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The user interface screen will propose a grid for sensor placement based on previous analysis and data.
Wireless Sensors
The system’s sensors are self-powered for extended periods of operation through rechargeable batteries and are wirelessly connected. They feature a solid, durable and water-resistant structure housing with a flexible attachment module that allows the sensors to be placed virtually anywhere, for example, even on the wall or ceiling of an underground mine. They were designed to withstand a 1,500 g shock.
“The sensors contain a screen with an arrow that always points toward where the sensor should be installed based on the suggested grid mapped out earlier. [This makes the SWIPS system] very easy to use so people can be trained quickly on how to take measurements,” he says.
Because of its three-axis system and its Inertial Positioning System, the sensor’s exact coordinate location is known at all times. While the grid suggested by the operator interface is important, the sensors don’t need to be oriented in a specific position to be effective, reducing the margin of error. The sensors’ high bandwidth and extreme sensitivity allow them to quickly transfer large amounts of information back to the user interface for analysis by the equipment operator or worksite manager.
“Our sensors are in the range of 300 ng of sensitivity,” says Rioux. “No sensor on the market can cover our span of frequency (0 to 2.5 kHz). Your environment may be solid like rock, or it may be softer like top soil. It doesn’t matter, the same sensor can measure all of those varying levels of density.”
MicroMentis is currently finishing its sensors calibration test lab. “We had to develop and design the calibrations, as well. And then of course, how do you calibrate those? So, we have to rely on the National Research Council of Canada to calibrate the test bench.” The lab will be located in Laval, Quebec, Canada.
Impact Generator
The patented impact generator’s 6.5-in. LCD touch screen is smaller in size yet identical to that of the user interface (12 in.) for easy use. The device generates a surface wave, which has similar characteristics to an earthquake. “It’s like having a 300 kg weight dropped from 3 meters.”
The Impact Generator can also be remotely controlled. Its versatile attachment base, like the wireless sensors, allow it to be used on any type of solid surface. Also like the wireless sensors, the impact generator is georeferenced through embedded inertial positioning technologies.
With a press of a button, the impact generator charges, signals it is ready and sends the wave into the ground. Once the wave is generated and the results are sent to the user interface, the sensors closest to the impact generator are moved beyond the farthest sensors and another impact is sent. The system is repeated and waves are repeatedly sent after each sensor move until the desired area to be analyzed is covered.
The MicroMentis sensors pick up the wave as it moves through the ground material. This is different than seismic readers which measure the refraction of the wave as it rebounds off of a material or surface. “The data is acquired and if there is any sort of anomaly there are tools to help the user modify the wave automatically. Data can be checked in real-time on site using the user interface,” says Rioux.
