Subsea acoustic relocation system

摘要

A subsea acoustic relocation system provides an apparatus that includes in one embodiment an anchor, and in another embodiment a weighted frame having in part a casing which has an inner bore with an open top portion. A line canister connected to the anchor or disposed within the casing bore has an opening through which a contained canister line can pay out. The canister line is placed within the line canister and is anchored at one end to the anchor or frame, the other end of the canister line being a free end which dispenses from the canister during operation. An acoustic transponder release assembly is detachably affixed to the anchor or frame (within the casing bore) at a provided removable connection which can be broken by an acoustic signal. The acoustic transponder release assembly has attached to it the free end of the line canister with the acoustic transponder release forming a temporary connection of the free end of the line to the frame. A buoyant float is provided for carrying the free end of the canister line to the water surface responsive to a breaking of the removable connection. The float has a buoyant force value sufficient to lift the free end of the line but an insufficient buoyant force value to overcome the anchor or to lift the weighted frame. The buoyant force value of the float is also preferably sufficient to lift the acoustic transponder release assembly to the water surface area.