MXPA06001575A - Apparatus and methods for seismic streamer positioning - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus, systems and methods for connecting two seismic streamers (2, 2') are disclosed that enable two streamers (2, 2') to be towed in a desired arrangement. One apparatus comprises an elongate member (110) having a first portion (112) and a second portion (114), and an orientation member (130, 135) connected to the elongate member (110) between the first and second portions (112, 114), the orientation member (130, 135) functioning, when the streamers (2, 2') are connected by the apparatus and towed, to maintain orientation of the streamers (2, 2').

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOCATION OF INITIAL SEISMIC DISCHARGE 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of marine seismic instrumentation and methods of using it. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatuses and methods for improving seismic images obtained by the use of seismic instrumentation, as well as related systems, methods and devices. 2. Related Matter Marine seismic exploration investigates and graphically represents the structure and character of sub-surface geological formations that are underlying a body of water. For large areas of research, seismic vessels tow one or more seismic sources and multiple seismic initial discharge cables through the water. Seismic sources typically comprise compressed air guns for the generation of acoustic impulses in water. The energy from these impulses propagates downward towards the geological formations and is reflected upwards from the interfaces between the subsurface geological formations. The reflected energy is detected with hydrophones attached to the initial seismic discharges and the data representing such energy is recorded and processed in order to provide information about the underlying geological configurations. Previous attempts have not provided an optimal improvement of the secondary image of marine seismic images. Although these techniques are improvements in the matter, a further improvement is still desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, apparatuses, systems and methods are described for the location of initial seismic discharges, as well as initial seismic discharges placed in a desired orientation using the apparatus and systems, and methods for controlling the position of the initial downloads so connected. The apparatus, systems and methods of the invention reduce or overcome the problems with the previous apparatuses and methods. The apparatuses, systems and methods and the invention can be used to collect data to which the secondary image can be eliminated by the use of mathematical filters that are valid only when the initial discharges are separated at a constant vertical separation. A first aspect of the invention is an apparatus comprising: (a) an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion; and (b) an orienting member, the orienting member operating when two initial discharges are connected by the elongate member and towed in order to maintain a desired orientation of the initial discharges. The elongated member may comprise a front portion of a hydro-ellipse, while the orientation member may comprise first and second hydrodynamic fins, attached to the elongated member, each fin adapted to move independently during a seismic data acquisition performance. In another embodiment, the elongate member may be an elongated terminal and the orientation member comprises an even number of hydroblades mounted rotatably on the elongated terminal and capable of moving independently. In yet another embodiment, the elongated member is an elongate terminal and the orientation member comprises one or more satellites remotely controllable in the initial, first and second discharges. An alternative to the last modality is the assembly of the satellites in line in the initial downloads. The elongated terminal can exist as one or more than one member. In all modalities, the guidance member can be controlled remotely. The first portion of the elongated member can be releasably secured to the first initial discharge through a first assembly. The second portion of the elongated member can be securely attached to the second initial discharge. The portions, first and second, can be extreme, first and second, of the elongated member. The first portion of the elongated member may be mounted to a first initial discharge employing a fastener and the fastener may be adjacent to an inductor within the first initial discharge for the supply of electricity to the apparatus. Alternatively, a battery can be operatively connected to the fastener. The second portion of the elongate member can be releasably mounted to the second initial discharge through a second assembly. The first assembly may connect the first portion or the second portion of the elongate member to an initial discharge in a manner that allows electrical energy to flow to the apparatus differently than by induction. The first assembly may include a containment and release mechanism, which allows easier capture and emission of the pair of initial discharges. A second aspect of the invention is a system comprising: (a) a first initial seismic discharge; (b) a second seismic initial discharge; and (c) a connecting element connecting the initial, first and second discharges, the connecting element comprising an elongated member having a first portion connected to the first initial discharge, a second portion connected to the second initial discharge, and a guidance member, the guidance member operating when the system is towed in order to maintain the orientation of the initial, first and second seismic shocks. The systems of the invention include those systems wherein the first initial discharge is placed at a shallower depth than the second initial discharge, and systems where the first initial discharge is placed on the second initial discharge in an over / under configuration . Another aspect of the invention comprises methods for controlling the orientation of a pair of initial seismic shocks, the method comprising: (a) connecting an initial, first and second discharge with a connector; (b) adjusting an orientation member in order to control a desired relative portion between the initial, first and second discharges. The methods of the invention may comprise wherein said orientation member is connected to the connector and the adjustment is carried out by communication with the orientation member. The communication with the guidance member can be carried out by telemetry selected from wired, wireless and optical telemetry. Other methods of the invention include adjusting one or more of the orientation members to move the pair of initial seismic shocks to a desired position, which can be any direction in 3 dimensions, eg, lateral (horizontal), vertical or any direction between these extremes. The desired position can be relative to another pair of initial discharges,. The other pair of initial discharges may employ apparatuses of the invention. The apparatuses, systems and methods of the invention will become more apparent after review of the brief description of the drawings, the detailed description of the invention and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The manner in which the objectives of the invention and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and the accompanying drawings in which: The F1G. 1 is a perspective view of a first device of the invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line A-A of FIG. 1; FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic rear views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 where two orientation members are displayed in two alternative orientations; FIG. 4 illustrates a control scheme that can be used to control the orientation members in the apparatus of the invention; FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a method of acoustic variation for detecting the inclination of a pair of initial discharges connected by use of the apparatus of the invention; FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a second apparatus of the invention; FIG. 7 illustrates a towing installation employing the apparatus or systems and methods of the invention; FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a third apparatus of the invention; The F1G 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the C-C line of the F1G. 8; FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate the operation of the system orientation member of FIGS. 8-9; FIG. 13 illustrates a control scheme that can be used to control the orientation members in the apparatus of FIGS. 8-9; FIGS. 14A and B illustrate perspective views, with portions in dotted lines, of two embodiments of the invention; Y FIGS. 15A-C schematically illustrate motor facilities for the movement of fin-like orientation members. However, it should be noted that the attached drawings are not to scale and illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting their scope, so that the invention can admit other equally effective modalities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications may be possible from the described embodiments. The present invention relates to various apparatus, systems and methods for controlling the position of one or more marine seismic components. One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for locating initial seismic shocks. Another aspect of the invention is a combination of two initial discharges connected by the use of an apparatus of the invention and comprising a system. Other aspects of the present invention, which are explained further below, relate to methods for remotely controlling the location of initial seismic shocks. The terms "orienting member", "hydrodynamic fin" and "fin" are generally used interchangeably herein, although it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a fin is a specialized device, used in aviation, to control the displacement of an airplane. In this sense, "orienting member" is considered broader than "fin" since the orienting members described herein are capable of movements which can result in any or multiple straight or curved path movements of the apparatus of orientation. the invention in 3 dimensions, such as lateral, vertical up, vertical down, horizontal and combinations thereof. The terms "position control", "controllable position", "position remote control" and "address" are generally used interchangeably herein, although it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that "address" is normally refers to following a defined trajectory, whereas "position control", "controllable position" and "remote position control" could mean direction, but could also mean that a relative position is merely maintained, for example, in relation to one or more reference points , such as natural or man-made objects or merely by diverting an object. Since "controllable position" and "position control" are somewhat more extensive terms than "direction", these terms are used in the present, except when specific instances demand the use of more specific words. As an example, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of apparatus 100 of the invention. The identical numerical references are used throughout all the figures of drawings when referring to the same component or element in different figures. The initial discharges 2 and 2 'are illustrated in installation on / under connected together by a rigid or semi-rigid elongate member 1 1 0 having ends, first and second, 1 12 and 1 14, and a central portion 1 13, the end 1 12 being connected with a first initial discharge coupler 140 and a second end 14 connected through a second initial discharge coupler 145. The large arrow labeled "F" denotes the direction of travel of the water beyond the apparatus 1. 00 when the apparatus 1 00 is in use, being towed by a towing vessel (not illustrated). The initial discharges 2 and 2 'may be placed at a desired separation distance, generally varying from about 1 to about 50 meters, with approximately 5 meters being typical, although the upper limit of the separation distance is limited only by the construction materials and the surrounding environment, for example, water depth, obstruction in the water, and the like. Two independently movable orientation members 130 and 135, sometimes referred to herein as fins, are illustrated mounted to and behind the elongated member 10 (with respect to a direction of flow, indicated by the arrow "F" in the FIG. FIG 1). Alternatively, or in addition to, orientation members 130 and 135 may be mounted on initial discharge couplers 140 and 145, as discussed in more detail herein. Orientation members can add about two. An odd or even number can be used, although with an odd number some other parameters may need adjustment. (For example, with three fins, the size (surface area) of one fin could be twice the size of the two remaining fins in order to achieve balanced forces). Also shown in dashed lines is an optional satellite 16, which may be used in certain embodiments of the invention, as explained below in an additional manner. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view along section A-A of FIG. 1, illustrating the relative position of the elongate member 1 1 0 and the orientation member 130 when the orientation member 130 is mounted on a hollow or solid shaft 131, as discussed more fully in relation to FIGS. 14 and 15. The double-headed arrow "S" illustrates the manner in which the orientation member 130 could rotate or rotate about the shaft 131, according to the invention. The orientation member 135 moves in a similar manner. The orientation members 130 and 135 can be either retractable or expandable in the direction indicated by the double-pointed arrow "R", as in the retractable airplane fins, or they can be in a fixed position, as illustrated. In any case, the movement S is allowed in at least one direction. Since the functions of the elongated member 1 1 0 are basically to connect the initial discharges 2 and 2 'and serve to control the distance between the initial discharges 2 and 2', the member 1 10 can be of any shape, cross section or material of construction that is desired. For example, the cross section of the elongated member 1 1 0 could be oval or rectangular; Its construction material can be metal, plastic, composite and the like. One or more elongated, exactly spaced, parallel members are possible. Also, more than one elongated member may be used, fit together or join to form an elongate member, and shaft 131 may comprise more than one axis, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The elongate member 1 10 could comprise any number of alternative facilities, including pipeline pipeline, solid pipeline terminal, boxed solid terminal, and the like, allowing sensors, transmitters, receivers and the like to be transported by the elongate member 1 10. Although the orientation members 130, 135 and 16 