DE102017128159A1 - Modular device carrier for the three-dimensional measurement of small objects in the seabed - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular equipment carrier for the three-dimensional measurement of small objects, submarine cables, other disruptive bodies, archaeological structures, rocks, low-mighty deposition horizons and / or massive sulphides in the seabed, comprising: a defined frame with at least two rows of individual signals oriented transversely to the towing direction - receivers or groups of signal receivers, - at least one signal source in the center or at least two signal sources on the outside of the sensor frame, - one or more drives or control flaps allowing positional control of the sensor frame in the room, - a non-summing online transmission device for transmission the measured values of the individual receivers to a mother ship, - an online transmission device for online transmission of the position of the sensor frame in space measured by at least one motion sensor, - an online control device for control and Positionsko correction of the sensor frame in the room.

Description

The invention relates to a modular equipment carrier for the three-dimensional measurement of small objects, submarine cables, other disruptive bodies, archaeological structures, rocks, low-mighty deposition horizons and / or massive sulphides in the seabed.

• - GeoChirp3D von Fa. Kongsberg
• - P-Cable US Patent 7,221,620 B2
• - Sub-Bottom Imager von Fa. Pangeo Subsea
• - Patent AU 2011279350: Strukturerkennung im marinen Untergrund anhand gekreuzter seismischer Transduceranordnung
• - Patent US 2013/0258811: Apparatur zur Abbildung des marinen Untergrundes - gleiche Sender- Empfängeranordnung, geodätische Positionierung über Transponder, bedarf aber abweichend zur hier vorgelegten Erfindung eines Bodenfahrzeugs für Messungen in vordefiniertem Abstand, in Verbindung mit gekreuzter Einweg-Messkette auf dem Meeresboden, in Verbindung mit kohärenter Stapelung der Empfangssignale schon in der Empfangseinheit auf dem Geräteträger
• - Patent US 8,125,850 , US 8,391,103 , US 2012/0008461 : Akustisches Array wird auf dem Meeresboden ausgelegt
• - Patent WO 2012/006 712 : Methode der seismischen Bestimmung akustischer Eigenschaften des Meeresbodens in Verbindung mit dem Pumpen von Flüssigkeiten.

The following publications are known from the prior art:

• - GeoChirp3D from Fa. Kongsberg
• - P-Cable US Patent 7,221,620 B2
• - Sub-Bottom Imager of Fa. Pangeo Subsea
• - Patent AU 2011279350: Structural detection in marine subsoil using crossed seismic transducer arrangement
• - Patent US 2013/0258811: Apparatus for imaging the marine subsoil - same transceiver arrangement, geodetic positioning via transponder, but in contrast to the presented here invention of a ground vehicle for measurements at a predefined distance, in conjunction with crossed disposable measurement chain on the seabed, in conjunction with coherent stacking of the received signals already in the receiving unit on the equipment rack
• - Patent US 8,125,850 . US 8,391,103 . US 2012/0008461 : Acoustic array is laid out on the sea floor
• - Patent WO 2012/006 712 : Method of seismic determination of acoustic properties of the seabed in connection with the pumping of liquids.

The problems in the prior art are essentially that when laying submarine cables (electricity, telephony, etc.) there is a requirement to bury them at a depth of at least 1.5 m below the seabed. The successful laying of the depth must be proven after completion of the work. Repeat measurements are to be performed every 2 years, later 4 years. Usual detection depths are expected between 0 - 6 m, exceptionally up to 10 m.

Previous methods work with magnetic field measurement or acoustic measurement. The equipment carriers are mounted on the ship or ROV (Remotely Operating Vehicle) (e.g., pangeo, SubSea) or towed on the sea surface (e.g., GeoChirp3D, Kongsberg). The systems have only a few meters wide survey compartments and are therefore vulnerable to deviations due to flow or Verschwenkungen the cable route. Towed on the sea surface gear carriers are vulnerable to swell. In the case of the signal frequencies used in the kHz range, it is necessary to determine the position of the receivers, which is at least centimeter-accurate, and which is difficult or impossible to achieve in normal swaying motion.

The magnetic field measurement for current-carrying cables fails due to the lack of predictability or evaluability of the expected anomaly. Magnetic field impressions introduced during cable production can only be measured in the de-energized state and allow detection only up to a depth of approx. 1.8 m. Especially in sandy areas, the cable can sag more often up to 2 m and is then no longer detectable with this method. Acoustical procedures have been able to map the cables well only on crossing profiles. Therefore, these measurements are only made selectively. Interpolation takes place between the measuring points taking into account the bending stiffness of the cable. Although the acoustic pangeo system is designed for profiling measurements along the cable route, it can only trace the burial depth along the cable route at points in optimal measuring conditions due to the small fan width.

