Group of Service Companies

“MORINZHGEOLOGIA”
Member of the Russian Oil & Gas Builders Union

JSC “MORINZHGEOLOGIA”

Methods and equipment

for hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical
surveys during exploration and development of
offshore hydrocarbon resources
 Introduction

Offshore geotechnical investigations are necessary during all stages of exploration and development of
hydrocarbon resources.
During the initial stage (exploration), they are necessary for the safe use of floating drilling rigs
used for drilling exploration wells.
During the development of discovered oil fields, they are used for the design and construction
of production platforms and underwater pipelines, both inside the field and those aimed at the
transportation of the produced hydrocarbons to onshore and offshore terminals.
During the production phase, monitoring of production structures and pipelines is carried out.
The tasks, methods and sequence of their implementation, determined by legal, administrative
and technical documents of different countries and oil companies, are identical for different stages of
investigations. The difference is in the sites and ratios of operations volumes.
The Company carries out geotechnical investigations in the Caspian Sea within the framework
of projects aimed at the exploration and utilization of hydrocarbon resources. The acquired data allow
ensuring safe installation of floating drilling rigs during drilling, design and construction of offshore
structures and underwater pipelines and the subsequent monitoring of offshore production facilities
and pipeline routes. The operations are conducted in compliance with the national, interstate and
international standards, construction norms and regulations, corporate standards and clients’
requirements.
The companies possess modern equipment and software, allowing to obtain detailed and
objective parameters of geotechnical conditions at the locations of planned exploration drilling,
installation of offshore structures and pipeline routes, and to evaluate the condition of underwater
crossings of gas pipelines and carry out their monitoring.
The Companies’ operations comply with the requirements of the standards ISO 9001:2015 and
ISO 14001:2015.
The following operations are carried out during the first stage: hydrographical surveys (depth
measurements (depth measurements, side-scan sonar and magnetic surveys), geophysical
investigations (continuous dual frequency subbottom acoustic profiling) and (if necessary), high
resolution seismic, the results of which ensure the evaluation of the safety of the design operations at
the planned locations and allow to make operational changes of the locations, if necessary.
Geophysical investigations are aimed at the identification of the geological features of the soil
section, identification and localisation of „geological hazards” – components of geological
environment, which are dangerous to drilling rigs, offshore structures and drilling exploration and
production wells: accumulations of free gas (gas pockets), occurrences of “weak” soils, buried river
valleys, faulted zones etc. During seismic acoustic profiling, the upper part of the section to the depth
up to 80-100 m is studied in greater detail, while, using high resolution seismic, the section to the
depth of 500-1000 m is investigated with lesser detail.
Hydrographical and geophysical operations are carried out at the selected sites during the first
stage of operations, since they ensure the selection (or correction) of locations for the installation of
drilling rigs and offshore structures.
The content of the subsequent geotechnical operations, conducted after the processing and
analysis of hydrographical and geophysical data, is determined based on the types of drilling rigs used
and features of the offshore structures under design. These operations should ensure the determination
of features of the structure of soil foundations, composition, physical and mechanical parameters of
soils with the content and volume necessary for geotechnical calculations aimed at the evaluation of
conditions of installation of drilling rigs or offshore construction.

Geotechnical investigations incorporate:

• geotechnical drilling and sampling in boreholes;
• soil testing in situ using cone penetration testing (CPT) and standard penetration testing
(SPT), vanes etc.;
• sampling of the upper subsoil (bottom soils) to different depth;
2
 • laboratory studies and soil testing, both onboard the vessel and in onshore laboratories.

Geotechnical investigations of soil foundations at the planned locations are carried out from
specialized drilling vessels. The developed and introduced technology of geotechnical operations using
the marine riser with the seabed frame allows to obtain undisturbed soil samples in geotechnical
boreholes and execute cone penetration testing (CPT) in accordance with the existing standards, to the
depth of 80 – 100 m below the seabed at the water depth of up to 50 – 70 m.
The CPT equipment and software ensure the determination of the detailed stratification of the
soil foundation, with soil classification using various standards and comprehensive forecast of the set
of physical and mechanical parameters of soils. Investigations in situ of the physical and strength
properties of soils, which are sampled in boreholes, are carried out on board the vessels.
Within the framework of co-operation with certified geotechnical laboratories and institutes of
the Russian Academy of Sciences (the Institute of Geoecology, the Institute of Geology), the Moscow
State University and other research institutions, laboratory studies of the obtained soil samples are
carried out without delay. Alongside with the determination of standard required parameters of the
composition and physical and mechanical properties, the features of the chemical and mineral
composition of soils are investigated, which influence the ‘construction’ properties of soil foundations.
This document describes the methodology, technology and software used by enterprises of
Joint Stock Company “Morinzhgeologia” during hydrographical and geotechnical investigations in the
Caspian Sea.
From the organisation point of view and based on the technical compatibility of methods, the
following sequence of operations is used:
• engineering-hydrographical operations;
• seismic acoustic profiling (+echosoounding);
• high-resolution seismic surveys;
• processing of hydrographical and geophysical data;
• geotechnical drilling, in situ testing, seabed sampling;
• laboratory studies and testing of soils in onshore laboratories;
• processing and analysis of the results of investigations and soil testing, geotechnical
calculations;
• preparation of the final report on the results of investigations.

The duration of investigations depends on the planned volume of operations, duration of

favourable weather conditions, which differ depending on the season, and distance of the sites from
shore bases of the vessels.
The sequence of investigations is shown in the table.

3
Sequence of site investigations at oil industry objects

1. Engineering-hydrographical operations.

2. Seismic acoustic profiling

(+echosounding).

3. High-resolution seismic
investigations.

4. Processing of engineering-hydrographical
and geophysical data and analysis of their
results in order to single out locations,
which are unfavourable for the
installation of drilling rigs and structures.

5. Preliminary analysis by the Client of the

results of investigations and making a
decision about the locations of drilling
rigs and structures.

6. Sampling of bottom soils, drilling of

geotechnical boreholes,
soil testing in situ.

7. Soil studies and testing in onshore

laboratories.

8. Processing and analysis of the results

of investigations and soil testing.
Preparation of a geotechnical model
of foundation soils.

9. Execution of engineering
geotechnical calculations.

10. Generalisation of the results of

investigations. Preparation of the final
Technical Report.

4
5
6
7
Translated from Russian

Self-Regulating orgnisation based on the membership of persons

executing engineering surveys
Non-Commercial Partnership
"Central Association of Organisations for Engineering Surveys for Construction
"Centrizyskaniya" (NP "Centrizyskaniya")
20 Structure 1 Bolshoy Balkanskiy Per., Moscow, 129090, www.np-ciz.ru,
Registration Number in the State Register of Self-Regulating Orgnisations
SRO-I-003-14092009

The City of Moscow November 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE
on access to certain type or types of activities, which influence the safety of objects of capital construction
No. 0457.04-2009-40003165071-I-003

Issued to Member of Self-Regulating Orgnisation:

Joint Stock Company Research and Production Firm “Morinzhgeologia”, INN 40003165071, 5/67 Reznas Street,
Riga, Latvia, LV-2101

Basis for the issue of the Certificate: Decision of the Board of NP "Centrizyskaniya",
Protocol No. 90 of November 23, 2012.

This Certificate confirms the access to the operations, mentioned in the Annex to this Certificate, which influence the safety
of objects of capital construction

Valid from: November 23, 2012

The Certificate is invalid without the Annex.

This Certificate has been issued without the limitation of the term and territory where it is valid.

This Certificate has been issued instead the earlier issued SRO-I-003-14092009-00902 of 12.05.2011.

President (signature, seal) L.G. Kushnir

General Director (signature) A.V. Akimov

8
 Annex
to Certificate on access to certain type
or types of activities, which influence
the safety of objects of capital construction
No. 0457.04-2009-40003165071-I-003
of 23.11.2012

Types of activities, which influence the safety

of objects of capital construction (except particularly hazardous and technically complex objects, objects aimed at the
utilisation of atomic energy)1
and on the access to which the member of Non-Commercial Partnership
"Central Association of Organisations for Engineering Surveys for Construction "Centrizyskaniya" – Joint Stock
Company Research and Production Firm "Morinzhgeologia" has the Certificate

No. Name of the type of operations2

1. 2. Operations within the framework of engineering-geological surveys
2.1. Geotechnical mapping at the scale 1:500 – 1:25000.
2.2. Excavation of mine workings with sampling, laboratory investigations of physical and mechanical
parameters of soils and chemical properties of groundwater samples.
2.3. Investigations of hazardous geological and geotechnical processes with the preparation of
recommendations for the engineering protection of the territory.
2.5. Engineering-geophysical investigations.
2. 5. Operations within the framework of engineering-geotechnical surveys
(Are carried out within the framework of engineering-geological surveys or separately in the territory
investigated by engineering-geological surveys for separate buildings and structures)
5.1. Excavation of mine workings with sampling, laboratory investigations of mechanical parameters of soils
with the determination of parameters for concrete procedures of calculations of the foundation bases.
5.2. Field testing of soils with the determination of their standard strength and deformation parameters (static
plate load tests, shift tests, pressuremeter tests, shear tests). Testing of specimen and full-scale piles.
5.3. Determination of standard mechanical parameters of soils using the methods of cone penetration testing,
standard penetration testing, dynamic and boring testing.

has the right to conclude contracts for the execution of the organization of operations for , the cost of which does
3
not exceed (comprises) (the sum in figures and words in the Roubles of the Russian Federation)

President (signature, seal) L.G. Kushnir

General Director (signature) A.V. Akimov

1
Depending on the type of objects of capital construction, the following must be mentioned:
“objects of capital construction, including particularly hazardous and technically complex objects of capital construction,
objects aimed at the utilisation of atomic energy” or “objects of capital construction, including particularly hazardous and
technically complex objects of capital construction (except objects aimed at the utilisation of atomic energy)” or “objects of
capital construction (except particularly hazardous and technically complex objects of capital construction, objects aimed at
the utilisation of atomic energy)”.
2
The types of operations are indicated in accordance with the List of types of operations aimed at engineering surveys,
preparation of design documentation, construction, reconstruction, overhaul of objects of capital construction, which
influence the safety of objects of capital construction, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of
the Russian Federation No. 624 of December 30, 2009 (registered by the Ministry of Justice of Russia on April 15, 2010,
Reg. No. 16902; Rossiyskaya Gazeta, 2010, No. 88), as amended by the Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of
the Russian Federation No. 294 of June 23, 2010 (registered by the Ministry of Justice of Russia on August 9, 2010, Reg.
No. 18086; Rossiyskaya Gazeta, 2010, No. 180).
3
The following must be mentioned: “construction, reconstruction, overhaul of objects of capital construction” or
“preparation of design documentation for objects of capital construction”.

9
 PROVISION OF SAFETY DURING THE EXECUTION OF
OPERATIONS
There is an operational system of provision of safety during the execution of operations and
minimization of environmental impact, which is based on the following documents:

- REGULATION ON THE SYSTEM OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT

DURING THE EXECUTION OF OFFSHORE GEOTECHNICAL SURVEYS;

- POLICY IN THE SPHERE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY;

- REGULATION REGARDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF OFFSHORE

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND MEASURES AIMED AT MINIMISATION OF
ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE

The enterprise has been certified in accordance with the International

Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention
(International Safety Management (ISM Code).
The Identification No.: IMO 5406528.

Measurements of background concentrations of methane are carried out before the initiation of drilling
in gas-saturated soils. The operations are conducted during the daytime only and when the sea is calm. The
measurements of concentrations of methane are carried out using the industrial gas detection system SGAES-
TG. Up to five optical gas detectors of the system (EGOS-0) are situated at the locations of possible entry of gas
– one over water at the vessel board, the second – in the working area at the moonpool, the rest – at other
locations of possible entry of gas and at the vessel air vents. Measurements of background methane
concentrations are conducted before the initiation of drilling. Continuous measurements of the methane
concentrations are carried out during the drilling process. The measurement data is recorded on a PC with the
sampling rate 5 sec. The gas concentrations are recorded in percentage from the lower concentration limit of
flame propagation; for methane – 4.40% of gas volume. When the permissible concentrations are exceeded, an
alarm sounds. When a gas blowout occurs, the borehole is plugged back using weighted drilling mud.
In order to prevent gas from reaching the vessel deck through the drill string (if shallow gas is
encountered), a float valve is used, installed in the lower part of the drill string; gas enters the annular space and
exits to the sea bottom, dissipating in water.
The crews and scientific personnel have been trained in safe operation techniques, actions during
ship emergencies and have certificates of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS); they are also holders of seamen’s passports.
When a failure or an emergency situation occurs, the operations on board are interrupted and the
following measures are taken:
- those aimed at the elimination of danger;
- those aimed at the evacuation of personnel from the hazardous zone;
- emergency notification of the supervisor of operations or the ship master about the emergency.
The resumption of operations is permitted only after the elimination of the causes of the emergency and
based on permission from the person supervising the operations.

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11
 Information about main types of services provided by
“Morinzhgeologia” Ltd. in the Caspian Sea during the last 11 years

Description of operations The Client

2017
The works under the contract CFT/PI/25/15/795R aimed at the inspection DRAGON OIL
of 44 platforms and wells at the sites of the fields LAM/ZHDANOV are (Turkmenistan) Ltd
close to completion.
Operations under the contract CFT/DG/45/12/653 of LAM/ZHDANOV DRAGON OIL
fields have been initiated. Engineering geotechnical – at 10 sites ZHD-50, (Turkmenistan) Ltd
ZHD-20, ZHD-03, NEW ZHD WEST, Lam-86, ZHD-26, ZHD-24,
ZHD-31, ZHD-05, ZHD-13
Geotechnical surveys at the site No. 3 of the structure "Hazri" LUKOIL–Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical surveys are underway in the licence area Tuapse Trough of Deco Project
the Public Joint Stock Company"Oil Company Rosneft".

2016
Engineering - geological survey at “Juzhnaja” site. LUKOIL–Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations of the route of underwater power cables from LUKOIL–Nizhnevolzhskneft’
the ice-resistant platform of the Rakushechnoe Field to the ice-resistant
platform No. 1 of the Field Named After V. Filanovsky.
Geotechnical surveys at the site No. 2 of the structure "Hazri" LUKOIL–Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Operations under the contract CFT/DG/45/12/653 of DRAGON OIL
LAM/ZHDANOV fields have been initiated. Engineering (Turkmenistan) Ltd
geotechnical – at 5 sites Lam-03, Lam-13, Lam-16, Lam-17, Lam-
75,

2015
Geotechnical surveys under contract with the Federal State Enterprise Federal State Enterprise
"Yuzhmorgeologiya" "Yuzhmorgeologiya"
Geotechnical surveys at the objects of development of the Rakushechnoe LUKOIL–Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Field
Geotechnical investigations at the site Sarmatskaya-4bis LUKOIL–Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Operations under the contract CFT/DG/45/12/653 at 25 sites of DRAGON OIL
LAM/ZHDANOV fields have been initiated. Engineering geotechnical – (Turkmenistan) Ltd
at 5 sites ZHD-09, ZHD-20, ZHD-31, ZHD-32, ZHD-40, Lam-03,
Lam-13, Lam-16, Lam-17, Lam-75
Geotechnical investigations of the pipeline routes of the Field Named LUKOIL–Nizhnevolzhskneft’
After I. Kuvykina RB-BK

2014
Engineering - geological survey at LAM Ext-1 site. PETRONAS Carigali
(Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd
Operations under the 3-year Contract CFT/DG/45/12/653 at 25 sites DRAGON OIL
of LAM/ZHDANOV fields have been continued (Turkmenistan) Ltd
Engineering-geotechnical works was completed at 6 sites: ZHD-E,
GUPKIN, ZHD-D, CH-A, LAM-63, LAM-86
Engineering - geological survey at site No. 9 bis of the Rakushechnaya LUKOIL-
oil field Nizhnevolzhskneft
Engineering - geological survey at site No.3 of the Sarmatskoye oil LUKOIL-
field Nizhnevolzhskneft
2013
Geotechnical investigations at the site ED 1. PETRONAS Carigali
(Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd
12
Operations under the 3-year Contract CFT/DG/45/12/653 at 25 DRAGON OIL
sites of LAM/ZHDANOV fields have been initiated (Turkmenistan)
In 2013 was completed the following operations:
- engineering - geophysical works at 6 sites: ZHD-D, ZHD-E,
GUPKIN, CH-A, Block-6, CH-B, and engineering–geotechnical
survey at 2 sites of LAM- F-2 for ZH-B и CH-B.
Operations at 3 sites are at the final stage: LUKOIL–
No. 1 “Titonskaya”, No. 11 of the Rakushechnoe field, Nizhnevolzhskneft’
No. 4 of the Sarmatskoe field and microseismic zoning for the
wells No. 1 Hazri, No. 6 “Shirotnaya”.
Geotechnical surveys at the site No. 1 of the structure “W. KNK (The Caspian Oil
Rybachya” and along the canal route. Company)

2012
Geotechnical investigations at the site BK-12 of Y. Korchagina LUKOIL–
Field and pipeline route between the BK-12 and LSP-1 sites. Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the site Shirotnaya-6 LUKOIL–
Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the site No. 2 of the W. Sarmatskoe LUKOIL–
Field. Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the site No. 1 Hazri Field. LUKOIL–
Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the site No. 1 Rybachia Field. The Caspian Oil Company
Geotechnical investigations at the “GARAGOL DENIZ WEST - 1” site PETRONAS Carigali
for the installation of the “SATURN” (TRIDENT-20) type jack-up rig. (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd
Geotechnical investigations at the site “OWEZ-3A”. PETRONAS Carigali
(Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd
Geotechnical investigations at the “Nursultan” site for the North Caspian Operating
installation of the TRIDENT type jack-up rig. Company (NCOC)
(Kazakhstan)

2011
Geotechnical investigations at the site W. Sarmatskoe Field. No.1 LUKOIL–
Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the object “Installation – assembly LUKOIL-
site of offshore structures in N. Caspian Sea of LUKOIL Ltd. – NizhnevolzhskNIPImorneft’
Nizhnevolzhskneft’”, Upgrade”.
Geotechnical investigations at the site “Rakushechnaya 8 “Bis”. LUKOIL–
Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the site “Nursultan” for the Limited Partnership “Geo
installation of the TRIDENT type jack-up rig Energi Group” – the
Republic of Kazakhstan

2010
Geotechnical investigations at the objects of development of the LUKOIL–
Sarmatskoe field: the sites LSP-1 (structures LSP-1, PZhM-1, CTP, Nizhnevolzhskneft’
RB); LSP-2 (structures LSP-2, BK) and pipeline routes
Geotechnical investigations at the objects of development of the LUKOIL–
second stage of Y. Korchagina Field Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the site No.2, Sarmatskoe Field LUKOIL–
Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the site Rakushechnaya 8 LUKOIL–
Nizhnevolzhskneft’
13
 2009
Geotechnical investigations at the sites SMh-2A, SOz-1A, GDW-1X PETRONAS CARIGALI
(TURKMENISTAN)
SDN.BHD
Geotechnical investigations aimed at the construction and upgrading DRAGON OIL (Joint
of platforms at the sites: Venture Turkmenistan –
ZD-A, ZD-В,LAM-B-NEW,BLOCK 1 UAE)
Geotechnical investigations at the objects of development of the LUKOIL–
Field Named After I. Filanovsky: the sites LSP-1 (structures LSP-1, Nizhnevolzhskneft’
PZh-1, CTP, RB);
LSP-2 (structures LSP-2, BK)
Geotechnical investigations of the pipeline routes of the Field Named LUKOIL–
After I. Filanovsky: Nizhnevolzhskneft’
RB - shore, RB-LSP-1, RB-LSP-2, RB-BK
Geotechnical investigations at the sites ODP-A, ODP-A (new), and TECHNIP
pipeline route between the ODP-A and MGR-A sites. MALAYSIA

2008
Engineering-geophysical operations at the sites: DRAGON OIL
LAM-С, BLOCK-1, BLOCK-2, BLOCK-3. (Joint Venture
Turkmenistan – UAE)
Geotechnical investigations at the sites: No. 5 "BIS" of the LUKOIL–
Rakushechnaya Structure Nizhnevolzhskneft’
No. 7 of the Rakushechnaya Structure and No. 5 of the Shirotnaya
Structure.
2007
Geotechnical investigations at the site No.1 of the Diagonal’naya LUKOIL–
Structure. Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations at the site No. 6 of the Rakushechnaya LUKOIL–
Structure. Nizhnevolzhskneft’
Geotechnical investigations aimed at the construction and upgrading
of platforms at the sites: DRAGON OIL
LAM-B, LAM-28, (Joint Venture
BLOCK 2, BLOCK 3. Turkmenistan – UAE)
Geotechnical investigations for the construction of offshore platforms TECHNIP
at the site MCR-A. MALAYSIA

14
VESSELS

15
 In order to carry out engineering hydrographical and geophysical investigations the vessels
“Izyskatel-1”, “Izyskatel-2”, “Izyskatel-3” of “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd. and shallow boat "Scorpion" are
used; the necessary equipment is installed onboard.
In order to drilling of engineering-geological boreholes and carrying out of geotechnical survey
the vessels “Izyskatel-1”, “Izyskatel-2”, “Izyskatel-3”, multi-purpose floating platform UPP (for
operations on limiting shallow water) and “Zohrab Veliev” equipped with needed facilities are used.

