inApril is an independent supplier of OBS technology and the fully integrated ocean bottom node seismic survey solution, Venator. Our multi-disciplinary team of experienced industry professionals has developed a suite of hardware components and software modules for efficient ocean bottom node (OBN) seismic operations. Our products are now available to the market individually or as part of the complete system.

Our daughter company, Profocus Systems, is a specialist software engineering company developing recording, data management, and real time quality control systems for numerous companies in the high end marine seismic industry. Recently Profocus launched the markets simplest and most cost-effective source QC system available (more info at the end of the page).

Website: www.profocus.no Email: contact@profocus.no

inApril´s Ocean Bottom Seismic Solutions (Venator)

Venator, our fully automated and hands-free OBN system, is a complete ocean bottom seismic solution suitable for both node-on-a-rope and ROV operations for vessels of any size.

The solution includes the nodes, launch and retrieval systems, node logistics, onboard storage and a complete data management and control system.

Venator is designed to meet the industry’s demand for a robust and easy-to-operate Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) system. The modular design allows the system to fit most vessel types in addition to containerized solutions. The system allows for deployment and retrieval speeds of up to 6 knots with any node. Major improvements to conventional node-on-a-rope systems include longer battery life, built-in positioning transponder, hands free launch and retrieval, and new sophistication in data management and QC software.

Venator for Large vessels

For large vessels, Venator can either be delivered as a permanent installation on a dedicated node vessel or as a containerized solution to provide flexibility in mobilization and the ability utilize vessels of opportunity.

Pictures below are from a full-size vessel in the North Sea.

Attachment unit (during deployment)

Detachment (during retrieval)

Venator for small vessels

The Venator solution is a flexible design that can easily be installed on smaller vessels with semi-manual handling.

The data management system and data QC system for small vessels is the same full-scale version as used in deep water operations.

Pictures below are from a survey in the Caspian Sea using a semi-manual launch and retrieval set-up.

ROV Deployment (North Sea at 60 meters and GoM at 1700 meters)

Nodes

Our nodes use the latest components and technologies available giving the users the best data quality and functionalities. All nodes have the same well proven electronics and firmware. Built-in transponder for positioning and real time node status is optional.

Check out detailed specifications of our A700, A3000 and A3000LL nodes in the files tab on the right.

Main specifications: A700, A3000, A3000LL

Depth rating: 700m, 3,000m, 3,000m

Batteries: Lithium Ion (Charger inside the node)

A700=55 days, A3000=110 days, A3000LL =150 or 200 days

Clock: inApril’s iA201 OCXO clock

Accuracy better than 0,2 msec after 55 days

Data recording: Hydrophone and three omnidirectional high sensitive geophones in an orthogonal geometry

Sample rate: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 msec

RFID: Included

Transponder: Optional integrated Sonardyne MF transponder (SST6 equivalent)

Launch and Retrieval solutions

inApril´s launch and retrieval solution is available to all operators looking for more efficient nodal operations. The solution can be implemented on all node types and is an integrated, safe, handsfree, Node-On-A-Rope system allowing deployment and retrieval speeds of up to 6 knots. It is designed for maximum safety and no human interference in the process. The rope speed can go from full speed to full stop in less than a second should a critical situation occur.

Node Storage solutions

inApril has developed a fully automatic and handsfree node parking and storage solution. The solution is available in containerized versions or fixed installed on vessels of any kind and size. The system comes with a software user interface that offers the operator a full overview of location and status of nodes (figure below illustrates this functionality for a bigger system).

Software

The Data Management System is the main user interface and controls all communications with the node, data download and merging with navigation data to produce data deliverables. The system is scalable to any node counts and comes with the following modules.

Node interface

Data quality (commences automatically, pictured below)

Transcription (near real-time)

Node logistics

Hardware Surveillance

Node Electronics

We offer a full range of node electronics, firmware and top-side software for companies that want to build their own nodes. Our node electronics use the latest components and technologies available giving the users the best data quality and functionalities.

We can customize electronics to fit any node or project.

Our off the shelf products are:

Node Controller and Data Logger

Power Supply and Charger

Battery Management (in battery packs)

inApril´s Mini OBN Rental Kit

The mini OBN rental kit is easy to use and designed for smaller projects like special site surveys, seismic undershoots, reservoir monitoring, river crossings, geotechnical surveys, scientific projects and other projects where nodes are needed or preferred. The seismic nodes can be used in transition zones, shallow water and deep-water projects (up to 3000 meters).

The entire kit is certified for airfreight and can be mobilized on short notice (up to 500 seismic nodes). Operation requires a minimum of training as it includes our Remote QC and Service module allowing data QC and operational assistance to be done remotely by inApril’s specialist or the operator’s own onshore personnel

Profocus Systems – SourceQC

Our daughter company Profocus Systems recently launched Argus SourceQC, a non-intrusive visual QC toolbox that graphically presents potential anomalies or changes in hydrophone air gun signatures. It was specifically developed for observers and gun mechanics in close cooperation with source operators. Intentions are to quickly and efficiently detect air leaks, electrical leakage, drop-outs, autofires, misfires, loose hardware, etc.

Please visit www.profocus.no for more info on their products and services.