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 placed behind the elongate member 1 10 connecting the initial discharges 2 and 2 ', it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the orienting member or members may be placed in front of the elongate member 10, as is known in the aerodynamic matter. In addition, the use of both front and rear fins is considered a variant within the present invention. It is also considered within the invention that the targeting member comprises one or more satellites, for example, a combination of an elongated connection member and a satellite attached to each initial discharge close to the connecting points between the initial discharges and the elongated member. . These embodiments may or may not include fins 130 and 135, as illustrated in FIG. 1 . A finless modality is discussed in relation to FIG. 8 in the present. The satellites can be placed in front of or behind the elongated member 1 1 0. Very often, the water currents can vary significantly with the depth and the two initial discharges and a pair are easily driven out of the ideal position, which can be directly on top of the other and in an "over and under" configuration. To correct that, the apparatus of the invention is adept at reinforcing a moment in the pair of initial discharges, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, a moment (denoted by arrow "M") can be carried out by moving the orientation members 130 and 135 in opposite directions. In other situations, the currents induce the so-called "characterization" to the pair of initial discharges, or the current may vary along the length of the pair of initial discharges, causing the pair of initial discharges to "snake". In such situations, it may be desirable to induce a net force on the pair of initial discharges, as illustrated by the arrow "L" in FIG. 3B, by movement of all orientation members, in this case 130 and 135, in the same direction. Within the invention is to provide both movements exemplified by FIGS. 3A and 3B, that is, both a moment and a transnational force simultaneously. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a control scheme useful with the apparatus of FIGS. 1 -3. In FIG. 4, "N" refers to the Nth apparatus, while N 1, N 2 and thereafter refer to an apparatus N 1, an apparatus N 2 and so on. A positioning unit 16, mounted on a float 8 (not shown) attached to the apparatus 100N (FIG.1) transmits the position of the apparatus 100N to a navigation system 17 located in the towing vessel (not shown), the navigation 17 provides the location information received from the positioning unit 16 in an on-board monitor controller 32. The on-board supervisor controller 32 may be a computer, a distributed control system, an analog control system or other device control known to those who have ordinary experience in the field. The on-board monitor controller 32 can communicate with a local controller 29N mounted on or on the elongate member 1 1 0N through a separate power cable 27N, or through a combination of an initial 2 or 2 'power and discharge cable, or alternatively can communicate through a wireless or optical transmission. The local controller 29N can also be placed in or on one of the initial discharge couplers, 140, 145 (FIG 1). The 27N power cable contains conductors to provide power and control signals to and from the initial discharge 2 or 2 '. The local controller 29N can send a signal to an electric motor 31 N that moves an actuator 21 N, which in turn moves the orientation member 130N. When the orientation member 130N is moved, the lateral force imparted against it by the water directs the initial discharges 2 and 2 'towards the desired position. The sensors 28N can detect the angular position of the orientation member 130N and feedback the information to the local controller 29N and, optionally, to the onboard supervisor controller 32 where an operator can be displayed for reading. The sensor 28N can also be used as an inclination sensor to detect the angle of inclination between pairs of initial discharges. This is one of at least two alternatives to tilt determination. An alternative method is illustrated in FIG. 5. The difference signals, together with any advance feed information received through a 32N input, any information about other devices N1, N2, etc. , through the input 33N, and any supervisory control signal received from the supervisor controller 32 through the input 45N, can be used by the local controller 29N to calculate the rotation angle of the orientation member and, optionally, of any satellite, which together will produce the necessary combination of vertical force (up or down) and lateral force (left or right) required to move the apparatus N to a desired depth and lateral position. The local controller 29N then adjusts each orientation member N independently by means of the motor 31 N, in order to initiate the achievement of the angle of rotation and the angular positions of the wing, calculated. The information can also be sent to other devices N 1, N2, etc. , through the output 43N, and the information can be sent to an on-board monitor controller 32, if any, through an output 41 N. Numerous variations in the control scheme are possible. Supervisory controllers, advance power controllers and the like can be cascaded with the local 29N controller. Other control schemes are possible, either alone or in cascade with the feedback control. A control scheme can comprise a so-called feed controller in advance that uses information about currents, winding and other environmental conditions, in order to counteract any deviation from the nominal, that is, what is predicted to take place, and it does so before the deviation actually takes place or to do so at an almost early stage of the deviation. An adaptive control scheme can also be used. FIG. 5 illustrates schematically the methods for detecting the inclination of a pair of connected initial discharges by the use of an apparatus of the invention. The initial discharges 2 and 2 'are illustrated connected through a device of the invention 100, while the initial discharges 22 and 22' are illustrated connected by the use of a second apparatus 100 'of the invention. The apparatuses 100 and 1 00 'may be identical, similar or of different construction. For example, they can be of the same length (some distance between initial discharges) but have different numbers or styles of orientation members, or they can have identical number and style of orientation members, but be of different lengths (different distance of separation between initial downloads). An orientation member could be like the modality 100 described in relation to FIGS. 1 -3, while the other could be like mode 200 of FIG. 6 or the mode 300 of FIGS. 8-9. The angles of inclination in real time, and a ', in relation to the vertical plane (indicated by dotted lines marked "V"), can be detected by the use of one or more inclination sensors operatively coupled to one or more local controllers . The controllers and sensors are not illustrated for clarity. FIG. 5 shows that the inclination angles could also be detected by using acoustic ranges (indicated by dashed lines) between the initial discharge 2 and the initial discharge 22 'and between the initial discharge 2' and the initial discharge 22. The acoustic ranges can used to calculate the real-time tilt angles, a and a ', of the initial discharge pairs. In any case, an inclination value different from zero indicates that the initial discharges are not located directly on the top of each other. A human or computer can then take corrective action through a control scheme, as discussed in relation to FIG. 4, by movement of one or more orientation members (as illustrated in FIG 3). By using the orientation members to maintain the apparatus in the desired position and orientation the inclination can be reduced. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a second apparatus 200 of the invention. The initial discharges 2 and 2 'are illustrated connected together through an elongate member 202 comprising an elongated cylindrical terminal, having ends 208 and 210 connected to the initial discharges 2 and 2', respectively, by the use of couplers. 140 and 145. Since the functions of the elongate member 202 are basically to connect the initial discharges 2 and 2 'and serve as a hold or support for the orienting members 204 and 206, the member 202 can be of any shape, cross section or desired construction material. For example, the cross section of the elongate member 202 could be oval or rectangular; Its construction material can be metal, plastic, composite and the like. In the apparatus 200, the orientation members 204 and 206 can be allowed to rotate freely or can be coupled to the elongated member 202 and / or initial discharges 2 and 2 'and their movements controlled remotely. One or more orientation members are possible in this configuration. It is also possible to use more than one elongated member, attached end-to-end. The elongated member 202 could comprise a tubing line installation, where the orienting members 204 and 206 are mounted in their own respective lines or conduits, which are allowed to move around an internal solid tubing or terminal. FIG. 6B, which is taken along the cross section indicated as B-B in FIG. 6A, schematically illustrates a way of moving the orientation member 204 by remote control. A hollow cylindrical terminal 202 has a section 203 having teeth that intermingle with the teeth 207 in a wheel or clutch 205 having a smaller diameter than that of the terminal 202. The wheel or clutch 205 can be mounted on a shaft 209 that is it in turn connects to a motor or other prime motion actuator, not shown, housed inside the hollow terminal 202 or any other place within the orientation member 204. A local controller, power supply and the like, they can also be housed inside the hollow terminal 202. The apparatus of the invention can be connected to at least one initial discharge in such a way that it is capable of communicating with the outside world, which can be a vessel, satellite or other device. base ground connection. The manner in which this can be carried out varies according to the amount of energy required by the apparatus and the amount of energy that the apparatus is capable of storing locally in terms of batteries, fuel cells and the like. If the local storage capacity for batteries, fuel cells and the like is sufficient, the mounting or coupling to the main initial discharge (the initial discharge used for communication) may be similar to the methods used to energize the so-called "satellites" used to direct initial downloads. These satellites can be attached to the surface of the initial discharge in places where an inductor is located inside the initial discharge surface. Similarly, the initial discharge couplers 140 and 145 (FIG.1) can be attached to the surface of the initial discharge in such places. Then, the apparatus and the initial discharge can communicate through the surface with electrical impulses. If, on the other hand, the apparatus needs to charge energy from the initial discharge, a different approach is required. In this case, the apparatus can be mounted between two initial discharge sections and therefore comprises an insert between two initial discharge sections, as described below. Depending on the handling procedure, the apparatus of the invention may require the ability to release one of the initial discharges in the sense that an initial discharge is, for some time, allowed to slide into one of the couplers or mounts. initial discharge 140, 145 (FIG.1). This may be the initial download that is not the main initial download. This could be the scenario, for example, if for some reason it is not possible to operate the initial discharges in the desired parallel position, such as the over-under position. This may be due to weather, obstructions and the like, or because the two initial discharges are tensioned differently under tension. In these cases, the two initial discharges may have the ability to slide past each other in line with each other. An actuator that allows the clamping and releasing of the initial discharge can be included in the assemblies 140 or 145 for this function. It is also within the invention to combine the apparatus comprising elongated members, orientation members and initial downloads, as described with one or more different control devices, such as "satellites". A type of satellite useful in the invention is described in the U.S. Patent. No. 6,671, 223, commonly assigned, which describes a satellite that is designed to be electrically and mechanically connected in series with an initial discharge. One modality of this satellite, known under the trade designation "Q-FI N", available at WesternGreco L.L.C. , Houston, Texas, has two opposite wings that are independently controllable in order to control a lateral position of the initial discharge as well as its depth. Other satellites useful in the invention include battery-powered satellites, suspended below the initial discharge and including a pair of side-projection wings, the combination of initial discharges, elongate member, orientation member and the satellites being installed to be neutrally floating. Holding satellites can also be used, as discussed previously. The satellites useful in the invention, including suspended satellites, in-line satellites and clamping satellites, may include on-board controllers and / or communication devices, which may be microprocessor-based, in order to receive control signals representative of the desired depth, actual depth, desired lateral position, actual lateral position and satellite angle of rotation. Controllers on board the satellite can communicate with local controllers mounted on or within elongated members of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, as described in FIG. 4 and / or communicate with other local controllers and / or remote controllers, such as a supervising controller. Such a control system is discussed in relation to FIG. 13. Optionally, one or more satellites controlled by a controlled scheme, as illustrated in FIG. 13, they can be operated in series with the controller and control the apparatus aboard the scheme 100 of FIG. 1, described in FIG. 4. For example, control schemes could be in cascade. Operating independently of or with the apparatus 100, the satellite control circuit can then adjust each of its wings independently by means of stepper motors in order to begin to achieve the calculated satellite rotation angle and the positions angles of flight. There may be cases where apparatus 100 is not operational and acts merely as a passive connector between initial discharges 2 and 20, such as in mode 300 of FIGS. 8-9, in which case the satellites attached to each initial discharge may function as guidance members to control the relative position between initial discharges and / or pairs of steamships. The wings can include quick release mechanisms. Satellites useful herein may include seismic receivers such as