Non-liquid filled streamer cable with a novel hydrophone
US5883857A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A90/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a non-fluid-filled streamer cable or towed array for performing seismic surveys in water-covered areas. The streamer cable includes a plurality of serially coupled active cable sections. Each active cable section includes an electro-mechanical cable that contains a single central strain member. A wire bundle is placed around the central strain member for transporting electrical power and data through the active section. A nonconductive foam material is extruded around the central strain section to provide a predetermined buoyancy to the fully assembled active cable section. A number of hydrophones are formed around and outside the electro-mechanical cable. The hydrophone preferably includes a pair of active element connected in series opposition. The hydrophone is centrally located within an outer jacket formed over the hydrophone. Electronic components, such as pre-amplifiers, are placed within the hydrophones. The cable design provides for local hydrophone signal collection, signal conditioning, combination of multiple hydrophones into groups and placement of signals on a transmission or data line to the vessel recording system within the attachment…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.