fittings 111 and 112 to terminals 113 and 114.
- the motor shaft is connected through drive coupling 115 to rod 116 on which valve plate 117 is mounted.
- the valve plate contains a slot extending through a 90 are into which pin 118 extends and an opening through which water may pass when the plate is in the open position. The slot and opening do not appear in the drawing.
- the valve mechanism is enclosed in an elongated fluid-tight housing 119 which is made up in sections to facilitate assembly of the apparatus and ready access to the components.
- Water discharge line 54 enters the housing through suitable fluid-tight connections on each side of the valve plate so that the flow of water through the line can be controlled by means of the valve.
- a valve actuated by a solenoid or similar device may be employed if desired.
- FIG. 4 sets forth the logic equations applicable to the system.
- the arrows in the equations indicate that the leading edge of the signal satisfies the specified condition. Where no arrow is shown, the condition is stable.
- FIG. 5 is a simplified logic diagram illustrating the control system and the interrelationships between the various components. Referring to FIG. 5, which represents a single buoyancy control unit, it will be noted that three manual control signals from a buoyancy control panel aboard the tow vessel are indicated. Two of these control signals, UP, and DOWN are specific to the individual. buoyancy control unit. The third manual signal,
- the apparatus of the invention permits control of the buoyancy of a marine seismic cable or similar device by pumping water into one or more buoyancy or flotation chambers located at intervals along the length of the cable assembly when a decrease in buoyancy is needed and by expelling water from the chambers through the bypass valves when an increase in buoyancy is required.
- Manual operation of the pump and valve are controlled by the UP,,, DOWN,, and SURFACE signals from the shipboard controller.
- the SURFACE signal is maintained as long as the electrical conductor between the buoyancy control unit and the shipboard controller is unbroken. If this circuit is interrupted by the activation of a switch on the shipboard controller or by a break in the cable between the tow vessel and the buoyancy control unit, inverter I in FIG.
- START and STOP signals activate and deactivate all of the units in the assembly.
- These signals 0 tow vessel results in a short pulse to OR gate G1 and discontinuance of the DOWN,, signal from inverter 1
- the DOWN signal results in closing of the valve as indicated in logic equation number 3.
- Equation 4 shows that the VALVE CLOSE ENABLE state depends upon the absence of a SURFACE signal. Current from inverter I flows to switching unit SW2B in the absence of such a SURFACE signal so that the valve motor can be actuated in response to the CLOSE signal from OR gate G1 and the valve can be closed.
- the pressure comparator in each buoyancy controller unit provides automatic control of buoyancy if desired.
- the gas pressure in the calibration pressure chamber is normally adjusted so that the unit and associated section of the seismic cable will have neutral buoyancy when the bladder in the flotation chamber is about two-thirds full of water. This pressure will generally be on the order of 30 pounds per square inch gauge. With experience, the pressure can be calibrated quite accurately, particularly if care is taken to employ air at ambient sea water temperature.
- the diaphragm in the pressure comparator is exposed to the calibration pressure on one side and the flotation chamber pressure on the other. A differential pressure of less than 1 pound per square inch will drive the diaphragm from one limit stop to the other stop. With these two pressures equal, the diaphragm will reside between the limit stops.
- the pressure comparator generates three signals.
- one of the switches in the unit is actuated to provide an active output which is called Flotation Chamber Pressure Low," abbreviated FCPLO.
- FCPLO Flotation Chamber Pressure Low
- FCPHI Flotation Chamber Pressure High
- both switches are unactuated and their normally closed contacts yield the respective complementary signals FCPLO and FCPHI.
- the FCPLO signal is not used in this particular embodiment of the apparatus.
- FIG. 10 in the drawing is a simplified schematic diagram showing the electrical circuitry of the buoyancy controller unit.
- the shipboard controls shown in FIG. 10 include a start-stop switch which is normally open and may be momentarily moved into either the START or STOP position.
