Westerngeco L.l.p.

Westerngeco Seismic Holdings Limited

Mark Zajac

Loran D Ambs

Daniel George Martin

Colin M Bennett

A method and apparatus comprising an active control system for a towed seismic streamer array that enables any relative positional control of any number of towed seismic streamers. The streamer positions are controlled horizontally and vertically using active control units positioned within the seismic array. The three component (x, y, z) position of each streamer element, relative to the vessel and relative to each other is controlled, tracked and stored during a seismic data acquisition run. The present invention enables a seismic array to be maneuvered as the towing vessel maintains course, enables maintenance of specific array position and geometry in the presence of variable environmental factors and facilitates four-dimensional seismic data acquisition by sensing and storing the position of the array and each array element with respect to time.

Active separation tracking and positioning system for towed seismic arrays

The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for steering one or more cables towed through water by a vessel. In general, a diverter attached to the one or more cables may comprise a float, a vane extending from a bottom surface of the float, and one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane. The one or more vortex generators may prevent stall of the diverter at high attack angles.

Marine seismic diverter with vortex generators

A system and method for coordinating the operation of multiple manned, remotely operated or autonomous marine vessels engaged in marine seismic data acquisition to direct cooperating vessels from one point to the next while minimizing deviations in the desired spatial configuration of assets, risk to vessels and seismic assets, and personnel and to obtain optimal midpoint coverage by evaluating inputs from subsystems providing positioning information for cooperating vessels, prospect coverage, vessel capabilities, environmental information, and navigation hazards.

Growing community of inventors

Katy, TX, United States of America

Mark Zajac