hydrophones and, in such cases, may include an elongated, partially flexible body for housing one or more receivers. As mentioned herein, the construction materials of the apparatus of the invention may vary. However, there is a need to balance the apparatus with the rest of the seismic equipment so that the system balances to be neutrally floating in the water, or almost, to carry out its proposed function. Polymeric compounds can be used, with suitable fillers used to adjust the buoyancy and mechanical properties, as desired. In use, the position of a pair of initial discharges can be actively controlled by GPS or another position detector that detects the position of the pair of initial discharges, and tilt sensors, acoustic sensors, or other means can detect the orientation of a or more individual initial downloads and feed this data to navigation and control systems. Alternatively, the data may be fed in advance to local controllers in the device of the invention. The general position and local movement of the pair of initial discharges can be controlled on board by means of a towing vessel, in some other container, locally or even a remote location. When using a communication system, either wired or wireless, the information from the remote controller can be sent to one or more local controllers in the device of the invention, including connectors and, when presented and desired, one or more satellites. The local controllers in turn are operatively connected to adjustment mechanisms comprising motors or other motive power means, and actuators and couplers connected to the orientation members (fins) and, if present, satellites, which function to move. the apparatus as desired. This in turn adjusts the position of the pair of initial discharges, causing it to move as desired. Feedback control can be achieved by using local sensors placed as appropriate, depending on the specific mode used, which can inform local and remote controllers of the position of one or more orientation members, the angle of inclination of a pair of initial discharges, the distance between the pairs of initial discharges, a position of an actuator, the state of the motor or hydraulic cylinder, the state of a satellite and the like. A computer or human operator can thus have access to information and control the entire positioning effort, and thus obtain much better control over the process of acquiring seismic data. The above / below trailer can improve the seismic image considerably since one may be able to separate the downward propagating sound wave field from the upward propagating wave field. Among geophysicists this is called the disappearance of secondary image. By means of different means of configuring the towing system it is possible to place pairs of initial discharges in lateral spaces between the pairs in order to form an installation for covering a rectangle. FIG. 7 illustrates an installation employing apparatuses or systems and methods of the invention. Many variations are possible. A seismic vessel 702 is shown towing an installation 240 of seismic hydrophones (not shown) hidden within the initial discharges 2, 2 '. The number of initial download pairs may exceed ten, but they will probably be common from four to eight. An example of an even configuration of four initial discharges is shown in FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, each initial discharge pair 2,2 ', comprises an initial discharge 2' positioned as accurately as possible on top of the other initial discharge 2. A seismic source 260 towed by tow members 261 (only two towing members are shown for clarity) provides a pressure pulse that is reflected in the strata of the sub-surface of the seabed and recorded by the seismic hydrophones. This signal is used to graphically represent the geological structure below the sea floor. A set of initial discharges 2 is towed deep and a set of initial 2 'discharges is towed at shallow depth. The initial discharges 2 and 2 'deviate laterally with seismic deflectors 250, 251, 252 and 253, which can be passive or remotely controllable. Eight initial discharges 2 and 2 'are shown towed by eight respective towing members 3a -3h, as indicated, with separation members 4, 5, 6 and 7 provided between initial, deep, adjacent 2 discharges and initial, shallow discharges. , adjacent 2 '. Passive or active towing members (not shown) can connect the source 260 with one or more initial discharge towing members. The vertical distance between initial discharges 2, 2 'in an initial discharge pair can vary from 1 meter to 50 meters, and can be approximately 5 meters. A selected number of hydrophones, either mounted within the initial discharge or in / on equipment mounted on the initial discharge, can be used as receivers in a system of acoustic variation and thus provide knowledge of the horizontal and vertical position of the initial discharges 2 and 2 '. The horizontal initial discharge separations may vary from about 25 to about 180 meters. Control of the depth of the initial discharges 2 and 2 'in this mode can be provided by the so-called satellites 1 16 which can be of any type, such as small hydro-droplets that can provide forces in the vertical plane. A suitable depth control device is the previously described device, known under the trade designation "Q-FIN"; Another suitable device is known under the trade designation "DigiBIRD", available from Input / Output, Inc., Stafford, Texas. In FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of connection devices 1 00, which can be configured as illustrated more fully in FIG. 1, mode 200 of FIG. 6, mode 300 of FIG. 8, or some other configuration. There are many possibilities of type, number and position of connection devices 1 00, and this will also depend on whether satellites 1 16 are used. Apparatus 100 can also be separated along the length of the initial discharges, with optional satellites 1 16 proximity to the connecting apparatus 100. The satellites 1 16 can be moved in proximity to the connecting apparatus 1 00 and be subjected to the initial discharges 2, 2 ', hung from the initial discharges 2, 2, or inserted in line in the initial discharges. 2, 2 'in order to provide optional complementary position control, while satellites 1 17, or other initial discharge location device, such as the devices described in US Patent Nos. 3,774,570; 3,560,912; 5,443,027; 3,605,674; 4,404,664; 6,525, 992 and EP Patent Publication No. EP 0613025, can be placed at intervals between the connection apparatus 100 for the control of the complementary position, for example, in order to reduce "collapse" of the initial discharge. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment 300 of the invention. The initial discharges 2 and 2 'are shown connected together by a rigid or semi-rigid, elongate member, 1 10', having ends, first and second, 1 12 'and 1 14", the end 1 connecting 12'. with a first initial discharge coupler 140, and the second end 1 14 'connected through a second initial discharge coupler 145. An orientation member 16, such as a satellite having a body 12 and two movable control surfaces independently 24, sometimes referred to herein as "wings," is illustrated mounted or attached in line at the initial discharge 2 and posterior to the elongated member 10 (with respect to the direction of flow, indicated by the arrow "F" in FIG. Fig. 8) A second orientation member 1 16 'is mounted or attached in line at the initial discharge 2' Although the orientation members 1 16 and 1 16 'are illustrated as substantially identical, they may be different, provided when they are able to work together to control the orientation of the pair of initial downloads. Alternatively, or in addition to the same, the orientation members 1 16 and 1 16 'can be mounted on initial discharge couplers 140 and 145, as discussed in more detail herein. The members of orientation 1 16 and 1 16 'can add more than two. An odd or even number can be used. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view along section C-C of FIG. 8, illustrating a possible construction of elongate member 1 10 ', illustrated herein as a hollow cylindrical pipe or conduit. The elongated member 1 1 0 'may comprise more than one part or component and may include communications components, sensors and power components, all of which are not shown. Since the functions of the elongate member 1 10 'are basically to connect the initial discharges 2 and 2' and serve to control the distance between the initial discharges 2 and 2 ', the member 1 1 0' can be of any shape, cross section or desired construction material. For example, the cross section of the elongated member 10 could be oval or rectangular; Its construction material can be metal, plastic, composite and the like. One or more elongated, exactly spaced, parallel members are possible. More than one elongated member may be employed, for example, end-to-end attachment as a whole. The elongated member 10 'could comprise any number of alternative installations, including pipeline installations in pipeline, solid terminal in pipe, solid terminal in box, and the like, allowing sensors, transmitters, receivers and the like to be transported by the elongate member 1 1 0 '. Although the orientation members 1 16 and 1 16 'are illustrated in FIG. 8 placed behind the elongated member 10 ', it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the orienting member or members may be placed in front of the elongate member 1 10. In addition, the use of both orientation members, front and rear, they are considered variants within the present invention. Very often, as mentioned previously in relation to FIGS. 1 -3, water currents often vary significantly with depth and the two initial discharges in a pair are easily driven away from the ideal position, which can be directly on top of each other in an "over" configuration. and below, "or the initial discharges may" meander "or" vanish ". To correct these movements, the apparatus and system of FIG. 8 can reinforce a moment in the pair of initial downloads. A moment can be carried out by moving wings 24 of the orientation members 1 16 and 1 16 'in opposite directions, and the translational force can be imposed by placing wings 24 in identical directions. The orientation members, or "satellites", illustrated in FIG. 8 generally at 166 and 1 16 ', may comprise an elongated straight body 12, 12', adapted to be mechanically or electrically connected in series in an initial seismic discharge, marine, of multiple sections 2 or 2 'of the type being towed by a seismic research vessel and that is used, in conjunction with a seismic source also towed by the vessel, to conduct seismic investigations, as briefly described hereinbefore. To allow such a connection, each end of the body 12 and the body 12 'is provided with a respective mechanical and electrical connector, these connectors being complementary and designed to interconnect with initial discharge end connectors which are normally used to jointly connect the adjacent sections of an initial discharge. The satellites 1 16 and 1 16 'may be provided with two opposite control surfaces, or wings, 24, 24', which can be molded from a fiber-reinforced plastic material, which projects outwardly from the body 12, 12 'and which are independently rotatable about a common axis extending substantially perpendicular through the longitudinal axis of the body. The rotation of the wings 24, 24 'can be effected under the control of a control system housed in a sealed manner inside the body 12, 12'. The wings 24, 24 'can be generally surrounded and directed with respect to the towing direction of the initial discharges 2 and 2' (whose direction is opposite to that indicated by the arrow F), in order to reduce the possibility of waste being they hook in them. To facilitate its rapid removal and re-attachment, the wings 24, 24 'can be secured to the body 12, 12' by a quick-release fastener. As mentioned hereinbefore, the initial discharges 2 and 2 'include hydrophones distributed along their length; they may also include control and conversion circuitry for converting the hydrophone emissions to digital data signals, longitudinally extending control and data lines to conduct control and data signals to and from the control and conversion circuitry, and lines of electric power supply for the supply of electrical energy from the container to the circuitry. If satellites or other similar devices are employed, all these lines can be coupled together from an initial discharge section to another initial discharge section through respective corresponding lines that can extend through the body 12 of the satellite 1 16 between the coupler 140. and its closest surrounding coupler 140, and so on below the length of the initial discharge. Alternatively or additionally, optical and wireless transmission signals can be generated and received by functional components in or on initial discharges 2 and 2 'and the body of satellite 12. FIGS. 1 to 12 illustrate the operation of satellite 1 16 in the case where the initial discharge 2 or 2 'is slightly heavy (of slightly negative buoyancy) and satellite 1 16 thus needs to produce displacement to maintain the initial discharge at the desired depth. As the initial discharges 2 and 2 'are connected by the elongate member 1 10 (FIG 8), another satellite or other initial discharge location device may be required on or in line with the initial 2' discharge to assist to move the initial discharge 2 ', since the satellite 1 16 will not only have to overcome the drag of the crossing flow and the forces of gravity in the initial discharge 2, but also the drag of the crossing flow produced by the initial discharge 2 'and the elongate member 1 1 0. This displacement is caused by the flow of water on the wings 24 of the satellite 1 16 resulting from the desired towing speed of the initial discharges 2, 2' through the water, and can be changed by change of the angle of attack of the wings with respect to the flow. The amount of displacement required to move the initial discharge 2 when it does so on its own (disconnected from a pair of initial discharges) is indicated by the length of the arrows 60. These arrows may be incrementally larger or smaller when the initial discharges 2 and 2 'are connected to an elongate member 1 10. If the initial discharge 2 now needs to move laterally to the right (as seen in FIGS. 10 to 12), the angular position of the left wing 24 of satellite 1 16 can be adjusted first to increase its displacement, while the angular position of the right wing 24 is adjusted to decrease its displacement, as represented by the length of the arrows 64 in FIG. 11, thus causing satellite 1 16 to rotate clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 10 towards the position shown in FIG. eleven . This clockwise rotation can continue until satellite 1 16 reaches a uniform state condition shown in FIG. 12, where it can be seen that the vertical component of the displacement produced by the wings 24, indicated by the arrows 66, is equal to the