- the START contact is connected to the positive side of a 12 volt direct current power source aboard the tow vessel.
- the STOP contact is connected to a negative 12 volt source.
- Lead 131 in the seismic cable connects the switch to a magnetic latching relay 132 in each of the buoyancy units. The coils of these relays are connected in parallel so that all of the buoyancy units are energized simultaneously and each relay operates independently of the others.
- the battery charging circuitry of the apparatus is shown schematically in FIG. 10 and depicted in greater detail in FIG. 11.
- the charging current is provided by a zero to 40 volt direct current source aboard the towing vessel and is monitored and controlled by potentiometer 145 and meter 1465.
- Lead 147 extends through the cable and is connected to battery bank 135 through charging circuit 148 and to battery bank 136 through diode 149 and charging circuit 150.
- the negative sides of the batteries are connected to ground through lead 143.
- the charging circuits comprise NPN transistors 151 and 152 which are controlled by current from constant current diodes 153 and 154, connected in series with diodes 155 and 156 and diodes 157 and 158 respectively.
- battery bank 135 will charge at 22 milliamps as long as the voltage on charge line 147 is equal to or greater than 15 volts.
- Battery bank 136 prevents a charge to battery bank 136 until the voltage on charge line 147 is raised to 25 volts.
- This bank then continues to charge at 22 milliamps until the charge line voltage is reduced below 15 volts. This permits the maintenance of a trickle charge on the battery banks and insures long battery life.
- Each bank will preferably consist of one or more nickel cadmium batteries.
- the SURFACE, UP,,, and DOWN, shipboard controls are powered from a 12 volt direct current source of resistor 166 is maintained at plus 12 volts. This keeps transistor 164 cut off so that the SURFACE signal remains at zero volts. NPN transistor 170 is also cut off and hence the SURFACE2 signal will be at plus 12 volts. Transistor 164 and resistors 165, 166, and 167 form the inverter 1, of FIG. 5. Transistor 170 and associated resistors 167, 171, and 139 constitute the inverter l of FIG. 5. It should be pointed out that the sig nal SURFACE, although appearing at the top of resistor 166, arises at the plus 12 volt shipboard supply.
- the SURFACE and SURFACE2 signals have their source in the 12 volt battery 136 which is in the buoyancy controller unit out in the water. They are normally controlled by the presence or absence of the SURFACE signal but do not depend upon the shipboard supply for power. Thus, if the cable breaks or if conductor 163 becomes grounded due to accident, PNP transistor 164 will turn on. This causes SURFACE to rise to plus 12 volts. A positive pulse is thereupon delivered to OR gate G2 and serves to open the bypass valve. While the SURFACE signal remains at plus 12 volts, base current to NPN transistor 170 will flow through resistor 171, and the SURFACE2 signal will remain at zero. This action disables the pump motor at NAND gate G4. Surfacing action can also be controlled manually, of course, by actuating the normally closed switch 161. Under normal conditions, while switch 161 is closed, the milliameter 162 will indicate about 0.8 ma per unit. Abnormal cable conditions can thus be observed on this meter.
- the 12volt DC current which provides the UP" signal from the shipboard control system passes through normally open switch 173 and over lead 174 to OR gate G2 in the valve motor control system and t inverters I and I to produce the UP l and UEZ signals.
- a current representing the DOWN signal passes through normally open switch 175 and over lead 176 to OR gate G1, OR gate G3, and inverter 1 in the pump and valve motor control systems.
- Lead 178 is connected to the negative side of a 12 volt direct current source aboard the tow vessel and passes through the cable to a pressure actuated linear potentiometer 179 which servesto indicate the hydrostatic pressure on the buoyancy control unit and thus provide a measure of the depth of the unit.
- Meter 180 on the shipboard control panel provides a depth indication which can be used in manual operation of the apparatus.
- any of a variety of commercially available pressure sensors may be employed.
- the system will preferably include a pressure sensor and shipboard indicator for each buoyancy control unit in the marine seismic cable assembly but in some instances the pressure sensors may be omitted from certain of the buoyancy control units.