This task is solved with a device carrier planned for the construction, which is suitable for an ultra-high-resolution 3D seismic survey. The device carrier should be used in rough seas and allow a continuous, the (cable) route following, surveying. The acoustic method should allow resolution in the centimeter range and allow sufficient penetration up to 10 m into the seabed. In other applications, the method will also be usable for the detection of other objects in the seabed. With a solution from the submarine carrier, the sensor platform and process technology will enable the system to be deployed in deep towed seabed surveys. Flat-lying fluid channels or geological units such as e.g. Massive sulphide occurrences (eSMS) and comparable structures are possible surveying targets.

The subject matter of this disclosure is a modular grid frame that provides a specified mount for signal sources and sensors for 3D seismic and other measurement methods. Segments similar to ladder rungs are equipped with sensors, cables and system connectors. The modules can be plugged together and thus enable the individual design of a, adapted to the measurement, equipment carrier.

• - einem definierten Rahmen mit mindestens zwei, quer zur Schlepprichtung orientierten, Reihen einzelner Signal-Empfänger oder Gruppen von Signal-Empfängern,
• - mindestens einer Signalquelle im Zentrum oder mindestens zwei Signalquellen an den Außenseiten des Sensorrahmens,
• - einem oder mehreren Antrieben oder Steuerklappen, die eine Positionskontrolle des Sensorrahmens im Raum ermöglichen,
• - einer nicht summierenden online Übertragungsvorrichtung zur Übertragung der Messwerte der einzelnen Empfänger zu einem Mutterschiff,
• - einer online Übertragungsvorrichtung zur online Übertragung der Position des Sensorrahmens im Raum gemessen anhand wenigstens eines Bewegungssensors,
• - einer online Steuerungsvorrichtung zur Steuerung und Positionskorrektur des Sensorrahmens im Raum.

According to the invention, the modular device carrier is smaller for three-dimensional measurement Objects, submarine cables, other structures, archaeological structures, rocks, low-mighty depositional horizons and / or massive sulphides in the seabed, formed with:

• a defined frame with at least two rows of individual signal receivers or groups of signal receivers oriented transversely to the towing direction,
• at least one signal source in the center or at least two signal sources on the outside of the sensor frame,
• - one or more drives or control flaps allowing positional control of the sensor frame in the room,
• a non-summing online transmission device for transmitting the measured values of the individual receivers to a mother ship,
• an online transmission device for online transmission of the position of the sensor frame in space, measured on the basis of at least one motion sensor,
• - An online control device for controlling and position correction of the sensor frame in space.

Furthermore, the side display of the sensor frame can be dimensioned so large that in a submarine cable tracking the tracking can be done with a 3D detection in only one overflow.

The carrier frame for signal receivers may be composed as a fixed unit or of individual segments.

In individual frame segments, all supply and signal cables can be pluggable integrated.

The support frame may also be formed foldable.

The signal sources mounted outside the frame center may be provided for improved utilization of the emission cone in tilted position.

Furthermore, a towing connection to the surface vessel or mothership can be provided by means of lines or chains in a crossed arrangement, so that lateral drifting largely stops.

• - über Kreuz geführten Schleppleinen;
• - passiven Elementen, Ruderflächen; und/oder
• - aktiven Elementen, rotierenden Antriebe.

In particular, the implement carrier may have control aids that counteract wind and current drift by single or inter-combined use of:

• - cross-guided tow lines;
• - passive elements, rudder surfaces; and or
• - active elements, rotating drives.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 7221620 B2 [0002]
• US 8125850 [0002]
• US 8391103 [0002]
• US 2012/0008461 [0002]
• WO 2012/006712 [0002]

Claims (8)

Modular device carrier for the three-dimensional measurement of small objects, submarine cables, other disruptive bodies, archaeological structures, rocks, low-mighty deposition horizons and / or massive sulphides in the seabed, with: a defined frame with at least two rows of individual signal receivers or groups of signal receivers oriented transversely to the towing direction, at least one signal source in the center or at least two signal sources on the outside of the sensor frame, - one or more drives or control flaps allowing positional control of the sensor frame in the room, a non-summing online transmission device for transmitting the measured values of the individual receivers to a mother ship, an online transmission device for online transmission of the position of the sensor frame in space, measured on the basis of at least one motion sensor, - An online control device for controlling and position correction of the sensor frame in space. Modular device carrier after Claim 1 , characterized in that the side delivery of the sensor frame is dimensioned so large that in a submarine cable tracking the tracking can be done with a 3D detection in only one overflow. Modular device carrier after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a support frame for signal receiver is composed as a fixed unit or of individual segments. Modular equipment carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that in individual frame segments all supply and signal lines are pluggable integrated. Modular equipment carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the support frame is formed foldable. Modular equipment carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that signal sources mounted outside the frame center are provided for improved utilization of the emission cone in tilted position. Modular equipment carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that a towing connection to the surface vessel or mothership is provided by lines or chains in a crossed arrangement. Modular equipment carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the equipment carrier has control aids, which counteract a drifting in wind and current by single or combined use of: - cross guided towlines; - passive elements, rudder surfaces; and / or active elements, rotating drives.

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