These surveys typically involve the deployment and recovery of seismic data recording packages on the seafloor. By equipping each package with an acoustic transponder that is capable of data telemetry, such as Sonardyne’s Compatt 5 or FSM, Fusion USBL can be used to perform multiple tasks.

As each receiver package is deployed, Fusion can track its descent and position it accurately in up to 7,000 metres of water. Once on the seabed, operators can use the system’s high speed acoustic telemetry capabilities to command each seafloor package to report its status and battery voltage, set-up parameters and start data acquisition.

During acquisition, short sections of data can be transmitted to the surface for quality control purposes. This enables the surface operator to report its status and battery voltage, set-up parameters and start data acquisition.

For recovery, a uniquely coded signal can be sent to each transponder to activate its release mechanism (where fitted). This allows ballast weights to be dropped away so that the receiver package can float to the surface whilst simultaneously being tracked via USBL.

Transponder Options

Sonardyne offer a wide selection of transponders for use on electromagnetic and nodal seismic surveys. Pictured on the left is a Compatt 5 which is a high end transponder with fully integrated bi-directional high speed telemetry, release mechanism and long life duration. On the right is a new Wideband Sub-Mini (WSM),a small sized transponder with some limited downlink capability and optional release output. Both transponders, incorporate Sonardyne's latest Wideband acoustic positioning technology.

Features:-

• High speed data telemetry with combined acoustic positioning
• Control of any subsea device; analogue or digital
• Telemetry of device ‘status’ information
• High speed telemetry of seismic data to the surface
• Integrated LBL and USBL positioning capabilities