- Conductor 182 from the pressure comparator 183 extends through the cable to a meter 184 on the tow vessel to provide a shipboard indication of the FCPHI signal from the comparator.
- FIG. 12 in the drawing is a detailed schematic of inverters l and 1 which process the UP signal in the control system.
- Inverter I is comprised of NPN transistor 195 and associated resistor 196.
- the UP signal becomes positive due to closure of the normally open switch 173
- forward bias current is introduced to transistor 195, pulling the UP 2 line to ground potential due to the conduction of transistor 195.
- This will in- G4.
- the UP" signal is applied to OR OR gate G2 through a pulse forming network consisting of a resistor and a capacitor.
- Gate G2 is schematically identical to gate G1, shown in FIG. 14. The resulting output pulse from gate G2 causes the valve motor to open the bypass valve.
- the UP,.1 line is disconnected from the plus 12 volts source and capacitor 193 then discharges through resistor 192.
- This disconnecting action is caused 13 inverter 12, comprising PNP transistor 185, resistors 188 and 189, and diodes 186 and 187.
- transistor 185 was conducting due to base current flowing to ground through diode 187, the base-emitter junction of 185, resistor 189 and resistor 188.
- UP,l is at plus 12 volts, no base current can flow because the cathode of diode 186 will also rise to approximately plus 12 volts.
- FIG. 13 of the drawing depicts details of inverter I which is used to inhibit the opening of the bypass valve in the presence of a positive DOWN signal.
- This circuit includes NPN transistor 197, associated resistors 198 and 199, the diode 200.
- transistor 197 In the absence of a positive DOWN, signal, transistor 197 has no source of base current and is therefore cut off.
- the DOWN, signal is held at plus 12 voltsrby resistor 199, thus preventing, the conduction of diode 200 and enabling the action of the VALVE OPEN circuitry.
- switch 1L5 should be closed, a source of base current is provided for transistor 197. This base current flows to ground through resistor 198, and the base-emitter junction.
- Transistor 197 now becomes conducting.
- the DOWN line is clamped to ground by this conducting action and the VALVE OPEN circuitry cannot function because it too is held at near ground potential by diode 200.
- FIG. 14 in the drawing illustrates OR gate G1 in the control system. As indicated in FIG. 5, this gate provides the VALVE CLOSE signal for the valve motor control system.
- the input signals to the OR gate consist of the 1% signal from the pressure comparator, the UP l signal from inverter 1 and the DOWN,l signal from the shipboard control panel. These sigiis abeq' mitted by means of leads 202, 203 and 204 as rectangular input waveforms and are shaped by means of resistors 205, 206 and 207 and associated parallel condensers 208, 209 and 210.
- the output waveform is a signal which first rises and then decreases exponentially, thereafter remaining at a low level for the duration of the input signal.
- This positive pulse is applied to the valve motor control circuitry as the VALVE CLOSE signal.
- OR gate G2 is schematically identical to gate G1. Both gates, in the apparatus shown, turn on their respective switches for about milliseconds in response to a positive-going voltage step at any one of the three input terminals. This 80 millisecond time period is sufficient to allow the valve motor to drive the valve from one limit stop to the other. Two or more successive inputs steps to the same gates cause no change in the valve position. It will be understood, of course, that the particular components shown have been selected for use with a motor which will make the necessary one-fourth rev olution in response to an 80 millisecond signal and that other motors will require different components.
- FIG. in the drawing shows details of OR gate G3 and NAND gate G4 in the pump motor control system.
- the OR gate includes diode 212 and resistor 213 through which the input FCPLO signal from the pressure comparator is applied and diode 214 and resistor 215 through which the DOWN signal from the shipboard control panel is applied. Either of these signals will result in the application of a positive voltage to Darlington transistor 216 if the system is in the PUMP ENABLE state.
- the application of an UP,,2 voltage! through resistor 218 to NPN transistor 219 turns on: the transistor, clamping the base of transistor 216 to:
- valve motor control sys tem in the apparatus i s shown in FIG. 16 of the drawing Energy from a bank of 12 volt batteries is stored on the 2,000 MFD capacitor 224 through lead 138 and resistor 225. This energy is available to run the valve motor 226 in either direction through the selective conduction of transistors 227 and 228 or 229 and 230.
- integrated circuit 231 which consists in essence of four independently actuated switches, 232, 233, 234 and 235. These switches are normally open, and all four of the transistors are therefore open, resulting in no valve motor action.
- the buoyancy control unit In operating the buoyancy control unit, it is normally desirable that the entire seismic cable assembly follow the lead section containing the depth controller or similar device at the same depth.
- the operator on the tow vessel by watching the pressure indicator gauges, can monitor the cable depth. lfhe observes that a particular section of the cable is running too shallow, he can actuate the DOWN switch for that particular section on the shipboard control panel. This sends an impulse through logic gate G1 to insure that the bypass valve is closed and at the same time disables the VALVE OPEN circuitry.
- the DOWN signal is a direct current voltage level and as such goes through OR gate G3 and NAND gate G4 causing the pump motor to run.
- This motor is controlled for unidirectional operation only and when running serves to pump ballast water into the float chamber, thereby reducing the buoyancy of this section of the seismic cable system and causing it to move down to a deeper level.
- the pressure indicator on the panel shows that the cable section in question has reached the proper level, the operator may return the DOWN switch to its off position, thus stopping the pump so that no further change in the ballast condition of the flotation chamber occurs.
- the automatic control system operates when both the UP and DOWN shipboard controls are off.
- the operator can maintain manual control at all times, however, by placing both the UP and DOWN switches in their on positions. If this is done, the bypass valve is closed and both gates G2 and G4 are inhibited. This keeps the ballast conditions unchanged pending further manual signals by the operator. If a sufficient number of pressure indicators and control conductors are available, manual operation of the system is normally preferred because the operating depth of the cable can be trimmed whenever necessary to compensate for changing water or bottom conditions, errors in the automatic controls, or emergency conditions. In an emergency, the seismic cable system can be quickly converted to its most buoyant condition by actuation of the SURFACE switch.
- the seismic cable assembly When the system of the invention is under automatic control, the seismic cable assembly will normally glide smoothly through the water at the same depth as the lead section containing the paravane or depth controller. All diaphragms in the pressure comparators will be in their neutral positions. Lateral water currents will have little effect upon the cable because of its streamlined shape. Under such conditions, no error signals will be generated by the pressure comparators.
- the bypass valves will remain closed and the pump motors will be idle. In the event that a small leak develops in a pump flow line or bypass line in one of the units, ballast water will slowly leak from the system, causing a reduction in flotation chamber pressure. This allows the air or gas in the flotation chamber to expand, resulting in an increase in buoyancy.
- This particular section of the marine cable will therefore tend to move upwardly.
- the pressure comparator activates the control signal FCPLO. This signal is applied through gates G3 and G4 to start the pump motor. The pumping action is continued until the preset pressure is again reached in the float chamber, at which time the diaphragm in the pressure comparator moves to reset the FCPLO signal. If, on the other hand, a particular section of the cable assembly begins to run deeper than intended because the calibration pressure has been set at too high a level or for some other reason, the increased external pressure on the pressure controller unit will be transmitted to the interior of the flotation chamber.
- the higher pressure within the flotation chamber causes the diaphragm in the pressure comparator to move inwardly toward the calibration chamber.
- This latter chamber has rigid walls and does not respond to the increased external pressure. Movement of the diaphragm will activate the control signal FCPHl.
- FCPHl This signal is transmitted through gate G2 to open the bypass valve. With the valve open, the compressed air in the flotation chamber expels ballast water so that the buoyancy of the cable section increases. This continues until the diaphragm has been forced back to the neutral position, resetting the FCPHl signal and setting the complementary signal FCPHl. At this point, the bypass valve closes and the ballast condition is again stabilized.
