Subsea Structure Monitoring Systems and Methods

The present application is related to subsea structures and, more particularly, to monitoring systems and methods for subsea structures.

Certain subsea structures (e.g., pipelines, mooring lines) are located in water, sometimes at great depths, for long periods of time. Normally, these subsea structures experience very little, if any, movement. However, at times, a subsea structure (or a portion thereof) can experience some displacement that causes damage to the subsea structure. For example, a ship dragging an anchor can catch on part of a pipeline (a type of subsea structure), resulting in significant displacement of and potential damage to that part of the pipeline. As another example, a large number of thermal cycles experienced by a subsea structure can cause significant displacement of part of the subsea structure. Because these subsea structures (or portions thereof) are left in place with no inspection or other interaction for long periods of time (e.g., years), initial displacement of the subsea structure is not detected until more catastrophic problems develop over time.

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a subsea structure monitoring system that can include a base device configured to be secured to a subsea structure. The subsea structure monitoring system can also include a release mechanism disposed within the base device, where the release mechanism has a default state and a released state. The subsea structure monitoring system can further include a buoy coupled to the release mechanism, where the buoy comprises a housing that houses a communication module and a switch. The subsea structure monitoring system can also include a trigger that is configured to convert the release mechanism from the default state to the released state. The release mechanism can be converted from the default state to the released state when the trigger exerts a minimum threshold force on the release mechanism, where the minimum threshold force is applied by the trigger when the subsea structure moves a threshold distance from a default position, where the release mechanism, when in the released state, releases the buoy, and where the buoy, upon being released, is configured to float toward a surface of the water and activate the communication module using the switch

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a buoy of a subsea structure monitoring system for a subsea structure. The buoy can include a non-metallic housing configured to be disposed in water without letting the water enter therein. The buoy can also include a control circuit disposed at least in part within the non-metallic housing. The control circuit can include an energy storage device configured to provide power to the control circuit. The control circuit can also include a communication device configured to store a location of a base device of the subsea structure monitoring system and to send communication signals. The control circuit can further include a first switch configured to have an open position when the non-metallic housing is disposed proximate to the base device and a closed position after the non-metallic housing is released toward a surface of the water. The control circuit can also include a second switch configured to be normally closed. The buoy can further include an activation device configured to open the second switch until the base device is placed in position relative to the subsea structure.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for monitoring a subsea structure. The method can include affixing a base device of a subsea structure monitoring system to the subsea structure, where the subsea structure monitoring system further includes a release mechanism, a buoy, and a trigger. The method can also include securing the trigger to the release mechanism, where the trigger is configured to convert the release mechanism from a default state to a released state when the trigger exerts a minimum threshold force on the release mechanism, where the minimum threshold force is applied to the release mechanism when the subsea structure moves a threshold distance from a default position, where the release mechanism, when in the released state, releases the buoy, and where the buoy, upon being released, is configured to float toward a surface of the water and activate the communication module using the switch. The method can further include activating, after affixing the base device to the subsea structure, a control circuit comprising a switch, an energy storage device, and a communication module of the buoy, where the control circuit remains open when the release mechanism holds the buoy proximate to the base device, and where the control circuit opens after the release mechanism achieves the released state and releases the buoy.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems, methods, and devices for monitoring subsea structures. Example embodiments can be used with any of a number of different subsea structures. Examples of such subsea structures can include, but are not limited to, subsea pipelines, mooring lines for marine vessels, and risers extending from marine vessels. The subsea structures that are monitored using example embodiments can be subject to geo-hazards, thermal events, and/or human-caused hazards. Thermal events are excursions between hot and cold temperatures repeated over time that can cause stresses in the material of a subsea structure. Human-caused events are caused directly or indirectly by a human act. Examples of a human-caused event can include, but are not limited to, an anchor dragging from a ship passing over a subsea structure and interference from the setting of another subsea structure (e.g., a cable).

Geo-hazards can include sudden, one-time events or gradual long-term processes that can result in damage to the subsea structure over time. Examples of geo-hazards that are sudden events can include, but are not limited to, mudflows, mudslides, earthquakes, and earthquake-induced soil liquefaction, all of which can cause sudden shifting in the seabed. Examples of geo-hazards that are gradual processes that can result in damage to a subsea structure can include, but are not limited to, seabed settling over time.

Example embodiments disclosed herein can be employed to respond or react to a triggering event. The triggering event can be a geo-hazard, a predictive event leading to a geo-hazard (such as increase in current magnitude), or a change in design conditions to the subsea structure that requires some mitigation. The deployment of the mitigation can be sudden, almost immediately after the triggering event, or the deployment of the mitigation can be planned and implemented over a period of time after the triggering event or after a warning sign has been identified and communicated. Alternatively, example embodiments disclosed herein can be employed on a proactive, planned basis to avoid stresses or fatigue loading associated with geo-hazards, environmental loading, and operating loading. Example embodiments disclosed herein can be employed either temporarily or permanently. Example embodiments for monitoring subsea structures can be rated for use in hazardous environments.

An example system for monitoring subsea structures includes multiple components that are described herein, where a component can be made from a single piece (as from a mold or an extrusion). When a component (or portion thereof) of an example subsea structure monitoring system is made from a single piece, the single piece can be cut out, bent, stamped, and/or otherwise shaped to create certain features, elements, or other portions of the component. Alternatively, a component (or portion thereof) of an example subsea structure monitoring system can be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In such a case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but not limited to adhesives, welding, fastening devices, compression fittings, mating threads, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, hingedly, rotatably, removably, slidably, and threadably.

Components and/or features described herein can include elements that are described as coupling, fastening, securing, or other similar terms. Such terms are merely meant to distinguish various elements and/or features within a component or device and are not meant to limit the capability or function of that particular element and/or feature. For example, a feature described as a “coupling feature” can couple, secure, abut against, fasten, and/or perform other functions aside from merely coupling. In addition, each component and/or feature described herein (including each component of an example subsea structure monitoring system) can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials, including but not limited to metal (e.g., stainless steel), ceramic, rubber, glass, and plastic.

A coupling feature (including a complementary coupling feature) as described herein can allow one or more components (e.g., a housing) and/or portions of an example subsea structure monitoring system to become mechanically coupled, directly or indirectly, to another portion of the subsea structure monitoring system and/or a subsea structure. A coupling feature can include, but is not limited to, a portion of a hinge, an aperture, a recessed area, a protrusion, a slot, a spring clip, a tab, a detent, and mating threads. One portion of an example subsea structure monitoring system can be coupled to another portion of the subsea structure monitoring system and/or a component of a subsea structure by the direct use of one or more coupling features.

In addition, or in the alternative, a portion of an example subsea structure monitoring system can be coupled to another portion of the subsea structure monitoring system and/or a component of a subsea structure using one or more independent devices that interact with one or more coupling features disposed on a component of the subsea structure monitoring system. Examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to, a pin, a hinge, a fastening device (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a rivet), an adapter, and a spring. One coupling feature described herein can be the same as, or different than, one or more other coupling features described herein. A complementary coupling feature as described herein can be a coupling feature that mechanically couples, directly or indirectly, with another coupling feature.

When used in certain systems (e.g., for certain subterranean field operations), example embodiments can be designed to help such systems comply with certain standards and/or requirements. Examples of entities that set such standards and/or requirements can include, but are not limited to, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the American Petroleum Institute (API), Del Norske Veritas (DNV), the International Standards Organization (ISO), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Also, as discussed above, example subsea structure monitoring systems can be used in hazardous environments, and so example subsea structure monitoring systems can be designed to comply with industry standards that apply to hazardous environments.

If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but is not described, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three-digit number and corresponding components in other figures have the identical last two digits. For any figure shown and described herein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particular figure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in such figure.

Further, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in a figure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does not mean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable of having such feature or component. For example, for purposes of present or future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as not being included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particular drawings is capable of being included in one or more claims that correspond to such one or more particular drawings herein.

Example embodiments of subsea structure monitoring systems will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of subsea structure monitoring systems are shown. Subsea structure monitoring systems may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of subsea structure monitoring systems to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “outer”, “inner”, “top”, “bottom”, “distal”, “proximal”, “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “end”, “side”, “on”, and “within”, when present, are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. This list of terms is not exclusive. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation, and they are not meant to limit embodiments of subsea structure monitoring systems. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

shows a block diagram of a systemthat includes a subsea structure monitoring systemaccording to certain example embodiments. In addition to the subsea structure monitoring system, the systemincludes a subsea structurethat is located in water. Specifically, in this case, the subsea structureis disposed on the seabed floor, which is non-planar. The seabed flooris at the top end of the subterranean formation. The subsea structurecan be a pipeline, an assembly, or some other man-made structure.

When the subsea structureis sufficiently large (e.g., long, tall), multiple subsea structure monitoring systemscan be used to monitor different parts of the subsea structure. Each subsea structure monitoring systemcan include one or more of a number of components. For example, in this case, the subsea structure monitoring systemincludes a base device, a buoy, a tether, a release mechanism, and a trigger. When there are multiple subsea structure monitoring systemsused to monitor a single subsea structure, one subsea structure monitoring systemcan be configured the same as, or different from, one or more of the other subsea structure monitoring systems.

The base deviceof the subsea structure monitoring systemofis configured to be secured to part of the subsea structure. For example, the base devicecan be directly or indirectly coupled to the subsea structure. In such a case, the base devicecan be clamped to, bolted to, welded to, and/or otherwise coupled to part of the subsea structure. The base devicecan contact some or all of the part of the subsea structureto which the base deviceis coupled. For example, if the subsea structureis a pipeline, then the base devicecan clamp around some, most, or all of the circumference of the portion of the pipeline to which the base deviceis secured.

The base devicecan also be configured to provide a space for the release mechanismto be disposed. The release mechanismis configured to detect movement in the subsea structure. When the movement of the subsea structureexceeds a threshold value (e.g., in terms of distance, in terms of force applied thereto), the release mechanismactivates, which allows the buoyto be released. The release mechanismcan have a default state and a released state. In the default state, the release mechanismkeeps the buoycoupled to the base device. In the released state, the release mechanismreleases (decouples) the buoyfrom the base device. While the release mechanismis disposed within the base device, the state of the release mechanismcan change as the base deviceremains fixedly coupled to the subsea structure. The release mechanismcan have any of a number of configurations. For example, the release mechanismcan be or include a single piece that breaks. Alternatively, the release mechanismcan be or include multiple pieces that are detachably coupled to each other. An example of a release mechanismis shown below with respect to.

The force applied to a release mechanismcan be applied by one or more base device tether assemblies. A triggeris configured to provide a reference point for the base device(and so also the associated portion of the subsea structure). When the base device(and so also the associated portion of the subsea structure) moves in a certain direction or in any direction, depending on the configuration and arrangement of the one or more base tether assemblies, beyond a certain amount, one or more of the base device tether assembliesapplies a sufficient force to the release mechanism assemblyto activate (e.g., break, decouple) the release mechanism.

A triggercan have one or more of any of a number of configurations. For instance, a triggercan be made of a single piece or of multiple pieces. Also, one triggeror multiple triggerscan be coupled to a release mechanism. One configuration of a triggeris a base device tether assembly, as shown in. Another configuration of a triggeris discussed below with respect to.

When a triggeris in the form of a base device tether assembly, the triggercan have one end that is coupled to the release mechanismand an opposite end that serves as an anchor or reference point. A portion between the ends of the triggercan have some flexibility (e.g., slack, elasticity, expandable capability) to allow for small amounts of movement of the subsea structurethat can be considered naturally occurring (e.g., thermal expansion and contraction, small shifts in the subsea bed). In such a case, the middle part of the triggercan be sized, calibrated, and/or otherwise configured to retain a relatively constant distance between the two ends of the triggeronce the distance between the two ends reaches a threshold value.

In this way, as the subsea structurebegins to move from its default position, the distal end of the trigger, coupled to the release mechanism, moves with the subsea structure. When the subsea structuremoves in certain directions relative to the proximal end (the anchor) of the trigger, some of the slack in the middle part of the triggerdecreases. At some point, if the subsea structurecontinues to move away from the anchor of the trigger, the slack in the middle of the triggeris eliminated. At that point, the proximal end of the trigger, coupled to the release mechanism, imposes a force on the release mechanismthat opposes the movement of the subsea structure. When this force reaches a threshold value, the release mechanism activates.

The buoyis coupled, directly or indirectly, to the release mechanism. The buoyis configured to rise toward the water surface. Under normal conditions (e.g., when the subsea structurehas not moved significantly from its default position), the buoyis held in the waterproximate to the release mechanism. When the release mechanismactivates, the buoyis no longer constrained and floats toward the water surface. The buoyis configured to send (e.g., broadcast, transmit, call, text, email) communications once released by the release mechanism. Such communications can include various information, including but not limited to the location of the base devicein the waterand the amount of time that has lapsed since the buoywas released.

