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WO-2026097067-A1 - NODE DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM

WO2026097067A1WO 2026097067 A1WO2026097067 A1WO 2026097067A1WO-2026097067-A1

Abstract

A seismic node deployment system and method are provided, comprising a deployment device below a surface vessel and having a deployment chute, a connector on the deployment device for a messenger cable, a connector for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) attached to the deployment chute, a receptacle on the deployment device to receive electrical power from the ROV, a release mechanism on the deployment device to release nodes at desired locations on the seabed, a control unit to allow for communication of commands and to operate the release mechanism; a messenger cable extending from the vessel and connected to a locating rod extending from the deployment device, and releasable deployment latches attached to the seismic nodes and connectable to the messenger cable.

Inventors

  • MANCINI, CHRISTOPHER
  • CUSTER, Ryan
  • PETERS, ROSS
  • HARDIN, Eric

Assignees

  • CALTEX OIL TOOLS, LLC

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20251104
Priority Date
20241104

Claims (4)

  1. 1. A system for deploying seismic nodes comprising: (a) A deployment device comprising: i. A deployment chute; ii. A connector for a messenger cable; iii. A connector for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) attached to the deployment chute; iv. A receptacle to receive electrical power; v. A release mechanism; vi. A control unit to allow for communication of directions and to operate the release mechanism; (b) A messenger cable connected to foe top of the frame apparatus; and (c) Releasable deployment latches attached to foe seismic nodes.
  2. 2. A method for deploying seismic nodes comprising: (a) Attaching releasable deployment latches to the seismic nodes; (b) Attaching the seismic nodes to a cable through the releasable latch; (c) Allowing the seismic nodes to move down foe cable and to a deployment apparatus, which further positions a seismic node for deployment through a rod positioning foe seismic node directly under a release mechanism; (d) Moving and positioning the deployment apparatus to desired locations through a ROV that is connected to foe deployment apparatus and is receiving directional communications; (e) Communicating to foe ROV once foe ROV has moved foe deployment apparatus to foe desired location to activate foe deployment latch release mechanism; (f) Releasing foe seismic node into a deployment chute; (g) Funneling foe seismic node through a deployment chute; (li) Dropping the seismic node out of a deployment chute at the desired location.
  3. 3. A system as in claim 1, wherein: a. The deployment apparatus includes a connector for a buoyancy device. - 6 - PD.56102591.3 Node Deployment System Atty. Docket No. P-2212 38368-0007 Customer No. 174715
  4. 4. A method as in claim 2 wherein: a. A buoyancy block is connected to the deployment device, giving slack to the messenger cable to allow for better positioning of the seismic nodes. - 7 - PD.56102591.3

Description

Node Deployment System Atty. Docket No. P-2212 38368-0007 Customer No. 174715 O F T H E P AT E N T C O O P E RAT I O N T R E AT Y TITLE OF THE INVENTION Node Deployment System INVENTORS Christopher Mancini, Tomball, TX (US) Ryan Custer, Tomball, TX (US) Ross Peters, Tomball, TX (US) Eric Hardin, Tomball, TX (US) APPLICANT Caltex Oil Tools, LLC, Tomball, TX (US) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates in part to devices and methods used in subsea oil and gas exploration activities, and more particularly to such devices and methods which include deployment of seismic nodes on the seabed to record seismic data in support of oil and gas exploration. [0003] 2. Background and Prior Art [0004] Oil and Gas exploration relies on seismic surveys to provide high-quality data used to create subsurface imaging. Various seismic methods have been performed to date, with seabed sensors positioned at known locations to detect and record seismic signals. [0005] On-bottom nodes (OBN) are one such method to capture this seismic survey data. By placing hundreds, often thousands of nodes in pre-determined spacing; either in rows or in a grid pattern on the sea floor using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), these nodes capture reflected waves in an orderly grid to provide clean, high-fidelity data without gaps in coverage. These nodes - 1 - PD.56102591.3 Node Deployment System Atty. Docket No. P-2212 38368-0007 Customer No. 174715 typically contain a battery, clock, geophone/seismic sensing technology and other devices. These nodes also improve repeatability, comparing surveys years apart to see how reservoir fluids have moved during field development to help Oil & Gas operators determine where to add wells and how to optimize facilities. Furthermore, on-bottom nodes allow data capture and reporting from the same locations unlike conventional seismic streamers, allowing for higher consistency in data collection. [0006] In shallow water, these nodes are typically attached to a cable at defined spacing and deployed from the vessel directly to the seabed. This provides the desired seabed spacing and a cost- effective deployment method. For deeper water depths, these nodes are typically deployed to the seabed using a ROV, with the node placed on the seabed using the ROV manipulator and positional placement based on the ROV heading. With seabed surveys typically requiring several thousand nodes to be positioned in a specific array, this method is time-consuming and expensive to implement. Furthermore, data clarity and accuracy are critical, so as well as improving sensor technology, increasing the number of seabed sensing devices and improving the relative location of these sensors provides improved visibility and understanding of the subsurface images created. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with file following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. [0008] Figure 1 illustrates a system overview of the On-Bottom-Node deployment [0009] Figure 2 illustrates an example of one type of on-bottom node, showing a type of construction and typical dimensions. [00010] Figure 3 illustrates a deployment latch attachment to be added to the nodes to allow them to be deployed from the surface vessel to the deployment device. [00011] Figure 4a illustrates a side view of the node deployment device, with the ROV connected via a service line and providing guidance to direct the node placement positioning. The nodes are - 2 - PD.56102591.3 Node Deployment System Atty. Docket No. P-2212 38368-0007 Customer No. 174715 shown in varying stages of deployment, one shown exiting the deployment tool chute, and another arriving at the top of the tool having travelled down the messenger cable. [00012] Figure 4b illustrates an isometric view of the same embodiment as Figure 4a. [00013] Figure 4c illustrates a front view of the same embodiment as Figure 4a. [00014] Figure 5 illustrates the top end of the deployment device. The nodes are being deployed down the messenger cable from the vessel at surface and are awaiting entry into the device. The ROY service line is shown connected to the deployment device. This is used to disconnect the node from the messenger cable as it enters the deployment device. [00015] Figure 6 illustrates several nodes stacked up at the top of the deployment device, waiting to be deployed from the deployment device once at the desired location. [00016] Figure 7 illustrates two views at the upper end of the deployment device. The upper view shows that the node is still connected and retained at the top of the device by the messenger wire. The lower view shows the retaining ring has been opened and the node is free to descend into the deployment chute and exit the device.