- the system of the invention provides an improved method and apparatus for controlling the buoyancy of a marine seismic cable or similar device and that this system can be operated either manually or automatically.
- this system can be operated either manually or automatically.
- the particular system described in detail above is the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that the invention is not restricted to this particular system and that numerous modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the system may be designed so that the gas is maintained at a pressure less than hydrostatic and water is introduced at hydrostatic pressure by merely opening the bypass valve.
- Ballast water would be expelled from the flotation chamber in a system of this type by pumping it from the chamber.
- the system may be designed so that the pump operates in both directions and ballast water is both pumped into the flotation chamber to reduce buoyancy and pumped out of the chamber to increase buoyancy.
- a method for controlling the buoyancy of a marine seismic cable provided with a lead-in section as said cable is towed through a body of water which comprises monitoring the depth of said cable at a plurality of points along the length of said cable; introducing water from said body of water into at least one of a plu' rality of buoyancy chambers located at intervals along the length of said cable behind said lead-in section when a reduction in buoyancy is required, each of said buoyancy chambers containing a gas confined to said chamber; and expelling water from at least one of said buoyancy chambers into the surrounding body of water when an increase in buoyancy is required.
- a method for controlling the position of a marine seismic cable during seismic prospecting operations carried out in a body of water which comprises towing said cable through said body of water, said cable including a lead-in section fitted with a depth controller; monitoring the hydrostatic pressure on said cable at a plurality of positions along the cable length behind said lead-in section; pumping water from said body of water into at least one of a plurality of individual buoyancy chambers located at intervals along the length of said cable behind said lead-in section in response to a reduction in hydrostatic pressure on said cable, each of said buoyancy chambers containing a gas confined to said chamber at a pressure in excess of hydrostatic pressure; and expelling water from at least one of said buoyancy chambers in response to an increase in bydrostatic pressure on said cable.
- Apparatus for controlling the buoyancy of a marine seismic cable which comprises an outer housing containing an internal buoyancy chamber; an expansion member positioned within said buoyancy chamber for confining a gas within a portion of said chamber; a pump located in said housing, said pump communicating with a water inlet port in the housing wall and with a water discharge port in said buoyancy chamber; means in said housing for actuating said pump; and
- said expansion member comprises a collapsible bladder surrounding said discharge port.
- Apparatus as defined by claim 12 including a bypass valve communicating with the interior of said bladder and with the exterior of said housing and means within said housing for actuating said bypass valve.
- a buoyancy controller for use with a marine seismic cable which comprises an elongated outer housing containing an internal buoyancy chamber having a gas inlet near one end thereof and a water inlet near the other end thereof; an elongated inflatable member positioned about said water inlet in said buoyancy chamber; a pump in said housing communicating with said water inlet in said buoyancy chamber and with an inlet port in the outer wall of said housing; a bypass valve in said housing communicating with said water inlet in said buoyancy chamber and with an outlet in the outer wall of said housing; electrical means in said housing for selectively actuating said pump and said bypass valve; and means for connecting said housing between adjacent sections of said marine seismic cable.
- a buoyancy controller as defined by claim 15 wherein said electrical means for actuating said pump and bypass valve includes an electric motor connected to said pump, an electric motor connected to said bypass valve, and means for connecting said motors to shipboard control devices.
- a buoyancy controller as defined by claim 16 wherein said electrical means for actuating said pump bypass valve further includes batteries in said housing and means for connecting said batteries to a shipboard trickle charge source.
- a buoyancy controller as defined by claim 16 including a pressure comparator in said housing communicating with said gas inlet in said buoyancy chamber, said pressure comparator including a gas pressure calibration chamber, a piston positioned between said calibration chamber and said gas inlet, and switches actuated by said piston for energizing said pump and valve motors.
