Equipment/Software/Literature

Oct. 11, 1999
This new three channel portable battery operated field recorder is designed for a variety of data-acquisition applications in exploration.

New portable field recorder

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This new three channel portable battery operated field recorder is designed for a variety of data-acquisition applications in exploration.

The new PR2400 recorder uses 24 bit analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) technology to deliver a dynamic range of 150 db at a sampling rate of 25 hz and 130 db at 1,000 hz.

Housed in a weather-sealed enclosure, the PR2400 stores data on a removable 2.1 Gbyte hard disk, which is enough capacity for more than a month of continuous recording at a 100 hz sampling rate. The removable disk unit incorporates a temperature management system, which helps ensure that the hard disk can be operated in ambient temperatures as low as -40° C.

Data can be downloaded-without interrupting the acquisition process-either by simply changing the disk or by using the built-in Ethernet connection. In addition, a full function serial interface allows modem communication with the recorder or connection to an external PC.

Supplied complete with a GPS receiver to maintain timing accuracy and identify the recorder's global position, the PR2400 can be preprogrammed to start recording at specified times or in response to a range of trigger criteria. The unit's internal ADC can be directly connected to a radio transmitter to enable simultaneous recording and transmission of data. An optional external ADC module can be attached, providing six-channel operation if required.

Source: Earth Data Ltd., Nutsey Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 3NVB, England.

Finite difference software

Software is ready for commercialization that is capable of producing structural and amplitude representations of seismic prospects accurately.

Salvo is a 2D/3D prestack, shot-based finite difference solution to the full acoustic wave equation with migrated gathers.

This company provides data processing services and software sales worldwide under an exclusive agreement with Sandia National Laboratories.

The company has upgraded the original code for throughput efficiency and reliability. It has also added the capability of outputting prestack migrated gathers, a valuable tool for quality control and detailed attribute analysis, as an optional product. Salvo also complements existing Prima processing software.

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Source: NuTec Software Inc., 12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 590, Stafford, TX 77477

Running line tensiometer

Here's the Model 7650 running line tensiometer (RLT) for use in wire rope line tension measurement applications, ranging from mooring line tensions, winch monitoring, pull testing, and marine towing.

The RLT uses a compliant beam design, lowering stress loading on the wire rope and reducing the weight of the equipment.

The 7650 is available for wire rope sizes of 1/2 to 4 in. diameters, with corresponding line tension capacities from 50,000 lb to 500 tons and may be installed under tension.

The firm also produces load cells, load pins, tension links, and a line of displays and PC based instrumentation.

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Source: Houston Scientific International Inc., 5201 Mitchelldale A1, Houston, TX 77092.

New seal for cryogenic uses

The new Type 285 noncontacting seal is available for cryogenic pumps in process applications such as liquid argon, liquid nitrogen, and liquid oxygen.

Its design merges spiral groove technology with a Sealol welded metal bellows, resulting in a seal that eliminates face contact and wear, and offers precise face loading and resistance to hangup.

The Type 285 operates on a gas film. The small volume of heat generated at the seal interface vaporizes the fluid, and spiral grooves gather and compress the gas. As the gas is forced toward the closed groove ends, the pressure rises and creates a gas cushion, separating the sealing faces. The spiral groove technology also helps minimize product loss, reduce power consumption, and eliminate the need for support systems.

The seal's compact design fits most popular cryogenic pumps available. The seal operates at temperatures of -320° F. (-196° C.) to ambient, at pressures as much as 100 psig (7 bar g), and speeds up to 10,000 rpm.

Source: John Crane, 6400 Oakton St., Morton Grove, IL 60053.