Abstract:
Launch and retrieval equipment for use in seismic testing and methods for seismic testing are described. Elements of the equipment may include a pivoting frame to hold the seismic equipment, sliding rails that hold the seismic equipment in place on the frame and a winch and line that operates to launch the seismic equipment keeping it tethered to a vessel. The launch device is capable of launching and retrieving seismic equipment without the use of conventional cranes.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/708,577 filed on Feb. 19, 2010 entitled “Seismic Equipment Handling.” 
     
    
       [0002]    Deploying and retrieving seismic equipment to and from marine vessels for seismic testing by conventional overhead lifting presents significant risks to both equipment and personnel. Much of this risk is associated with the use of cranes in deployment and retrieval. Developments in seismic testing procedures and equipment have failed to adequately address these concerns. 
         [0003]    Disclosed herein are embodiments of the present invention that address the needs described above by providing devices and methods that provide safe and efficient seismic testing. An apparatus having features of the present invention includes a device for the launching, testing, and retrieving of seismic equipment which is referred to in various descriptions of the invention as a “launch device” for the sake of brevity. 
         [0004]    An apparatus for seismic testing having features of the present invention includes a seismic device capable of an action selected from producing, recording, and transmitting seismic activity; a marine vessel; a support structure; at least one movable brace capable of securing the seismic device in a fixed position relative to the support structure; and a line tethering the support structure to the seismic device. In that apparatus, the support structure is attached to the marine vessel, the support structure supports the weight of the seismic device, the support structure is actuated for movement relative to the marine vessel, and the seismic device is capable of being launched into water surrounding the marine vessel by providing slack to the line. In separate but related embodiments of the invention, the line is attached to a winch at the support structure, the winch is capable of providing enough line to allow tethered operation of the seismic device at a position significantly removed from the marine vessel and capable of returning the seismic device to the marine vessel, the seismic device is a submersible seismic device, the support structure is attached to the marine vessel at a pivot, the support structure is capable of rotating about the pivot with respect to the marine vessel, and there are two movable braces. 
         [0005]    A method of performing seismic testing from a marine vessel having features of the present invention includes: loading a seismic device onto a base of a support structure wherein the seismic device is capable of an action selected from producing, recording, and transmitting seismic activity and wherein the support structure comprises at least one immobilizing device capable of securing the seismic device in a first fixed position relative to the support structure, which comprises an actuator capable of moving the support structure relative to the marine vessel; tethering the seismic device to the support structure with a line; operating the at least one immobilizing device to secure the seismic device in a second fixed position relative to the base; operating the actuator to move the center of gravity of the seismic device away from the center of gravity of the marine vessel, operating the at least one immobilizing device to release the seismic device from the second fixed position relative to the base; and lowering the seismic device into water by either releasing the tether or providing slack to the tether. In separate but related embodiments of the invention, the at least one immobilizing device is at least one movable brace, the at least one immobilizing device is at least two moveable braces that press against the seismic device in opposite directions, the line is fed from a winch and the winch is capable of providing enough line to the tether to allow operation of the seismic device at a position significantly removed from the marine vessel, the winch is operated to return the seismic device to the support structure, the operating of the actuator to move the center of gravity of the seismic device away from the center of gravity of the marine vessel causes the center of gravity of the seismic device to move from over the marine vessel to over the water, the tethering of the seismic device to the support structure acts to deter the movement of the seismic device relative to the support structure, the seismic device is a submersible seismic device with a buoy, the operation of the actuator to move the center of gravity of the seismic device away from the center of gravity of the marine vessel causes the support structure to rotate on a hinge, and the actuator contains a hydraulic piston. 
         [0006]    A further method of performing seismic testing from a marine vessel having features of the present invention includes steps described above and additional steps including allowing the seismic device to separate from the marine vessel and arrive at a testing location; operating the seismic device to cause an action selected from producing, recording, and transmitting seismic activity; 
         [0007]    operating a winch to reel in the line and draw the seismic device onto the base of the support structure; operating the at least one immobilizing device to secure the seismic device in a third fixed position relative to the base; and operating the actuator to move center of gravity of the seismic device toward the center of gravity of the marine vessel. In a still further method of performing seismic testing from a marine vessel, the first fixed position, the second fixed position, and the third fixed position are substantially the same position. 