RESEARCH VESSEL “IZYSKATEL-1”

Research vessel “Izyskatel-1” is able to carry out geotechnical investigations, including geophysical
hydrographic and geotechnical surveys.

Geotechnical operations using the drilling vessel “Izyskatel’-1” can include:

- boring and sampling in geotechnical boreholes;
- CPT (cone penetration testing) in special boreholes;
- seabed sampling;
- laboratory investigations and soil testing on board the vessel.
If necessary, pilot boreholes are drilled for the evaluation of gas content in the soil massif.
Four anchors plus bow auxiliary thrust device or four stake piles (at water depth less than 6 m) are
used for the vessel stabilisation at the locations of geotechnical operations.
The port of registry of the drilling vessel "Izyskatel-1" is Astrakhan..

Information about the vessel

Ship-owner: “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia
Flag: The Russian Federation
Drilling depth: Up to 100 m below the seabed
at the sea depth of up to 85 m
Sea endurance: 30 days

16
Specifications of operations

Weather conditions, which are prohibitive for the initiation of drilling:

- wind force : 4 Bf
- maximum wave height : 1.2 m

Technical parameters of the vessel

Name Izyskatel-1 Port of registry The City of
Astrakhan
Classification КМ*II СП (research) Year of putting the vessel 2008
into service Astrakhan
Crew 12+12 (scientific
personnel)
Total length 47.72
Light draught 1.5 m Full draught 1.8 m
Depth 3.8 m
Light displacement 441 ton Full-load displacement 497 ton
Cruising speed 7.0 knots
Fuel capacity 32.5 ton
Drinking water 22.0 ton + desalination
capacity unit, 2.0 ton/day
Brand of the main 6 Ch SNP 18/22 Net power 2х225 HP
engine
Generators 2х100 kW, 2х50 kW,
1х30 kW
Pumps NCVS 63/20 - 2 pcs.
Screws 2 Screw type 4-blade fixed-
pitch screws
Bow thruster 1
Weight of the main 2 x 500 kG Chain diameter 28 mm
anchor Chain length 2 x 175 m
Anchor positions Bower anchors on both sides
Positioning anchors 4 x 675 kG,
cable - 4 x 450 m
Location of The drilling derrick is located on the main deck in the area of 32nd –
moonpool/drilling 38th frames
derrick

17
 Radionavigation equipment:

- echo-sounder НЭЛ-20К
- log ДГЛ-1
- radar station FURUNO 1510 MARK-3
- magnetic compass КМО-Т
- A gyro-compass «Меридиан»
Automatic identification system SAMYUNG 30D-E, JRS JUE-95LT
(AIS)

- Satellite navigation equipment Receiver GPS SAMYUNG SPR 1400

and communication facilities Receiver NAVTEX SAMYUNG SNX-300
Radio beacon SAR-9 – 2 pc.
Radar transponder beacon SAMYUNG SER-406
Satellite station INMARSAT-C TT3020 SSA
FM radio station with DSC encoder “RT-5022”,
MHFW/SW radio station DSC and radio telex
THRANE&THRANE HT-4520 D6T
Marine portable VHF radio station ICOM IC-GM1500–2 pc
INMARSAT FleetBroadband (voice satellite communications,
data transmission).
Satellite station GLOBALSTAR terminal Qualcom GSP 1600
with adapter GSP 1410 providing constant connection.

Marine portable VHF radio station Icom IC-M34 -3 pcs;

Marine portable VHF radio station «Гранит»-5 pcs

- vessel internal 32 channel commutator «Ryabina»

communications
- vessel internal technological 32 channel commutator «Ryabina»
communications

Drilling and technological equipment

DRILLING RIG

Rig type ZIF-650M-1

Year of manufacture 2001
Max. drilling depth 650 m
Classification Exploration drilling
Engine type Electric motor
Drive Mechanical
Drillpipe length 300 line m
Drillbit Milling cutter ∅ 132 mm, Qty 10
Drillbit Milling cutter ∅ 112 mm, Qty 15
Drillbit Milling cutter ∅ 92 mm, Qty 15
Sampling tube type Stainless steel tube, ∅ 89 mm
Capacity of mud pump 8.1/7.3 l/sec.

Moonpool
Dimensions 2.9 х 2.9 m
Drilling pump NB-50 (2 pcs.)
Max. capacity 8.1 l/sec.
Max. head 5.0 MPa

18
 Pipe strings
Diameter of marine riser 219.0 mm
Diameter of casing strings 146.0 mm
Diameter of guide string 63.5 mm
Diameter of drill string 50.0 mm
Diameter of CPT string 36.0 mm/45.0 mm
Seabed frame
Dimensions 2.0 m x 2.0 m x 0.5 m
Weight with ballast 5.0 ton

The drilling and technological equipment ensures:

- rotary drilling of geotechnical boreholes with flushing;
- seabed sampling in boreholes or CPT using the push-in method;
- seabed sampling in boreholes using the percussion or hydraulic percussion method;
- seabed sampling/testing in boreholes using the percussion method SPT.
The drilling pumps ensure the flushing of the bottom hole and the bore from cuttings. Seawater
is used as the washing fluid.
The marine riser and casing have connection pipes for the selection of the length of the string,
depending on the sea depth, with the purpose of the deployment of the seabed frame on the seabed
surface, in order to cover the investigated interval of unstable strata in the borehole during the interval-
by-interval drilling of the borehole, sampling and CPT.
The guide string has connection pipes for the selection of the length of the string to cover the
investigated interval of the borehole and preserve the stability of the CPT string during the push-in of
the probe.
The drill string has connection pipes for the selection of the length of the string during the
interval-by-interval sampling in the borehole using corers.
The CPT string consists of strings of equal length with the possibility of increasing the string
length by 1.0 m during the execution of CPT.
The string configurations serve as a technological link between the surface and bottom
wellheads, with the purpose of ensuring repeated trips of the borehole tools, preserving the vertical
stability of casing and drill string, and in order to ensure closed-path circulation without dumping the
cuttings on the seabed surface.
There are the following instruments and equipment for laboratory testing and processing of soil
samples on board the vessel:

The soil penetrometer : WF-24950

Pocket penetrometer : 16-T0171 (Controls)
Pocket vane tester : Mod. WF
Pocket shear vane device : Cat.T0175/A
Drying oven : SU-1-2,3
Electric heater : 5кВт
Electric solderer : “Molniya”

Positioning system

In order to carry out geotechnical investigations, the vessel has two positioning systems: the 4-
anchor one and the 2 stake pile.
At the depth up to 40 m, the anchor positioning system is used:
- 4 winches 2 GLB 3/12 with the anchor line 22 mm, the length 420 m each and the
anchor weighing 675 kg;
- system for anchors fixing in sailing position.
19
 At the depths up to 5.5 m м the stake stabilization system is applied for mounting of bow and
stern piles. The weight of each stake pile is 4 ton.
At the vessel positioning for geotechnical operations or it keeping also is used the auxiliary
thrust device.

RESEARCH VESSEL “IZYSKATEL-2”

Research vessel “Izyskatel-2” is able to carry out hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical surveys
(seabed sampling, operations using seabed units) as a part of geotechnical investigations.
There is possibility to install a seismic winch on stern for performing of seismic acquisition operations.
There are laboratory premises and soil laboratory onboard.

Information about the vessel

Ship-owner: “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia

Flag: The Russian Federation
Technical specifications of the vessel
1. Year of putting the vessel into service - Astrakhan, 2011
2. Place of building - Leninskaya Kuznitsa Factory, Kiev, the Ukraine
3. International call sign of the vessel - UAIJ
4. Purpose of the vessel - Research Vessel
5. Type of the vessel - Medium refrigerating trawler
6. Maximum length, m - 54.80
7. Width, m - 9.80
8. Depth, m - 5.0
9. Draft for summer mark, m - 4.14
10. Gross tonnage, ton - 723

20
11. Net tonnage, ton - 217
12. Full-load displacement, ton - 1220
13. Deadweight, ton - 405
14. Speed, knots - 13
15. Sea endurance, days - 35
16. Accommodation - 31
17. Area of operations - unlimited
18. Type of power unit, number of main engines - 8 NVD 48 A – 2 U
19. Power of main power unit, kW - 852
20. Place and year of construction of main engines - Magdeburg, GDR, 1988
21. Ice class - КМ Л3
22. Holds -2 - No.1-149.0 sq. m, No. 2-263.0 sq. m

Navigation equipment
- echo sounder for depth F2000; KODEN CVS-8802.
measurement
- log ИЭЛ-2М,
- radar station НАЯДА-1, М-1934С-ВВ (Furuno Electric Ltd.),
- magnetic compass КМО-Т
- gyro compass PGM-C-009
- satellite navigation equipment GPS System, SPR 1400 Receiver,
- GP-50 MARK-3
- communications equipment Satellite station INMARSAT-C “SAILOR TT-3000E”,
Receiver NAVTEX SAMYUNG SNX-300
INMARSAT FleetBroadband (voice satellite
communications, data transmission).
Satellite communications system GLOBALSTAR Terminal
Qualcom GSP 1600 with adaptor GSP 1410, ensuring
continuous availability.
FM radio station with DSC encoder RT-5022,
FM radio station STR-6000,
MF/SW radio station with 6-channel DSC encoder and
radio telex SAILOR SISTEM 5000 250 W
Marine portable VHF radio station Icom IC-M34 -3 pcs,
SAMYUNG STV-160 3 pcs

32-channel switchboard “Ryabina”

- onboard communications 32-channel switchboard “Ryabina”
- onboard technological
communications

Drilling vessel “Izyskatel’-3”

The drilling vessel «Iziskatel’-3" is intended for carrying out engineering-geological

investigations, including geotechnical, hydrographic and geophysical surveys.
There is possibility to install a seismic winch on the stern for performing of seismic
acquisition operations. There are geophysical laboratory and soil laboratory onboard.
For geotechnical operations in deep water there is an automated system of drill string
holdback. The vessel is equipped with the closed system of preparation and use of the mud fluid,
providing the boring mode «with zero emission».

21
 For geotechnical operations in deep water there is an automated system of drill string
holdback. The vessel is equipped with the closed system of preparation and use of the mud fluid,
providing the boring mode «with zero emission».
For cutting time of berthing and providing more maneuverability the vessel is equipped with
two bow auxiliary thrust devices and one stern auxiliary thrust device and a screw-steering
mounting attachment which are used also for indemnification of wind loading at the vessel
stabilization for boring or at operation with an underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV).

Geotechnical operations using the drilling vessel “Izyskatel’-3” can include:

- boring and sampling in geotechnical boreholes;
- CPT (cone penetration testing) in special boreholes;
- seabed sampling;
- laboratory investigations and soil testing on board the vessel.
If necessary, pilot boreholes are drilled for the evaluation of gas content in the soil massif.
Four anchors are used for the vessel stabilisation at the locations of geotechnical operations.
The port of registry of the drilling vessel "Izyskatel-3" is Astrakhan, the area of operations is
not limited.

Vessel data
Ship-owner: “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia
Flag: The Russian Federation
Drilling depth: up to 120 m below the sea bottom at the water depth of up to 120 m.
Endurance of the vessel 50 days

Work specifications

Limiting weather conditions, which prohibit drilling:

Beaufort Scale Wind Force : 5 Bf
Maximum wave height :2m
22
Technical data

1. Name of the vessel (IZYSKATEL’-3)

2. Port of registry Astrakhan
3. MSC indents number 8723268
4. Сall sign UCWZ
5. Type and purpose, navigation area research, unlimited
6. Name, code, classification society, register number, class symbol, term of validity of the
classification certificate KM L3 П AUT2
7. Dimensions of vessel: length 78.70 m, width 13.00 m, depth 6.50 m
8. Registered tonnage: Net 719, Gross 2399
9. Draft maximum: loaded 3.90 m, ballast 3.70 m
10. Freeboard 6.50 m
11. Year of putting the vessel into service 2013, Astrakhan
12. Vessel hull material Steel
13. Number of decks Three
14. Type and place of manufacture of main propulsion unit 8NVD48A-2U, Magdeburg , GDR.
15. Capacity of a propulsion unit 852 kW
16. Generators: 2х320 kW, 1х500 kW, 1х150 kW
17. Speed: loaded 10.3 knots, ballasted 11.3 knots
18. Type of propulsion device, qty. of propellers VFSH, one.
19. Fuel type diesel
20. Tank capacity: fuel 182.5 m ³, fresh water 34.8 m³ + desalting unit
21. Cargo handling equipment loading booms; hydraulic crane-manipulator Palfinger with
loading capacity 6 ton at boom 5 m, the maximum hydraulic boom 20, 5 m
22. Steering gear steering nozzle
23. Thrusters – bow – 2 х 200 kW, stern – 1 х 250 kW
24. Anchor gear windlass, Hall’s anchors 2 х 1750 kg
25. Anchors of stabilisation PDS 4 pcs. х 4500 kg.
26. Position of moonpool /drilling derrick: drilling derrick is mounted on the main deck at the location
of 32nd-38th frames on DP
27. Endurance of the vessel, days - 50
28. Quantity of berth places - 51

Navigation equipment:

- echo-sounder JMC F-2000

- log JRC JLN-205
- radar station РЛС FURUNO, М-1934С-ВВ/С-МАР
- magnetic compass КМО-Т
- A gyro-compass PGM-C-009
- Satellite navigation equipment Receiver GPS SAMYUNG SPR-1400
Satellite station INMARSAT-C T&T TT3000E
Receiver NAVTEX SAMYUNG SNX-300
Radio beacon SAMYUNG SEP-406
Radar transponder beacon SAMYUNG SAR-9
Automatic identification system
SAMYUNG SI-30R
(AIS)

- communication facilities
MHFW/SW radio station with 6-channel DSC and
radio telex SAILOR System 5000
Satellite station SAILOR 250
LRIT JUE-95LT
23
 River stationary VHF radio station SAMYUNG
SUR-350
Portable river VHF a radio station VEGA-304
Working marine portable VHF radio station Motorola
GP-340
INMARSAT Fleet Broadband (voice communications
by satellite, data transmission).
Satellite system of communication GLOBALSTAR
terminal Qualcom GSP 1600 with adapter GSP 1410
providing constant connection.

- vessel internal 32 channel commutator «Ryabina»

communications
32 channel commutator «Ryabina»
- vessel internal technological
communications

Drilling and technological equipment

DRILLING EQUIPMENT:

Lifting capacity A-shaped

drilling derrick, 600 кN
Lifting capacity of travelling
carriage (drive from winch
of rig ZIF-1200) 350 kN
Lifting capacity of tool winch
from rig ZIF-650 44 kN
Lifting capacity of the auxiliary
winch one LSHV 14 кN
Lifting capacity of compensating
winch 100-E20c 40 кN

Maximum torque of hydraulic rig

drive PBG-1 700 kg*m
Adjustment of rotation speed Smooth from 5 to 550 rpm.
Maximum depth of boring 100 m (at depth of the sea up to 100}
Classification geological prospecting drilling
Drill pipe length 300 line m.
Drill bit Milling cutter ∅132 mm, Qty. 10
Drill bit Milling cutter ∅112mm, Qty. 15
Drill bit Milling cutter ∅92 mm, Qty 15
Sampling tube type, stainless Tube ∅102/98 mm; Ø89/83mm and
Ø79/73 mm
Volume of mud tank 23 m3
Capacity of mud pump 36 litre/s
Productivity of mud preparation 8m3/hour

24
 Drilling moonpool
Size of moon pool 3х3m
Drive of movable moonpool covers hydraulic cylinders, 2 pcs.
Drilling pump NB-50 (2 pcs.)
Max. capacity 11 litre/s
Max. pressure 3.4 MPa
Strings
Diameter of marine riser 219.0 mm
Diameter of casing string 168.9 mm; 146.0 mm; 114.0 mm
Diameter of conductor string 73.0 mm
Diameter of drill string 50.0 mm
Diameter of penetration string 36.0 mm
Seabed frame
Size of the seabed frame 2.2 m х 2.2 m х 0.5 m
Weight of the seabed frame with ballast 10.0 ton
The drilling and technological equipment ensures:
- rotary drilling of geotechnical boreholes with flushing;
- soil sampling in boreholes or CPT using the push-in method;
- soil sampling in boreholes using percussion and hydraulic percussion method;
- soil sampling/testing using the percussion SPT (standard penetration testing) method.
Drilling pumps ensure the cleaning of the bottom hole and wellbore from cuttings. Seawater
or clay mud is used as drilling fluid with the application of the closed circulation system of its
preparation and cleaning.
The marine riser is intended for lowering the seabed frame on the sea bottom and contains
branch pipes for a selecting the length of the string depending on the sea depth. At the depth exceeding
50 m, the compensation winch is used, generating adjustable to 40 kN and constant axial force for the
retention of the marine riser, are applied with the purpose of the preservation of the mechanical
stability of the marine riser in the conditions of drilling vessel motions.
The casing string is intended for the insulation of the interval of unstable layers in the borehole
during the process of interval-by-interval drilling with sampling and has branch pipes for maintenance
of necessary total length of configuration.
The conductor string is intend for isolation of the investigated interval of the borehole and
preservation of stability of the penetration string during pushing in of the probe and has branch pipes
for the preservation of the necessary total length of the string.
The drill string has branch pipes for the selection of the length of the string during interval-by-
interval sampling by samplers.
The penetration string has rods of equal length, providing the possibility to increase the length of
the string by 1.0 m during the process of cone penetration testing of soils.

