2
Low-Noise
Borehole Triaxial Seismometer--Geotech
Instruments, LLC,
Mr.
James D. Kerr, Principal Investigator,
Dr.
Lani Oncescu, Business Official,
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83667
Amount:
$718,719
A
low-noise, low-power broadband borehole seismometer is required for use in
networks of seismic stations for monitoring underground nuclear explosions.
This project will apply the latest technology from surface broadband
instrumentation to the borehole application, leading to three prototype
instruments that will be suitable for noise and stability testing at a
seismically quiet site. In Phase I, research
and theoretical modeling was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of using
one instrument to cover the full bandwidth and noise targets.
Phase II will develop two prototype borehole seismometers, plus one test
unit designed for special noise tests. Extensive factory and field tests will be
conducted to verify the seismic noise level and other parameters.
A complete production drawing package will be produced.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits as
described by awardee: A low cost,
low-power, low-noise borehole triaxial seismometer should open the technology to
more customers. For example,
research programs are often prohibited from using borehole instruments because
of the very high cost. A new surface instrument for very long period seismic signals could be a
possible spin-off.