Geophysics made easy

IP Time Domain Equipment

A new line of induced polarization (ip) time domain equipment is available from Androtex Ltd. of Mississauga, Ont. The instrumentation is easy to operate and employs the latest electronics technology, the company reports.

The single-channel TDR 3 receiver is used for fast reconnaissance surveys and prospecting. It weighs only 1.3 kg and is supplied by a single 9 volt battery. More advanced is the TDR 4, programmable multi-window receiver, which can measure in five points of the decay curve. Using the analog meter, the operator can evaluate the signal quality. Both receivers are equipped with selectable delay and integration time. Results are shown in digital form on a large liquid crystal display (lcd).

The 6-dipole TDR 6 is an ip receiver that can take readings rapidly, according to company literature. A wide-input voltage range (up to 40 volts) simplifies surveys in areas of large resistivity contrast, allowing simultaneous measurements at six dipoles. All data are displayed on the lcd module. and all input signals are monitored on analog meters. Although it is automatic, the TDR 6 allows manual control by the operator during measurements. Field data including calculated resistivity and metal factor are stored in memory with a capacity of 2,700 readings. The data output is directly compatible with Geosoft ip plotting system. In addition, the TDR 6 is supplied with Data Editor software, allowing instant access to data and presentation of the field results in the form of profiles on monitor and printer. Its small size and light weight make the TDR 6 easy to use in the field, Androtex says.

Androtex also offers a pocket-size ip calibrator and three models of portable time-frequency ip transmitters with output power of 600, 1,500 and 2,500 watts, and equivalent mg sets.

One complete ip system has been sold to the People’s Republic of China.

Induced polarization is a method of ground geophysical surveying employing an electrical current to determine indications of mineralization.

Advanced Surveyor’s Level

Survey time can be cut in half with a digital level developed in Switzerland by Wild Leitz.

Called the Wild NA2000, the new instrument uses electronic image- processing technology to determine heights with metrical precision. The system is more reliable than the human eye, a company release says.

Built-in programs guide the user through various standard tasks, including line-levelling and area-levelling. The instrument records measurements electronically on an interchangable recording module. Software packages process these data into longitudinal profiles and cross-sections.

Simplified Wear Plates

Wear-resistant runner plates for ore chutes, bins, heavy equipment, dragline buckets and other applications are available in either steel, rubber, urethane or ceramic materials from esco Ltd. They are said to be easy to attach and detach.

Called the Kwik-Lok wear protection system, the runner plates, which are available in a variety of shapes, slide and lock on to the base using a unique self-tightening design. Worn runners are easily removed to facilitate rotation or replacement with minimum downtime.

Oil Analysis Program

Sunoco Inc. of North York, Ont. is offering a service that can save maintenance dollars.

The company will analyze samples of lubricating oil from engines, gear boxes, turbines, hydraulic systems, air compressors and other equipment and will evaluate the results to pinpoint potential mechanical problems.

The service can give ample warning of maintenance problems, such as excessive wear in bearings, anti-freeze leaks, fuel dilution, dirt from leaking air induction systems, head gasket or seal leaks and dirt in gear boxes and transmissions.

EquipTrak, a component of the program, records comparative data from each unit in a fleet and the status of individual engine and equipment components.

Drawing Scanner

A scanner capable of “digitizing” drawings in a fraction of the time required to do the same job manually is available from Planon Systems of Mississauga, Ont. It comes in two widths: 24 and 36 inches.

The company also offers special software to filter information from older drawings and to put the information into files amenable to such computer-aided drafting programs as Autocad, Ventura, Versacad and Aldus Pagemaker.