Geostuff Wall-Lock Borehole Geophones

Geostuff offers a selection of wall-lock borehole geophones. Model BHG-2 (pictured on the right in photograph) contains a 3-component geophone in an X-Y-Z orientation. The outside diameter is 1.85 inches (47 mm), small enough to fit inside a schedule-40, 2-inch plastic pipe. The clamping mechanism is a robust, steel spring compressed by a DC electric motor.Photo of borehole geophonesThere are no rubber bladders to break or tubes to leak, and operation is relatively independent of depth. BHG-2 models have been used to depths of 500 meters (consult factory for details). Geophone elements are available with 10, 14, 28 or 40 Hz natural frequencies.

This unit is also available as the BHG-2C with a flux-gate compass which will indicate the orientation of the geophone in the hole (except for steel-cased holes). Interest is growing in horizontal anisotropy as awareness of the problem increases.

The BHG-3 (pictured, center) includes both a fluxgate compass and a servo mechanism which automatically rotates the horizontal geophones to the azimuth of your choice. Simply point the compass (located in the lower cylinder) towards magnetic north, then orient the clamp spring toward the desired direction

The BHGC-1 Controller is available. This unit switches power to the clamp mechanism and compass, and also directs the geophones to selected seismograph channels.

The clamping mechanism is operated by a DC motor, actuated by power sent down two of the conductors. The polarity is reversed to release the clamp. A controller is relatively easy to construct and a schematic is provided in the instruction manual for those who wish to build their own.

Waterproof connectorThe cable is a 7-conductor copperweld with Kevlar<®> braid and polyurethane jacket, specially manufactured by Tescorp Seismic Products. A Reed Products SU-8F waterproof connector is molded on the wet end and a Cannon NK-27-21C on the dry end. The cable can be easily disconnected from the geophone for ease of handling. Extension cables are also available with a pair of male and female connectors, so that the cable can be temporarily lengthened for unusually deep holes.

 

BigHoleAdaptorThe standard clamp mechanism works for holes between 2 and 6 inches (48-150 mm), but for large holes the Big Hole Kit is available. This mechanism easily installs in place of the standard spring on any of the BHG series and will expand up to 19 inches (48 cm).

Geostuff has prepared a 14-page tutorial paper describing the field methods for conducting downhole shear wave surveys. To download a copy in Adobe Acrobat pdf format, click Borehole Shear-Wave Surveys for Engineering Site Investigations

 

Click data sheet to download a copy in Adobe Acrobat format.

For more information, contact info@geostuff.com

Return to Geostuff Home Page