The configurations of the strings provide the technological connection between the bottom and
deck wellheads in order to ensure return runs of the downhole equipment, preservation of longitudinal
stability of casing and drill strings, and to create closed circulation of the mud circulation system
without dumping cuttings on the seabed.

There are the following instruments and equipment for laboratory testing and processing
of soil samples on board the vessel:

The soil penetrometer : WF-24950

Pocket penetrometer : 16-T0171 (Controls)
Pocket vane tester : Mod. WF
Pocket shear vane device : Cat.T0175/A
25
Balance - Triple Beam Balances : 750S “OHAUS”
Drying oven : Oven LTE
Electric heater : 5кw
Electric solderer : “Molniya”
Triaxial testing unit : СТ

Positioning system

The vessel equipped with four mooring winches allowing the vessel to be fixed independently
in open sea by anchors of raised holding force in weight 4260 kg for the vessel positioning at the
locations of geotechnical operations at the water depth up to 100 m. All anchor cables have the
maximum length 800 m and production certificates. Diameter of the winch cables is 30 mm.

For cutting time of berthing and providing more maneuverability the vessel is equipped with
two bow auxiliary thrust devices and one stern auxiliary thrust device and a screw-steering mounting
attachment which are used also for indemnification of wind loading at the vessel stabilization for
boring or at operation with an underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV).

Drilling vessel ALBATROS 1

The M.V. Albatros 1 is a permanently mobilised geotechnical drilling and survey vessel, fitted with a heave
compensated marine drilling rig located over a central moonpool and a four point mooring system for
geotechnical site investigations. In addition the vessel has an ‘A’ frame for use with a suite of geophysical and
seabed sampling equipment for site surveys, pipeline and cable route surveys. This combination makes the M.V.
Albatros 1 unique in the ability to deliver truly integrated solutions for marine and nearshore site investigations.

The geotechnical drilling rig is fully instrumented for the electronic display of drilling parameters; torque, bit
weight, mud pressure, mud flow rate and rotation speed. A comprehensive range of wireline downhole sampling
and testing tools is available including PCPT (Piezocone Penetration Test), piston sampling, push sampling,

26
wireline core barrel and percussion (hammer) sampling. All downhole tools are fully compatible within the 5”
API drill string. A range of drag and specialised coring bits are provided.

Station keeping during drilling activities is performed with a four point mooring system consisting of four
anchor winches with 1000m of wire on the forward pair, 1500m of wire on the aft pair and four 1 tonne flipper
delta anchors. Position control is achieved using the C-Nav dual frequency DGPS positioning system for up to
10cm accuracy in three dimensions. For geotechnical operations such as vibrocoring and seabed CPTs the
vessel is able to hold position using its thrusters and variable pitch propeller. Real time position data is
displayed in the survey room and as a helsman’s display on the bridge.

Onboard the M.V. Albatros 1 is a fully mobilised soils

laboratory, adjacent to the drill floor within the superstructure
of the vessel. In the soils laboratory routine sample handling,
photography, classification and storage is performed in addition
to the following test types;
 water content, bulk and dry density
 carbonate content,
 laboratory vane,
 fall cone,
 torvane,
 pocket penetrometer,
 unconsolidated undrained triaxial,
 point load (determination of Is(50) for rock)

Recovered samples are stored in a temperature controlled

environment prior to shipment to an onshore laboratory.

The geophysical data acquisition and geotechnical data processing takes place in the dedicated office which
overlooks the drill floor. Acquisition units are rack mounted and interfaced to onboard computers. The office
acquisition and processing computers are networked to plotters, printers and scanners. Surplus network points
are available for additional portable computers. Onboard communications are installed in the office with voice,
email and fax channels available through an Inmarsat link.

27
Operations from the M.V. Albatros 1 are normally
conducted 24 hours per day with two 12 hour shifts
operating back to back. The vessel operates to current
ISM standards and all site investigation activities are
subject to strict QA/QC control procedures. Reporting
of geophysical and geotechnical investigations
including detailed borehole logs, charting and
preliminary engineering results can be prepared
onboard. Such information is included in a typical
field report which can be issued to the client at the
point of demobilisation.

The ‘A’ frame at the stern of the M.V. Albatros 1 has been
designed and installed to be capable of handling a wide range of
seabed geotechnical and towed geophysical equipment. Seabed
geotechnical equipment which can be deployed includes a
ROSON 40 seabed PCPT unit, vibrocorer, gravity corer, box
corer and grab sampler. For bathymetric surveys a Simrad
EM3000 multibeam echosounder are available. for deployment
on an overside pole mount. Side scan sonar, magnetometer and
low frequency seismic tow fish can be deployed from the
afterdeck of the vessel utilising the ‘A’ frame. A full suite of
high resolution seismic equipment may be installed on the M.V.
Albatros 1 for particular projects. Resistivity surveys have been
performed from the M.V. Albatros 1 followed by ground
truthing from seabed PCPT testing and drilling geotechnical
boreholes.

The performance of survey, geophysical or

seabed geotechnical work is independent
from the geotechnical drilling system, which
means that integrated projects can be
performed where geotechnical drilling is
combined with other site investigation
techniques. Multi disciplinary training of
geotechnical engineers and project
geophysicists enhances the ability to perform
entire site investigation projects as a unified
project team and to maximise the
interpretation and integration of gathered
data.

28
The M.V. Albatros 1 is particularly suited to working in
shallow water having a draft of 3.5m. For nearshore projects
such as port and harbour developments, pipeline and cable
shore approaches and oil and gas terminal investigations the
M.V. Albatros 1 is capable of performing both survey and
geotechnical investigations.

Principal Features
Type Single variable pitch propeller geotechnical and
survey vessel
Classification Bureau Veritas
Year built 1967
Conversions Conversion to survey vessel, Norway, 2000
Major Refit Refit for installation of drill rig, ‘A’ frame and
upper back deck, UK, 2003
Registration Belize
Call sign V3MI9
Principal dimensions Length 49.78m
Beam 9.50m
Draft 3.47m
Tonnage Gross 691
Net 207
Capacity Fuel 59T, 2.6t/day consumption
Fresh water 30T
Water maker 5T/day
Machinery Main engine 1 x MAK M451A, 588 kW
Bow thruster 200 kW vari speed
Generators 2 x 200kW 380V/220V 50Hz, 2 x 90kW
380V/220V 50Hz,
1 x Stanford 360 kW shaft
Anchoring 4 x Stalpr Dukter hydraulic deployment winches,
2 x 1000m (fwd) and 2 x 1500m (aft) 22mm dia
cable
4 x 1T flipper delta HHP anchors.
Plus 2 x 1T ship anchors
Deck equipment Geotechnical (see additional Heave compensated marine drill rig installed over
specification sheets) central moonpool,
Dando 500 power swivel,
A minimum of 250m of 5” A.P.I. drill string,
Seabed frame,
Downhole tools (incl. Push/Piston/Percussion
(hammer) samplers, wireline core barrel and PCPT)
Geophysical (see additional specification sheets) ‘A’ frame,
Kongsberg EA400 single beam echosounder,
Simrad EM3000 or Reson 8101 multibeam
echosounder,
Sidescan sonar,
Magnetometer,
29
 Gravity corer,
Grab sampler

Environmental (see additional specification sheets) Box corer,

Water sampler,
Hydrographic profiler
Lifesaving 5 x 12 man liferafts,
Zodiac MOB with 25HP outboard
General navigation systems Furuno GP-500 GPS, 2 x Furuno radar, autopilot,
gyrocompass, DGPS
Project positioning system C-Nav dual frequency DGPS,
GPS Compass,
QINSy positioning software
Communications GMDSS, InmarSat B/C, Voice, VHF (2), SSB
Trans/Rec
Sailor, Fleet 55 Sat., V-sat for Voice/Email/Fax
Accommodation 24 berths, 2 x survey/client offices, all air-
conditioned

Multi-purpose floating platform UPP

It is intended for carrying out of drilling and geotechnical operations at limiting shallow water (from
0.9 m to 15 m). Number of berths is 8 (plus 4 onboard of the "Scorpion" boat). It is towed by the
auxiliary boat "Scorpion". In case of moving off from coast (more than 5 miles) a support vessel is
necessary for safety and crew residing

SPECIFICATIONS
Design UPP (catamaran)
Place/year built Astrakhan, 2007
Ship-owner “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia
Register Class ГИМС
Flag The Russian Federation
Hull number РЗЛ 01-06
Home port Lagan (Kalmyk Republic)

TYPES OF OPERATIONS
Geotechnical investigations for the design of communications, drilling sites and port facilities
Ecological monitoring
Geoacoustic investigations

30
 MAIN PARAMETERS
Length, width, draught 24.2 m; 6.1 m; 0.8 m
Total displacement, ton 40.95
Speed, km/hr Towable
Sea endurance 5 days
Full vessel fuel stock, kg 800
Diesel generator DGA-75M, 75 kW
Scientific personnel 6 persons

AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
Drilling mast (H=7.0 m), bearing capacity, ton 15.0
Hoist winch ZIF-650
Winch calf SBA-500
Anchor winch LVD-24 (4 pcs.)

Service/auxiliary boat “Skorpion”

It is intended for carrying out of hydrographic and geophysical operations as a part of

engineering-geological investigations at limiting shallow water, and also as a service-auxiliary vessel
and a tow.

SPECIFICATIONS
Design T63M (Kostromich)
Place/year built Azov, 2007 (restored)
Ship-owner “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia
Register Class М1.1.
Flag The Russian Federation
Hull number РМ 0308
Home port Astrakhan

TYPES OF OPERATIONS
Geotechnical investigations for the design of communications, drilling sites and port facilities
Ecological monitoring
Geoacoustic investigations

MAIN PARAMETERS
Length, width, draught 16.0 m; 3.2 m; 0.8 m
Holding capacity, reg. ton 19.00
Speed, km/hr 14.5

31
Sea endurance 3 days
Full vessel fuel stock, kg 3000
Main engine ЯМЗ-236
150 HP
Crew/scientific personnel 2/4 persons

AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
Diesel generator DGR1A16/ 1500 (16 kW)
Energy source:
storage battery 6STK-180M (2 pcs.)
Cargo winch LET-200 (hoisting capacity 900 kg)

Communications equipment

The vessel has the following communications equipment:

1. radio station:
Furuno FM-8500, emission class J3E, J2B, F3E, frequency range 156-174 МHz, output power 0.025
kW;
Raid 1, emission class F3E, frequency range 156-174 MHz, output power 0.02 kW;

Korvet-2, emission class A1A, F1B, J3E, H3E, frequency range 1,606-25,600 kHz, output power 0.3
kW;
Mousson-2, emission class A1A, H2A, frequency range 410-512 kHz, output power 0.2 kW
2. Satellite station INMARSAT FleetBroadband (voice satellite communications, e-mail, data
transmission).

All the vessels are equipped with extra communication systems, which provide
data transmission, e-mail and voice communications:

- INMARSAT FleetBroadband;

- The satellite communication system GLOBALSTAR, terminal Qualcom GSP 1600 with the adaptor
GSP 1410, ensuring continuous connection.

- Satellite telephones Thuraya with marine equipment sets.

All the vessels are able to use satellite receivers C-NAV-2050, C-NAV-3050
for the navigation and positioning purposes. They are installed on each vessel for the support of
engineering-hydrographic, engineering-geophysical and geotechnical operations, using high-accuracy satellite
marine differential service RTG DUAL, provided by C&C Technologies Inc. (USA).

All the vessels are equipped with standard ship emergency alert systems:
- the onboard system AIS – an automatic system of vessel identification. When a button is pressed, the
vessel call sign and co-ordinates are transmitted automatically.
- ARB-406 – a radio buoy - transmits the vessel call sign and co-ordinates.
- SAR-9 - an emergency rescue radio responder.

The crews and scientific personnel have been trained in safe operation techniques, actions during
ship emergencies and have certificates of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS); they are holders of seamen’s passports.

32
 METODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR
NAVIGATION/GEODETIC SUPPORT
OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS

33
 EQUIPMENT FOR NAVIGATION/GEODETIC SUPPORT

Navigation/geodetic support is conducted using the following accuracy parameters:

- Implementation of a project – engineering-hydrographical, engineering-geophysical lines and bottom
sampling stations ± 15 m.
- Implementation of a project – drilling of geotechnical boreholes and CPT locations ± 5 m.
- RMS error of determination of horizontal locations along the lines with the vessel in motion and bottom
sampling locations ± 5 m.
- RMS error of determination of horizontal locations
of geotechnical boreholes and CPT locations ± 1.5 m.

The planning of surveys and data acquisition are supported by the following software: HYPACK MAX
SUVEY and HydroPro Navigation.
For the positioning of locations of engineering-hydrographical, engineering-geophysical and geotechnical
investigations, the DGPS marine satellite system is used, consisting of the onboard set of equipment and base
station (if the area of operations is located up to 200 km from the base station; if the distance is longer, the
satellite marine differential service is used - RTG DUAL).

Onboard equipment:

receivers C-NAV-2050; C-NAV-3050 GNSS

Laptop

All GPS receivers have the NMEA-0183 interface for the operation in the navigation regime; it is possible also
to connect a remote monitor.

Base station KKS MDPS GLONASS DGPS :

• location – up to 200 km from the area of operations;

• GPS NAVIS receiver;
• modulator КРМ-300;
• MSK corrections;
• relay aerial;
• CB communications receiver;

All types of site investigations are supported by high-accuracy geodetic positioning using DGPS (C&C
Technologies Inc., USA).
The differential positioning mode through a satellite base station allows to have high-accuracy positioning
of hydrographical and geophysical equipment, either towed or located onboard, in real time with the vessel in
motion:
• the navigation system - NavCom's StarFireTM Network based on GPS Selective availability (S/A code)
starting 02.05.2000, 04:05 UTM;
• operation mode – DGPS (WAAS/EGNOS), velocity of exchange “satellite-receiver” 9600 bit/sec.;
• receiver – C-NAV-2050R, Inc. (USA), number of channel -10, ranges– 2 (1525-1585 and 1217-1237
MHz);
• receiver – C-NAV-3050R, Inc. (USA), number of channel -12;
• data sampling – 10-25 Hz at the optimum satellite constellation;
• format of data transmission – NMEA -0183ν3.1;
• data processing software – Trimble-Hydro-6-06.01;
• error in real time mode – in static regime ± 0.15 m; with the vessel in motion, velocity 3-10 knots ± 0.30
m.

34
 GPS receiver for high precision global navigation – Model C-NAV-2050R

GPS receiver for high precision global navigation – Model C-NAV-3050

The dual frequency receiver GPS L1 L2 ensures the users’ operation with different accuracy
levels of determination of co-ordinates.
The C-NAV-2050R receiver supports the regimes of free differential service of lower accuracy
WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS in the zones of coverage of those systems.
The regime of commercial high-accuracy differential service:
• RTG DUAL with accuracy to decimetres;
• regime of below one metre accuracy DGPS RTCM, when external receivers of differential
corrections in MF, UHF, VHF ranges are connected;
• the regime of centimetre accuracy RTK RTCM/CMR, when external receivers of
differential corrections in UHF, VHF ranges are connected;
• the regime of recording in 64-МВ memory or output in portal of “raw” data in the RINEX
format for data post-processing.

Main accuracy parameters:

Accuracy in the RTG DUAL commercial service mode (global service):

• horizontal co-ordinates ≤ 15 cm RMS
• height ≤30 cm RMS
• velocity ≤ 0.01 m/sec.

Accuracy in the DGPS RTCM mode (with connection to an external receiver of differential
corrections)
35
 • horizontal co-ordinates 12 cm + 2 ppm RMS
• height 25 cm + 2 ppm RMS
• velocity 0.01 m/sec.

Accuracy in the RTK mode (with connection to an external RTK/CMR receiver of differential
corrections)
• horizontal co-ordinates ≤1 cm + 1 ppm RMS
• height ≤ 2 cm + 1 ppm RMS

Accuracy in the free differential mode -WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS (in the service zones):
• horizontal co-ordinates ≤ 2 m RMS
• height ≤ 4 m RMS
• velocity 0.01 m/sec.

Physical and exploitation parameters:

• dimensions: 208 mm/144 mm/78 mm;

• weight: 1.81 kg;
• external power supply: 10 – 30 VDC;
• power consumption: <10 W;
• temperature: - 40 С - + 55 С (operational), - 40 С - +85 С (storage);
• humidity: 95 % without condensation – the unit, and 100 % with condensation – the aerials;
• complies with the MIL-STD-810F standard (pressure, radiation, rain, humidity, salty fog, dust
and dirt, vibrations);
• dynamics – acceleration <6 g, velocity – <300 m/sec., height – <18,000 m (COCOM).

Ports and types of connectors in C-NAV-2050R:

• two COM ports RS-232, COM1 and СOM2 7 pin Lemo (1,200 – 115,200 baud);
• port Event Marker/CAN Bus 5 pin Lemo;
• output 1 PPS connector BNC;
• power port VDC 4 pin Lemo;
• aerial input GPS connector TNC;
• aerial input L-band connector TNC.
Technical Characteristics
PARAMETER PROVISION COMMENT
1575.42MHz-Ll GP5.RECEIVE C/A code
FREQUENCY OF OPERATION 1227.60MHz -L2
DISPLAY TYPE None Black Box Receiver
Differential (SBAS & StarFireTM is NavCom subscription, correction service using L Band
GPS SYSTEM lYPE Starfirem), RTK & Standard terrestrial DGPS serial messages need external receiver
Pseudo-range Receiver is also capable of receiving & decodingGLONASS signals
<10 metre Basic GPS Mode, 2D RMS (HDOP s 4} always available
POSITIONAL ACCURACY <2metre StarFire,RTK and RMS modes, worst case
The C-NAV3050 provides 66 channel multi-constellation
SATELLITES >12 Channel (GPS} tracking support for GPS, GLONASS,SBAS andpotentiallyGaIiiieo.
Accuracy of COG and SOG COG @17kt -±3° COG Not available under 1knot I As provided
COG @>17kt - ±lo - not exceeding 70kt In serial data
SOG- 2% or±0.2kt Whichever is the greater I form.
IEC 61162-1SERIAL PORTS Listener - 2 Conformity to IEC 61162-1:2000. 50Hz rate settable
Talker - 2 All required IEC 61108-1sentences types can be configued.
POWER SOURCE llOV - 240V AC
Temperature Range -Exposed -25°( to +55°( ·- Antenna (+70°C(Storage)
& IEC 945 Class- Protected -15°( to +55°C. -- Displa_y

36
Compliance certificate of the onboard equipment type from the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation,
EU Certificate of type approval.

The aerial of the C-NAV receiver is installed in area of the main mast of the research vessel, in
the zone, which is free from the impact of the vessel emitting systems. The receiver and radio station are
installed in the wheelhouse, there is an extra monitor for the steerer.
DGPS data are relayed through the COM port to geophysical recorder (echosounder, sonar,
magnetometer, seismic acoustic equipment, seismic data recorder).
The data are processed using the onboard PC Pentium 166 using the Trimble-Hydro-6.06.01 software.
Before the start and during the operations at least once a month) determinations of measurement error of
the receiver are conducted at triangulation points (at least Class III according to the classification of the Russian
Federation).