The buoycan include one or more of a number of components. Examples of such components of the buoycan include, but are not limited to, an energy storage device (e.g., batteries), a communication module, a controller, a switch, and an activation mechanism. More details and examples of a buoyare discussed below with respect to. The buoycan also include a housing that is waterproof and can withstand the various conditions (e.g., high pressure, low temperatures) that exist in the waterwhere the base deviceis located. The housing of the buoyis also configured to be buoyant, even when some or all of the components of the buoyare disposed therein. In this case, the buoyis indirectly coupled to the release mechanismusing a tether. The tethercan be made of any material sufficient to maintain the coupling to the buoyand the release mechanismfor long periods of time (e.g., years, decades) and can withstand the various conditions (e.g., high pressure, low temperatures) that exist in the waterwhere the base deviceis located.

show various views of a systemthat includes a subsea structure monitoring systemaccording to certain example embodiments. Specifically,shows front view of the system.shows a cross-sectional view of the release mechanismof the subsea structure monitoring systemin a default or non-activated state or position.shows a top view of the system. Referring to, in addition to the subsea structure monitoring system, the systemofincludes a subsea structurelocated in the water. The subsea structure monitoring system(including its various components, discussed below) and the subsea structureare substantially the same as the subsea structure monitoring system(including its various components) and the subsea structurediscussed above with respect to.

In this case, the subsea structureis in the form of a pipeline that rests on the seabed floorwithin a body of water(e.g., an ocean, a lake). While the systemofonly show one subsea structure monitoring system, one or more other example subsea structure monitoring systems can be part of the systemand coupled to other parts of the subsea structurenot shown in. The subsea structure monitoring systemofincludes a buoy, a tether, a base device, a release mechanism, and two triggers(trigger-and trigger-).

The base deviceof the subsea structure monitoring systemofis in the form of a clamp that clamps directly around most (except the bottom) of the circumference of the subsea structure. The base deviceremains fixedly coupled to the subsea structureover time, regardless of how much the subsea structuremoves relative to its default position and/or how long the base deviceremains submerged in the waterin service with the rest of the subsea structure monitoring system. The base devicecan includes a platformthat extends from one side of the base device, just below the hinge of the base device. The platformcan include a coupling feature (e.g., an aperture that traverses therethrough) to which the release mechanismcan be directly or indirectly coupled.

The release mechanismin this case is made up of multiple pieces. Specifically, the release mechanismin this example includes a frame, a shear mechanism, and a shear pin assembly. The frameof the release mechanismis configured to position the shear mechanismand the shear pin assemblywith respect to each other. The framein this example has a top frame portion-and a bottom frame portion-. The top frame portion-and the bottom frame portion-each are in the form of a plate with an aperturethat traverses therethrough in the approximate center. In this case, aperture-traverses bottom frame portion-, and aperture-traverses bottom frame portion-. Each apertureis sufficiently large to receive a portion of the shear pin assemblyalong its length. The top frame portion-and the bottom frame portion-are rigid components and are separated from each other by the shear mechanism, which is disposed therebetween.

The shear mechanismis a component that is configured to couple to one or more of the base device tether assemblies. To accomplish this function, the shear mechanismcan include one or more coupling features. For example, in this case, the shear mechanismhas two extensionsthat extend from either side of a bodyof the shear mechanism. Specifically, extension-extends from one side of the body, and extension-extends from the opposite side of the body. Each extensionincludes a coupling featurein the form of an aperture that traverses the extension. In this case, coupling feature-is an aperture that traverses extension-, and coupling feature-is an aperture that traverses extension-.

While there are two extensionsand associated coupling featuresin this case, one for each of the two base device tether assemblies, in alternative embodiments the shear mechanismcan be have single coupling featureor more than two coupling features. When the shear mechanismhas multiple coupling features, the coupling featurescan be arranged symmetrically (as in this example), randomly, or in some other fashion around the shear mechanismwith respect to each other. When the shear mechanismhas multiple coupling features, one coupling featurecan have one or more configurations (e.g., shape, size, coupling feature) that are the same as (as in this case), or different than, the corresponding configurations of one or more of the other coupling features.

The number of coupling featuresof the shear mechanismcan be the same as (as in this case) or different than the number of base device tether assemblies. In this case, each coupling featureis configured to remain coupled to the distal end of a trigger, regardless of how much force (e.g., pulling force) is applied to the coupling featureby the trigger. In certain example embodiments, the configuration of a coupling featurecan be configured to complement the coupling feature at the distal end of the associated trigger.

