© GeoAcoustics 2008

GeoChirp II

The GeoAcoustics GeoChirp II sub-bottom profiler offers high penetration, even through compacted sediments, such as sand and gravel, whilst achieving high resolutions of the order of 6cm.

GeoChirp is able to do this because it can transmit very high energies into the water per ping, 2kW RMS for 32ms equates to 64J.   Each output waveform can sweep between 500Hz and 13.5kHz at high amplitude, giving high bandwidth and thus high resolution.  The waveforms contain significant amounts of energy at low frequencies, giving the system high penetration.  Output power levels can also be controlled to minimise environmental impact.

The system utilises a novel efficient high power linear amplifier using a type of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) matched to T135 wideband acoustic transducers to achieve exceptional performance.  The wideband design of the T135 transducers allows high power levels across the complete frequency band.
 

GeoChirp data showing shallow gas deposits in surficial sediments (courtesy of National Oceanographic Centre)

Features

• Very high efficiency power amplifier, greater than 90%

• User can remotely control power level in linear steps from 10W to 4000W

• Waveforms available to suit a wide range of applications

• User can remotely choose from hundreds of stored waveforms, including pinger waveforms

• User can define their own waveforms

• Compact subsea electronics unit, only 403mm long by 103mm diameter

• Simple interface: Ideal for ROV and AUV operation

GeoChirp II data showing 30m penetration through veneer of consolidated sediments (courtesy of National Oceanographic Centre)

Configuration

The system is a component part of the GeoAcoustics Deep Tow 2000 system, which integrates a standard GeoAcoustics side scan, industry standard magnetometers, responders and attitude sensors to form a fully integrated survey system.  This allows the user to mix and match sensors and systems to suit a very wide range of applications.

Options

• 12kW Hull mount with 4 x 4 array

• Overside and Towfish mounting

• Combined Profiler/Side Scan System

• 3000m depth rated transducers

• Combined Deep Tow System

Detailed Specification

Data Sheets & Downloads