DGPS receiver C-NAV-2050R, software Trimble-Hydro-6-06.01, an example of visualisation of results, calculations

of the error of determination of co-ordinates
37
 Portable system of underwater acoustic positioning USBL
EasyTrak manufactured by Applied Acoustic

An ultra short baseline (USBL) system of acoustic positioning EasyTrak is used for the determination of the
position of carriers (fishes) towed in water. The system consists of:

# Item
Qty
1 The deck control unit with software - Model 2660 Easy-Trak Lite Deck Unit 1
DSP based system box, supplied with CD, Mains Lead, PC Communications Lead
and Manual. A separate PC is required for operation, either a laptop or desktop
device with Windows XP and a 1200 MHz or faster processor.
2 The transducer with built-in compass and pitch and roll sensor - 1
Transducer ETM902C Standard + Compass option built-in
All Bronze construction. 9.5 kg weight. 4-element receive assembly, filtering,
conditioning and cable drive, hemispherical transmit / receive. Mounting Bracket
included.
3 High accuracy calibration for ETM902. 1
4 50-metre cable. 1
Model EZT-DC50 50 m c/w connector.
5 Transponder Micro Beacon 219 w/Transducer Protection Cage 3
180dB, hemispherical beam pattern, 600 metre survival depth. 50mm x 230mm
long, PP3 alkaline battery.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
EASYTRAK Lite
Size : 265 x 240 x 120 mm.
Serial ports : RS-232, USB-RS-232 adapter could be used.
Energy consumption : 90 – 250 V AC with 50 VA power.
Requirements for PC : 1.2 GHz with the Windows XP operation system,
(minimum) availability of USB or RS-232 ports.

38
 Colour display 1024 x 768, CD Rom drive.

EASYTRAK DATA FORMATS

Output data : formats AAE, TP-2EC TP-EC W/PR, Simrad 300P, Simrad
309, $PSIMSSB, $PSIMSNS (one string after the other for
each fix), $GPRMC (suitable for Coda Octopus 460P and
other systems).
Compass input : TCM-2.X, SGB-HTDS, SGB-HTDt, $HDHDM, HDHDT,
$HDHDG.
VRU input : TCM-2.X, $HCXDR, TSS1.
GPS input : NMEA; GLL, GGA, RMC.
Synchronisation input : TTL type 5 V pulse, triggers on rising edge.
Responder output : Positive 12 V pulse, 5 msec. long.
Transducer ETM902 : 375 mm long, 100 mm diameter.
Weight in air/water : 9.5 kg / 7 kg.
Depth rating : 50 m.
Type of transducer cable : 12.5 mm diameter, length 50 m.
(Note: has built-in compass option)
Frequency band (transmission) : 25-32.5 kHz
Frequency band (reception) : 16-26 kHz

ACCURACY/PERFORMANCE
(The accuracy depends on the correct speed of sound in water being entered, no ray bending in the propagation
of sound and acceptable S/N ratio).
Slant range accuracy : 10 cm (Accuracy depends on correct speed of sound).
Positioning accuracy
of the standard system : 1.40 rms (angular), 2.5% of slant range.
Positioning accuracy
of the high-accuracy system : 0.60 rms (angular), 1.0% of slant range.
Resolution : 0.10 displayed, internally calculated to 0.010.
Heading sensor accuracy : 0.80 rms standard; +/- 0.10 resolution/repeatability.
Channels : 4 channels displayed from 98 stored.
Frequency band (MF) : Reception 22 - 32 kHz.
Transmission 17 – 26 kHz.
Tracking beam pattern : Hemispherical.
Beacon types : Transponders, responders, pingers.
Interrogation rate : Every 0.5 – 30 sec. or external key.
Transmitted power : 3 levels with programmable control.
CE Classification : External emissions conform to 89/336/EEC.

Micro Beacons
Model 219 +/- 90º 180dB, diameter 50 mm, length 230 mm, submergence depth
600 m, weight in air/water 660 g/260 g
Power supply: batteries 2 x 9 V, 550mAh Alkaline PP3/6LR61/Duracell MN1604;
duration of continuous operation at maximum sending frequency
30 hours.
Frequency band (transmission) : 25-32.5 kHz
Frequency band (reception) : 16-26 kHz

39
 METHODS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR
ENGINEERING HYDROGRAPHICAL AND
ENGINEERING GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS

40
 METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR ENGINEERING HYDROGRAPHICAL
OPERATIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH HYDROMAGNETIC SURVEYS
The scheme of towing over-the-board equipment during engineering hydrographical operations
in conjunction with hydromagnetic surveys is presented in Fig.

41
 ECHOSOUNDING

Echosounding, alongside with side-scan sonar investigations and hydromagnetic surveys is the first
stage of offshore site investigations at the location of planned construction.

The task of depth measurements is to measure and map water depth and sea bottom gradients at the site
with the centre corresponding to the planned well location.

Echosounding includes the following types of investigations:

- echosounding using a dual ray echosounder with heave compensator;
- determination of fluctuations of sea level in the area of operations and during the operations
(installation of a tide gauge and data recording;
- determination of sound velocity in water for a vertical water profile in the area of operations;
- preparation of bathymetric maps and sections.

Echosounding is carried out using the pre-planned grid, which fully depends on the Client with high-
accuracy DGPS positioning. We use dual ray echosounder NAVISOUND 515 or NAVISOUND 110,
manufactured by Reson (Denmark), with the heave compensator HS50 TSS.
During the operations, measurements of the vertical profile of sound velocity in water are made,
using SVP15 equipment The periodicity of measurements does not exceed 5-7 days, or they are carried out at
the beginning and by the end of operations at each object, as well as after storms or storm tides caused by them.

Besides, Aquanaut HYDRAS-3 tide gauge is installed in the area of operations, in addition, for the
absolute tie-in of results of bathymetric surveys, data of permanent water gauges are used.
Main parameters of the equipment, which is used for the whole sequence of echosounding operations, are
given below.

Digital hydrographic echosounder NAVISOUND 515 (manufactured by Reson, Denmark). The

purpose of the echosounder is hydrographical survey at the water depth from 0.2 to 600 m. It consists of a
computerised recorder with LCD display for the display of sonograms and setting recording modes, dual
frequency transducer TC 2122 in a fairing, sound velocity measuring unit SVP 15 for the measurement of sound
in seawater, heave compensator HS50 TSS, printer, software.

• number of recording channels 2;

• emission frequency 33/200 kHz;

42
 • maximum ping rate 20 Hz;
• accuracy of depth measurement , at 200 kHz - 1 cm;
at 33 kHz - 7 cm
• width of transducer directional pattern 9.5º/220 kHz
20º/33 kHz ;
• protocol of interface with GPS system NMEA 0183.

Echosounder for depth measurement NAVISOUND 515, transducer ТС 2122 in a fairing

Echosounder NS 515, computerised control and registration module with LCD monitor for the display of
sonograms

43
 Digital hydrographical echosounder NAVISOUND 110 (manufactured by Reson, Denmark). The
purpose of the echosounder is hydrographical survey at the water depth from 0.5 to 600 m. It consists of a
computerised recorder with LCD display for the visualisation of sonograms and setting recording modes, dual
frequency transducer TC 2122 in a fairing, sound velocity measuring unit SVP 15 for the measurement of sound
in seawater, heave compensator HS50 TSS, printer, software.
The planning of surveys and data acquisition are supported by the HYPACK MAX SURVEY software:
• number of recording channels 1;
• emission frequency 33/200 kHz;
• maximum ping rate 1-17 Hz;
• accuracy of depth measurement , at 200 kHz - 1 cm;
at 33 kHz - 7 cm
• width of transducer directional pattern 9.5º/220 kHz
20º/33 kHz ;
protocol of interface with GPS system NMEA 0183; 5
• Power supply 11-28 V DC;
• maximum power consumption 300 W;
• operating temperatures 0º – +45° С;
• temperature range during storage and transportation -10º – +45° С;

Dimensions and weight of main blocks of the unit:

- recording block - 216х306х82 mm, 4 kg;
- transducer TC 2122 (without fairing) - 110 (∅) х 61 (H) mm, 2.3 kg.

The Reson-made echosounders were manufactured according to ISO9001-2001 quality standard.

Dual frequency echo sounder EchoTrac CVM manufactured by ODOM Hydrographic Systems (USA)

Technical specifications
• High-frequency band – from 100 to 340 kHz, average output power – 400 W at 200 kHz, accuracy
and resolution – 0.01 m +/- 0.1% of depth at f=200 kHz.
• Low-frequency band – from 24 to 50 kHz, average output power – 200 W at 33 kHz, accuracy – 0.1
m +/- 0.1% of depth, resolution – 0.01 m.
• Input power – 24 VDC, 15 W or 110/220 VAC.
• Depth ranges – from 0.2 to 200 m and from 0.5 to 600 m, automatic scale change, 10%, 20%, 30% or
smooth manual.
• Sound velocity range – from 1370 to 1700 m/sec. Setting interval – 1 m/sec.
• Transducer draft setting – from 0 to 15 m.
• Depth display – on control from PC.
• Echo sounder clock – powered from built-in AB, provides elapsed time and date.

44
 • Data visualisation: from internal sources – date, time, GPS co-ordinates, from external sources – any
of RS232 or Ethernet channels.
• Interfaces – two RS232, inputs from external computer, motion sensor, sound velocity, Ethernet, tidal
gauge.
• Display size – from 0 to full scale.
• Software – E-Chart visualisation, control of the echo sounder and data acquisition.
• Help function – the data for each parameter and its minimum and maximum values can be displayed.
• Temperature and humidity – from 0 to 500 C, 5 - 90% relative humidity, non-condensing.
• Weight and dimensions – 13.8 kg and 55 cm x 41.5 cm x 21.5 cm.
• Options: single- or dual-frequency operation, utilisation of single- or dual- frequency side-looking
transducer (200 or 340 kHz), built-in DGPS receiver, industrial computer with software for data
acquisition and processing.

Deep-sea level gauge “Aquanaut HYDRAS-3”

(Germany)
A buoy with a hydrographical weight is installed in the area of operations. A hydrostatic level-
measuring cell is fastened to the weight and lowered on the bottom. The data acquisition block is
installed on a buoyant buoy
• range of sea level measurements 0 - 80 m;
• resolution 0.5 cm;
• relative error +/- 0.1%;
• range of temperature compensation 0 - +50° С;
• range of temperature measurement 0 - +50° С;
• accuracy of temperature measurement +/- 0.1%;
• measurement interval from 1 min. to 100 hours;
• memory of data recorder 15,808 values;
• dimensions:
data reading module 30 х 95 mm;
measuring probe 29.5 х 190 mm;
• operating temperature -30° – +70° С.
•

Deep-sea level gauge “Aquanaut HYDRAS-3”

45
Water level recorder TideMaster manufactured by Valeport Ltd

TideMaster – is a versatile water level recorder for

both short-term and long-term measurements. Due
to low energy consumption and sampling rate
adjustable by the user, the device is capable of
working in the autonomous mode for up to one year.
Different ways of data transmission in real time
allow to widen the scope of the application of the
device up to the establishment of a network of
stations.
The TideMaster water level recorder is compatible
with various types of software and instruments.

Technical specifications
Transducer (pressure sensor)
Type: vented strain gauge, with stainless steel mounting bracket;
Range: (maximum submergence depth): 50 m;
Accuracy: ±0.1% of the measured range.
Calibration: The calibration ratio is stored within the logging unit. In order to exclude
the impact of the atmospheric pressure, a ventilated transducer is used,
specially designed by Valeport Ltd.
Dimensions: 18 mm diameter x 80 mm.
Logging Unit
Housing: Protection Class - IP67.
Power: 4 batteries, type C, within a watertight compartment, ensure
the autonomous operation of the device during one year;
Memory: 512 MB memory card.
Data sampling: Raw data are sampled at 8Hz, mean values and deviations from
standard
values are stored in the memory card.
The device allows to select one of 5 pre-programmed modes or to create
a customised data sampling mode.
The data sampling mode with the frequency 1 Hz is used for long-term
observations.
Switching: The power switch is located on the unit.
Resolution: Data are logged with 1 mm resolution.
Data transmission: RS232/RS485 for data transmission by cable.
Dimensions: Housing – 52 mm х 144.5 mm х 197 mm.
Bracket: 35 mm x 210 mm x 159 mm.
Dimensions (mounted): 61.5 mm x 210 mm x 197 mm.
Weight: 1.1 kg (approx) including batteries.
Range of operational temperatures: -20°C to +70°C.

HEAVE COMPENSATOR

Heave compensator HS50 (manufactured by TSS, UK). It ensures automatic input of

corrections to the water depth measured by echosounder, compensating the impact of the vessel heave:
46
 • range
height +/- 10 m;
deviation from vertical position +/- 25°;
• accuracy, RMS 5 cm;
• resolution:
digital 1.0 cm;
analogue 0.5 cm;
• bandwidth 0.05 - 10 Hz;
• acceleration range (vertical) +/- 2g;
• digital interface RS232 or RS 422 (from 1,200 to 19,200 baud);
30 mm/sec.2 or 0-2 mm, 7-300 Hz;

Heave compensator HS50 (TSS, UK)

SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THE VERTICAL PROFILE OF SOUND VELOCITY IN

WATER
System for measuring the vertical profile of sound velocity in water SVP15 (Denmark)

• maximum depth of measurement of sound velocity in water 200 m;

• measurement step 0.5 m;
• resolution 0.1 m/sec.;
• velocity measurement range 1,350 – 1,600 m/sec.;
• measurement error +/- 0.25 m/sec.;
• accuracy of depth measurement by depth transducer +/- 0.1 m + 0.2% of measured depth;
• accuracy of temperature measurement +/- 0.4° С;
• digital interface RS232 (9,600 baud);
47
 • memory 400 measurements;
• power supply - built-in batteries, duration of operation at least 20 hours;
• maximum consumed current 100 mA;
• operating temperature range 0 – +45° С;
• storage/transportation temperature range -10° – +55° С;
• dimensions and weight 100 (∅) х 550 (L) mm, 5 kg.

System for measuring the sound velocity in water SVP15, measuring probe and control panel

MAIN PROCEDURES OF PROCESSING OF DEPTH MEASUREMENT DATA

The planning of surveys and data acquisition are supported by the following software: HYPACK
MAX SURVEY and EHOLOT-D.

48
 An example of sonogram display for a bathymetric profile, using EHOLOT-D software. The sonogram was
acquired by one-ray echosounder PEL-4, F=124 kHz, penetration of the vibrator 2.2 m, sounding frequency 10Hz.

The data processing is carried out using the onboard processing set based on the Pentium IV computer;
1.6 GHz, RAM 1 GB.
Data processing and preparation of reports were supported by the software HYPACK MAX Office.
Besides, the following software was used: Eholot-D, Surfer, AutoCad, GeoSoft.
The following corrections are introduced in raw data: transducer offset, sound velocity in water, sea level
fluctuations based on data from level gauges (both offshore and permanent ones). After the polygonal data is
equalized, the results of depth measurement are presented as a bathymetric map reduced to the Baltic height
system level.

49
Example of a depth map (Scale 1 : 5000) at site 1000 m х 1000 m for positioning a jack-up drilling rig.

EM 3002 Multibeam echo sounder

The EM 3002 echo sounder is a multibeam echo sounder with extremely high resolution, dynami-
cally focused beams and full beam stabilisation. It is very well suited for detailed seafloor mapping
and inspection of offshore areas with water depths from 0.5 m under the vibrator to 150 m, although
maximum depth capability (target) is strongly dependent on the water temperature and salinity and
could reach 300 m. Due to its electronic pitch compensation system and roll stabilised beams, the
system performance remains stable also in adverse weather conditions.
The spacing between the measured depths (acoustic footprints) can be set nearly constant over the
swath, providing a uniform depth density along the swath. Dynamic focusing of all received beams
optimises the system performance and quality of the surveys with short distances from objects, e.g.,
during underwater inspections from underwater vehicles.

It is recommended to use EM3002 echo sounder for the following applications:

• Mapping of harbours, inland waterways and shipping channels with critical keel clearance.
• Inspection of underwater objects.
• Detection and mapping of underwater objects.
• Detailed surveys of the seabed relief related to underwater construction work or dredging.
• Environmental mapping of the seabed, e.g. investigations of glacial grooves.
• Mapping of biomass in the water column.

50
Features
The EM 3002 system uses one of three possible frequencies in the 300 kHz band. This is an ideal
frequency band for the shallow water applications, as the sufficiently high frequency ensures narrow
beams with small physical dimensions of the emitters. At the same time, the 300 kHz frequency
secures a high slant range capability under the conditions with high content of suspended particles in
the water.
The EM 3002 system uses a very powerful sonar processor unit. The heightened computing power of
the EM 3002 sonar processor makes it possible to apply sophisticated and very exact algorithms for
beam-forming, beam stabilisation, and bottom detection. The algorithm of bottom detection makes it
possible to extract and process the useful signal from a part of each acoustic beam, leading to the
possibility of obtaining independent depth determinations, even in the case of the beam overlapping.
In addition to bathymetric soundings, EM 3002 collects data pertaining to the acoustic image of the
seabed. The image is obtained by combining the acoustic return signals inside each beam, thus
improving signal to noise ratio considerably, as well as eliminating several distortions, which are usual
for the conventional sonars. The acoustic image is compensated for the transmission source level,
receiver sensitivity and signal attenuation in the water column, so that reliable bottom backscatter
levels in dB are obtained. The acoustic image is also compensated for acoustic ray bending, and is thus
completely geo-referenced, so that the preparation of a sonar mosaic for a survey area is rather easy.
Objects observed on the acoustic seabed image are correctly located and can be readily identified and
defined.

Operator Station
The Operator Station is PC-based workstation running on either Linux® or Microsoft Windows XP®.
The Operator Station software, SIS, incorporates 3D graphics, real-time data cleaning and electronic
map background.

Technical specifications
Frequency range: 293, 300, 307 kHz.
Number of beams: 254 for single sonar head,
498 for dual sonar heads.
Maximum ping rate: 40 Hz.
Maximum angular coverage: 130 degrees for single sonar head,
200 degrees for dual sonar heads.
Pitch stabilisation Yes.
Roll stabilisation Yes.
Heave compensation Yes.
Efficient depth range 0.5-150 m.
Depth resolution 1 cm.
Transducer geometry Mills cross.
Beam spacing Equidistant, equiangular, high density mode (from
01.01.2010).
Configuration, dimensions and weight of principal components:
Sonar head: Cylindrical, material – titanium.
Diameter 332 mm.
Height 119 mm.
Weight 25 kg in air, 15 kg in water.
Processing Unit: Width: 450 mm.
Depth: 400 mm.
Height: 200 mm.
Weight: approx. 8 kg.

SIS software
SIS Multibeam Controller – controller of the multibeam echo sounder

51
• Incorporates:
• Menu of installation and operational parameters.
• Testing and diagnostics of the system.
• Recording of raw data from the echo sounder. Start/stop of emission.
• Input of sound velocity values in the area of the sonar head, transmission of those data to the echo
sounder.
• Display of emission, showing:
− Signal intensity.
− Emission profile.
− Data from external sensors.
− Oscillogram of received signal.
− Output to plotter with full resolution (max. format A0).

