Socon | Measuring head |

The measuring head for cavern surveying

The measuring heads of the SOCON systems for surveying caverns are patented and differ from all other surveying systems in significant operating points.

The direction is measured directly at every survey point on the cavern wall. In doing this the tool remains fixed on the survey point by means of a servo system and gyro stabilizers until all multiple checks at this point have been completed.

The compass for measuring the direction is rigidly fixed to the sonar sensor and measures the direction directly and continuously. The deviation of the compass systems is managed and corrected by means of calibration tables. Not only the compass system, but also all other significant tool components are monitored by microprocessors and appropriate correction tables are made available.

Backward calculation of the measured direction, as is usual in other systems, is not done in the SOCON systems. In other systems the direction is measured in the upper, non-rotating part of the tool, and the measuring direction of the sonar sensor is determined using incremental motors and gears. As the direction is not measured directly, the orientation of the sonar sensor can be given only based on the assumption that there is no play in the gears and that the incremental steps are accurate, i.e. the reliability is unknown.

For every survey point on the cavern wall the vertical alignment of the sonar sensor is measured or the head is moved to the preset tilt position and this position is checked. In this way it can be detected whether the survey tool is inclined or whether there is eccentricity of its center of gravity. This can then be taken into consideration.

The sensor for measuring the vertical alignment is rigidly fixed to the sonar sensor and measures the inclination directly and continuously.

Backward calculation of the inclination of the sonar sensor, as is usual in other systems, is not done in the SOCON systems. In other systems the vertical alignment of the tool is not measured, instead the head is moved to a calculated inclination using incremental motors and gears. As the alignment is not measured, the tilt angle can be given only based on the assumption that there is no play in the gears and that the incremental steps are accurate, i.e. the reliability is unknown.

As opposed to other systems the sonic sensors can be easily exchanged while maintaining the rigid connection to the other sensors. This ensures the tool is always ready for operation and makes it possible to optimize the tool to whatever conditions exist. Numerous ultrasonic sensor carriers are available providing different frequencies, designs and sizes.

The standard system has in addition a multifunctional head with eight different wavelength ranges; these can be used to carry out the most important tasks.

Sonar in caverns

SOCON SONAR CONTROL
Kavernenvermessung GmbH

The World-wide leading engineering company specializing in the surveillance of underground caverns and voids.

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SOCON Sonar Well Services, Inc. | 11133 I-45 South Suite E
Conroe, TX 77302 USA | Phone: 001 (936) 441 - 5801 | Fax: 001 (936) 539 - 6847