Subsequent to the High-pressure tests at the Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), the next step in the qualification program for the latest design of Seisnode Ocean Bottom Nodes (OBN) was to qualify product reliability for extended periods in real life operational and environmental conditions.
The design improvements to Seisnode model B5 OBN were qualified at 120 bar (equivalent seawater depth approx. 1200m) for over 48 hours in the research facility pressure vessel in March of 2023.
In early May 2023 a basket containing one hundred upgraded B5 nodes as well as a control group and future prototypes was lowered to a depth of 455m in a fjord in Norway. The basket was recovered after one month and each node was inspected in turn. All B5 nodes passed inspection showing no signs of material degradation.
The conclusion of technical investigations, auditing, implementation of corrective measures to the manufacturing process and verification of efficacy is an example of Seisnode’s commitment to Continuous Improvement and the reliability of our products and services.
Earlier large-scale trials qualifying and verifying the recorder and geophysical aspects followed by these successful High pressure and extended soak tests have qualified all elements and improvements to the Seisnode B5 Ocean Botton Node. Production has been increased to have over 1,500 nodes available for large scale operations in the summer of 2023