View of display during the utilisation of the SIS software with the ЕМ3002 echo sounder.

The following items are located in the output

windows:
The left column: the top window shows the signal
power for each beam, the window of the transverse
profile is below it, further below the 3D window of
the “Waterfall” type is situated and below it –
display of the data from external sensors.
The top central window – sonar display of the water
column.
The bottom central window – sonar display of the
seabed.
The right window: raw hydroacoustic data.
The operator may select the type of information
to be displayed in any window within one
second!

52
1.3. EM 3002, SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

//

Options of installation of sonar heads

Installation of single sonar head Installation of dual sonar heads

53
The necessary sensors
System for measuring the sound velocity in water
Accurate knowledge of the vertical profile of sound velocity in water is a necessary precondition for
obtaining high-quality data during the survey of the seabed relief using a multtibeam echo sounder, in
particular, in areas with complex hydrological conditions.

Intellectual sensor “miniSVS”

Its purpose is to measure the sound velocity,
temperature or pressure in the area of the
transducers of an echo sounder. The sensor’s
operation is based on the principle of an echo
sounder with the known fixed base (100 mm, 50
mm and 25 mm) and outputs the value of the
sound velocity in water. Such sensor does not
require frequent tests and calibrations, has small
size (45 mm x 315 mm) and its weight,
depending on the housing, does not exceed 1 kg.

Electronic heave compensator and GPS compass OCTANS IV by Ixsea, France.

OCTANS IV replaces several vessel devices:

gyro compass, GPS receiver, log, gyro
indicator of the rotation angles. That compact
instrument forms the signals of heading,
speed and position of the vessel, as well as
the signal of gyro indicator of the rotation
angles and synchronising pulse (1PPS) for
other hydrographic systems. Data from the
heave compensator are transmitted in real
time to the echo sounder directly for
correcting /the measured depths.
Unlike conventional gyro compasses,
OCTANS IV does not contain moving
sensors, does not require the presence of
supporting liquid, which means that it does
not require periodic professional
maintenance.

All IXSEA products have ISO 9000:2000 certificates. Octans instruments are manufactured with
testing certificates and a 2-year guarantee.

Technical specifications

performance
Heading
Accuracy (1)( 2 ) 0.1 deg secant latitude
Settling time (static conditions) < 1mn
Full accuracy settling time (all conditions) < 5 min

54
Heave / Surge / Sway
Accuracy 5 cm or 5% (whichever is greater)

( 2)
Roll / Pitch dynamic Accuracy 0.01 deg

operating range / environment

Rotation rate dynamic range Up to 750 deg/s
Acceleration dynamic range ±15 g
MTBF (computed/observed) 40,000/80,000 hours
Operating / Storage Temperature -20 to +55°C/ -40 to +80 °C
Heading / Roll / Pitch 0 to +360 deg / ±180 deg / ±90 deg
No warm-up effects
Shock and Vibration proof

physical characteristics
Dimensions (L x W x H) 275 x 136 x 150 mm
Weight in air 4.5 Kg
Water proof IP66
Material Aluminium

interfaces
Serial RS232/RS422 port 2 inputs / 3 outputs / 1 configuration port
Ethernet port ( 3) UDP / TCP Client / TCP server
Pulse port ( 4 ) 4 inputs and 2 outputs
Intput / Output formats Industry standards: NMEA0183, ASCII, BINARY
Baud rates 600 bauds to 115.2 kbaud
Data output rate 0.1 Hz to 200 Hz
Power supply 24 VDC
Power consumption 15 W
(1) secant latitude = 1 / cosine latitude
(2) RMS values
(3) All input /output serial ports are available and can be duplicated on Ethernet ports
(4) Use GPS PPS pulse input for accurate time synchronization of OCTANS

SYSTEMS OF PROCESSING OF MULTIBEAM ECHOSOUNDER DATA

QINSy is up-to-date software, accumulating the experience of best experts in the execution of
hydrographic surveys.
The modular design is the main advantage of QINSy, which allows utilizing only those modules,
which are necessary for the concrete project, i.e. to create a cost-effective system alongside with
functionality.
Altogether, QINSy offers 5 software packages and 11 extra modules, incorporating the whole set of
tasks associated with marine surveys.
QINSy Office – the office package, envisaged for viewing and pre-processing of acquired (field) data
in the office.
QINSy Inshore – the real-time software package for surveying the seabed relief by a single beam echo
sounder (acquisition and pre-processing of data received from one echo sounder, one GPS receiver and
one heading detector).
QINSy Lite – the real-time software package for surveying the seabed relief by a single beam echo
sounder (acquisition and pre-processing of data received from different single sensors incorporated in
the set of hydrographic equipment).
QINSY Survey – full real-time package for surveying the seabed relief both by a single beam and
multibeam echo sounder (acquisition and pre-processing of data; the number of sensors is unlimited).
QINSy Mapping – final data processing, production of plots, 3D visualisation.
The QPS has envisaged the “upgrade” function for QINSy Office and QINSy Inshore to
55
QINSy Lite, for QINSy Lite to QINSy Survey.
The versatility of Windows has been fully incorporated in QINSy. Any number of autonomous
terminals can be launched simultaneously.
QINSy allows to plan a survey, carry out field operations on board a vessel and process the survey
results in order to obtain a depth map. In order to plan the survey, a basic map can be loaded in the
computer in advance, containing the shoreline and obstacles, such as bridges, buoys, pipelines. QINSy
allows to import files in the DXF and DGN formats from the popular drawing software programmes
Autocad and Microstation. Satellite positioning is used during the surveys, with the transmission of
differential corrections from onshore base stations by radio, thus ensuring the metre accuracy in real
time. The use of the RTK kinematic mode ensures the improved centimetre accuracy in real time,
which is especially useful for the tracking of changes in the water level. The programme system
controls the execution of the planned survey programme during its execution and data acquisition. The
QINSy Survey programme incorporates the function of editing of the recorded data.

Bare pipeline areas

Results of surveying the seabed relief, carried out using the ЕМ3002 multibeam echo sounder and
processed using QINSy

56
 Bare area of a
pipeline with
weights

Fragment of results of surveying the area of an underwater crossing by a multi-beam echo sounder

Helmsman’s display
The QINSy package allows to transfer from the main computer (on the network level) the information
necessary for the helmsman and correspondingly output it in front of the helmsman.

An option of real-time display with planned tacks.

57
 CURRENT VELOCITY MEASUREMENTS

Current Meter VALEPORT, Model 106

CURRENT METER VALEPORT, MODEL 106

is an inexpensive lightweight impeller current meter,
designed both for real time current measurement or
short- and medium term autonomous deployments. The
acquired information can be processed using a PC or
transmitted to an indicator display designed by Valeport.
All parts of the current meter are made of titanium,
ensuring durability, while the temperature and pressure
sensors increase the versatility of the instrument.

Data Acquisition
The current meter works on a basic 1 second cycle, during which the impeller counts are taken and a compass
heading reading is made. From this, East and North velocity vectors are calculated, which are then summed over
the averaging period. The additional parameters of temperature and pressure (if such sensors are fitted) are
sampled once every sample period and averaged over the averaging period.
Data Recovery
Direct to PC via communications ports. Maximum RS232 data rate of 19200 baud.
Switching On/Off
The meters are switched on and off through software control, either by the DataLog™ software or by using the
Model 8008 control unit. Besides, the meter is supplied with a mechanical subconn switch cap installed in the
tail part of the instrument. Its purpose is to switch on the measurement process when the meter is submerged
and to switch it off when it is extracted from water. The device switches off all the systems of the meter for
the duration of transportation or storage. The switch cap could be by-passed for the adjustment or testing of
the onboard equipment.
Software
The system is supplied with DataLog software, for visualisation of information, instrument setup, data
extraction and display of tabular and graphical data plots.
Display Unit
Besides the PC, the instrument may be used with a dedicated display unit, Model 8008 CDU, for visualisation of
information, allowing to extract the data in real time and to ensure the instrument setup.
Size: 244 x 193 x 94mm; weight: 2kg
Protection: IP67 (10 sec. At 0.3m)
Memory
512 Kbyte built-in memory card allows to store data acquired during the autonomous operation for the first
week with the parameter sampling every 10 seconds, or during 220 days with sampling every 5 minutes.
Power
Internal: 1 x D type cell, 1.5 V alkaline cell gives approximately 30 days at 10 second sample rate, or 56 days at
5 minute sample rate. When a 3.6 V Lithium cell is used, it gives approximately 90 days at 10 second sample
rate, or 180 days at 5 minute sample rate.
External: For external supply, 12-20 V DC is required. Power for the meter can also be taken from the Model
8008 CDU.
Data transmission
Data transmission is executed in real time via RS232 cable, 50 m long.

58
 SIDE-SCAN SONAR INVESTIGATIONS

Side-scan sonar investigations are carried out with the purpose of identification and mapping of
obstacles on the sea bottom. Investigations are carried out by the dual channel digital towed side-scan sonar
CM 2 DF. Data transmission from the sonar is carried out by a cable telemetric link to the research vessel,
where the data is recorded on magnetic optical discs and displayed on a LCD monitor in real time.
During the operations under shallow water conditions, in narrownesses and under difficult navigation
conditions the SportScan side scan sonar (either towable or with onboard aerials) is used.

Main technical parameters of dual channel digital towed side-scan sonar CM 2 DF (manufactured
by СМ Ltd., England):

• purpose: creation of a picture of underwater equipment by hydroacoustic means with the

simultaneous measurement of the distance between the emitter and the bottom, as well as the water
temperature;
• number of channels - 2;
• operating frequencies – 102 and 325 kHz;
• slant range in 102 kHz frequency range - 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 m;
• slant range in 325 kHz frequency range - 25, 50,75,100 and 150 m;
• emission interval – 500/selected range limit (slant range) per second;
• resolution, 102 kHz range – 156 mm;
• Resolution, 325 kHz range 325 kHz – 78 mm;
• pulse power – 217 dB at 1 μPa/1 m;
• pulse duration – 53 μsec;
• array beamwidth
F= 325 kHz – 0.3º horizontal, 40º vertical,
F= 102 kHz – 1/0º horizontal, 50º vertical;
• adjustable beam depression from the maximum sensitivity axis - 10º or 20º;
• navigation data interface – RS232, format NMEA 0183;
• gain control along the line – automatic, with microprocessor for the selection and setting of
parameters of automatic gain control;
• control of data acquisition – built-in industrial computer with Pentium IV processor and software
package MaxPro,
• automatic regime of control and adjustment of control of reflected signal amplitude;
• dimensions and weight:
the fish- 124 cm; 17.5 kg in the air; 11.7 kg in seawater;
the laboratory block – 315 x 335 x 110 mm, 8 kg;
• remotely controlled autonomous winch and cable meter for lowering the sonar;
• water temperature sensor;
• data display on LCD monitor in real time.
• Pentium 166 computer is used.

59
 Digital towed side-scan sonar CM 2 before lowering overboard

Winch for lowering and extracting the side-scan sonar with remote control unit

60
 Block of control and data processing is installed in the vessel laboratory. The remote control unit for the winch for
the lowering and extraction of the side-scan sonar is located there as well

Side-scan sonar SportScan

Side-scan sonar SportScan

The side-scan sonar (SSS) SportScan is a modern digital sonar; it has advantages over similar
equipment based on the combination of such parameters as: the simplicity of use, quality of obtained images in
the wide beam range and reliability.
The design of the body of SSS SportScan allows using it both in the towed mode and firmly attached to
a rod (when working in shallow water). The use of a standard 12 VDC battery as a power source is very
convenient; as a rule, a PC also uses power from it through the power supply.

61
 The operating frequencies of SSS SportScan are as follows: the low 330 kHz and the high 800 kHz. The
operation using the low frequency (330 kHz) allows identifying objects on the seabed with the size from 0.5 m
with a sufficiently wide range (up to 120 m). The operation using the high frequency (800 kHz, the maximum
range resolution 3 mm) requires higher operator’s qualification, but it allows to identify much smaller objects
and to obtain detailed images of large objects.
The software of SSS SportScan receives data from navigation receivers in the NMEA 0183 format (it is
possible to use the lines GLL, GGA, VTG, RMC). An automatic signal adjustment for the whole range is
available, which allows to obtain high-quality images against uniformly grey background in the wide range.

Technical specifications of SSS SportScan

Technical parameters Values

Frequency, kHz Dual frequency, 330/800
Transducers One transducer per side, tilted down 20o
330 kHz: 1.8o x 60o
Transducer beam width
800 kHz: 0.7o x 30o
Both sides displayed: Range scale / 250
Range resolution
Single side displayed: Range scale / 500. Мах. – 0.03 m
Range scales, m 15, 30, 60, 90, 120
Max. operating depth, m 30
Max. cable length, m 60
Interface RS-232, velocity 115.2 kbps
Power supply, V 10-16 VDC, мах. 300 mA
Dimensions, mm Diameter 114, length 833
In air 4.5
Weight, not including ballast, kg
In water 1.2
Ballast Standard diver weights
100 MHz Pentium
16 MB RAM
Minimum computer requirements
1 GB Hard Disk
800 x 600 x 256 colour graphics
Operating system Windows™ 95, 98, Me, NT®, 2000®, XP®
GPS input format NMEA 0183 (4800, N, 8, 1) GLL, GGA, VTG, RMC
Software used for the operation of SSS SportScan
The selection of the data source: the aerial module or previously recorded files.
The selection of a file for the data recording. The file name and its current size during recording are displayed in
the top part of the screen.
The creation of a new small-sized file from the previously recorded file.
Saving of a copy of the working screen in the BMP format.
Saving the current configuration.
Selection of the colour regime of displaying the SSS data: 107 gradations of grey (from white to black or from
black to white), 107 gradations of brown, the colour palette.
Setting of serial ports for receiving the data from the aerial module and the navigation receiver. Setting of the
type of the line received from the navigation receiver.
Selection of the sonar operational frequency (for the dual-frequency version).
Selection of channels for imaging: both channels, left side, right side.
Change of balance between the left channel and the right channel.
Setting of the range for each side.
Setting of the gain.
Setting of the measuring units (metres, feet).
Switching the co-ordinate grid of the data field on/off.
Screen clearance.
Display of principal service information about the operation of the aerial module.
The “magnifying glass” mode, movable on the screen.

62
Switching on/off of the mode of displaying the SSS data, with the identical size for the X and Y axes.
Switching on/off of the mode of receiving the information about the vessel velocity from the navigation
receiver.
Manual setting of the vessel velocity (in knots), if it is impossible to receive velocity data from GPS.
Switching on/off of the mode of making regular marks for the top and bottom borders of the SSS image.
The replay of the previously recorded files with changing the replay velocity.
Change of distance between two objects.
Determination of the object height based on the length of the acoustic shadow.
Stopping/switching-on of the image replay on the screen.

Processing of data of side-scan sonar investigations of the sea bottom

Display of sonograms on paper is executed in the post-processing regime, supported by the software
MAX - Vew1v24.
The data processing is carried out using the onboard processing set based on the Pentium IV computer;
1.6 GHz, RAM 1 GB.

An example of sonogram. Frequency range: LF -102 kHz, slant range - 100 m, depth of side-scan sonar towing - 6
m, towing velocity 5 knots. Bottom microrelief features are lighted

Prints of 3 jack-up legs can be seen in the lower right part of the sonogram. For various reasons, the jack-up was
transferred to a location with more stable soils in the direction of the arrow, approximately 115 m away.
A wellhead with traces of drilling mud can be clearly seen in the lower right part of the sonogram

63
 An example of sonogram. Frequency range: LF -102 kHz, slant range - 100 m, depth of side-scan sonar towing - 6
m, towing velocity 5 knots. The distance between the co-ordinate marks is 25 m.

Further processing envisages the production of a side-scan map of the site using the software
SonarWiz.Map (“Chesapeake Technology, Inc.”, USA).

64
 An example of the side scan map of a site 1x1 km, scale 1: 5,000, the mosaic was obtained using the
software SonarWiz.Map (“Chesapeake Technology, Inc”, USA)

The map displays characteristic microrelief features , stretching SE-NW. Within the investigated area, no
artificial objects above the sea bottom level were discovered.

65
 HYDROMAGNETIC SURVEYS

Hydromagnetic surveys are conducted with the purpose of identification and mapping of artificial iron –
containing objects located either on the sea bottom or in the upper subbottom.
The following items are objects of mapping: metal-containing objects or equipment, including debris, ship
mechanisms and equipment, pipelines, drilling tools, military equipment, munitions, electrical lines under power
etc.
Hydromagnetic surveys are conducted using a high-accuracy marine cesium magnetometer G-882
(manufactured by “GeoMetrics, Inc.”, USA).

Main technical parameters of the marine magnetometer G-882:

• cesium magnetometer G-882, with built-in echosounder and depth sensor;

• auto-oscillation system with a high sensitivity sensor CM-221 and optical pumping of cesium vapour
with a split beam (non-radioactive);
• measurement range – 10,000 nT to 100,000 nT
• the operational zone is limited by the angle formed by the earth magnetic field with the equator of the
sensor, which must be at least 6º, and at least 6º with the longitudinal axis of the sensor;
• counter CM-221 with the sensitivity <0.004 nT/πHz (RMS);
• sampling rate per sec.- 10;
• heading error - +/- 1 nT (over entire 360° spin and tumble);

• absolute accuracy < 1 nT throughout the range;

• data output - RS-232 at 1,200 to 19,200 Baud;
• protocol of interface with GPS system – NMEA 0183;

• data recording and display – on PC using View201 auxiliary software, on the monitor, simultaneously
with navigation data;
• waterproof to the depth of - 2,750 m;
• tow cable, Kevlar-strengthened, rupture strength - 900 kg;
• data processing software: MagLog LiteTM using the onboard processing set based on the Pentium IV
computer; 1.6 GHz, RAM 1 GB.

Marine cesium magnetometer G-882 in R/V geophysical laboratory

66
 Magnetometer G-882 on the R/V deck before lowering overboard

The magnetometer is towed at least 2 – 2.5 vessel lengths behind the stern. Thus, the impact of the vessel
magnetic field on the measured parameters is excluded. Under the shallow water conditions, the magnetometer
is towed using a non-magnetic float installed near the tow fish.
The optimum depth of the magnetometer towing is determined by the depth of the offshore area under
investigation, sea state and forecast values of the weight of iron-containing objects. The data display in real time
is executed by View201 software, processing results can be seen on a LCD monitor together with the navigation
data.
During the measurements of magnetic field, the monitor screen displays (in real time) the graph of the measured
magnetic field, bottom section in the depth scale, depth of the tow fish and navigation situation.

Geophysical laboratory of the research vessel. Onboard processing of data of hydromagnetic surveys
using MagLog LiteTM software.

67
 An example of display of hydromagnetic survey data in real time using MagLog LiteTM software.

The left side of the figure displays information on the measured magnetic field in nT, water depth in
metres, comprising 16.4 m, the depth of the magnetometer fish– 2.6 m.
The right side displays navigation situation during the survey.

Processing of data of hydromagnetic surveys

The data processing is carried out using the onboard processing set based on the Pentium IV computer;
1.6 GHz, RAM 1 GB.
Onboard processing of hydromagnetic data is carried out using the following software: MagLog LiteTM ,
Excel, GeoSoft Insitu 2003, Surfer 8, AutoDesk Land Desktop 2005, AutoCad 2004:
• editing of raw data;
• formatting data based on measurement tacks;
• attributing geometry;
• production of graphs of measured magnetic field;
• calculations of the high-frequency component of the measured magnetic field;
• preparation of maps – graphs of the high-frequency component of the measured magnetic field;
• preparation of maps of magnetic anomalies at the survey scale.