         [0008]    The methods described herein may, for example, comprise holding a seismic device in a first position over the deck of a vessel with a first operating influence; moving the seismic device over a threshold of the vessel while continuing to hold the seismic device with the first operating influence; actuating a second operating influence such that the seismic device is lowered from the vessel to the water; drawing the seismic device to a testing position with a third operating influence; performing a seismic test with the seismic device; drawing the seismic device back to the vessel with the second operating influence; actuating the second operating influence thereby moving the seismic device into a position suitable for engagement with the first operating influence; engaging the first operating influence so as to hold the seismic device; and moving the seismic device over the threshold of the vessel to a second position over the deck of the vessel. In a related method, the seismic device is flexibly connected to both the second operating influence and the first operating influence. In a further related method, the third operating influence is arranged and configured to pull the seismic device through the water based on instructions received from the vessel. 
         [0009]    The methods described herein may, for example, comprise securing a seismic device in a first position within the ordinary perimeter of a vessel with a first securing device such that the seismic device is restrained from substantial movement relative to the vessel; moving the seismic device to a launching position outside of the ordinary perimeter of the vessel such that the seismic device is restrained against movement imparted by forces other than the first securing device; and deploying the seismic device into water. A related method may further comprise utilizing the seismic device to conduct seismic testing at a testing location; drawing the seismic device to the vessel with a tether; securing the seismic device with the first securing device; and moving the seismic device to a position within the ordinary perimeter of the vessel. In a related method, the seismic device is tethered to the first securing device by a tether. In a further related method, the seismic device is connected to a buoy. In a still further related method, the first securing device is slidably attached to the vessel. In a further related method the step of drawing the seismic device to a testing position with a third operating influence comprises towing the seismic device to a testing location with an unmanned remotely operated vehicle; the first securing device comprises a first load actuator configured to impart translational motion relative to the vessel; and the first securing device comprises a second load actuator configured to impart rotational motion relative to the vessel. Load actuators may, for example, take the form of a hydraulic piston. In a further related method, the first securing device further comprises a platform connected to a platform support by a hinge; the platform support is configured for guided movement relative to the vessel by rail; and the first operating influence is substantially within the ordinary perimeter of the vessel when the seismic device is in the first position. In another related method, the seismic device is frictionally held within the first operating influence when the seismic device is in the first position. 
         [0010]    An apparatus having features of the present invention may for example comprise a seismic device; a marine vessel having a deck; a vessel mounting support connected to the marine vessel; a support structure; wherein the support structure is movably attached to the vessel mounting support; wherein the support structure is actuated for movement relative to the marine vessel; wherein the seismic device is secured on the support structure by a tether; wherein the seismic device is releaseably secured on the support structure by frictional contact; and wherein the support structure is arranged and configured to travel between a first position substantially above the deck and a launching position in which the support structure is substantially outside of the space above the deck; In a related embodiment, the support structure is arranged and configured to launch the seismic device into water for tethered operation of the seismic device. In a further related embodiment, the support structure&#39;s movable attachment to the vessel mounting support comprises one or more rails. In a still further related embodiment, the support structure&#39;s movable attachment to the vessel mounting support comprises at least one hinge. In a further related embodiment, the at least one hinge supports a majority of the weight of the support structure. In a related embodiment, a remotely operated vehicle may be tethered to the seismic device. In a related embodiment, the remotely operated vehicle may be configured to transmit its GPS position to the vessel. In a related embodiment, the support structure may further comprise a winch. In a related embodiment, the seismic device may be tethered to a buoy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of an embodiment of the launch device in the pre-launch position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of an embodiment of the launch device in the process of launching seismic equipment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of an embodiment of the launch device tethered to seismic equipment that has been launched. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of an embodiment of the launch device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the launch device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of an embodiment of the launch device in the pre-launch position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of an embodiment of the launch device in the process of launching seismic equipment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of an embodiment of the launch device tethered to seismic equipment that has been launched. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a close up side view of an embodiment in which internal components of a portion of the trolley system are shown. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  shows a portion of the trolley system looking down the long axis the trolley rail. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  shows a detailed view of the remote towing device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Now referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, a launch device is mounted to a vessel  10  at a position accessible to the water  22  indicated by water line  20 . The launch device is positioned with respect to the edge of vessel  10  such that a significant portion of frame base  100  extends over the water  22  and the remainder of frame base  100  is above vessel  10 . Vessel  10  may be any variety of nautical or marine vessels including boats, ships, barges, and oil and gas platforms. Frame base  100  is connected to frame base support  380  by hinge  390  which restrains the movement of frame base  100  to pivoting about frame base  100 . Frame base  100  may be also be characterized as a support structure having a base  101  and a rear frame  140  Hydraulic lift  385  actuates the movement of frame base  100  about hinge  390 . Hydraulic lift  385  may take the form of a hydraulic piston. When frame base  100  is in a position parallel to frame base support  380 , frame base  100  may be secured to frame base support  380  by a locking pin (not shown).  FIG. 1  shows frame base  100  parallel to frame base support  380 . This position is the “pre-launch position” for the launch device. 
