Deep-sea parametric sub-bottom profiler
Purpose
The deep-sea parametric sub-bottom profiler is intended for exploration and stratified analysis of seabed sub-bottom structures. It allows for the identification and examination of seabed objects, including those buried in sediment up to 200 m, up to depths of 10 000 m
The usage of the parametric effect combines the advantages of high-frequency operation (narrow beam pattern) and of low frequency signals (deep penetration into sediments)*
* Compared to towed or hull-mounted systems, it provides a narrower beam pattern, higher positioning accuracy, and improved operating speed and seaworthiness
Device appearance
Transmitting module
Antenna unit
Objectives
- Analysis of sediment layers up to 200 m thick at depths as low as 10 000 m
- Detection and localization of gas hydrates by the gas presence in the water column and analysis of fault structure in bottom sediments
- Detection and positioning of buried local and extended objects (pipelines, cables, etc.)
System composition
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|---|---|
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Antenna unit
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A hydroacoustic transceiver with an ice-
resistant polyurethane coating |
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Digital processing unit
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Control of the operation, management of
transmit/receive cycles, data procession |
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Transmission control unit
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Multichannel synthesis, amplification, and
output of signals to the antenna system |
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Operator workstation
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Full control of the profiler, survey
monitoring, and result analysis |
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Analog processing unit
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Filtering, digitization, preliminary
processing of incoming signals, switching of generator and receiver to the antenna system |
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Power supply unit
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Secondary power distribution, remote
power management |
Technical specifications
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Parameter
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Value
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|---|---|
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Operating depth range
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10 – 10000 m
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Sediment penetration
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up to 200 m (depending on the soil type)
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Depth resolution
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in water: ≤0.06 m
in sediment: ≤0.12 m |
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Frequency ranges
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mid-frequency (primary transmit): 18 – 24 kHz
low-frequency (parametric difference): 0.5 – 6 kHz high-frequency (parametric sum): 37 – 42 kHz |
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Angular resolution
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across track: 5.0°
along track: 4.5° |
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Automatic beam stabilization
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roll: ±15°
pitch: ±10° yaw: ±5 |
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Pulse length
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170 μs – 25 ms (CW, FM, PM)
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Range (depth) resolution
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≤0.15 m
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Operating modes
- Multibeam sub-bottom profiling (parametric and conventional)
- Single-beam echosounding
- Multibeam echosounding
- Single-beam sub-bottom profiling (parametric and conventional)
Application areas
- Engineering surveys for subsea construction and cable/pipeline route planning
- Exploration of marine resources (gas hydrates, sand, gravel, oil and gas)
- Search operations in harbors, rivers, and shelf areas
- Pipeline laying with precise georeferencing