displacement represented by the arrows 60 of FIG. 1 0 required to maintain the initial discharge 2 at the desired depth, while the larger horizontal component, represented by the arrows 68, moves the initial discharge 2 to the right. The F1G 13 is a schematic diagram of a control scheme useful with the apparatus, systems and methods described in relation to FIGS. 8-12. In FIG. 13, "N" refers to the Nth orientation member, while N 1, N 2, and thereafter refer to an orientation member N 1, an orientation member N 2, and so on. The control system 26N comprises a microprocessor-based control circuit 34N having respective inputs 35N to 39N in order to receive control signals representative of the desired depthactual depth, desired lateral position, actual lateral position and angle of rotation of the orientation member N (ie, the angular position of the body 12N in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the initial discharge 2 or 2 '). The control circuit 34N can also receive information through the input 33N with respect to the state or position of the orientation members N 1, N 2 and the like. The desired depth signal may be either a fixed signal or an adjustable signal, whereas the actual depth signal is typically produced by a 40N depth sensor mounted on or on the N-facing member. The lateral position signals may be derived of a position determining system of the kind described in our US Patent No. 4,992,990 or our International Patent Application No. WO9621 163. The angle of rotation signal may be produced by an inclinometer 42N mounted on or within the member of orientation N. The control circuit 34N may have control outputs 44N, 46N, connected to control the respective electric, stepper motors, 48N, 50N, each of which is steerably connected to a respective one of the wings 24N. The stepper motors 48N, 50N have respective outputs to which they produce signals representative of their respective current angular positions (and, consequently, of the current angular positions of the wings 24N), whose outputs are connected to respective control inputs 52N , 54N of control circuit 34N. In operation, the control circuit 34N can receive between its inputs 35N and 36N a signal indicative of the difference between the actual and desired depths of the orientation member N, and can receive between its inputs 37N and 38N a signal indicative of the difference between the lateral positions, real and desired, of the orientation member N. These two difference signals, together with any advance feeding information received through the input 32N, any information about other orientation members N1, N2, etc. , through the input 33N, and any supervisory control signal received from a supervisor controller through the input 45N can be used by the control circuit 34N to calculate the rotation angle of the orientation member N and the angular positions respective of 24N wings which together will produce the necessary combination of vertical force (ascending or descending) and the lateral force (left or right) required to move the orientation member N to a desired depth and lateral position. The control circuit 34N then adjusts each of the wings 24N independently by means of the stepper motors 48N, 50N, so as to begin to achieve the calculated angle of rotation and angular wing positions. The information can also be sent to other members of orientation N 1, N2, etc. , through the output 43N, and the information can be sent to the supervisor controller (not shown), if it exists, through a 41 N output. Numerous variations are possible in the control scheme. Supervisory controllers, advance power controllers and the like may be cascaded with the control system 26. An advance power controller, as indicated by the 32N input in FIG. 13, can use information about currents, wing and other environmental conditions, in order to counteract any deviation from the nominal that can be predicted to take place and does so before the deviation takes place or does so at an early stage of the deviation. An adoptive control scheme can also be used. The systems of the invention may become unstable due to the geometry of the pair of initial discharges, the point of application of, and the direction of the applied forces. This can cause the orienting members to generate undesirable torque in one or both of the initial discharges. To remove this undesirable effect, the control system 26N in FIG. 13 can be programmed properly. While adjusting the angular positions of the wings 24N of the orientation member N, the control circuit 34N can continuously receive the signals representative of the actual angular positions of the 24N wings of the stepper motors 48N, 50N, as well as the Signals representative of the actual turning angles of the orientation members N, N1, N2, etc. , from an inclinometer 42N and the input 33N, to allow the control circuit 34N to determine and / or predict when the angular positions of the wing and the angle of rotation of the satellite have been reached or calculated, calculated. And as the difference signals mentioned above at the inputs 35N to 38N of the control circuit 34 are reduced, the control circuit 34N can repeatedly recalculate the values of progressive change of the angle of rotation of the orientation member N and the angular positions of the wings 24N required for the orientation member N and the initial discharge to reach the desired depth and lateral position, until the orientation member N and the initial discharge to which it is attached actually reach the depth and lateral position desired. The body 12 of any particular orientation member may or may not rotate with respect to the initial discharge 2 or 2 '.; if the body 12 does not rotate, it can then rotate the initial discharge 2 and perhaps the initial discharge 2 'as it rotates. The initial discharges 2 and 2 'then resist this turning movement, acting together as a kind of torsion spring which has the orientation members returned to their normal position. However, this torsional action may or may not be beneficial and is not essential and the guidance members may, if desired, be designed to rotate to a certain degree with respect to the axis of the initial discharge to which they are attached or a part thereof. line. FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate schematically, with some parts in dotted lines, two embodiments of apparatuses of the invention. In FIG. 14A, the elongated member 1 1 0 comprises an elongate body in the form of a hydrolet having ends 1 12 and 1 14, and a central portion 1 13. Two axes 131 and 133 supported by supports 132, 134 and 1 are shown in dotted lines. 36, also in dotted lines. The axes 131 and 133, which can be of any shape in cross section and can be hollow or solid, can rotate independently in their respective supports. The supports 132, 134 and 136 can be mounted inside the elongated member 1 1 0 in any functional manner, such as welding, terminals, screws or even molded as part of the structure of the elongated member, such as depressions of molten metal made during the manufacture of the elongate member 1 1 0. In FIG. 14A, the shaft 131 supports the fin 130, while the axis 133 supports the fin 1 35. As the axes 131 and 133 rotate, their respective fins 130 and 135 also rotate. The mechanisms responsible for this movement may vary, with three modalities discussed in relation to the FIGS. 15A-C. FIG. 14B illustrates a slightly different installation. The fins 130 'and 135' are mounted again on respective axes 131 'and 1 33'. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14B, however, the elongated member 1 1 0 'includes support brackets 132', 134 'and 1 36', which serve the function of supports for axes 1 31 'and 1 33'. The fins 1 30 'and 1 35' are also somewhat more extended backwards relative to the elongated body 1 1 0 '. FIGS. 15A-C schematically illustrate three modes of how to make orientation members move in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 15A shows a motor 1 50 connected to a motor shaft 1 51 and clutch 152. The clutch 152 is interleaved with another clutch 153 connected to the shaft 131, which in turn is connected through suitable fasteners, not shown, to the flap 1 30, and which can rotate within the support 134. The shaft 131 can be welded or fastened to the fin 1 30, for example. FIG. 15B illustrates another embodiment, wherein the motor 150, the shaft 1 51 and the clutch 152 are provided as in FIG. 15A, however, in this embodiment a chain without end 1 54 extends around the clutch 152 and a second clutch 153. FIG. 1 5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 15A, similar to the view of FIG. 2, and shows the manner in which a linear actuator 155 could be employed with a bracket 156 attached to the shaft 131. The linear actuator 1 55 could be of a pneumatic, electric or hydraulic nature. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without departing materially from the teachings and novel advantages of this invention. In accordance with the foregoing, all such modifications are proposed to be included within the scope of this invention, as defined in the following claims. In the claims, no clause is intended to be in the medium-plus-function format allowed by 35 U.S.C. § 1 12, paragraph 6 unless "means for" is explicitly cited together with an associated function. The clauses of "means for" are intended to cover the structures described herein with respect to the performance of the function cited and not only the structural equivalences, but also the equivalent structures. Thus, although a clamping satellite and an in-line satellite may not be structural equivalences since the clamping satellite uses one type of fastener, while an in-line satellite uses a different clamp, in the satellite-use environment for placing initial downloads, a satellite clamp and an online satellite can be equivalent structures.

Claims (26)

1. CLAIMS 1. An apparatus characterized in that it comprises: (a) an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion; and (b) an orienting member, the orienting member operating, when two initial seismic discharges are connected by the first and second portions of the elongated member and towed to maintain a desired orientation of the initial discharges. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the orientation member is connected to the elongate member and the elongated member comprises a front part of a hydro-elite. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the orientation member comprises hydrodynamic fins, first and second, each fin adapted to move independently. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongate member is an elongated terminal, and the orientation member comprises an even number of hydroblades mounted rotatably on the elongated terminal and being able to move independently. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the elongate terminal is cylindrical. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongate member is an elongated terminal and the orientation member comprises one or more remotely controllable satellites, mounted on the initial, first and second discharges. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongated member is an elongate terminal, and the orientation member comprises one or more remotely controllable satellites, connected in line in the initial, first and second discharges. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the orientation member is remotely controllable. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the orientation member is remotely controllable. 10. A system characterized in that it comprises: (a) a first initial seismic discharge; (b) a second initial seismic discharge; (c) a connector element connecting the first and second steam vessels, the connector element comprising an elongate member having a first portion connected to the first initial discharge, a second portion connected to the second initial discharge, and a member orientation, the orienting member operating, when the system is towed, to maintain a desired orientation between the initial, first and second seismic discharges. eleven . The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the orientation member is connected to the elongate member and the elongate member comprises a front part of a hydro-ellipse. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the orientation member comprises hydrodynamic fins, first and second, each fin adapted to move independently. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the elongated member is an elongated terminal, and the orientation member comprises an even number of hydroblades mounted rotatably on the elongated terminal and capable of moving independently. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the elongate terminal is cylindrical. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the elongated member is an elongate terminal and the orientation member comprises one or more remotely controllable satellites mounted on the initial, first and second discharges. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the elongate member is an elongate terminal and the orientation member comprises one or more remotely controllable satellites, mounted in line at the initial, first and second discharges. 17. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the orientation member is remotely controllable. 18. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the orientation member is remotely controllable. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first initial discharge is placed at a more shallow depth than the second initial discharge. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first initial discharge is placed on the second initial discharge in an over / under configuration. twenty-one . A method characterized in that it comprises: (a) connecting an initial seismic discharge, first and second, with a connector; and (b) adjusting an orientation member to control a desired relative position between the initial, first and second seismic discharges. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that said orientation member is connected to the connector and the adjustment is carried out by communication with the orientation member. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the connector is an elongated terminal and the orientation member comprises an even number of hydroblades mounted rotatably on the elongated terminal and capable of moving independently. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the connector is an elongated member and the orientation member comprises one or more remotely controllable satellites, mounted on at least one of the initial, first and second seismic discharges. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the orientation member comprises one or more remotely controllable satellites, mounted in line in at least one of the initial, first and second seismic discharges. 26. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the desired relative position is an over / under installation.