         [0023]    Seismic device  400 , buoy  450 , and buoy cable  420  rest on frame base  100 . Significant movement of seismic device  400  in the direction of or away from rear frame  140  is restrained by cable  310  and rear frame  140 . Significant side to side movement of seismic device  400  and buoy  450  is restrained by side rail  350  which may take the form of a moveable brace or a sliding rail and may further be characterized as an immobilizing device. Side rail  350  preferably contacts seismic device  400  at a height that is roughly equivalent to the height of the center of gravity of seismic device  400  when seismic device  400  is resting on the base  101  of frame base  100 . Slack may be provided or taken from cable  310  by the operation of winch  300 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  of the drawings shows a side view of the launch device in a launching position. The term “launching position” refers to the fact that frame base  100  is in an inclined position with respect to frame base support  380 . The launching position is attained by actuation of hydraulic lift  385 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  of the drawings shows a side view of the launch device in which seismic device  400  has been launched and is floating with the assistance of buoy  450  and buoy cable  420 . Cable  310  tethers seismic device  400  to winch  300  and the launch device allowing seismic device  400  to float at testing location  900 . Testing location  900  may be at a location that is significantly removed from the marine vessel. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  of the drawings shows a top view of the launch device. Frame base  100  is made up of a base  101  and a rear frame  140 . Base  101  of frame base  100  may be divided along the axis A in such a way that base  101  contains two sections that substantially mirror each other about axis A and are joined at axis A. Those sections are labeled in  FIG. 4  as first base section  102  and second base section  103 . Both first base section  102  and second base section  103  contain multiple frame base width span members  120  and multiple frame base lengthwise members  110 . The frame base width span members  120  and frame base lengthwise members  110  are fastened to one another. First base section  102  and second base section  103  are removably fastened to one another. Winch  300  is supported by rear frame  140  which attaches to base  101  of frame base  100 . Frame base support  380  supports frame base  100  in the manner described above. Side rails  350  are attached to slide rail support tube  360  which is slidably situated within slide rail guide tube  355 . Slide rail  350  slides toward and away from the space above frame base  100  in such a way that it is able to restrain the movement of seismic device  400  and release seismic device  400  as needed. Slide rail  350  may be actuated hydraulically or by other means and may be secured by a locking pin or equivalent securing means. 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the launch device. Each of the elements shown in  FIG. 5  is described above. 
         [0028]    Now referring to  FIG. 6  of the drawings, Vessel  10  is situated in Water  22  with Water line  20  being on the vessel. Trolley system  500  is situated on Vessel  10  such that Foreword trolley rail support  530  and Rear trolley rail support  535  connect First trolley rail  510  to the Vessel  10 . Forward trolley  525  and Rear trolley  520  are slideably attached to First trolley rail  510  such that Frame base  100  is capable of movement along First trolley rail  510  and relative to Vessel  10 . The movement of Frame base  100  is further such that Frame base  100  moves toward and away from a position that is adjacent to the Vessel  10  that is outside the boundaries of Vessel  10 . Forward trolley  525  and Rear trolley  520  are attached to Frame base support  380  (speckled shading, numbered in  FIG. 7 ). Frame base support  380  is connected to Base  101  of Frame base  100  by way of Hinge  390 . Frame base  100  pivots around Hinge  390 . Frame base  100  is made up of Base  101  and Rear frame  140 . Winch  300  is attached to Rear frame  140  and Winch  300  tethers Seismic device  400  to Rear frame  140  by way of Cable  310 . Each of Remote towing device  600 , Buoy  450 , and Seismic device  400  rest on Base  101  of Frame base  100 . Remote towing device  600  is attached to Seismic device  400  by way of Tow line  622 . Buoy cable  420  connects Buoy  450  to Seismic device  400 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  of the drawings represents the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6  of the drawings after Frame base  100  has been actuated to impart translational movement in the direction of the edge of Vessel  10  and rotational movement about Hinge  390 . Drawing elements not separately recited are the same as shown in  FIG. 6 . Rear trolley  520  and Forward trolley  525  have moved along First trolley rail  510  such that Frame base support  380  is positioned near the edge of Vessel  10 . Frame base  100  and the pieces of equipment originally situated on top of Frame base  100  have rotated about Hinge  390  such that the equipment is transitioning from being horizontally oriented with respect to one another to being vertically oriented with respect to one another. Hydraulic lift  385  provides the motive force to rotate Frame base  100  with respect to Frame base support  380 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 8  of the drawings represents the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6  of the drawings and  FIG. 7  of the drawings in which Seismic device  400  is deployed in Water  22 .  