Anti-biofouling seismic streamer casing and method of manufacture

Abstract

An anti-biofouling seismic streamer casing ( 100,100′ ) is provided that is formed by a flexible tubing ( 110 ) coated with a layer of a two-part heat cured silicone elastomer ( 120 ). The seismic streamer casing ( 100, 100′ ) is formed by a method that includes steps of providing a flexible tubing ( 200 ) and pre-treating the outer surface of the tubing ( 210 ). Two parts of a two-part silicone elastomer are then mixed together ( 220 ). The method also includes coating the mixed two-part silicone elastomer on the flexible tubing ( 230 ), and heating the flexible tubing to cure the coating ( 240 ).

1 . A seismic streamer casing comprising a flexible tubing coated with a layer of a two part heat cured silicone elastomer to provide anti-biofouling therefore.  
     
     
         2 . The streamer casing as recited in  claim 1  wherein said flexible tubing is formed of polyurethane.  
     
     
         3 . A method of forming a seismic streamer casing comprising the steps of: 
 a. providing a flexible tubing;    b. mixing together two parts of a two part silicone elastomer;    c. coating said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing; and,    d. heating said coated flexible tubing.    
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the step of providing flexible tubing includes the step of pre-treating a surface of said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the step of pre-treating is preceded by the step of pressurizing said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the step of pre-treating includes the step of forming a roughened surface on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the step of coating is preceded by the step of pressurizing said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the step of coating includes the step of spraying said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the step of coating includes the step of brushing said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the step of coating includes the step of dip coating said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the step of dip coating includes the step of passing said flexible tubing substantially vertically through a reservoir of said mixed two part silicone elastomer.  
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the step of coating includes the step of flow coating said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the step of coating includes the step of spraying said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the step of coating includes the step of brushing said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the step of coating includes the step of dip coating said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the step of coating includes the step of flow coating said mixed two part silicone elastomer on said flexible tubing.  
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the step of dip coating includes the step of passing said flexible tubing substantially vertically through a reservoir of said mixed two part silicone elastomer.