- a buoyancy controller as defined by claim 15 including a water filter in said housing between said inlet port and said pump.
- a buoyancy controller as defined by claim 15 including a hydrostatic pressure sensor in said housing and means for connecting said pressure sensor to a shipboard indicator.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Oceanography (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US28992872A | 1972-09-18 | 1972-09-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3794965A true US3794965A (en) | 1974-02-26 |
Family
ID=23113774
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US00289928A Expired - Lifetime US3794965A (en) | 1972-09-18 | 1972-09-18 | Marine seismic cable buoyancy system |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3794965A (en:Method) |
AU (1) | AU475923B2 (en:Method) |
CA (1) | CA973279A (en:Method) |
FR (1) | FR2200656A1 (en:Method) |
GB (1) | GB1421364A (en:Method) |
Cited By (33)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3909774A (en) * | 1974-07-25 | 1975-09-30 | Whitehall Corp | Controlled buoyancy system for seismic streamer sections |
US3953827A (en) * | 1973-02-21 | 1976-04-27 | Entreprise De Recherches Et D'activites Petrolieres (E.R.A.P.) | Method of determining the angular position of a towed marine seismic cable and apparatus for carrying out said method |
US4038630A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-07-26 | Bolt Associates, Inc. | Airgun marine seismic survey streamer method and apparatus |
US4121529A (en) * | 1976-09-20 | 1978-10-24 | B & B Insulation, Inc. | Buoyancy systems |
US4135141A (en) * | 1977-03-01 | 1979-01-16 | Whitehall Corporation | Marine seismic streamer with depth sensor calibrating means |
US4541079A (en) * | 1983-01-27 | 1985-09-10 | Western Geophysical Company Of America | Marine streamer cable recovery system |
EP0241608A1 (en) * | 1986-04-17 | 1987-10-21 | Stc Plc | Node for towed accoustic array |
US4745583A (en) * | 1986-12-18 | 1988-05-17 | Exxon Production Research Company | Marine cable system with automatic buoyancy control |
US4823325A (en) * | 1984-03-12 | 1989-04-18 | Syntrieve, Inc. | Streamer retrieval system and method |
US4928262A (en) * | 1988-11-09 | 1990-05-22 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Marine seismic streamer retrieval system |
FR2664709A1 (fr) * | 1990-07-12 | 1992-01-17 | Geco As | Procede et dispositif de sources de stabilisation de l'energie sismique. |
US5185726A (en) * | 1990-08-15 | 1993-02-09 | Western Atlas International, Inc. | Continuously-filled floatation apparatus |
US5329071A (en) * | 1992-03-24 | 1994-07-12 | Geco As | Method and device for operation of equipment installed in marine seismic tows |
US5459695A (en) * | 1992-08-31 | 1995-10-17 | Western Atlas International | Seismic cable with reusable skin |
US5596943A (en) * | 1995-08-16 | 1997-01-28 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Apparatus and method for floating a towed device from a submerged vehicle |
DE19825887A1 (de) * | 1998-06-10 | 1999-12-23 | Stn Atlas Elektronik Gmbh | Unterwasser-Schleppantenne |
US6021091A (en) * | 1999-01-20 | 2000-02-01 | Western Altas International, Inc. | Method for manufacturing a seismic cable |
EP1148350A1 (en) * | 2000-04-18 | 2001-10-24 | ATOFINA Research | Ballast fluid for seismic streamers |
WO2002044017A1 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2002-06-06 | Westerngeco, L.L.C. | Curved float for marine divertors |
US20100302901A1 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2010-12-02 | Welker Kenneth E | System and method of using autonomous underwater vehicle to facilitate seismic data acquisition |