FIG. 8  is illustrative in part due to the fact that Testing location  900  would not typically be as close to Vessel  10  as represented in the drawing. Cable  310  would typically be many times the depicted length due to the fact that Testing location  900  would typically be a significant distance from Vessel  10 . Drawing elements not separately recited are the same as shown in  FIG. 6 . Base  101  is shown in  FIG. 8  as having a significant incline and depending on the placement of items such as First trolley rail  510  and Foreword trolley rail support  530  with respect to Vessel  10  Base  101  may take on a vertical orientation. Winch  300  allows for slack in Cable  310  allowing the tethered deployment of Seismic device  400  away from Vessel  10  with Tow line  622  connecting Remote towing device  600  to Seismic device  400 . Remote towing device  600  is held at a relatively constant depth in Water  22  by First tow device buoy  670  and Second tow device buoy  672 . First tow device buoy  670  and Second tow device buoy  672  are tethered to Towing device frame  610  of Remote towing device  600  by Tow device buoy lines  674 . Seismic device  400  maintains a position at a depth that is determined by the length of Buoy cable  420  which is attached to Buoy  450 . The sliding motion of Frame base support  380  with respect to Vessel  10 , the rotational motion of Frame base  100  with respect to Frame base support  380 , and the operation of Side rail  350  are each described above. 
         [0031]      FIG. 9  represents a close up side view of an embodiment in which internal components of a portion of Trolley system  500  are shown. In the present embodiment, Base  101  represented in the drawing as Frame base  100  is vertically oriented. Frame base  100  is connected to Frame base support  380  by way of Hinge  390 . Frame base support  380  is attached by bolts, welding or other suitable means to Forward trolley  525 . The connection of Forward trolley  525  to Frame base support  380  may be made by Trolley base  529 . Forward trolley  525  surrounds First trolley rail  510  and is slideably connected thereto by Trolley wheels  527 . First trolley rail  510  is connected to Vessel  10 . Vessel  10  and First trolley rail  510  are optionally connected by way of a metal plate such as Foreword trolley rail support  530 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 11  of the drawings, Remote towing device  600  is made up of several components. Remote towing device  600  may be connected to Seismic device  400  by way of Tow point  620  and Tow line  622 . Tow point  620  is attached to Towing device frame  610  which may optionally serve as the primary support structure of Remote towing device  600 . Forward thrusters  630  impart the primary thrust for the operation of Remote towing device  600  and are attached either directly or indirectly to Towing device frame  610 . Control unit  640  may house microprocessors, distributed control systems, and/or other equipment capable of instructing the operation of the components of Remote towing device  600 . Hydraulic power unit  650  is optionally used to provide hydraulic power to the various components of Remote towing device  600 . Steering thruster  660  is used to control the direction of Remote towing device  600  by causing a yaw analogous to the flight control of an airplane. First tow device buoy  670  and Second tow device buoy  672  hold Remote towing device  600  at a substantially uniform depth by way of Tow device buoy lines  674 . In an alternate embodiment, Remote towing device  600  could be a floating device. GPS antenna  678  is used to track the location of Remote towing device  600  and in particular to gauge the location of Remote towing device  600  with respect to Testing location  900 . GPS antenna  678  may be located atop a buoy such as First tow device buoy  670  or in another location suitable to allow the direction of Remote towing device  600  to Testing location  900 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 10  of the drawings depicts a portion of Trolley system  500  looking down the long axis of First trolley rail  510 . Foreword trolley rail support  530  sits atop and is connected to Vessel  10 . Trolley wheels  527  roll along First trolley rail  510  such that Trolley wheels  527  occupy a substantial portion of the space within First trolley rail  510 . Trolley wheels  527  are attached to Forward trolley  525  such that Forward trolley  525  is able to slide along First trolley rail  510 . Trolley base connection  529  is connected to both Frame base support  380  and Forward trolley  525  creating a secure connection between the two. 
