Designed to work with our transition zone acoustic positioning system, the seismic positioning beacon enables the positions of seismic hydrophone positions to be accurately and efficiently determined.
At a glance
Use it to positon OBS cables in water depths up to 500 metres
Built to withstand rugged operational environments
Thousands of unique acoustic addresses
Up to 18 months listening life
Optional RFID tag for easy asset tracking
Small in size, big in performance
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Overview
Prior to deployment from a cable lay boat, the transponders are attached to the seismic cable at each ground station, typically every 50 metres. Once the bottom cable is laid, the acoustic system measures the ranges from the surface transceiver to the transponders to enable their exact positions to be established. This positioning process can either be conducted while laying the cable or later while shooting.
The transponders are small and lightweight and have been proven to be able to withstand the demanding and varied operational environment of OBC and TZ surveys.
Standard features include a depth rating of 500 metres, a unique acoustic ‘address’ enabling thousands of units to be laid in a single deployment and automatic battery voltage monitoring to allow users to better plan their maintenance schedules.
In OBC operations using a ‘squirter’ cable deployment system, ‘carapaces’ are available that provide a fast and secure means of attaching transponders to the cable. The carapaces are manufactured from tough plastic that encapsulates the transponder and optional RFID asset tracking tag, clamping it securely to the cable whilst protecting it from the high cable deployment and recovery speeds.
The carapace design which is now in use with many crews around the world has been proven to be easy to fit and reduces long term maintenance when compared with traditional tie-wrap and tape methods. The low profile shape of the carapace also reduces the risk of snagging and as it is acoustically ‘quieter’ in the water, creates less noise interference down the cable.
TZ transponder case studies
Resources
| Feature | Type 8365-0001 | Type 8365-0002 |
|---|---|---|
| RFID Tag | No | Yes |
| Depth Rating | 500 m | 500 m |
| Operating Frequency | HF (33–50 kHz) | HF (33–50 kHz) |
| Transmit Source Level (dB re 1 µPa @ 1 m) | 184–187 dB | 184–187 dB |
| Receive Sensitivity (dB re 1 µPa) | 105–115 dB | 105–115 dB |
| Number of Unique Addresses | 3609 (field programmable) | 3609 (field programmable) |
| Battery Life (Alkaline) | 18 months | 18 months |
| Mechanical Construction | Anodised aluminium alloy and plastic | Anodised aluminium alloy and plastic |
| Operating Temperature | -5 to +40°C | -5 to +40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to +55°C | -20 to +55°C |
| Dimensions (Length x Diameter) | 433 x 63 mm | 433 x 63 mm |
| Weight in Air/Water | 1.1/0.2 kg | 1.1/0.2 kg |
| Deck Unit | Type 7967-000-02 (includes transducer and 10 m of cable) | Type 7967-000-02 (includes transducer and 10 m of cable) |