Electrode for underwater electromagnetic prospecting

Abstract

The application discloses an electrode for underwater electromagnetic detection, wherein the main body of the electrode is in a streamlined shape with a cylindrical middle part and ellipsoidal two ends; the main body of the electrode comprises an anti-collision end head, a force-bearing pull rod, an electrode float, a copper pipe assembly and a round lead plate; a plurality of electrode floats are coaxially arranged into an electrode float assembly, and the electrode float assembly is heavy in the middle and light at the two ends; the electrode float assembly is coaxially arranged in the copper pipe assembly, and one anti-collision end head is coaxially arranged at each end of the electrode float assembly; the end of the anti-collision end head close to the electrode float assembly is provided with a counterbore for accommodating a plurality of round lead plates; wherein the plurality of round lead plates at the two ends of the electrode float assembly are coaxially designed, and the number of the round lead plates at the two ends is increased or decreased to adjust the pitch attitude of the electrode in water; the force-bearing pull rod passes through the centers of the electrode float, the round lead plate and the anti-collision end head, and extends out from the two ends of the copper pipe assembly; the two ends of the force-bearing pull rod are provided with external threads for mounting lock nuts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine exploration technology, and more particularly to the field of underwater towed electromagnetic exploration technology, specifically to an electrode for underwater electromagnetic exploration. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater electromagnetic detection boasts advantages such as being unaffected by hydrological and meteorological conditions, stable and reliable detection performance, strong concealment, high identification capability, and high positioning accuracy. It can be applied not only to long-range underwater detection but also to the location and identification of target signals. In the 1990s, the United States prioritized electromagnetic detection as a technology to complement acoustic detection, following acoustic field detection. This technology can be used not only for detecting military targets such as submarines and mines but also for geological exploration of underwater mineral deposits and bedrock surfaces. In recent years, a research wave on underwater electromagnetic detection has swept through military and geological research institutions worldwide.

[0003] Typically, underwater electromagnetic detection systems use a transmitter controlled by a main control platform to output a high-current signal. This signal is then transmitted through multiple electrodes to form a closed loop with the seawater, creating a large-scale underwater detection electric field. A multi-channel receiver receives geoelectric voltage signals that reflect different depths, which are then converted to obtain geoelectric parameters reflecting the underwater marine environment or geological structure, thus achieving the purpose of electromagnetic detection of underwater targets.

[0004] The whip electrodes typically used in underwater electromagnetic detection systems are made of multiple bare copper wires. During underwater towing, the electrodes often sag locally due to their high weight. More seriously, when towing at a constant altitude near the seabed, the electrodes sag and ground, causing distortion of the received electric field signal, which significantly reduces the detection success rate. In actual use, the whip electrodes are also likely to suffer damage such as getting caught on the bottom, unraveling, deformation or breakage during deployment and retrieval, resulting in reduced electrode life, increased after-sales service and maintenance workload, increased product costs, and further compression of profit margins. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides an electrode for underwater electromagnetic detection, which has the characteristics of zero buoyancy, good streamlined shape, collision resistance, small size, light weight, and applicability to all ocean depths; it can be formed into a module with high integration, and can cover the fields of military and civilian underwater electromagnetic detection, which is conducive to the formation of generalized and serialized products.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is: an underwater electromagnetic detection electrode, wherein the main body of the electrode is a streamlined shape with a cylindrical middle and ellipsoidal ends, and the main body of the electrode includes: an anti-collision end, a load-bearing tie rod, an electrode float, a copper tube assembly and a round lead plate;

[0007] Multiple sets of electrode floats are coaxially arranged into an electrode float assembly, which is heavier in the middle and lighter at both ends. The electrode float assembly is coaxially installed in a copper tube assembly, and an anti-collision end is coaxially provided at each end. The anti-collision end near the electrode float assembly has a countersunk hole to accommodate multiple sets of circular lead plates. The multiple sets of circular lead plates at both ends of the electrode float assembly are coaxially designed, and the pitch attitude of the electrode in water can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of circular lead plates at both ends.

[0008] The load-bearing tie rod passes through the center of the electrode float, the round lead plate, and the anti-collision end, and extends from both ends of the copper tube assembly. The two ends of the extended load-bearing tie rod are provided with external threads for installing lock nuts.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes: a pull ring, wherein a pull ring is threaded to each end of the load-bearing tie rod and the two pull rings are perpendicular to each other; wherein, a gap of 6-7mm is left between each pull ring and its corresponding locking nut, and the pull ring, locking nut and load-bearing tie rod are welded together by an annular weld.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes: D-type shackles, with each pull ring connected to a D-type shackle.

[0011] Preferably, it further includes: copper mesh braided wire, which is used for electrical connection between adjacent electrodes.

[0012] Preferably, the copper tube assembly includes: an extruded copper tube and two connector plates; the outer arc surface of one end of each connector plate matches the inner arc surface of the mounting hole at the end of the extruded copper tube, and the two are riveted together by multiple semi-circular head copper rivets; the other end of the connector plate is exposed outside the extruded copper tube, and has a through hole for connecting copper mesh braided wire, and the connecting surface is milled flat; wherein, the extruded copper tube is a tube formed by one-time extrusion, with radiographic testing grade I and a thickness deviation of ±0.05mm.

[0013] Preferably, a strip groove is formed on the outer circumference of the electrode float assembly along the generatrix to avoid the riveting protrusions at both ends of the copper tube assembly during installation.

[0014] Preferably, the total number of the circular lead plates installed is determined according to the zero buoyancy requirement of the electrode; the number of circular lead plates distributed at both ends of the electrode float assembly is determined according to the pitch angle requirement of the electrode in the water.

[0015] Preferably, a marking ring is designed between the locking nut and the pull ring at one end of the electrode to mark the positive pole of the electromagnetic detection system; wherein the filler of the marking ring is made of polyurethane material.

[0016] Preferably, the electrode float is made of a polymer composite material with a density half that of water.

[0017] Preferably, the anti-collision end is made of high molecular weight PVC or POM.

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. The electrode of this invention, while ensuring the ability to handle large currents (not less than 2000A), exhibits zero buoyancy, which helps reduce sag during towing and prevents damage from snagging on the bottom and signal distortion caused by grounding. The main body of the electrode adopts a fluid shape with a cylindrical middle and ellipsoidal ends, which helps maintain the lateral rolling posture of the electrode during underwater towing and ensures the stability of the underwater detection electric field. By connecting the electrode float, round lead plate, and anti-collision end in series with a load-bearing rod and placing them in a copper tube assembly, the overall rigidity of the electrode can be ensured and the underwater towing can be strengthened. The electrode's anti-collision capability is enhanced, improving its reusability. Simultaneously, the electrode float assembly is designed with a heavier middle section and lighter ends, ensuring adjustable underwater pitch angles. This contributes to a smaller overall size (not exceeding Φ200mm×2m) and lighter weight (not exceeding 50kg), facilitating deployment and retrieval. Consequently, its applicability covers military and civilian underwater electromagnetic detection at all ocean depths, suitable for towed electromagnetic detection at depths of up to 10,000 meters, meeting the needs of full-ocean-depth exploration missions.

[0020] 2. The pull rings threaded at both ends of the load-bearing tie rod in this invention are used to mechanically connect two adjacent electrodes and bear the drag force. At the same time, the two pull rings are designed to be relatively perpendicular to each other, which can ensure that there will be no excessive torsion between adjacent electrodes when multiple electrodes are connected in series.

[0021] 3. The D-type shackle provided in this invention facilitates rapid series connection between adjacent electrodes and can also bear a certain drag force.

[0022] 4. The structural design of the copper tube assembly in this invention matches the extruded copper tube and the terminal block through an arc-shaped mating surface and rivets them together with multiple semi-circular head copper rivets, which can ensure a tight fit to reduce contact resistance and avoid local electrical connection point overheating.

[0023] 5. The total number of round lead plates and the distribution of the number of round lead plates at both ends in this invention can ensure that the electrode has near-zero buoyancy and a weight of ±100g in water.

[0024] 6. In this invention, the electrode float is made of a polymer composite material with a density half that of water, thereby providing sufficient residual buoyancy. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the underwater electromagnetic detection electrode of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The left view.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The right view.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view on the right.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the copper tube assembly in this invention.

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged cross-sectional view.

[0031] Among them, 1-copper bolt, 2-copper flat washer, 3-copper spring washer, 4-copper nut, 5-copper braided wire, 6-D-shaped shackle, 7-pull ring, 8-locking nut, 9-anti-collision end, 10-load-bearing tie rod, 11-electrode float, 12-copper tube assembly, 13-round lead plate, 14-marking ring, 15-connecting board, 16-semi-circular head copper rivet, 17-extruded copper tube. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] This embodiment provides an electrode for underwater electromagnetic detection, which features zero buoyancy, good streamlined shape, collision resistance, small size, light weight, and applicability to all ocean depths. It can be formed into a module with high integration and can cover both military and civilian underwater electromagnetic detection fields, which is conducive to the formation of generalized and serialized products.

[0034] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the underwater electromagnetic detection electrode includes: copper mesh braided wire 5, D-shaped shackle 6, pull ring 7, locking nut 8, anti-collision end 9, load-bearing tie rod 10, electrode float 11, copper tube assembly 12, and round lead plate 13;

[0035] The electrode float 11 is cylindrical, and five sets of electrode floats 11 are arranged coaxially to form an electrode float assembly. The weight of this electrode float assembly is heavier in the middle and gradually decreases towards both ends (i.e., the electrode float 11 in the middle is the heaviest and the electrode floats 11 at both ends are the lightest). This weight-balanced arrangement is beneficial for adjusting the pitch angle of the electrode in water. The electrode float assembly is coaxially installed in the copper tube assembly 12, and an anti-collision end 9 is coaxially installed at each end. The anti-collision end 9 is made of high-strength, low-density polymer materials such as PVC or POM. It has a countersunk hole at the end near the electrode float assembly to accommodate multiple sets of circular lead plates 13. The multiple sets of circular lead plates 13 at both ends of the electrode float assembly are coaxially designed. By increasing or decreasing the number of circular lead plates 13 at both ends, the pitch attitude of the electrode in water can be finely adjusted.

[0036] The load-bearing tie rod 10 can pass through the center of the electrode float 11, the round lead plate 13, and the anti-collision end 9, and extend from both ends of the copper tube assembly 12. The two ends of the load-bearing tie rod 10 are provided with external threads, which can be matched with locking nuts 8. After the locking nuts 8 at both ends are tightened, the electrode float 11, the round lead plate 13, the anti-collision end 9 and the copper tube assembly 12 can be prevented from moving relative to each other. The through hole reserved in the center of the anti-collision end 9 can be used for water to pass through the inside of the electrode, which can facilitate the discharge of air and ensure the weight in the water.

[0037] Each end of the load-bearing tie rod 10 is threaded with a pull ring 7 (used to mechanically connect two adjacent electrodes and bear drag force), and the two pull rings 7 are relatively perpendicular. When multiple (two or more) electrodes are connected in series, the relative angle between adjacent electrodes can be kept within a set range to prevent damage to the copper mesh braided wire 5 connected between adjacent electrodes due to excessive angle. Each pull ring 7 has a gap of 6-7 mm between it and its corresponding locking nut 8. The pull ring 7, locking nut 8 and load-bearing tie rod 10 are welded together by a circumferential weld to ensure that the threaded connection is not loosened.

[0038] Each pull ring 7 is connected to a D-type shackle 6 to facilitate quick series connection between adjacent electrodes, while also being able to withstand a certain amount of drag force;

[0039] The main body of the underwater electromagnetic detection electrode (an integral part consisting of an anti-collision end 9, a load-bearing tie rod 10, an electrode float 11, a copper tube assembly 12, and a round lead plate 13) has a streamlined shape with a cylindrical middle and ellipsoidal ends. This streamlined design ensures the electrode's underwater posture when towed and reduces fluid resistance.

[0040] In this embodiment, both ends of the copper mesh braided wire 5 are fixed to the two adjacent copper tube assemblies 12 by copper bolts 1, copper flat washers 2, copper spring washers 3 and copper nuts 4. The copper mesh braided wire 5 plays a conductive role and is used to connect the two adjacent electrodes.

[0041] In this embodiment, the electrode float 11 is made of a polymer composite material with a density that is typically half that of water, thus providing sufficient residual buoyancy.

[0042] In this embodiment, the total number of circular lead plates 13 installed is determined according to the zero buoyancy requirement of the electrode (i.e., before balancing, the remaining buoyancy of the electrode in the water is measured by the displacement method, and the number of circular lead plates 13 installed is obtained by dividing the magnitude of the remaining buoyancy by the weight of a single circular lead plate 13, and the weight in the water is guaranteed to be within ±100g after balancing); the number of circular lead plates 13 distributed at both ends of the electrode float assembly is determined according to the pitch angle requirement of the electrode in the water. Generally, the number of circular lead plates 13 at both ends of the electrode float assembly is the same (i.e., before balancing, the pitch angle of the electrode in the water is measured by a level, and the number of circular lead plates 13 distributed at both ends of the electrode float assembly is determined according to the size of the pitch angle, until the pitch angle is within ±1°).

[0043] In this embodiment, a strip groove is provided along the generatrix on the outer circumference of the electrode float assembly to avoid the riveting protrusions at both ends of the copper tube assembly 12 during installation.

[0044] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, a marking ring 14 is designed between the locking nut 8 and the pull ring 7 at one end of the electrode (positive electrode) to mark the positive electrode of the electromagnetic detection system; wherein, the filler of the marking ring 14 is made of polyurethane material.

[0045] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the copper tube assembly 12 includes: an extruded copper tube 17 and two terminal blocks 15; as Figure 6 As shown, the outer arc surface of one end of the terminal block 15 matches the inner arc surface of the mounting hole at the end of the extruded copper tube 17. The two are riveted together by multiple (two or more) semi-circular head copper rivets 16 to ensure a tight fit, reduce contact resistance, and prevent local electrical connection point heating. The other end of the terminal block 15 is exposed outside the extruded copper tube 17 and has a through hole for connecting the copper mesh braided wire 5. The connecting surface is milled flat to ensure a tight fit, reduce contact resistance, and prevent local electrical connection point heating. The extruded copper tube 17 is a tube formed by one-time extrusion, with radiographic testing level I and a thickness deviation of ±0.05mm, which ensures that the electrode resistance meets the requirements of the electromagnetic detection system.

[0046] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrode for underwater electromagnetic exploration, characterized by, The main body of the electrode has a streamlined shape with a cylindrical middle and ellipsoidal ends. The main body of the electrode includes: an anti-collision end (9), a load-bearing tie rod (10), an electrode float (11), a copper tube assembly (12), and a round lead plate (13). Multiple sets of electrode floats (11) are coaxially arranged into an electrode float assembly, which is heavier in the middle and lighter at both ends; the electrode float assembly is coaxially set in the copper tube assembly (12), and an anti-collision end (9) is coaxially set at each end; the anti-collision end (9) is provided with a countersunk hole at the end near the electrode float assembly to accommodate multiple sets of round lead plates (13); the multiple sets of round lead plates (13) at both ends of the electrode float assembly are coaxially designed, and the pitch attitude of the electrode in water can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of round lead plates (13) at both ends; The load-bearing tie rod (10) passes through the center of the electrode float (11), the round lead plate (13), and the anti-collision end (9), and extends from both ends of the copper tube assembly (12). The two ends of the load-bearing tie rod (10) are provided with external threads for installing locking nuts (8).

2. The electrode for underwater electromagnetic surveying according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: Pull ring (7), each end of the load-bearing tie rod (10) is threaded with a pull ring (7), and the two pull rings (7) are perpendicular to each other; wherein, each pull ring (7) and its corresponding locking nut (8) have a gap of 6-7mm, and the pull ring (7), locking nut (8) and load-bearing tie rod (10) are welded together by an annular weld.

3. The electrode for underwater electromagnetic surveying according to claim 2, wherein Also includes: D-type shackles (6), each pull ring (7) is connected to a D-type shackle (6).

4. The electrode for underwater electromagnetic surveying according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: Copper mesh braided wire (5) is used for electrical connection between adjacent electrodes.

5. The electrode for underwater electromagnetic surveying according to claim 4, wherein The copper tube assembly (12) includes: an extruded copper tube (17) and two connector plates (15); the outer arc surface of one end of each connector plate (15) matches the inner arc surface of the mounting hole at the end of the extruded copper tube (17), and the two are riveted together by a plurality of semi-circular head copper rivets (16). The other end of the connector plate (15) is exposed outside the extruded copper tube (17), and it is provided with a through hole for connecting the copper mesh braided wire (5), and the connecting surface is milled flat; wherein, the extruded copper tube (17) is a tube material that is extruded in one piece, radiographically inspected at level I, and has a thickness deviation of ±0.05mm.

6. The underwater electromagnetic detection electrode as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The outer circumference of the electrode float assembly is provided with a strip groove along the generatrix to avoid the riveting protrusions at both ends of the copper tube assembly (12) during installation.

7. The electrode for underwater electromagnetic surveying according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The total number of the circular lead plates (13) installed is determined according to the zero buoyancy requirement of the electrode; the number of circular lead plates (13) allocated to both ends of the electrode float assembly is determined according to the pitch angle requirement of the electrode in the water.

8. The electrode for underwater electromagnetic surveying as recited in claim 1, wherein A marking ring (14) is designed between the locking nut (8) and the pull ring (7) at one end of the electrode to mark the positive pole of the electromagnetic detection system; wherein, the filler of the marking ring (14) is made of polyurethane material.

9. The electrode for underwater electromagnetic surveying as recited in claim 1, wherein The electrode float (11) is made of a polymer composite material with a density half that of water.

10. The electrode for underwater electromagnetic surveying as recited in claim 1, wherein The anti-collision end (9) is made of high molecular weight PVC or POM.

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