Bi-planar pontoon paravane seismic source system

Abstract

A bi-planar pontoon paravane is towed by a marine vessel and controls the depth and position of a towed seismic source array. The bi-planar pontoon paravane is made up of a buoyant bridge with right and left wings attached to the long sides of the bridge, the wings projecting into the water and, in concert, providing a side force. The paravane is towed by a tow line connected to an adjustable bridle which in turn is connected to the paravane. Remote adjustment of the bridle is provided by an hydraulic valve on the vessel controlling an hydraulic motor and gear arrangement on the paravane to adjust the bridle. Adjustment of the bridle adjusts the angle of attack of the paravane. The paravane provides a housing formed below the bridge and between the two wings for housing the seismic source array. A boom on the vessel is attached to the seismic source array, through the bridge, when the assembly is to be placed in or removed from the water. To remove the assembly, the boom pulls the seismic source array until it enters the housing and then lifts both the seismic source array and the paravane out of the water. Placing the assembly in the water is simply the reverse with the seismic source array being supported by the paravane at a desired depth by action of a locking mechanism in the paravane. A nose plane is positioned in the front of the paravane, below the bridge and between the right and left wings and angled relative to the horizontal to minimize diving of the paravane.