68
 An example of the map of anomalies of high-frequency magnetic field component, the site size
1 km x 1 km, scale 1: 5,000

An example of iron-containing object. The magnetic anomaly comprises 12-14 nT. The weight of the target
does not exceed 25 kg. Probably, this is fisheries gear.

69
 100 m

An example of identification of an iron-containing object in combination with side-scan sonar data

A graph of the measured magnetic field (in the top part of the Figure) and an echogram are combined
with sonogram (digital sonar С-МАХ 2, frequency range LF 102 kHz, slant range 100 m).
In the lower and central parts of the sonogram, one can see tracks of three jack-up legs. The rig was
transferred in the direction of the arrow by 115 m, to a site with more consolidated soils. At the new rig site, one
can clearly see a wellhead with traces of drilling mud (cuttings).
The magnetic field was measured by the G-882 magnetometer with the measurement range 10,000 -
100,000 nT. An anomaly is singled out in the graph of the measured magnetic field and its high-frequency
component, coinciding with the location of the wellhead. The value of the anomaly is 310 nT; the anomaly is
associated with the presence of an iron-containing mass in the upper subbottom, weighing about 1 ton.
Probably, these are components of a vertical drillstring, which are situated below the sea bottom level.
In order to single out target with a small weight (<100 - 150 kg), additional processing of magnetic data is
necessary. In this case, anomalies from iron-containing targets do not exceed background values of the magnetic
field, associated with the geological structure of the soil section. In order to single out the anomalies, the
software, which is compatible with MAGPAP 2D FFT, is used, allowing to execute filtering, transformation,
calculations of the spectrum, and other types of processing of field data.
During the final stage, the processed data must be interpreted in combination with side-scan maps for the
target areas.

70
 a) Sonogram LF=102 kHz, slant
range 100 m

50 m х 50 m
Magnetic anomaly
comprises 12-14 nT. The
weight of the target does
not exceed 25 kg.
Probably, this is fisheries
gear.

b) Map of high-frequency
component of the magnetic field,
magnetometer G-882, measurement
range 10,000-100,000 nT.

An example of singling out of an iron-containing target.

71
METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR ENGINEERING-
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS

72
DUAL FREQUENCY CONTINUOUS SEISMIC ACOUSTIC PROFILING
Seismic acoustic profiling is carried out with the purpose of identification and mapping of soil
variations, gas accumulations and other important obstacles to drilling.
In our practice, we widely use dual frequency seismic acoustic profiling, allowing to obtain information
about the structure of the soil massif in 2 frequency ranges along the line.
The prevailing emission frequency 4,000 Hz is used to investigate the soil massif to the depth of up to
20 m below the sea bottom level. The resolution is no worse than 0.5 m. An electrodynamic energy source
(“boomer”) is used for that purpose with the emitted energy level up to 500 J.
The prevailing emission frequency 400-600 Hz (“sparker” source) is used to investigate the deeper part
of the soil massif to the depth of up to 100 - 120 m below the sea bottom level. The emitted energy level – up to
1 kJ, the resolution is no worse than 2.0 m.

Locations of the energy sources “Sparker” and “Boomer” in relation to the DGPS aerial and
vessel hull are presented in the Figure below.

Technical parameters of the seismic acoustic system:

• model: SAK 6;
• Manufacturer: Joint Stock Co. “Morinzhgeologia”, Latvia;
• block of recording, data processing and display:
-number of main channels – 2;
-number of auxiliary channels – 3, including DGPS navigation data in the NMEA 0183 format,
echosounding, electrical soundings;
- possibility of visualization of the spectrum of signals received via one of the main channels in real time;
-data recording – digital;
-recording format – binary, compatible with principal seismic data processing software;
- sampling rate - 2 - 80 kHz;
- record length – up to 4096 ADC counts;
-delay of start of recording – adjustable, from 0.01 to 65 msec.;
-band-pass filtering, adjustable, band pass 100 – 2,500 and 2,500 - 8000 Hz for the dominant
frequencies 600 and 4,000 Hz, correspondingly;
-recording gain – adjustable;
-intrinsic noise level - max. 1µV;
-current pulse generators GIT-6, maximum accumulated energy - 2 kJ, emission frequency 1-4 Hz;
- possibility of recording block cascading aimed at an increase of the number of channels of continuous
seismic profiling, or the frequency of pulses of the pulse generator;
73
 - minimum requirements to PC: availability of equipment-supported ports ЕРР, COM, operational system
– MS DOS 6.22, HD – 1.2 GB;
-display in real time – on LCD monitor screen;
-storage – DVD;
-data processing – RadExPro 2012.3 software package.

• acoustic energy sources:

- “sparker” – a group sparker source, the number of electrodes – up to 240 with the electrode base 1.80 m,
prevailing frequency 600 Hz, emission power – up to 2 kJ;
- “boomer”- an electrodynamic energy source with the prevailing frequency 4,000 Hz,
emission power – up to 500 J;
• receivers are equipped with piezoelectric ceramic pressure transducers, in hose, oil-filled:
for the prevailing frequency 600 Hz – linear, grouped, number of hydrophones – 16 with the base 3.75
m, sensitivity 300 µV/Pa, rectangular distribution of sensitivity;
for the prevailing frequency 4,000 Hz – linear, grouped, number of hydrophones - 11 with the base 0.95
m, sensitivity 300 µV/Pa, sensitivity 300 µV/Pa, rectangular distribution of sensitivity.

Seismic acoustic equipment set SAK-6, in the centre and left part of the figure - current pulse
generators GIT-6 , separately for each type of source (“boomer” and “sparker”), in the right part –
the block for control and data acquisition with monitor and PC.

For the frequency range 4,000 Hz, the emitter and receiver are installed on a catamaran float, towed
behind the vessel in the zone with minimal acoustic noise. The towing depth of both emitter and receiver is
minimal (about 20 - 25 cm).

74
 Electrodynamic source in fairing Receiver HSAS-1-0.89

Location of the electrodynamic source (“boomer”) and receiver HSAS-1-0.89 on the catamaran float

Both the emitter and receiver are attached to the catamaran body by special rods, allowing to adjust the
towing depth. The towing during profiling is carried out with the vessel velocity about 4-5 knots. Shallow
towing depth of both emitter and receiver impose limitations to the execution of operations due to weather
conditions.

The catamaran float with installed seismic acoustic equipment of the frequency range 4,000 Hz is
towed behind the stern of the research vessel outside the wake, in the zone of minimum acoustic noise.

For the 600 Hz frequency range, a multi-electrode (up to 240) electrical sparker emitter “Sparker” is
used.
The emitter and receiver are mounted in a single line and are equipped with a depth sensor and elements
of passive stabilisation. The towing depth of the emitter and receiver in a single line is 0.5 – 0.6 m.

75
 The emitter „Sparker” and receiver, prepared for operation,
on the deck of the research vessel
Thus, the matching of the seismic acoustic channel is ensured, at the minimum distance from the emitter to the
receiver, which is very important in the shallow-water operations.
The towing is carried out using a boom, located in the stern part of the vessel, stretching overboard for 8
metres, allowing to place the emitter-receiver unit in the zone of minimal acoustic noise from the mechanisms
of the research vessel.

During the profiling, the parameters selected during the testing remain unchanged: amplitude-frequency
response of the filters, initial gain, length and delay of the start of recording.

The processing of seismic acoustic data is carried out using the software “RadExPro 2012.3” (product of
Limited Liability Company “Deko-Geofizika”, Moscow).

The “RadExPro Plus 2012.3” package is used for the processing of multi-channel seismic acoustic data
on PCs working under the control of MS Windows operational system. As regards its structure and interface, the
package is close to such popular processing packages as PROMAX, GEOVECTEUR, IXL, OMEGA etc. The
procedures included in the package allow to execute main operations with data, which are characteristic of
systems of data processing:
- input of data recorded in different formats, including an arbitrary one;
- data interpolation in a regular net;
- data processing and analysis;
- display of processing results;
- obtaining hard copy on standard printers.

Processing procedures:
• recording of files within a project (Add data File);
• editing of geometry and headings (Geometry Spreadsheet);
• data visualisation (Database Visualization);
• data processing and analysis (Processing and Analysis of Data):
- data input (Data Input);
- data input from the base (Trace Input);
- amplitude correction (Amplitude Correction);
- DC removal (DC Removal);
- bandpass filtering (Bandpass Filtering);
- resampling (Resample);
- Hilbert transforms (Hilbert Transforms);
- Spherical divergence correction (Spherical Divergence Correction);
- mathematical transformations of traces (Trace Mach Transforms);
- introduction of static corrections (Apply Statics);
- calculation and introduction of trim static corrections (Trim Statics);

76
- deconvolution (Deconvolution);
- wave Field Subtraction
- bandpass filtering полосовая (Bandpass Filtering);
- seismic sequence attribute analysis (SSAA – Seismic Sequence Attribute Analysis);
- data output (Data output);
- visualization (Datebase Visualization).

Raw data of continuous seismic acoustic profiling. The source - Boomer, the prevailing frequency 4,000 Hz, emission
power 350 J, emission interval 2 m, filtering: high-pass filter 2,500 Hz, low-pass filter 8,000 Hz.

The raw „boomer” data are presented as a fragment of the time section obtained under shallow water
conditions (sea depth <7.5 m). The first breaks – reflections from the sea bottom and subsequent reflections are
distorted due to sea waves.

A fragment of the time section of continuous seismic acoustic profiling after the application of
RadExPro+ software (after the calculation and application of trim static corrections)
As a result of processing of raw data using the procedure of static corrections, the impact of sea waves
was excluded.
77
 Identification of a buried valley on the time section, 1.8 km wide and about 5 m deep.
The source - Boomer, the prevailing frequency 4,000 Hz, emission power 350 J, emission interval 2 m,
filtering: high-pass filter 2,500 Hz, low-pass filter 8,000 Hz.

The fragment of the time section shows, after the introduction of static corrections, filtering and
deconvolution, a palaeo-valley in the U. Pleistocene complex of consolidated soils, with buried “weak” soils
and shows of free gas, seen as a “bright spot” of amplitudes of the reflected signal and zone of absorption of
seismic energy.

200 m

An example of identification of palaeo-valleys in the upper part of the soil section.

The fragment of the time section of continuous seismic acoustic profiling shows palaeo-valleys, up to 600 m
wide and up to 10 m deep.
The source - Boomer, the prevailing frequency 4,000 Hz, emission power 350 J, emission interval 2 m, filtering:
high-pass filter 2,500 Hz, low-pass filter 8,000 Hz

In order to contour potentially hazardous areas, a general structural map of the palaeo-valleys was
prepared, as well as a map of anomalies of RMS reflections for different levels of localization, maps of
instantaneous parameters.
78
 Primarily, these are local areas represented by mud, peat and other unconsolidated sediments.
The accumulation of weak soils in the palaeo-valley areas leads to a lower bearing capacity of the soil
massif.
First of all, these are zones of occurrence of weak soils in the upper subbtottom, to the depth 10-20 m, as
lenses of unconsolidated clayey and organic-mineral lacustrine and silted estuary deposits filling the palaeo-
valleys, as well as gas accumulations („gas pockets”), localized at different hypsometric levels.

An example of localisation of thicknesses of unconsolidated clayey and organic-mineral lacustrine and

silted estuary sediments at the site 3 km x 3 km for the installation of a jack-up drilling rig

In the fragment of the isopach map (scale 1:10,000) of the unconsolidated soil of the upper subbtottom,
areas of localisation of weak soils are singled out. Dark areas correspond to the zones with an increased
thickness of unconsolidated soils (isopach section 1 m). The planned location of the jack-up installation (marked
by a blue circle) coincided with the slope of a palaeo-valley, filled with weak soils; the recommended location
of the jack-up installation (marked by a red circle) is outside the palaeo-valley.

79
 150 m

A fragment of time section, „Sparker” source, frequency range 600 Hz

The fragment of the time section displays a line, 3 km long, obtained using the „Sparker” source, with the
prevailing signal frequency 600 Hz, length of recording 180 msec. The structure of the soil massif was
investigated to the depth 100-120 m below the sea bottom level. In the interval To = 50-80 msec., amplitude
anomalies of the „bright spot” type were identified (without the application of special processing procedures),
with characteristic features accompanying the zones of accumulation of free gas. These features are as follows:
the occurrence of “bright spots”, diffracted waves along the anomaly edges, local increase in the time of
reflections from lower horizons under the “bright spot” anomalies, which is a proof of the existence of local
zones of absorption of seismic energy.
As regards the depth 20-80 m below the sea bottom level, special attention is paid to the identification of
zones of free gas accumulations, which may cause problems during the drilling of geotechnical boreholes.
In order to contour them, characteristic features of gas saturation are used (“bright spots”, zones of
absorption of seismic energy, edge effects).

80
 An example of a multi-layer amplitude anomaly on a time seismic acoustic section („Sparker” source,
prevailing frequency 600 Hz, filtering of raw data in the range 400-1,500 Hz, distance between traces 2 m,
along the Y axis – time scale To in msec.)

Anomalies expressed as „bright stops” („gas pockets”) are located 100-150 m along the line, with the
amplitude 4-7 m. Under the gas cap, there is an increase of reflection time in phase from the reflector under
investigation, which indicates at the presence of an absorption zone in the upper part of the section. The above
features of the wave pattern are characteristic of zones, where free gas is present in the soil massif.
In order to localize geological hazards (gas accumulations), sections and maps of instantaneous
parameters are widely used.
The Figure below shows a fragment of the time section through the planned centre of the location for
jack-up installation. Maps of instantaneous RMS amplitudes of reflections for different hypsometric levels are
given below.

81
 An example of alteration of the frequency composition of the reflected seismic acoustic signal in the
„bright spot” zone

The upper part of the figure presents fragments of the wave pattern. The “Sparker”-type source was used,
with the prevailing emission frequency 500 Hz. On order to single out anomalies of the “bright spot” type,
seismic acoustic data were processed using RaDExPro+ software.
In order to localize geological hazards (gas accumulations), sections and maps of instantaneous
parameters are widely used, in particular, maps of instantaneous RMS amplitudes of reflections for different
hypsometric levels.

82
 An example of the map (scale 1:10,000) aimed at the localisation of anomalies of
RMS amplitudes of reflections for different localisation levels (site 3 km x 3 km for the installation of a
jack-up rig)

On this fragment of a map of anomalies of RMS amplitudes of reflections for different localisation levels,
the planned location of the jack-up installation coincided with a „bright spot” anomaly (blue circle). Possibly,
the anomalies are associated with local zones of free gas in the soil massif („bright spot” anomalies).
Recommendations were given to transfer the location. The recommended location for the jack-up
installation is shown by a red circle.

83
 HIGH-RESOLUTION CDP SEISMIC (HIGH-FREQUENCY SEISMIC REFLECTION SEISMIC,
USING COMMON DEPTH POINT METHOD).

The purpose of high-frequency CDP seismic is to identify and localise geological hazards – components
of the geological environment, which are unfavourable for the installation of jack-up drilling rigs and drilling of
exploration and production wells to the depth from 80-100 m to 1,000 m below the sea bottom level. Among
these hazards, there are accumulations of free gas, faults, occurrences of unconsolidated clayey soils with very
low bearing capacity.
Marine seismic investigations can be carried out under different conditions: from offshore areas with
different water depth to shallow-water areas, in the areas of offshore production platforms, bays, gulfs etc. In
order to conduct operations in different navigation conditions, we use mobile seismic systems that can be
installed on vessels of different types.

The scheme of towing a seismic streamer and airguns during high-resolution CDP seismic (high-
frequency seismic reflection seismic, using common depth point method) is shown in the figure.

Parameters of seismic equipment and devices for high-resolution seismic investigations are given below:

System of acquisition and recording of seismic data

Digital towed seismic streamer:

• type - digital towed streamer;
• manufacturer - SI Technology (Russia);
• number of channels - 96/48;
• length of active section – 75 m;
• number of channels in section – 12;
• distance between channels – 6,25 / 12,5 m;
• distance between shotpoints 6,25 / 12,5 m;
• distribution of sensitivity – rectangular;
• hydrophone type – Geopoint – E (Benthos, Inc, USA);
• outer diameter – 55 mm;
• filler Izopar-M.
Electronic module:
• number of channel – 12;
84
• analogue-digital conversion – 24 bit (23 + sign);
• word size - 24 bit (23 + sign);
• instantaneous dynamic range - > 120 dB;
• Permanent low frequency filter – 3 Hz/ 6 dB/octave;
• Sampling rate / upper limiting frequency
0.5 msec. / 816 Hz,
1 msec. / 408 Hz,
2 msec. / 204 Hz,
4 msec. / 94 Hz;
• recording medium - Exabyte, MO - disc 1.3 GB;
• recording format - SEG-D (8048, 8058), SEG-Y.

Digital towed seismic 96-channel seismic streamer on a seismic winch, on insets – electronic
modules and system of data acquisition

System for the streamer positioning at the necessary depth:

• manufacturer - DigiCourse;
• model of depth stabilisers - 5010/5011;
• number of depth stabilisers - 5;
• onboard controller - DigiScan;
• tail buoy with passive radar reflector

85
 Depth stabiliser “DigiCourse” 5010/5011

During the acquisition of high-resolution seismic, the seismic streamer is towed at the depth 3 m. Along
the length of the streamer, 5 stabilisers are installed, with equal intervals.
The “DigiCourse” 5010/5011 stabiliser is equipped with a depth sensor and digital magnetic compass.
The stabiliser control and positioning data readout are conducted through a built-in mini-computer, onboard
control and data-recording block using the following software: KVM switch Software,Test Coil.
86
 Horizontal position of the streamer is controlled by the tail buoy with passive radar reflector for the
onboard radar, which is interfaced with the gyrocompass and DGPS positioning system.

System of emitting elastic signals

Compressor group:
:
• compressor type…………… DK-10R;
• manufacturer "Kompressor", St. Petersburg, Russia;
• quantity………………… .2;
• output 36 cu. dm per minute at Р = 138 bar (2,000 psi).

Airguns:

• emitter type………………….. Bolt 2800;

• manufacturer ………….…........ .... Bolt, USA;
• number of groups …………….………………………… 1;
• number of emitters in group ……………………… 4;
• total volume ................................................................ 2 cu. Dm

Airgun Bolt 2800 with working volume 2 cu. dm (assembled) on the deck of the research vessel

87
 Airgun group 4 х 2 cu. dm (Bolt 2800) before lowering overboard
System of synchronisation of emitters in the group:

• controller - TGN Macha International, Inc., USA;

• synchronisation – automatic;
• accuracy of synchronisation - +/- 0,1 msec.;
• protocol – each emission.

Processing of seismic data

We subdivide the processing of seismic data into two stages. During the first stage, preliminary
processing on board of the research vessel is carried out. This processing stage has two aims:
- evaluation of the quality of field data;
- preliminary evaluation of geotechnical conditions from the point of view of identification of potential
geohazards for the installation of a drilling rig and drilling of an exploration well (faults,
accumulations of free gas), if such potential hazards are identified, recommendations are given
regarding the modifications of the volume and directions of operations.