The shear mechanismis also configured to apply a force against a portion of the shear pin assembly. When the force applied by the shear mechanismagainst a portion of the shear pin assemblyis sufficiently large, the shear pin assembly(or portion thereof) breaks, which activates the release mechanism. The bodyof the shear mechanismhas an aperturethat traverses therethrough in its approximate center. The aperturecan be sufficiently large to receive a portion of the shear pin assemblyalong its length. The aperturein the bodycan have any of a number of shapes (e.g., cylindrical, conical (as in this example)). The conical shape of the aperturein this case is used so that a pulling force applied to one of the coupling featuresby a triggermust be sufficiently strong (meet a minimal threshold force value) in order to break the shear pin assembly.

The shear pin assemblyof the release mechanismcan include one or more features and/or include multiple pieces. For example, in this case, the shear pin assemblyincludes a shear pin, a top stop, and a bottom stop. The shear pinof the shear pin assemblyis an elongated, substantially linear piece that has a length that is greater than the sum of the thickness of the top frame portion-, the height of the bodyof the shear mechanism, and the thickness of the bottom frame portion-. The top (e.g., the proximal end) of the shear pinhas an extensionthat has a coupling featuredisposed therein. In this case, the coupling featureis in the form of an aperture that traverses the middle of the extension.

The top stopis located toward or at the top (proximal end) of the shear pin, just below the extension. The top stophas an outer diameter that exceeds the outer diameter of the shear pin. The outer diameter of the top stopis also configured to be larger than the diameter of the aperture-that traverses the thickness of the top frame portion-. The location of the top stopalong the shear pincan be fixed or adjustable. In some cases, as with this example where the platformis used to secure the release mechanism, the top stopcan abut against the top surface of the platform, which is disposed between the top stopand the top frame portion-. In such a case, the coupling feature (in this case, an aperture that traverses the thickness of the platform) is configured to have a sufficiently large diameter to receive the shear pinwhile also being less than the outer diameter of the top stop.

The bottom stopis located toward or at the bottom (distal end) of the shear pin, just below the extension. The bottom stophas an outer diameter that exceeds the outer diameter of the shear pin. The outer diameter of the bottom stopis also configured to be larger than the diameter of the aperture-that traverses the thickness of the bottom frame portion-. The location of the bottom stopalong the shear pincan be fixed or adjustable.

The trigger-includes multiple components. Specifically, in this example, the trigger-includes an anchor-and a tether-. The anchor-is configured to penetrate a non-transient object (e.g., the subsea floor, as in this case, some non-transient structure) that is not expected to move substantially over time. When the object is the subsea floor, the anchor-can extend into the subterranean formationto remain in a substantially fixed position over time. The anchor-can be or include one or more of a number of features (e.g., angled spikes, expandable portions) that achieve the purpose of the anchor-. The tether-is coupled to the top portion of the anchor-. The tether-is an elongated component that is configured to have some flexibility (e.g., slack, elasticity, expandable capability) to allow for relatively small amounts of movement of the subsea structurethat can be considered naturally occurring (e.g., thermal expansion and contraction, small shifts in the subsea bed).

One end of the tether-is coupled to the anchor-, and the other end of the tether-is coupled to a coupling feature(e.g., coupling feature-) of the shear mechanismof the release mechanism. The tether-of the trigger-can be sized, calibrated, and/or otherwise configured to retain a relatively constant distance between the two ends of the triggeronce the distance between the two ends reaches a threshold value that is designed to account for any natural movement of the subsea structure.

In this way, as the subsea structurebegins to move from its default position, the distal end of the trigger-, coupled to the coupling feature-of the release mechanism, moves with the subsea structureto the extent that the tether-has slack in it. When the subsea structuremoves in certain directions relative to the anchor-of the trigger-, the slack in the tether-decreases. At some point, if the subsea structurecontinues to move away from the anchor-of the trigger-, the slack in the tether-is eliminated. At that point, the tether-, coupled to the coupling feature-of the shear mechanismof the release mechanism, imposes a force on the shear mechanismthat opposes, at least to some extent, the movement of the subsea structure. When this force reaches a threshold value, the shear mechanism, pulled by the trigger-, breaks the shear pinof the shear pin assemblyof the release mechanism, thereby activating the release mechanism.

