Method for deployment of seismic recorder array with removable data recorders
View Patent ↗A method of deploying a seismic recorder array on a seafloor is disclosed. The seismic recorder array comprises a plurality of removable seismic data recorders. The method comprises the step of forming the seismic recorder array by connecting a plurality of recorder housings in series, wherein adjacent recorder housings are connected by a connector cable. The recorder housings are configured to retain the removable seismic data recorders. The method comprises the step of loading the plurality of removable seismic data recorders in the recorder housings, and lowering the seismic recorder array into water until the seismic recorder array is positioned on the seafloor underlying the water. The method comprises the step of operating the seismic data recorders to detect seismic signal reflections and to record seismic data representing the reflections.
1. A method of deploying an underwater seismic recorder array on a seafloor underlying a navigable body of water, the array forming a seismic recording cable, the cable comprising a plurality of connector cables, a plurality of removable autonomous seismic data recorders, and a plurality of seismic data recorder housings, each of the seismic data recorders being independently powered and removably contained within a respective recorder housing corresponding thereto, each housing having opposing ends, each of the connector cables comprising opposing ends, the seismic data recorders and corresponding housings being arranged and configured in serial mechanical fashion along the cable such that one connector cable is disposed between every two adjoining housings disposed along the cable, each one such connector cable being attached to corresponding ends of the two adjoining housings, the method comprising:
loading the plurality of removable seismic data recorders in the recorder housings of the seismic recording cable, and
lowering the seismic recording cable into the water until the seismic recorder array is positioned on the seafloor.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising assembling the seismic recording cable by mechanically connecting in serial fashion the plurality of recorder housings to one another with the connecting cables, the connecting cables comprising detachable connectors.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising disassembling the seismic recording cable by mechanically disconnecting the plurality of recorder housings from one another by removing the connecting cables, the connecting cables comprising detachable connectors.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising raising the seismic recording cable from the seafloor and out of the water.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising removing at least some of the seismic data recorders from their respective housings.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising operating the seismic data recorders to record seismic data.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the seismic recording cable is stored in a spool or a cable engine.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the spool or the cable engine is supported by a barge or a vessel.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising deploying the seismic recording cable onto the seafloor as the barge or the vessel moves through water.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the spool or the cable engine comprises means for releasing the seismic recording cable for deployment on the seafloor.
11. The method according of claim 1 , wherein the connector cables are made from a pliable metallic, non-metallic or composite material.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connector cables define an interval between adjacent seismic data recorders.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connector cables are permanently attached to the recorder housings.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connector cables are removably attached to the recorder housings.
15. The method of claim 1 , further comprising connecting a floatable marker to at least one of the recorder housings.
16. The method of claim 1 , further comprising identifying locations of the seismic data recorders before the recorders are operated to record seismic data.
17. The method of claim 1 , further comprising identifying the orientations of the seismic data recorders before the recorders are operated to record seismic data.
18. The method of claim 1 , further comprising automatically loading the seismic data recorders into the recorder housings automatically.
19. The method of claim 1 , further comprising automatically removing the seismic data recorders from the recorder housings automatically.
20. The method of claim 1 , further comprising automatically loading the seismic data recorders into the recorder housings using a loading means prior to deployment of the seismic recording cable on the seafloor.