         [0034]    Operation of the launch device may be accomplished by first loading seismic device  400  and buoy  450  onto frame base  100 . Second, slide rails  350  are slid against the seismic device  400 . With cable  310  attached and taut, hydraulic lift  385  is then actuated such that frame base  100  pivots about hinge  390  in a way that raises rear frame  140  with respect to vessel  10 . The actuation of hydraulic lift  385  is stopped when frame base  100  is in or near the water  22 . This position is the launching position. Upon reaching the launching position, slide rails  350  are withdrawn from contact with seismic device  400 . Winch  300  is actuated to provide slack to cable  310  allowing seismic device  400  and buoy  450  to enter the water  22  and ultimately drift away from vessel  10 . Seismic device  400  may then be operated when in the correct position for a seismic test. The details of operation of the seismic device are according to known procedures or according to procedures appropriate to the specific equipment being used. Retrieval of seismic device  400  is accomplished by reversing the process. First, winch  300  reels seismic device  400  and buoy  450  onto frame base  100 . Then, side rails  350  are pressed against seismic device  400  securing it in place. Finally, hydraulic lift  385  is actuated to bring frame base  100  into the pre-launch position, parallel with frame base support  380 . Because this operation does not use a crane, many safety concerns associated with the launching of seismic device  400  are avoided. 
         [0035]    Operation of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8  of the drawings is comparable to the operation described above, but may involve the following additional procedures. The Launch device may begin in a position in which Frame base  100  is situated such that Rear trolley  520  is at or near the end of First trolley rail  510  that is not adjacent to the edge of Vessel  10 . Prior to deployment of Seismic device  400 , Frame base support  380 , Forward trolley  525 , and Rear trolley  520  slide toward the edge of Vessel  10 . Rotation about Hinge  390  and the deployment of Seismic device  400  into Water  22  takes place in a manner comparable to the procedures described above. However, Remote towing device  600  tows Seismic device  400  to Testing location  900 . Once testing is complete Winch  300  draws Seismic device  400  and Remote towing device  600  back to Vessel  10  so that they can be loaded onto Frame base  100  in a manner comparable to that described above. Once Frame base  100  has been made level with Frame base support  380 , Frame base support  380  is returned to its initial position. 
         [0036]    The launch device may be broken up into its individual components to facilitate shipping to and from the vessel. The launch device may be broken up into individual components including first base section  102 , second base section  103 , and rear frame  140 . These individual sections and the other components of the device are sized and configured for easy shipping including shipping over the highway with a tractor-trailer. Each of the pieces of the launch device are less than  8  feet  6  inches in either length, width, or height. These shipping characteristics allow for shipment to and from the vessel as component parts with assembly and disassembly occurring on the vessel. 
         [0037]    The Launch device may be characterized broadly by the operating influences that govern the position and movement of Seismic device  400  and the related equipment. For example, equipment involved in securing Seismic device  400  may be broadly characterized as a first operating influence. The first operating influence may for example take the form of frictional contact with Frame base  100  or Side rails  350 . Equipment involved in the positioning of Seismic device  400  may be characterized as a second operating influence. The second operating influence may for example take the form of Cable  310 . Equipment involved in the guiding of Seismic device  400  to Testing location  900  may be characterized as a third operating influence. The third operating influence may for example take the form of Remote towing device  600 . 
         [0038]    Depictions and descriptions of embodiments are in part based on the two-dimensional representations of those embodiments and various aspects of embodiments described herein are omitted because the explanation would be redundant. For example, the components described as making up Trolley system  500  are substantially replicated on the side opposite the side of Launch device shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0039]    The term “vessel” as used herein is used to broadly denote any mobile or non-mobile apparatus capable of operation in the open water and capable of carrying seismic equipment. Examples of apparatus that may be characterized as a vessels include boats, ships, and oil and gas platforms including drilling platforms. 
         [0040]    Any and all reference to patents, documents and other writings contained herein shall not be construed as an admission as to their status with respect to being or not being prior art. It is understood that the array of features and embodiments taught herein may be combined and rearranged in a large number of additional combinations not directly disclosed, as will be apparent to one having skill in the art and that various embodiments of the invention may have less than all of the benefits and advantages disclosed herein. 
         [0041]    There are, of course, other alternate embodiments which are obvious from the foregoing descriptions of the invention, which are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.