The trigger-in this case is substantially similar (e.g., in configuration, in function) to the trigger-. For example, the trigger-includes an anchor-(substantially similar to the anchor-) and a tether-(substantially similar to the tether-). In alternative embodiments, the configuration of the trigger-can differ from the configuration of the trigger-. When the subsea structure monitoring systemincludes multiple base device tether assemblies, the base device tether assembliescan be arranged around the release mechanismin such a way as to capture excessive movements of the subsea structurein one of multiple directions (e.g., horizontal, vertical) or in any direction. In this example, the trigger-and the trigger-are positioned diagonally opposite each other with respect to the release mechanism.

The buoyis coupled in this case indirectly to the release mechanism. The buoyis configured to rise in the watertoward the water surface. Under normal conditions (e.g., when the subsea structurehas not moved significantly from its default position), the buoyis held in the waterproximate to the release mechanismby the tether. When the release mechanismactivates, the buoyis no longer constrained and floats toward the water surface.

The buoyis configured to send communications once released by the release mechanism. Such communications can include various information, including but not limited to the location of the base devicein the waterand the amount of time that has lapsed since the buoywas released. The tethercan be made of any material sufficient to maintain the coupling to a coupling feature of the buoyat one end of the tetherand the release mechanism(specifically, the coupling featureof the release mechanism) for long periods of time (e.g., years, decades) and can withstand the various conditions (e.g., high pressure, low temperatures) that exist in the waterwhere the base deviceis located. The buoycan include a housing that is waterproof and can withstand the various conditions (e.g., high pressure, low temperatures) that exist in the waterwhere the base deviceis located. The housing of the buoyis configured to be buoyant.

shows another systemthat includes multiple subsea structure monitoring systemsaccording to certain example embodiments. Referring to, in addition to the subsea structure monitoring systems, the systemincludes multiple (in this case, four) subsea structures, all in the form of mooring lines, that are located in water. Subsea structure-has one end (in this case, a top end) coupled to the pontoonof a floating vessel, and the opposite end of the subsea structure-is anchored, using an anchor-, to the subterranean formationunder the seabed floor.

Subsea structure-has one end (in this case, a top end) coupled to the pontoonof the floating vessel, and the opposite end of the subsea structure-is anchored, using an anchor-, to the subterranean formationunder the seabed floor. Subsea structure-has one end (in this case, a top end) coupled to the pontoonof the floating vessel, and the opposite end of the subsea structure-is anchored, using an anchor-, to the subterranean formationunder the seabed floor. Subsea structure-has one end (in this case, a top end) coupled to the pontoonof the floating vessel, and the opposite end of the subsea structure-is anchored, using an anchor-, to the subterranean formationunder the seabed floor.

Part of the floating vesselsits above the water line, and the remainder, including the pontoon, is located in the water. The part of the floating vesselthat is above the water linecan include a platform on which a number of structures (e.g., a chemical shed, an office) and/or field equipment (e.g., motors, a derrick, piping, a crane) can be located. Also located on the platform can be one or more users, which can also include one or more user systems.

A usercan be any person that interacts, directly or indirectly, with a subsea structureand/or any other component of the system. Examples of a usercan include, but are not limited to, a business owner, an engineer, a company representative, a geologist, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer's representative. A usercan use one or more user systems, which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). A user systemof a usercan interact with (e.g., send data to, obtain data from) the control engine of a communication module of a buoy (discussed below with respect to) of a subsea structure monitoring systemusing an application interface and using communication links. A usercan also interact directly or indirectly (e.g., through a user interface (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchscreen), using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)) with one or more of the subsea structure monitoring systems(or portion thereof).

A user systemof a userinteracts with (e.g., sends data to, receives data from) the one or more of the subsea structure monitoring systems(or portion thereof) and/or another user systemvia an interface. Examples of a user systemcan include, but are not limited to, a cell phone with an app, a laptop computer, a handheld device, a smart watch, a desktop computer, and an electronic tablet. A user systemcan interact with one or more of the subsea structure monitoring systems(or portion thereof) and/or another user systemusing one or more communication links. Each communication link can include wired (e.g., Class 1 electrical cables, Class 2 electrical cables, electrical connectors) and/or wireless (e.g., amplitude modulation (AM) radio frequency (RF) signals, frequency modulation (FM) radio frequency (RF) signals, cellular signals, satellite signals, LoRa, LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, visible light communication, cellular networking, Bluetooth, ultrawide band (UWB)) technology.