Single Voltage Reference Wire for Geophysical Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geophysical survey systems for resistivity and induced polarization data collection are complex, leading to increased costs and potential crew injuries due to numerous wires and connections, and are plagued by noise issues like cross talk.
Innovation Solution
A system using a single voltage reference wire with multiple voltage recorders connected to local electrodes, where one recorder is shorted to provide a fixed potential, reducing equipment complexity and noise by eliminating unnecessary wires and connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple multi-channel measurement instruments are used to collect geophysical data, then the amount of data that can be collected increases, but the system complexity, number of wires, number of electrical connections, and crew size increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single measurement instrument that can measure multiple dipoles simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate instruments, wires, and connections from multiple multi-channel instruments to a single integrated system, thereby maintaining high data collection capacity while dramatically reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement instrument is designed with multi-functionality to perform measurements on multiple dipoles using a single device. This universal instrument can handle various measurement configurations and dipole arrangements, replacing the need for multiple specialized instruments while maintaining versatile data collection capabilities
2Productivity
If the number of wires and electrical connections is increased to enable simultaneous measurement of multiple dipoles, then measurement capability increases, but cross talk noise between adjacent wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple measurement capabilities into a single instrument that measures multiple dipoles simultaneously, the patent reduces the total number of separate wire connections. This consolidation minimizes the presence of adjacent wires that could generate cross talk noise, while maintaining the ability to collect data from multiple measurement points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary wires and connections from the system by using a single measurement instrument instead of multiple instruments. This removal of excess conductive elements directly reduces the sources of inductive, capacitive, and galvanic cross talk interference
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies setup, reduces crew size, and minimizes noise interference, enabling efficient data collection while maintaining data quality and flexibility for scalable applications.
Implementation Method 1
a current transmitter for transmitting current into the ground in an area of interest
Implementation Method 2
the voltage recorders are configured to measure the potential voltage between the reference wire and the ground at the respective measurement points
Implementation Method 3
each of the voltage recorders electrically connected to: a ground-engaging local electrode; and a wire connector; and each of the wire connectors for connecting to the reference wire adjacent the respective voltage recorder
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for geophysical data collection, for use with resistivity and induced polarization. The system and method include the use of a single voltage reference wire to which all voltage recorders or nodes are connected by means of a piercing wire connector, the voltage recorders providing a measurement of the potential voltage between the reference wire and the ground and allowing for calculation of relative voltage potentials between adjacent recorders.