During the second stage, final data processing is carried out, with the purpose of quantitative evaluation
of geotechnical conditions and preparation of data for the final technical report.

For onboard processing, RadExPro+ software is used (created by the personnel of the Moscow State
University, Moscow), during data processing – ProMАХ software.

Software procedures are listed as sequence of their application:

88
 DATA EDITING (DATA PREPARATION)

Input in SEG-D format (SEG-D Input)

Line geometry editing (Line Geometry Definition)

Signal processing (SIGNAL PROCESSING)

Trace editing (Trace Edition)

Selection of muting parameters (Initial Mute)
Amplitude correction (True Amplitude Recovery)
Filtering: F-K Filter (arb. polygon reject mode)
F-K Filter (power exponent)
Surface Consistent Decon (Spiking mode)
Bandpass Filter
Amplitude correction (Trace Equalization)
Velocity analysis (Stacking Velocity Analysis using Velocity
Spectra).
Trace editing (Trace Muting (top & bottom))
Normal moveout corrections (NMO Correction)
Velocity filtering (Radon Velocity Filter parabolic mode)
Common Offset F-K DMO
CDP stacking (CDP / Ensemble Stack)

POSTSTACK PROCESSING
Deconvolution (Adaptive Decon)
Migration (Kirchhoff Time Migr.)

Postmigration processing (POSTMIGRATION

PROCESSING)
Filtering (F-K Filter (power exponent))
Deconvolution (Spiking / Predictive Decon)
Filtering: Bandpass Filter
Coherency Filter
Amplitude corrections (Trace Equalization)
Final data editing (Final data correction).

89
 An example of a 48-channel record, with the dominant frequency of the source 80 Hz

The visualisation of the seismic record allows to evaluate the level of the signal and noise, mark non-
functioning channels and channels with reverse polarity.
Besides the reflections (marked by a double arrow), the record displays noise from passing vessels (right
low corner) and noise from the screw of the research vessel (before first breaks), two non-functioning channels
were identified.

90
 An example of a time section, CDP stack, line length 3 km, amplitude anomalies are singled out in the
reflectors, which are visible without the application of special processing procedures.

Further processing of high-frequency CDP seismic data is aimed at obtaining quantitative evaluations of
instantaneous parameters: actual amplitudes, velocities, phases etc.

In the section of instantaneous amplitudes, an amplitude anomaly (“bright spot”) at the time 300 msec. corresponds to this part of the profile. It
corresponds to an area with anomalously low values of interval velocities for the time 300-350 msec., which is associated to an abrupt reduction in the
soil strength. The “bright spot” effect and zone of reduced soil strength under it indicate at the presence of free gas in the interval of the soil massif
under investigation (a gas pocket).

a) continuous seismic acoustic profiling, time section, «sparker», dominant frequency 600 Hz

91
 b) continuous seismic acoustic profiling, instantaneous amplitude section

c) high-frequency CDP data, time section, dominant frequency100 Hz

d) high-frequency CDP data, instantaneous amplitude section

e) high-frequency CDP data, interval velocity section

An example of comparison of seismic acoustic and high-frequency CDP data

On the section of instantaneous amplitudes based on seismic acoustic data (montage «b») in the depth
interval 50-70 m under the sea bottom level, a “bright spot” anomaly is singled out. The comparison of sections
of instantaneous amplitudes based on seismic acoustic and high-frequency CDP data, allows to forecast the
presence of a zone of free gas accumulation on two levels, possibly, connected by vertical channels of gas
migration and representing a geohazard.
On sections of instantaneous amplitudes based on high-frequency CDP data (montage «d»), a “bright
spot” anomaly is singled out, corresponding to the zone of lower interval velocities (montage «e»).
A decrease in the interval velocity of propagation of elastic oscillations in the interval 350-400 m below
the sea bottom level was identified in the part of the profile 1,000 m long, and its association with the bright
spot could be associated with the presence of free gas in the zone of the soil massif under investigation, and
zone of absorption of elastic oscillations associated with it.
The localisation of bright spot anomalies is conducted for different time sections and is presented as maps
of amplitude anomalies for different levels of localisation.

92
An example of maps of amplitude anomalies for different levels of localisation, based on high-frequency CDP data,
the site 3 km x 3 km

The identified gas pocket at the depth about 300 m under the sea bottom level is classified as a geohazard,
which could lead to problems during exploration drilling.
In this case, the Client is given recommendations for changing the well location or changing the well
construction and technology of its drilling.

93
 LIST OF EQUIPMENT FOR ENGINEERING-HYDROGRAPHICAL AND
ENGINEERING-GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Navigation-geodetic support NacCom's StarFireTM Network based on GPS Selective

availability (S/A code) from 02.05.2000 04:05 UTM;
operational mode – DGPS (WAAS/EGNOS) (USA),
Satellite communications GLOBALSTAR, terminal Qualcom GSP 1600 with adapter
GSP 1410, ensuring continuous connection. Direct
telephone communications, E-mail, fax.

Hydrographical equipment Depth measurements

Echosounder NAVISOUND 515 (Reson, Denmark)
Echosounder NAVISOUND 110 (Reson, Denmark)
Dual frequency echosounder EchoTrac CVM (ODOM
Hydrographic Systems (USA)
Multibeam echo sounder EM3002
Ultra short base (USBL) system of acoustic positioning
EasyTrak (UK)
Echosounder EP-4 (Russia)
Heave compensator HS 50 (TSS, UK)
Electronic heave compensator and GPS compass OCTANS
IV
Deep-sea level gauge Aquanaut HYDRASS -3 (Germany)
Recording tide gauge TideMaster
Recording tide gauge MiniTide
System for measuring the sound velocity in water SVP-15
(UK)
Current Meter VALEPORT, Model 106

Side-scan sonar investigations

Towed digital side-scan sonar
CM 2 DF (C Max Ltd, UK)
Digital side-scan sonar SportScan
Winch for lowering/extraction of the sonar, with a remote
control unit and cable meter

Geophysical equipment Hydromagnetic surveys

Marine magnetometer G-882 (GeoMetrics, USA)

Seismic acoustic investigations

SAK-5 – set of dual frequency (0.2 – 10.0 kHz) seismic
acoustic equipment (Morinzhgeologia, Latvia):
- block of control and data acquisition;
- “Sparker” source, 240 electrodes;
- “Boomer” source;
- receiver HSAS -1-0,89;
- receiver HSAS -1-3,5;
- catamaran for the “Boomer” equipment.
High-frequency CDP seismic
- towed digital seismic streamer, 48 channels;
- recording blocks or seismic stacion “Intermarin”;
- airguns BOLT 2800 or “PULS 6A/6C”;
- airgun synchroniser TGN Macha;
- diesel compressor DK-10R;
- seismic winch.

94
 SOFTWARE FOR PROCESSING DATA OF ENGINEERING-HYDROGRAPHICAL
AND ENGINEERING-GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS

NAME PURPOSE
Trimble-Hydro-6-06.01 Acquisition and processing of DGPS data.
HYPAC MAX Planning of hydrographical surveys and acquisition of depth
SURVEY measurement data.
Processing of depth measurement data.
EHOLOT - D Acquisition of depth measurement data.
SIS
QINSy
HYPAC MAX Office Processing of side-scan data.
MAX-View 1v24 Visualisation of side-scan data.
SONAR WIZ.MAP Processing of side-scan data. Slant range corrections, production
of side-scan maps (mosaics).
Sonar Processing of side-scan data. Slant range corrections, production
of side-scan maps (mosaics).
View 201 Visualisation of hydromagnetic survey data.
MagLog Lite TM Processing of hydromagnetic survey data , identification of iron-
containing targets.
SAK-6 Acquisition and visualisation of data of dual frequency seismic
acoustic profiling.
RadExPro 2012.3 Processing of data of dual frequency seismic acoustic profiling.
PROMAX or Processing of high-frequency CDP data.
INTRDSDS
“Geocluster 3.1”

Surfer 8,10 Software for producing digital models of surfaces, production of

maps of different fields (depth maps, time maps, maps of
reflection amplitudes etc.). Production of 3D relief models.
Grapher 5 Software for producing 2D scientific graphics: graphs, diagrams,
bar graphs, cross-plots etc.
Corel Draw 12 Software for preparation, editing and printing vector and raster
graphics.
MapInfo 6.5 Geoinformation system for preparation and editing of different
maps. It is used alongside with LDD 3 and Surfer 8 for
producing maps and analysing spatial-related information.
Paradox 8 System of database management. It is used as an additional tool
during data analysis.
MS Office 2007-2012 Working with documents Word, Excel, Power Point, Access.

95
Comments on the methods of seismic acoustic investigations (to the depth 100 m) and seismic
surveys

The identification of the so-called “geological hazards” is one of the main tasks of geotechnical
investigations during exploration and development of offshore hydrocarbon resources. Geological hazards are
components of the geological environment, which are dangerous or unfavourable for offshore drilling rigs,
structures and drilling of exploration and production wells. Such hazards are as follows: accumulations of free
gas, faulted zones, zones of unconsolidated clayey with very low bearing capacity.
In order to solve this task within the framework of site investigations, it is envisaged to carry out high-
resolution seismic surveys and digital seismic acoustic profiling. Based on many years of experience, the
optimum methodology of such operations in the Caspian Sea was developed. They incorporate digital dual-
channel seismic acoustic profiling in the frequency range 1,000-7,000 Hz and 400-1,000 Hz, and 48-channel
seismic in the range 40-200 Hz.
During seismic acoustic profiling, the structure of the upper part of the geological section is conducted,
as well as the identification of geological hazards to the depth of up to 15-20 m with resolution 0.3-0.5 m, and
resolution 1.5-2.0 m to the depth 80-120 m (depending on seismic-geological conditions). Technological
unification of the processing and interpretation of seismic acoustic and seismic data ensures the identification of
geological hazards throughout the upper subbottom, from the sea bottom level to the depth 800-1000 m.
An example of comprehensive display and joint interpretation of the results of seismic acoustic profiling
and seismic surveys regarding the presence of shallow gas is given in the Fig.
It is evident that gas accumulations at a shallow depth (in this case, up to 100 msec.), are identified most
confidently on the seismic acoustic instantaneous amplitude section. The presence of free gas at a greater depth
can be clearly seen on seismic sections, when instantaneous amplitudes and interval velocities are investigated
jointly.

96
97
METHODS AND TECHNOLOGY OF
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS

98
 1. INTRODUCTION
JSC “Morinzhgeologia” possesses both technology and equipment for conducting offshore site
investigations aimed at the acquisition of data characterising the composition and physical/mechanical
parameters of offshore soils aimed at the evaluation of the bearing capacity and deformations of soil
foundations.

2.DRILLING VESSELS

2.1. Drilling vessel “Izyskatel’-3”

The drilling vessel «Iziskatel’-3" is intended for carrying out engineering-geological surveys, including
geotechnical, hydrographic and engineering-geophysical operations.
Geotechnical operations using the drilling vessel “Izyskatel’-3” can include:
- boring and sampling in geotechnical boreholes;
- CPT (cone penetration testing) in special boreholes;
- seabed sampling;
- laboratory investigations and soil testing on board the vessel.
If necessary, pilot boreholes are drilled for the evaluation of gas content in the soil massif.
Four anchors are used for the vessel stabilisation at the locations of geotechnical operations.
A photograph of the vessel is presented in Fig.1.
.
The port of registry of the drilling vessel "Izyskatel’-3" is Astrakhan, the area of operations is not
limited.

99
Fig. 1. Drilling vessel “Izyskatel’-3”

100
2.1.1. Vessel data

Ship-owner: “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia

Flag: The Russian Federation
Drilling depth: up to 100 m below the sea bottom at the water depth of up to 100 m.
Endurance of the vessel 50 days

Work specifications

Limiting weather conditions, which prohibit drilling:

Beaufort Scale Wind Force : 5 Bf
Maximum wave height :2m

Technical data

1. Name of the vessel (IZYSKATEL’-3)

2. Port of registry Astrakhan
3. MSC indents number 8723268
4. Сall sign UCWZ
5. Type and purpose, navigation area research, unlimited
6. Name, code, classification society, register number, class symbol, term of validity of the classification
certificate KM L3 П AUT2
7. Dimensions of vessel: length 78.70 m, width 13.00 m, depth 6.50 m
8. Registered tonnage: Net 719, Gross 2399
9. Draft maximum: loaded 3.90 m, ballast 3.70 m
10. Freeboard 6.50 m
11. Year of putting the vessel into service 2013, Astrakhan
12. Vessel hull material Steel
13. Number of decks Three
14. Type and place of manufacture of main propulsion unit 8NVD48A-2U, Magdeburg , GDR.
15. Capacity of a propulsion unit 852 kW
16. Generators: 2х320 kW, 1х500 kW, 1х150 kW
17. Speed: loaded 10.3 knots, ballasted 11.3 knots
18. Type of propulsion device, qty. of propellers VFSH, one.
19. Fuel type diesel
20. Tank capacity: fuel 182.5 m ³, fresh water 34.8 m³ + desalting unit
21. Cargo handling equipment loading booms; hydraulic crane-manipulator Palfinger with loading capacity
6 ton at boom 5 m, the maximum hydraulic boom 20, 5 m
22. Steering gear steering nozzle
23. Thrusters – bow – 2 х 200 kW, stern – 1 х 250 kW
24. Anchor gear windlass, Hall’s anchors 2 х 1750 kg
25. Anchors of stabilisation PDS 4 pcs. х 4500 kg.
26. Position of moonpool /drilling derrick: drilling derrick is mounted on the main deck at the location of
32nd-38th frames on DP
27. Endurance of the vessel, days - 50
28. Quantity of berth places - 51

101
 Navigation equipment:

- echo-sounder JMC F-2000

- log JRC JLN-205
- radar station РЛС FURUNO, М-1934С-ВВ/С-МАР
- magnetic compass КМО-Т
- A gyro-compass PGM-C-009
- Satellite navigation equipment
Receiver GPS SAMYUNG SPR-1400
Satellite station INMARSAT-C T&T TT3000E
Receiver NAVTEX SAMYUNG SNX-300
Radio beacon SAMYUNG SEP-406
Radar transponder beacon SAMYUNG SAR-9
Automatic identification system
(AIS) SAMYUNG SI-30R

- communication facilities
MHFW/SW radio station with 6-channel DSC and
radio telex SAILOR System 5000
Satellite station SAILOR 250
LRIT JUE-95LT
River stationary VHF radio station SAMYUNG
SUR-350
Portable river VHF a radio station VEGA-304
Working marine portable VHF radio station Motorola GP-
340
INMARSAT Fleet Broadband (voice
communications by satellite, data transmission).
Satellite system of communication GLOBALSTAR
terminal Qualcom GSP 1600 with adapter GSP 1410
providing constant connection.

- vessel internal communications 32 channel commutator «Ryabina»

- vessel internal technological
communications 32 channel commutator «Ryabina»

2.1.2. Drilling and technological equipment

DRILLING EQUIPMENT:

Lifting capacity A-shaped

drilling derrick, 600 кN
Lifting capacity of travelling
carriage (drive from winch
of rig ZIF-1200) 350 kN
Lifting capacity of tool winch
from rig ZIF-650 44 kN
Lifting capacity of the auxiliary
winch one LSHV 14 кN
Lifting capacity of compensating
winch 100-E20c 40 кN

Maximum torque of hydraulic rig

drive PBG-1 700 kg*m
Adjustment of rotation speed Smooth from 5 to 550 rpm.
Maximum depth of boring 100 m (at depth of the sea up to 100}
102
Classification geological prospecting drilling
Drill pipe length 300 line m.
Drill bit Milling cutter ∅132 mm, Qty. 10
Drill bit Milling cutter ∅112mm, Qty. 15
Drill bit Milling cutter ∅92 mm, Qty 15
Sampling tube type, stainless Tube ∅102/98 mm; Ø89/83mm and
Ø79/73 mm
Volume of mud tank 23 m3
Capacity of mud pump 36 litre/s
Productivity of mud preparation 8m3/hour

Drilling moonpool
Size of moon pool 3х3m
Drive of movable moonpool covers hydraulic cylinders, 2 pcs.
Drilling pump NB-50 (2 pcs.)
Max. capacity 11 litre/s
Max. pressure 3.4 MPa
Strings
Diameter of marine riser 219.0 mm
Diameter of casing string 168.9 mm; 146.0 mm; 114.0 mm
Diameter of conductor string 73.0 mm
Diameter of drill string 50.0 mm
Diameter of penetration string 36.0 mm
Seabed frame
Size of the seabed frame 2.2 m х 2.2 m х 0.5 m
Weight of the seabed frame with ballast 10.0 ton

The drilling and technological equipment ensures:

- rotary drilling of geotechnical boreholes with flushing;
- soil sampling in boreholes or CPT using the push-in method;
- soil sampling in boreholes using percussion and hydraulic percussion method;
- soil sampling/testing using the percussion SPT (standard penetration testing) method.
Drilling pumps ensure the cleaning of the bottom hole and wellbore from cuttings. Seawater or clay
mud is used as drilling fluid with the application of the closed circulation system of its preparation and
cleaning.
The marine riser is intended for lowering the seabed frame on the sea bottom and contains branch
pipes for a selecting the length of the string depending on the sea depth. At the depth exceeding 50 m, the
compensation winch is used, generating adjustable to 40 kN and constant axial force for the retention of the
marine riser, are applied with the purpose of the preservation of the mechanical stability of the marine riser
in the conditions of drilling vessel motions.
The casing string is intended for the insulation of the interval of unstable layers in the borehole during
the process of interval-by-interval drilling with sampling and has branch pipes for maintenance of necessary
total length of configuration.
The conductor string is intend for isolation of the investigated interval of the borehole and preservation
of stability of the penetration string during pushing in of the probe and has branch pipes for the preservation
of the necessary total length of the string.
The drill string has branch pipes for the selection of the length of the string during interval-by-interval
sampling by samplers.
The penetration string has rods of equal length, providing the possibility to increase the length of the
string by 1.0 m during the process of cone penetration testing of soils.

The configurations of the strings provide the technological connection between the bottom and deck
wellheads in order to ensure return runs of the downhole equipment, preservation of longitudinal stability of
casing and drill strings, and to create closed circulation of the mud circulation system without dumping
cuttings on the seabed.
An automatic system of position-keeping of the marine riser during vertical motions is envisaged for
providing the stability of the riser under adverse weather conditions.
103
 There are the following instruments and equipment for laboratory testing and processing of
soil samples on board the vessel:

The soil penetrometer : WF-24950

Pocket penetrometer : 16-T0171 (Controls)
Pocket vane tester : Mod. WF
Pocket shear vane device : Cat.T0175/A
Balance - Triple Beam Balances : 750S “OHAUS”
Drying oven : Oven LTE
Electric heater : 5кw
Electric solderer : “Molniya”
Triaxial testing unit : СТ

2.1.3. Positioning system

Four mooring winches are available for the positioning of the vessel at the drilling location, which
allow to execute the vessel positioning offshore independently using anchors with increased holding capacity
weighing 4500 kg at the water depth up to 100 m. All anchor cables have maximum length 1000 m and
manufacturer’s certificates. The diameter of winch cables is 30.
In order to reduce the time needed for the vessel anchoring and to provide greater manoeuvrability of
the vessel, two bow and one stern thruster are envisaged, as well as a screw-steering nozzle, which are also
used to compensate for the wind load to stabilize the ship at the drilling location or when using a remotely
operated vehicle (ROV).

