A nodal approach: Ocean-bottom node surveys aid in subsalt illumination, reservoir management

摘要

Ocean-bottom nodes (OBNs) are autonomous seismic recording devices that have been in large-scale commercial use since 2004. Each node incorporates seismic sensors, digital recording electronics, a precision clock, a data storage medium and a power source in a compact pressure vessel that will couple well with the seabed and is capable of operating in water depths of up to 3,000 m (9,843 ft). OBNs were initially conceived to replace shallow-water ocean-bottom cable systems where fixed interval constraints, terminations, connectors, power distribution and data telemetry led to significant technical downtime and operational inefficiencies. Deepwater operators faced with the challenge of imaging subsalt reservoirs quickly recognized node technology as a superior method to deliver the production seismic necessary to optimize development and recovery strategies.