Ocean bottom seismic station
First Claim
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1. A seismic sensor station for disposal on a seismic cable, comprising:
- a base member configured to restrain on a first side of the base member complementary coupling members fixed to each end of a cut strength member of the seismic cable;
a first cover coupled to the first side of the base member to define a first interior volume between the first cover and the base member for storing an excess length of an uncut first optical cable of the seismic cable; and
a second cover coupled to a second side of the base member opposite from the first side to define a second interior volume between the second cover and the base member for housing sensor components, wherein an aperture through the base member enables sealed passage between the first and second interior volumes of a second optical cable of the seismic cable for connection of the second optical cable to the sensor components.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for cable termination and sensor integration at a sensor station within an ocean bottom seismic (OBS) cable array are disclosed. The sensor stations include a housing for various sensor components. Additionally, the sensor stations can accommodate an excess length of any data transmission members which may not be cut at the sensor station while enabling connection of one or more cut data transmission members with the sensor components. The sensor stations further manage any strength elements of the cable array.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A seismic sensor station for disposal on a seismic cable, comprising:
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a base member configured to restrain on a first side of the base member complementary coupling members fixed to each end of a cut strength member of the seismic cable;
a first cover coupled to the first side of the base member to define a first interior volume between the first cover and the base member for storing an excess length of an uncut first optical cable of the seismic cable; and
a second cover coupled to a second side of the base member opposite from the first side to define a second interior volume between the second cover and the base member for housing sensor components, wherein an aperture through the base member enables sealed passage between the first and second interior volumes of a second optical cable of the seismic cable for connection of the second optical cable to the sensor components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of integrating a sensor station in an ocean bottom seismic cable array, comprising:
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providing a cable of the ocean bottom seismic cable array having a strength element, a first data transmission member and a hollow passage tube;
cutting the passage tube at a location along the cable where the sensor is to be integrated;
feeding a second data transmission member through the passage tube leaving a sufficient length at the location for splicing to sensor components; and
securing a housing having the sensor components enclosed therein to the cable at the location.
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6. A seismic sensor station for disposal on a seismic cable, comprising:
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an internal housing supporting sensor components of the sensor station, wherein an outside wall of the housing defines a rounded perimeter of the internal housing;
a strength element of the seismic cable that is uncut at the sensor station and coiled around the rounded perimeter of the internal housing; and
an external shroud disposed over the internal housing and strength element. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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8. An ocean bottom seismic station, comprising:
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a base member having a flexible end portion to couple with a strength element of a cable within an ocean bottom seismic cable array; and
a housing disposed on the base member, the housing defining a cavity therein for enclosing at least one sensor on the base member. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An ocean bottom seismic cable array, comprising:
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a cable of the ocean bottom seismic cable array having a strength element and a data transmission member;
a base member coupled to the strength element by a biasing member with an end stop to selectively transfer tension to the end stop when tension between the cable and the base member exceeds a predetermined value; and
a housing disposed on the base member, the housing defining a cavity therein for enclosing at least one sensor on the base member. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method of integrating a sensor station in an ocean bottom seismic cable array, comprising:
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providing a cable of the ocean bottom seismic cable array having a strength element and a data transmission member; and
coupling a base member of a sensor station to the strength element, wherein the base member is substantially seismically decoupled from the cable at tensions between the base member and cable below a predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification