Novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in high-power induced polarization geophysical prospecting working method

By laying circular thin metal electrode plates in pits dug in the ground and combining them with water-retaining and anti-evaporation layers, the problem of insufficient grounding current was solved, achieving more efficient grounding current introduction and more stable detection data.

CN121559611APending Publication Date: 2026-02-24核工业二四三大队
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511796871.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-02
Publication Date
2026-02-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In special terrains characterized by dryness, scarcity of water, and predominantly dry soil or exposed bedrock, insufficient grounding current during high-power induced polarization prospecting can hinder the effective conduction of current underground, thus affecting the depth of exploration and the stability of data.

Method used

Multiple circular thin metal electrode plates are laid in a pit dug in the ground. Combined with a bottom water-retaining layer and a top anti-evaporation layer, they are buried with salt water and wet soil to form a good conductive connection, increase the contact area and reduce the grounding resistance.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves grounding current, enhances detection depth and data accuracy, reduces manpower and material resource requirements, and adapts to various terrain environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in a high-power induced polarization geophysical prospecting working method, and belongs to the technical field of physical exploration. Comprising a plurality of electrode plates which are arranged in ground pits and are filled with soil; the electrode plates are led out to be connected to a power supply end; the bottom water retention layer is arranged at the bottom of the ground pit; the electrode plate is placed on the bottom water retention layer and is filled with soil to form a backfill layer; a large amount of saline water is poured into the backfill layer. According to the invention, the grounding current is increased; the current is increased to 8-15 times in use, so that the working quality is greatly improved; the device is light, and manpower, financial resources and physical power needed by a manual back-carrying mode are greatly reduced; the thick cotton quilt added in the pit is matched, so that water can slowly permeate, and the influence of sudden current reduction on observation when the power supply time is relatively long is prevented; the cotton quilt covers the top, so that the water evaporation rate in a hot environment is reduced, and the power supply time is prolonged; the design is simple, the manufacturing cost is low, and the application and popularization effect on barren, cold, deviated and water-deficient sand or gobi is doubled.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of geophysical exploration technology, and in particular to a novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in a high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method. Background Technology

[0002] High-power induced polarization (IP) prospecting is a geophysical exploration technique based on the induced polarization effect. By transmitting a high-power artificial current underground, it utilizes the differences in polarizability and resistivity between the ore-bearing geological body and the surrounding rock to receive and analyze the electric field signal, thereby inferring the location, shape, and scale of deep metallic deposits. It features deep detection depths (ranging from hundreds to 1500 meters), strong anti-interference capabilities, and adaptability to complex terrain and covered areas, making it a core method for prospecting deep concealed deposits and the deep edges of old mines. However, it also has drawbacks such as complex equipment, cumbersome data processing, high requirements for technical personnel, and insufficient grounding current under special terrain conditions.

[0003] In simple terms: High-power induced polarization (IP) instruments for mineral exploration use a combination of artificial electricity and signal recognition to "examine" the underground environment and locate metal deposits. You can think of underground ore bodies (such as gold or lead-zinc mines) as "special substances that easily carry an electrical charge," while the surrounding ordinary rocks (walled rocks) are "ordinary substances that don't easily carry an electrical charge." Two sets of electrodes are buried on the ground: one set connects to a high-power transmitter, which, like an electrical wire, transmits a strong current underground (this is the effect of "high power," allowing the current to penetrate deeper); the other set connects to a receiver, responsible for "listening" to the underground electrical signals. When the strong current enters the ground, the ore body slowly "stores electricity" under the influence of the current (like a rechargeable battery), while ordinary rocks store virtually no electricity. After the current is cut off, the stored electricity in the ore body is slowly released, and the receiver can capture this "discharge signal." The discharge signal of the ore body is completely different from that of the rock; based on this signal difference, the location and depth of the ore body can be determined.

[0004] Please see Figure 9 Traditional electrodes are iron spikes, 40-70cm long and 2-3cm in diameter, each weighing 6-8 catties. In field operations, these spikes are hammered vertically into the ground and then coated with salt water. In dry, water-scarce terrain with dry soil layers or exposed bedrock, high-power induced polarization (IPC) prospecting often faces the problem of insufficient grounding current. The lack of water in these areas leads to high resistivity in the surface soil, resulting in poor coupling between the traditional shallowly buried electrodes and the strata. This makes it difficult to effectively conduct current underground, failing to meet the power requirements of deep exploration and affecting the stability and accuracy of the detection data.

[0005] Therefore, the inventors designed a new type of electrode to enhance the grounding current in high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration, based on the needs of the work. This electrode can form a good conductive connection with the ground, increasing the grounding current and thus meeting the needs of high-power induced polarization mineral exploration. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to propose a novel electrode that enhances the grounding current in high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration methods, thereby achieving higher operational quality.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in a high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method includes: multiple electrode plates laid in a pit dug in the ground and buried in soil. The electrode plate is led outwards and connected to the power supply terminal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electrode plate has perforations.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electrode plate is circular.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electrode plate has a reinforcing edge on its circumferential side.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of electrode plates is not less than five.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrode plates are arranged horizontally or vertically; Among them, there shall be no fewer than two horizontally arranged and no fewer than two vertically arranged.

[0013] In some embodiments, it further includes: a bottom water-retaining layer at the bottom of the ground excavation pit; The electrode plate is placed on the bottom water-retaining layer and backfilled with soil to form a backfill layer. The backfill layer was filled with a large amount of brine.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bottom water-retaining layer is composed of a water-retaining material.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bottom water-retaining layer is a cotton quilt.

[0016] In some embodiments, it further includes: a top anti-evaporation layer covering the backfill layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, it further includes: a metal rod; The electrode plate is connected to the metal rod; The electrode plate is led outwards via a metal rod and connected to the power supply terminal.

[0018] In some embodiments, a sliding sleeve is slidably fitted onto the metal rod; The electrode plate is connected to the sliding sleeve.

[0019] In some embodiments, a clamping seat is integrally provided on the sliding sleeve to clamp and fix the electrode plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the end of the metal rod is detachably fitted with a cable holder.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in a high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method, which has the following beneficial effects.

[0022] 1. The most significant feature of this invention is the increased grounding current; it replaces the rod-shaped electrodes with circular thin metal to form electrodes with a larger contact area; combined with deep burial in pits, watering with salt water or covering with wet soil, it greatly reduces grounding resistance; the grounding current directly affects the quality of data, and when the current is too low, the data error is extremely large; in use, the improved current can be increased by 8 to 15 times, greatly improving the quality of work.

[0023] 2. Another feature of this invention is its lightweight nature; compared to the original 10 electrodes weighing 60-80 catties, the improved version reduces the weight to 5-8 catties (or even less); for methods that require manual carrying, it greatly reduces the manpower, financial resources, and physical strength required.

[0024] 3. In this invention, the thick cotton quilt added to the pit allows water to seep in slowly, preventing a sudden drop in current from affecting observation when the power supply time is long; at the same time, covering the top with a cotton quilt reduces the rate of water evaporation in hot environments, thus extending the power supply time.

[0025] 4. This invention is simple in design and has low manufacturing cost. Its application in barren, remote, and water-scarce sandy or Gobi deserts is twice as effective.

[0026] Other advantages, objectives and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows; and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description; or may be learned from practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a side section diagram of a pit being dug in the ground.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of a pit dug in the ground.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the electrode plates arranged above the bottom water-retaining layer.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the electrode plate and the metal rod.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the metal rod.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode plate structure.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding sleeve.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the inner structure of the cable holder.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the usage of a traditional electrode.

[0036] In the picture: 1. Electrode plate; 11. Hole; 12. Reinforcing edge; 2. Bottom water-retaining layer; 3. Backfill layer; 4. Top anti-evaporation layer; 5. Metal rod; 6. Sliding sleeve; 61. Clamp; 7. Cable holder; 71. Pin. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0038] Reference Figure 1-8 A novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in a high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method includes: multiple electrode plates 1 laid in a pit dug in the ground and buried in soil.

[0039] Among them, electrode plate 1 is led outward to connect to the power supply terminal to form a discharge terminal buried in the soil.

[0040] In this solution, the electrode plate 1, which "significantly increases the surface area compared to an iron rod", is directly buried in the soil to form an expanded contact area, reduce the grounding resistance, and can more effectively, efficiently and reliably conduct current into the ground; moreover, the size of the electrode plate 1 can be made according to requirements, and the overall weight is also very small.

[0041] Preferably, electrode plate 1 is made of thin metal plates such as iron plate or aluminum plate; the thickness is about 1 mm (of course, it can also be made slightly thicker for better conductivity, depending on the actual environment).

[0042] For example, an aluminum electrode plate with a radius of 15 centimeters weighs only a few hundred grams; a conventional iron electrode weighs about 6 to 8 kilograms; this design greatly reduces weight, making it very convenient to transport and use.

[0043] Furthermore, the electrode plate 1 has a hole 11. This allows for further weight reduction while maintaining reliable formation coupling.

[0044] Multiple holes 11 can be set, but care should be taken not to make them too dense to avoid reducing the overall strength too much; as shown in the attached figure, multiple rings of holes 11 can be set around to form a shape similar to a steamer rack.

[0045] Preferably, electrode plate 1 is circular.

[0046] Generally, the diameter of electrode plate 1 is designed to be no more than 50 cm for ease of use.

[0047] Similarly, it can also be set to a square or other shape; in comparison, a round shape is more convenient to lay out and transport, and it is also more wear-resistant during use (there is relatively no damage to the sharp corners), and it is less likely to injure the workers (the edges are relatively rounded).

[0048] It should be noted that there are no fewer than four electrode plates 1, and they are oriented in multiple directions to ensure that an effective contact surface is formed within the layout area. Of course, if the electrode plates 1 are made large enough, fewer can be laid out. During the layout, each electrode plate 1 is laid out at intervals and connected to the external power supply terminal together.

[0049] In some embodiments, the electrode plate 1 is provided with a reinforcing edge 12 on its circumferential side.

[0050] In this design, a thin metal plate is used for fabrication, which leads to the problem that the edges are easily damaged (such as by bumps or bending). Therefore, a reinforcing edge 12 is specially designed. The reinforcing edge 12 can be in the form of edging, thick metal wire wrapping, etc., to improve the edge strength of the electrode plate 1 and obtain a longer service life.

[0051] In some embodiments, the electrode plate 1 is arranged horizontally or vertically; Among them, there shall be no fewer than two horizontally arranged and no fewer than two vertically arranged.

[0052] It should be noted that the preferred horizontal or vertical layout is to facilitate backfilling and other operations; such as Figure 2 As shown, in this state, it is convenient to fill the pit with soil, and it is less likely to cause impact damage to electrode plate 1, making the operation more efficient and reliable.

[0053] For horizontal or vertical layouts: such as Figure 3 As shown, the horizontal direction indicates a shape parallel to the ground, meaning electrode plate 1 forms a horizontal plane; the vertical direction indicates a shape that remains perpendicular to the ground. Figure 3 In the middle, the two vertical electrode plates 1 extend back and forth along their axes and can be swung to other angles. Their axes extend horizontally, and their overall shape is perpendicular to the ground. (For example, the electrode plates 1 can be rotated 90 degrees about a line perpendicular to the ground so that the axis of the electrode plates 1 is parallel to the axis of the metal rod 5.)

[0054] It should be noted that when backfilling, some soil can be laid first at the position where the horizontally laid electrode plate 1 is placed, and then the electrode plate 1 can be placed on it; the pre-laid soil can form a bottom support to prevent the electrode plate 1 from being suspended and subjected to a large impact; for the vertically laid electrode plate, soil is gradually filled from both sides to bury it.

[0055] In some embodiments, a bottom water-retaining layer 2 is provided at the bottom of the excavated pit, and the electrode plate 1 is placed on the bottom water-retaining layer 2; at the same time, a backfill layer 3 is formed by filling with soil, and a large amount of salt water is poured into the backfill layer 3 to reduce the grounding resistance.

[0056] Note: The thickness of backfill layer 3 should be matched with the depth of the pit dug in the ground to bury all electrode plates 1; in a moist soil environment, salt water is not required.

[0057] In this scheme, the bottom water-retaining layer 2, which is set at the bottom, works in conjunction with the backfill layer 3 to allow the brine to accumulate and remain at the bottom for a longer period of time, ensuring reliable conductivity over a long period of time. In addition, the bottom water-retaining layer 2 allows water to seep in slowly, preventing a sudden drop in current from affecting the observation when the power supply time is long.

[0058] The bottom water-retaining layer 2 is composed of water-retaining materials.

[0059] Preferably, the bottom water-retaining layer 2 is a cotton quilt.

[0060] In some embodiments, it further includes: a top anti-evaporation layer 4 covering the backfill layer; the top anti-evaporation layer 4 at the top slows down moisture evaporation.

[0061] Preferably, the top anti-evaporation layer 4 is a cotton quilt; it can be inside the pit or protrude to the outside; after backfilling the soil, salt water is poured in first, and then the top anti-evaporation layer 4 is covered; in order to prevent the cotton quilt from being blown away, some stones or other objects can be found on the ground to press it down.

[0062] In some embodiments, it further includes: a metal rod 5.

[0063] The metal rod 5 should have good electrical conductivity; aluminum or copper is preferred (iron is also acceptable).

[0064] Correspondingly, the electrode plates 1 are connected one by one to the metal rods 5; then, they are led outwards through the metal rods 5 to the power supply terminal.

[0065] Preferably, the metal rod 5 is a lightweight metal rod, which can be hollow inside; the diameter does not need to be very large, as long as it maintains appropriate strength and length; for example, a diameter of 8 mm and a length of 1 meter.

[0066] It should be noted that, without the metal rod 5, the electrode plates 1 are connected by wires; when they are laid out, they are arranged in conjunction with the backfilling operation to form a horizontal or vertical burial pattern.

[0067] After setting up the metal rod 5, the electrode plate 1 is positioned and fixedly connected to the metal rod 5. The whole thing is then placed into the pit above the bottom water-retaining layer 2. This makes the operation more convenient and reduces the wiring and other processes between the various electrode plates 1.

[0068] In addition, the position and orientation of the electrode plate 1 on the metal rod 5 can be adjusted arbitrarily; multiple electrode plates 1 can be set on one metal rod 5 and freely combined (the position of the electrode plate 1 can be adjusted and fixed in the pit).

[0069] Preferably, U-shaped nails, nailed pipe clamps, or other structures can be used to fix the metal rod 5; this makes the position more stable during backfilling.

[0070] Furthermore, multiple metal rods 5 can be simultaneously deployed inside the pit for coordination; multiple metal rods 5 are connected in series to form an electrode group that further expands in scale and reduces grounding resistance.

[0071] In some embodiments, a sliding sleeve 6 is slidably fitted on the metal rod 5; correspondingly, the electrode plate 1 is connected to the sliding sleeve 6.

[0072] like Figure 4 , 6 As shown, the sliding sleeve 6 makes it easier to adjust the position and orientation of the electrode plate (by swinging it around the metal rod 5 as an axis).

[0073] Understandably, the sliding sleeve 6 is threaded with a top-pressure screw to lock its position.

[0074] It should be noted that the sliding sleeve 6 can be an integral structure with the electrode plate 1, or an assembled form.

[0075] Preferably, a clamping seat 61 is integrally provided on the sliding sleeve 6 to clamp and fix the electrode plate 1.

[0076] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the clamp 61 forms a clamping groove for the electrode plate 1 and is fixedly assembled by bolts; with this replaceable form, if the electrode plate 1 is damaged during use, it can be removed for repair or directly replaced; for different operational needs, electrode plates 1 of different specifications can also be replaced.

[0077] It should be noted that the angle of the clamp 61 can be various; for example, Figure 7 It illustrates another angle shape.

[0078] In some embodiments, the end of the metal rod 5 is detachably fitted with a cable holder 7.

[0079] Understandably, wires can be directly connected to the metal rod 5, but this would be inconvenient during transportation and installation; therefore, a detachable wiring configuration was designed.

[0080] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figure 7; the end of the metal rod 5 is provided with an external thread and an end groove is opened; the cable holder 7 includes: an outer sleeve body and a pin 71 fixedly disposed inside; the outer end of the outer sleeve body is connected to an electric wire to connect to the power supply end.

[0081] It is understandable that the pin 71 and the end slot are both located on the axis.

[0082] In the assembled state, the outer sleeve body is threaded into the metal rod 5, and the pin 71 is inserted into the end slot; the wire is pulled out from the pit and connected to the power supply end.

[0083] The cable holder 7 can be installed at one end of the metal rod 5, or at both ends.

[0084] In some embodiments, the ends of multiple metal rods 5 are assembled together.

[0085] For example, a thread can be provided at the end of the metal rod 5, and the two metal rods 5 can be connected together with an internal threaded sleeve; in this configuration, a metal rod assembly of greater length can be formed to meet different environmental usage requirements.

[0086] The novel electrode improved in this application consists of no fewer than four electrode plates (generally five to seven, the number is variable); it is made of thin sheet metal such as iron or aluminum, and is processed into a circle with appropriate holes (similar to a steamer basket for steaming buns); the electrode plates are fixed horizontally or vertically and buried in the backfill soil; optionally, they are fixed to a lightweight metal rod, which is connected to the power supply end; during operation, a deep pit is dug in the ground to ensure that the electrodes are completely submerged; a thick cotton quilt is laid at the bottom of the pit, the electrodes are placed in, and multiple electrodes can be placed in series for better results; then the excavated soil is used to fill and bury the electrodes, followed by pouring in a large amount of salt water, and finally covering the surface with a layer of cotton quilt to slow down moisture evaporation.

[0087] The most significant feature of the improved electrode in this application is the increased grounding current. It replaces the rod-shaped electrode with a circular thin metal, forming an electrode with a larger contact area. Combined with deep burial in pits, watering with salt water, or covering with wet soil, it greatly reduces the grounding resistance. The grounding current directly affects the quality of the data; when the current is too low, the data error is extremely large. In use, the improved current can be increased by 8 to 15 times, greatly improving the quality of work.

[0088] Another feature of the improved electrode in this application is its light weight; compared to the original 10 electrodes weighing 60-80 catties, the improved electrode weighs only 5-8 catties (or even less); this greatly reduces the manpower, financial resources, and physical strength required for manual transport.

[0089] The improved novel electrode of this application, when used in conjunction with the thick cotton quilt added to the pit, allows moisture to seep in slowly, preventing a sudden drop in current that could affect observation during long power supply periods. At the same time, covering the top with a cotton quilt reduces the rate of moisture evaporation in hot environments, thus extending the power supply time.

[0090] The novel electrode improved in this application is simple in design and has a low manufacturing cost. Its application in desolate, remote, and water-scarce sandy or Gobi deserts is twice as effective.

[0091] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0092] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0093] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in a high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method, characterized in that, include: Multiple electrode plates (1) were installed in pits dug in the ground and buried in soil. The electrode plate (1) is led outward to connect to the power supply terminal.

2. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode plate (1) has a hole (11).

3. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode plate (1) has a reinforcing edge (12) on its circumferential side.

4. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of electrode plates (1) is not less than 4.

5. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The electrode plate (1) is arranged horizontally or vertically.

6. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The bottom water-retaining layer at the bottom of the ground excavation pit (2); The electrode plate (1) is placed on the bottom water-retaining layer (2) and backfilled with soil to form a backfill layer (3); The backfill layer (3) is filled with a large amount of salt water.

7. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom water-retaining layer (2) is composed of water-retaining materials.

8. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The bottom water-retaining layer (2) is a cotton quilt.

9. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The top layer of the backfill layer (3) is an anti-evaporation layer (4).

10. The novel electrode for enhancing grounding current in the high-power induced polarization geophysical exploration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Metal rod (5); Electrode plate (1) is connected to metal rod (5).