Marine seismic surveying in icy or obstructed waters

US8593905B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ION Geophysical Corporation · US

Inventors

• Joseph R. Gagliardi · Katy, US
• Shawn Rice · Spring, US
• Curt Schneider · Houston, US
• Jeffrey W. Cunkelman · Sugar Land, US
• Timothy A. Dudley · Houston, US
• Dale J. Lambert · Mandeville, US
• Mike Burnham · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 8, 2010
• Grant date: Nov 26, 2013
• Expiry date: Aug 13, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B2211/06
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.