Demonstration and Validation of an Improved Airborne Electromagnetic System for UXO Detection and Mapping
Abstract
In September 2008, Battelle completed construction of a new airborne, time-domain electromagnetic system for mapping and detecting unexploded ordnance (UXO). This system was developed with corporate funds on the basis of successful evaluation of a prototype system under Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) Project 200101. This system has been developed to address shortcomings of magnetometer-based systems where the presence of basalt flows or other iron-bearing soils and rocks impede the performance of magnetometer systems. Although this is not a universal problem, it occurs with varying degrees of severity at many sites, in particular, in the western continental United States as well as portions of Hawaii and Alaska. The Battelle Time-Domain Electromagnetic (TEM)-8 system is contained within a 12 by 3 meters (m) rectangular boom structure with a two-lobed transmitter loop composed of two 3 by 4 m rectangles. There are four receivers on each side of the aircraft, located within 4 m tube segments that are oriented parallel to the long axis of the boom structure. As with most transient electromagnetic (EM) systems, a current is established in the transmitter loop, then rapidly switched off, inducing a secondary magnetic field in the earth. The decay of the secondary magnetic field is measured in the receiver coils. The central third of the boom structure is directly under the helicopter and is inactive requiring interleave flight lines to achieve full coverage of the underlying subsurface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA553666
Entities
Organizations
- Environmental Security Technology Certification Program