DE10043888B4 (de) * | 1999-09-07 | 2011-04-21 | Sercel | Kabel, insbesondere Streamer, mit mehreren einen perlenschnurartigen Schwimmer bildenden Kammern und Werkzeuge zum Befüllen, Entgasen oder gegenseitigen Verbinden der Kammern des Kabels |
US20120020185A1 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2012-01-26 | Welker Kenneth E | Collision Avoidance for Instrumented Probes Deployed From a Seismic Vessel |
CN102774483A (zh) * | 2012-06-15 | 2012-11-14 | 华中科技大学 | 一种多功能潜水器水液压系统 |
US20140185410A1 (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2014-07-03 | Pgs Geophysical As | Rigid-Stem Survey Method and System |
US20140185411A1 (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2014-07-03 | Pgs Geophysical As | Rigid-Stem Lead-In Method and System |
CN103979092A (zh) * | 2014-05-09 | 2014-08-13 | 哈尔滨工程大学 | 一种深海浮力调节系统 |
WO2017147577A1 (en) * | 2016-02-26 | 2017-08-31 | Ion Geophysical Corporation | Variable buoyancy control and recovery system for seismic data acquisition |
NO20161110A1 (no) * | 2016-07-04 | 2018-01-05 | Ulmatec Baro As | Flyteslange connector |
CN108360568A (zh) * | 2018-01-09 | 2018-08-03 | 国网安徽省电力公司阜阳供电公司 | 一种用于电缆井内的防倒灌装置 |
CN110297268A (zh) * | 2019-07-19 | 2019-10-01 | 自然资源部第二海洋研究所 | 自动升沉的深海地震信号采集装置 |
CN110553866A (zh) * | 2019-08-26 | 2019-12-10 | 华中科技大学 | 一种海水液压可调压载装置的全海深工况模拟试验系统 |
CN114236605A (zh) * | 2021-12-21 | 2022-03-25 | 甘肃省地震局(中国地震局兰州地震研究所) | 一种矿山地区地震监测装置及其使用方法 |
US11333778B2 (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2022-05-17 | Westerngeco L.L.C. | Marine seismic acquisition system |
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GB2170161B (en) * | 1983-05-13 | 1987-09-23 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Node for towed acoustic array |
GB2214733A (en) * | 1988-01-28 | 1989-09-06 | Nicholas John Lodge | Portable battery powered water pump unit |
FI105503B (fi) * | 1997-09-05 | 2000-08-31 | Georesearch Engineering E Jalk | Äänilähdejärjestely |
US20060133200A1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-06-22 | Tenghamn Stig Rune L | Apparatus for steering a marine seismic streamer via controlled water ejection |
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- 1973-04-17 AU AU54578/73A patent/AU475923B2/en not_active Expired
- 1973-04-17 CA CA168,891A patent/CA973279A/en not_active Expired
- 1973-04-18 GB GB1869173A patent/GB1421364A/en not_active Expired
- 1973-07-26 FR FR7327406A patent/FR2200656A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
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US3673556A (en) * | 1970-07-15 | 1972-06-27 | Western Geophysical Co | Two-level depth controllers for seismic streamer cables |
Cited By (52)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3953827A (en) * | 1973-02-21 | 1976-04-27 | Entreprise De Recherches Et D'activites Petrolieres (E.R.A.P.) | Method of determining the angular position of a towed marine seismic cable and apparatus for carrying out said method |
US3909774A (en) * | 1974-07-25 | 1975-09-30 | Whitehall Corp | Controlled buoyancy system for seismic streamer sections |
US4038630A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-07-26 | Bolt Associates, Inc. | Airgun marine seismic survey streamer method and apparatus |
US4121529A (en) * | 1976-09-20 | 1978-10-24 | B & B Insulation, Inc. | Buoyancy systems |
US4135141A (en) * | 1977-03-01 | 1979-01-16 | Whitehall Corporation | Marine seismic streamer with depth sensor calibrating means |
US4541079A (en) * | 1983-01-27 | 1985-09-10 | Western Geophysical Company Of America | Marine streamer cable recovery system |
