Geco A.s.

Rolf Bjerkoy

Einar Gjestrum

Jan-Age Langeland

In towing sources of seismic energy behind a vessel, especially in connection with seismic surveys in waters which are covered with ice, the buoyancy floats and also the sources of seismic energy are readily influenced by broken up ice collecting behind the icebreaking towing vessel. In order to stabilize the tow of sources of seismic energy a towing line (7) is secured between the buoyancy means (4) belonging to the tow of sources of energy (3) and the vessel (1) at a point (10) which is located in the area of the waterline, so that towing line (7) will extend in the area of the waterline. Another towing line (8) is connected directly with the array of sources of seismic energy (5) and is secured to a towing point (11) on the vessel (1) located below the waterline. An arrangement is also disclosed for securing the towing line (8) in a suitable location to avoid influence from ice and, furthermore, the design of floats (4) avoids influence from the ice.

Method of towing sources of seismic energy behind a vessel, and an

In seismic surveys in waters covered with ice, where seismic impulses are actuated under water and reflected signals are detected by a streamer cable (2) towed behind a vessel (1), in order to avoid the source of noise located outside the seismic system due to the icebreaking operation of the vessel (1) the vessel (1) is stopped during active survey and the streamer cable (3) is hauled in with a speed corresponding to the desired propulsion speed of the cable during detection. After detection the vessel again resumes ordinary operational speed and the streamer is paid out with a speed which maintains the desired advancing speed of the system.

Method for conducting seismic surveys in waters covered with ice

An arrangement for deployment and towing of a plurality of seismic cables (2) in parallel and at a mutual distance behind a vessel whereby seismic cables (2) are wound on winch barrels (4), and are provided with an inner cable member (3) which forms a connection with the vessel (1) during a towing operations, and is, additionally, provided with a paravane/control (14, 15) to guide and maintain the cable (2) laterally in relation to the towing vessel (1). Reliable and simple depolyment and towing of the seismic cables (2) at a large distance laterally in relation to the center line of the vessel is achieved by running the inner cable member (3) through at least one guide pulley (5) suspended from a line (7) that is adjustable in length from the vessel, and is, preferably extended over a derrick device (9) projecting from the vessel. Guide pulley (5) can be hauled in and paid out from the vessel, at the same time as inner cable member (3) can be let out to a greater length from the vessel.

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Melsomvik, Norway

Rolf Bjerkoy