US4823325A (en) * | 1984-03-12 | 1989-04-18 | Syntrieve, Inc. | Streamer retrieval system and method |
EP0241608A1 (en) * | 1986-04-17 | 1987-10-21 | Stc Plc | Node for towed accoustic array |
US4745583A (en) * | 1986-12-18 | 1988-05-17 | Exxon Production Research Company | Marine cable system with automatic buoyancy control |
US4928262A (en) * | 1988-11-09 | 1990-05-22 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Marine seismic streamer retrieval system |
EP0432328A1 (en) * | 1988-11-09 | 1991-06-19 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Marine seismic streamer retrieval system |
FR2664709A1 (fr) * | 1990-07-12 | 1992-01-17 | Geco As | Procede et dispositif de sources de stabilisation de l'energie sismique. |
US5185726A (en) * | 1990-08-15 | 1993-02-09 | Western Atlas International, Inc. | Continuously-filled floatation apparatus |
US5329071A (en) * | 1992-03-24 | 1994-07-12 | Geco As | Method and device for operation of equipment installed in marine seismic tows |
US5459695A (en) * | 1992-08-31 | 1995-10-17 | Western Atlas International | Seismic cable with reusable skin |
US5596943A (en) * | 1995-08-16 | 1997-01-28 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Apparatus and method for floating a towed device from a submerged vehicle |
DE19825887A1 (de) * | 1998-06-10 | 1999-12-23 | Stn Atlas Elektronik Gmbh | Unterwasser-Schleppantenne |
EP0964271A3 (de) * | 1998-06-10 | 2000-07-05 | STN ATLAS Elektronik GmbH | Unterwasser-Schleppantenne |
US6021091A (en) * | 1999-01-20 | 2000-02-01 | Western Altas International, Inc. | Method for manufacturing a seismic cable |
DE10043888B4 (de) * | 1999-09-07 | 2011-04-21 | Sercel | Kabel, insbesondere Streamer, mit mehreren einen perlenschnurartigen Schwimmer bildenden Kammern und Werkzeuge zum Befüllen, Entgasen oder gegenseitigen Verbinden der Kammern des Kabels |
WO2001079888A1 (en) * | 2000-04-18 | 2001-10-25 | Oleon | Ballast fluid for seismic streamers |
EP1148350A1 (en) * | 2000-04-18 | 2001-10-24 | ATOFINA Research | Ballast fluid for seismic streamers |
WO2002044017A1 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2002-06-06 | Westerngeco, L.L.C. | Curved float for marine divertors |
US6532189B2 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2003-03-11 | Westerngeco L.L.C. | Curved float for marine divertors |
US20100302901A1 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2010-12-02 | Welker Kenneth E | System and method of using autonomous underwater vehicle to facilitate seismic data acquisition |
US20120020185A1 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2012-01-26 | Welker Kenneth E | Collision Avoidance for Instrumented Probes Deployed From a Seismic Vessel |
US9140814B2 (en) | 2009-05-28 | 2015-09-22 | Westerngeco L.L.C. | System and method of using autonomous underwater vehicle to facilitate seismic data acquisition |
US9207348B2 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2015-12-08 | Westerngeco L.L.C | Collision avoidance for instrumented probes deployed from a seismic vessel |
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CN110553866B (zh) * | 2019-08-26 | 2020-10-30 | 华中科技大学 | 一种海水液压可调压载装置的全海深工况模拟试验系统 |
CN110553866A (zh) * | 2019-08-26 | 2019-12-10 | 华中科技大学 | 一种海水液压可调压载装置的全海深工况模拟试验系统 |
CN114236605A (zh) * | 2021-12-21 | 2022-03-25 | 甘肃省地震局(中国地震局兰州地震研究所) | 一种矿山地区地震监测装置及其使用方法 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2200656A1 (en:Method) | 1974-04-19 |
AU5457873A (en) | 1974-10-17 |
GB1421364A (en) | 1976-01-14 |
CA973279A (en) | 1975-08-19 |
AU475923B2 (en) | 1976-09-09 |
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