2.2.Research vessel “Izyskatel-1”

Research vessel “Izyskatel-1” is able to carry out geotechnical investigations, including geophysical
investigations and shallow-water geotechnical investigations.
During geotechnical investigations, the following operations are envisaged using the vessel: drilling
and sampling in geotechnical boreholes, CPT in special boreholes, seabed sampling and laboratory
studies on board the vessel. Pilot boreholes are drilled. A photograph of the vessel is presented in Fig.4,
its diagram – in Fig. 5.
The port of registry of R/V “Izyskatel-1” - Astrakhan, the area of operations – the Caspian Sea.

2.2.1. Information about the vessel

Shipowner: “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia

Name: “Izyskatel-1”
Flag: The Russian Federation
Drilling depth: Up to 100 m below the seabed
at the sea depth of up to 85 m
Dimensions Length between perpendiculars - 45.0 m
Max. width - 9.0 m
Draft - 1.8 m
Sea endurance: 30 days

2.2.2. Specifications of operations

Weather conditions, which are prohibitive for the initiation of drilling:

- wind force : 4 Bf
- maximum wave height : 1.0 m

104
Fig.4. R/V “Izyskatel-1”

105
 ИЗЫСКАТЕЛЬ

Seabed frame with ballast

Cone rod string

Fig. 5. R/V “Izyskatel-1”.

The scheme of locations of geotechnical equipment.

106
2.2.3. Technical parameters of the vessel

Name Izyskatel-1 Port of registry The City of

Astrakhan
Classification КМ*II СП (research) Year of putting the vessel 2008
into service Astrakhan
Crew 12+12 (scientific
personnel)
Total length 47.72
Light draught 1.5 m Full draught 1.8 m
Depth 3.8 m
Light displacement 441 ton Full-load displacement 497 ton
Cruising speed 7.0 knots
Fuel capacity 32.5 ton
Drinking water capacity 22.0 ton + desalination
unit, 2.0 ton/day
Brand of the main 6 Ch SNP 18/22 Net power 2х225 HP
engine
Generators 2х100 kW, 2х50 kW, 1х30
kW
Pumps NCVS 63/20 - 2 pcs.
Screws 2 Screw type 4-blade fixed-
pitch screws
Bow thruster 1
Weight of the main 2 x 500 kg Chain diameter 28 mm
anchor Chain length 2 x 175 m
Anchor positions Bower anchors on both sides
Positioning anchors 4 x 625 kg,
cable Ø 22 mm - 4 x 450
m
Location of The drilling derrick is located on the main deck in the area of 32nd – 38th
moonpool/drilling frames
derrick

Radionavigation equipment:

- echo-sounder НЭЛ-20К
- log ДГЛ-1
- radar station FURUNO 1510 MARK-3
- magnetic compass КМО-Т
- A gyro-compass «Меридиан»
Automatic identification system SAMYUNG 30D-E, JRS JUE-95LT
(AIS)

- Satellite navigation equipment Receiver GPS SAMYUNG SPR 1400

and communication facilities Receiver NAVTEX SAMYUNG SNX-300
Radio beacon SAR-9 – 2 pc.
Radar transponder beacon SAMYUNG SER-406
Satellite station INMARSAT-C TT3020 SSA
FM radio station with DSC encoder “RT-5022”,
MHFW/SW radio station DSC and radio telex
THRANE&THRANE HT-4520 D6T
Marine portable VHF radio station ICOM IC-GM1500–2 pc
INMARSAT FleetBroadband (voice satellite communications,
data transmission).
Satellite station GLOBALSTAR terminal Qualcom GSP 1600
with adapter GSP 1410 providing constant connection.
107
 - vessel internal 32 channel commutator «Ryabina»
communications
- vessel internal technological 32 channel commutator «Ryabina»
communications

2.2.4. Drilling and technological equipment

DRILLING RIG

Rig type ZIF-650M-1

Year of manufacture 2001
Max. drilling depth 650 m
Classification Exploration drilling
Engine type Electric motor
Drive Mechanical
Drillpipe length 300 line m
Drillbit Milling cutter ∅ 132 mm, Qty 10
Drillbit Milling cutter ∅ 112 mm, Qty 15
Drillbit Milling cutter ∅ 92 mm, Qty 15
Sampling tube type Stainless steel tube, ∅ 89 mm
Capacity of mud pump 8.1/7.3 l/sec.

Moonpool
Dimensions 2.9 х 2.9 m
Drilling pump NB-50 (2 pcs.)
Max. capacity 8.1 l/sec.
Max. head 5.0 MPa
Pipe strings
Diameter of marine riser 219.0 mm
Diameter of casing strings 146.0 mm
Diameter of guide string 63.5 mm
Diameter of drill string 50.0 mm
Diameter of CPT string 36.0 mm/45.0 mm
Seabed frame
Dimensions 2.0 m x 2.0 m x 0.5 m
Weight with ballast 5.0 ton

The drilling and technological equipment ensures:

- rotary drilling of geotechnical boreholes with flushing;
- seabed sampling in boreholes or CPT using the push-in method;
108
- seabed sampling in boreholes using the percussion or hydraulic percussion method;
- seabed sampling/testing in boreholes using the percussion method SPT.
The drilling pumps ensure the flushing of the bottom hole and the bore from cuttings. Seawater is
used as the washing fluid.
The marine riser and casing have connection pipes for the selection of the length of the string,
depending on the sea depth, with the purpose of the deployment of the seabed frame on the seabed surface, in
order to cover the investigated interval of unstable strata in the borehole during the interval-by-interval
drilling of the borehole, sampling and CPT.
The guide string has connection pipes for the selection of the length of the string to cover the
investigated interval of the borehole and preserve the stability of the CPT string during the push-in of the
probe.
The drill string has connection pipes for the selection of the length of the string during the interval-
by-interval sampling in the borehole using corers.
The CPT string consists of strings of equal length with the possibility of increasing the string length
by 1.0 m during the execution of CPT.
The string configurations serve as a technological link between the surface and bottom wellheads,
with the purpose of ensuring repeated trips of the borehole tools, preserving the vertical stability of casing
and drill string, and in order to ensure closed-path circulation without dumping the cuttings on the seabed
surface.
There are the following instruments and equipment for laboratory testing and processing of soil
samples on board the vessel:

The soil penetrometer : WF-24950

Pocket penetrometer : 16-T0171 (Controls)
Pocket vane tester : Mod. WF
Pocket shear vane device : Cat.T0175/A
Drying oven : SU-1-2,3
Electric heater : 5кВт
Electric solderer : “Molniya”

2.2.5. Positioning system

In order to carry out geotechnical investigations, the vessel has two positioning systems: the 4-
anchor one and the 2-pile one.
At the depth of up to 40 m, the anchor positioning system is used:
- 4 winches 2 GLB 3/12 with the anchor line 29.5 mm, the length 270 m each and the anchor
weighing 500 kg;
-4 beam cranes for the storage of anchors in transit.
The winches of the anchor system are used according to the vessel design R227/B.
All the anchor lines have manufacturer’s certificates.
In the winches with the wire-line spooler, single drums are used with the capacity at least
270 m.
At the depth of up to 5.5 m, the pile positioning system is used, using the bow and the stern piles
with the weight 4 ton each.
During the positioning of the vessel in order to carry out drilling or sampling and stabilisation of the
vessel, the thruster is used as well.

109
2.3. Multi-purpose floating platform UPP

SPECIFICATIONS
Design UPP (catamaran)
Place/year built Astrakhan, 2007
Ship-owner “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia
Register Class ГИМС
Flag The Russian Federation
Hull number РЗЛ 01-06
Home port Lagan (Kalmyk Republic)

TYPES OF OPERATIONS
Geotechnical investigations for the design of communications, drilling sites and port facilities
Ecological monitoring
Geoacoustic investigations

MAIN PARAMETERS
Length, width, draught 24.2 m; 6.1 m; 0.8 m
Total displacement, ton 40.95
Speed, km/hr Towable
Sea endurance 5 days
Full vessel fuel stock, kg 800
Diesel generator DGA-75M, 75 kW
Scientific personnel 6 persons

AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
Drilling mast (H=7.0 m), bearing capacity, ton 15.0
Hoist winch ZIF-650
Winch calf SBA-500
Anchor winch LVD-24 (4 pcs.)

110
2.4. Service/auxiliary boat “Skorpion”

SPECIFICATIONS
Design T63M (Kostromich)
Place/year built Azov, 2007 (restored)
Ship-owner “Morinzhgeologia” Ltd., Russia
Register Class М1.1.
Flag The Russian Federation
Hull number РМ 0308
Home port Astrakhan

TYPES OF OPERATIONS
Geotechnical investigations for the design of communications, drilling sites and port facilities
Ecological monitoring
Geoacoustic investigations

MAIN PARAMETERS
Length, width, draught 16.0 m; 3.2 m; 0.8 m
Holding capacity, reg. ton 19.00
Speed, km/hr 14.5
Sea endurance 3 days
Full vessel fuel stock, kg 3000
Main engine ЯМЗ-236
150 HP
Crew/scientific personnel 2/4 persons

AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
Diesel generator DGR1A16/ 1500 (16 kW)
Energy source:
storage battery 6STK-180M (2 pcs.)
Cargo winch LET-200 (hoisting capacity 900 kg)

Communications equipment

The vessel has the following communications equipment:

1. radio station:
Furuno FM-8500, emission class J3E, J2B, F3E, frequency range 156-174 МHz, output power 0.025 kW;
Raid 1, emission class F3E, frequency range 156-174 MHz, output power 0.02 kW;

Korvet-2, emission class A1A, F1B, J3E, H3E, frequency range 1,606-25,600 kHz, output power 0.3 kW;
Mousson-2, emission class A1A, H2A, frequency range 410-512 kHz, output power 0.2 kW
2. Satellite station INMARSAT FleetBroadband (voice satellite communications, e-mail, data
transmission).
111
 3. METHODS OF DRILLING AND SAMPLING
3.1. Requirements for methods of drilling and sampling

3.1.1. It is necessary to measure the length of casing and drill pipes of the operational strings and
mark them as far as possible.
3.1.2. The chosen drilling method must provide a sufficiently clean borehole, without excessive
disturbance of soils to be sampled or subject to CPT.
3.1.3. During the operations, accurate accounting of the drilling depth must be carried out, based
on the data of the string measurements.
3.1.4. The depth of the bottom hole in relation to the seabed level must be determined during
sampling or testing with the absolute error not exceeding 10 cm.
3.1.5. Drilling of geotechnical boreholes must be conducted without using drilling mud.
3.1.6. During drilling, sampling of different types of unlithified soils must be ensured, including
disturbed and undisturbed (cores) samples, in compliance with GOST 12071-2000.
3.1.7. Sample diameter must be at least 72 mm.
3.1.8. Sampling to the depth of up to 25 m will be continuous (maximum intervals between
sample will comprise 0.3 m), in the interval 25-50 m – with at least 1.0 m interval; in the
interval 50-100 m – with at least 1.5 m interval.
3.1.9. Samples of dusty-clayey soils must be taken by pushing in samplers with partially closed
entrance hole, in accordance with GOST 12071-2000.
3.1.10. Samples of sandy soils (dense and of medium density) and sand loam must be taken
using hydraulic percussion and percussion sampling.
3.1.11. All samples must be classified, covered with wax and put to wooden boxes for
storage. The samples must be registered and marked.
3.1.12. After the extraction of samples, their detailed and accurate descriptions must be
made, indicating the colour (according to the standard colour code), structure, consistency
and odour. Colour photographs of all characteristic samples must be taken.
3.1.13. The following operations must be carried out on board:

• geotechnical descriptions of sections for all geotechnical boreholes;

• soil testing in situ using a torvane and pocket penetrometer;

• preparation of disturbed samples and cores for transportation to a specialised

laboratory;

• preparation of a technical programme of laboratory testing.

3.2. Methods of drilling and sampling

Depending on the character of soils, drilling and sampling are carried out using different
methods: rotary (core) drilling, push-in, percussion, hydraulic percussion and percussion SPT.
The rotary (core) drilling method is used in rocks and strong cemented soils. The push-in
method is used for undisturbed sampling in cohesive (clayey) soils with the consistency from
very soft to very stiff, and in loose sand. The percussion and hydraulic-percussion methods are
used to take samples of medium dense and dense sand.
Soil testing/sampling using percussion SPT method is used, predominantly, in
unconsolidated (granular) soils – to determine relative density; it can also be used in cohesive
soils for the preliminary determination of plasticity and undrained shear strength. The core barrel
diameter for the SPT method is 50-100 mm.
After sampling, the bottom hole is cleaned by washing fluid (seawater).
Due to the fact that sand prevails in the section, and is subject to landfall and slides, the
bore is strengthened by casing parallel to the deepening of a borehole. The configuration of
borehole is presented in Fig. 4.
Undisturbed sampling is carried out layer-by-layer within the target intervals after each 1-
2 m, depending on the character of the section. If CPT is conducted nearby, sampling locations 13
are determined based on the CPT results.
112
 Undisturbed sampling of clayey soils with the consistency from very soft to soft is carried
out by push-in disposable samplers (piston or parallel-current with a check valve) with the
maximum length 1 m and wall thickness 2-3 mm (see Fig.8).
Undisturbed sampling of clayey soils with the consistency from very stiff to hard is carried
out by push-in sampler with the following diameter ratio:((D2 outer–D2inner/ D2
inner)х100<30% (see Fig.9).
Undisturbed sampling in sandy soils is carried out using a thin-walled sampler with a back
valve (see Fig. 9) with the length up to 400 mm and wall thickness 2 mm.
The diameter of the samples is 96 and 76 mm, and is selected depending on the drilling
conditions. The larger diameter is the standard one. The 76 mm samples are taken in the lower
intervals of boreholes, if 114 mm casing is used to strengthen the bore.
Undisturbed samples are not extracted from the samplers onboard. They are sealed by
wax, placed horizontally in boxes with wood chips and stored in a separate room at the
temperature 20-22ºC. The opening, description and further investigations of the samples are
made in the onshore laboratory.
Field laboratory testing is carried out onboard the vessel, including determinations of
density and moisture content in soils and testing using pocket penetrometer and torvane.
Field classification and soil descriptions comply with the British Standard BS 5930 –
Table in Fig.5, as well as Fig. 6 and Fig.7.

113
Marine riser 219mm

Seabed frame

Casing string 146mm

Casing string 114mm

Sampling interval
in uncased hole

Fig.4 Design of borehole at sampling from the drillship

114
Fig.5 Unified soil classification system BS-5930

115
Fig.6 Boring log

116
Fig.7 Boring log and classification test results

117
 3.3. Equipment for borehole sampling

3.3.1.The parameters of equipment for disturbed soil sampling are presented in Table
1, those for undisturbed soil sampling (coring) - in Table 2.
The push-in sampler (see Fig.8; Fig.8.1) represents a single core barrel and has a
pipe sub with a swivel coupling Z-50, back valve with drop ball, core catcher
and shoe.
The push-in shell (see Fig. 9) has: a swivel coupling Z-50, shell head with a back
valve and retainer screw, a thin-walled stainless steel barrel.
3.3.2.The push-in soil sampling method (see Fig.10 and photo Fig 10.1) operates with
the assistance of the hydraulic cylinder of the supporting mast, installed in
the supporting branch pipe in the top part of the marine riser.
The hydraulic-percussion soil sampling (see Fig.11) is conducted using a
hydraulic percussion tool by driving a single or double core barrel into
soil.

Parameters of the hydraulic percussion tool and double core barrel

Hydraulic percussion tool PBS-127 PBS-108
Outer diameter :127 mm :108 mm
Length of tool :2.3 m :2.3 m

Weight of tool :160 kg :160 kg

Frequency of strokes :20-25 Hz :20-25 Hz
Stroke energy :80-110 J :70-90 J
Flow rate of working fluid :200-250 l/min. :130-140 l/min.
Pressure gradient of fluid :2.0-4.0 MPa :2.0-2.2 MPa

Effective power : 35 kW : 22 kW

Outer pipe of double core barrel :

External/internal diameter :127/117 mm :108/98 mm
Length : 2570 mm :3000,2000,1500
mm
Inner pipe of double core barrel
External/internal diameter :108/98 mm :89/80 mm
Length : 2000 mm :2347,1347,847 mm
Cutting shoe
External/internal diameter :130/94 mm :110/78 mm
Driven-percussion sampling (see Fig.12) is carried out in conjunction with a
ram and anvil, installed on the upper end of the drill string. The driving in is
achieved with the assistance of the onboard drilling winch by multiple blows by the
ram against the anvil of the drillstring.
Parameters of the drive weight
Diameter of the drive weight : 122 mm
Working stroke of the drive weight : (1.0-1.5) m
Weight of the drive weight : 150 kg or 300 kg

118
 Percussion SPT method is implemented by using a percussion unit, incorporating a
hammer, anvil and trip mechanism with the stroke at least 1.5 m.
Either a core barrel or a cone is attached to the anvil.
The tool is lowered into the borehole using a cable winch. After the tool is fixed at
the needed depth in the geotechnical borehole, a series of blows is conducted, with the
simultaneous measurement of the number of strokes and progress rate. The testing scheme is
given in Fig.13.

119
 EQUIPMENT FOR SOIL SAMPLING IN BOREHOLES

1. DISTURBED SAMPLING Table 1

Hydraulic percussion sampling Driven-percussion sampling
Name Sampler Sampler

Technical parameters Type Type Type Type Type 5 Type 6 Type Type 2 Type Type Type 5 Type 6
1 2 3 4 1 3 4
Core diameter (Dc), mm 94.0 76.0 76.0 97.6 80.0 92.0 76.0 97.6 80.0
Outside diameter (Dw), mm 130.0 112.0 91.0 101.6 84.0 110.0 91.0 101.6 84.0
Tube bore (Ds), mm 98.0 79.0 79.0 97.6 80.0 98.0 79.0 97.6 80.0
Outside tube diameter (DT), mm 127.0 108.0 89.0 101.6 84.0 108.0 89.0 101.6 84.0
Length of tube, m 3.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 2.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.5 1.5 2.5 1.0 1.0
Presence of cutting boot Available Is absent Available Is absent
Catcher type spring-finger core catcher Is absent spring-finger core catcher Is absent
Presence of return valve Available Available

2. UNDISTURBED SAMPLING
Table 2
Push-in Samplers Percussive Samplers
Name
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 1 Type 1 Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
Technical parameters
Core diameter (Dc), mm 96,0 76.0 97.6 80.0 92.0 76.0 97.6 80.0
Outside diameter (Dw), mm 106.0 104.0 84.0 83.0 101.6 84.0 110.0 91.0 101.6 84.0
Tube bore (Ds), mm 98.0 98.0 77.0 77.0 97.6 80.0 98.0 89.0 97.6 80.0
Outside tube diameter (DT), mm 104.0 102.0 83.0 81.0 101.6 84.0 108.0 89.0 101.6 84.0
Length of tube, m 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0
Presence of cutting boot Available Is absent Available Is absent
Catcher type spring-finger core catcher Is absent spring-finger core catcher Is absent
Presence of return valve Available Available Available available

120
 screw-top
drop
ball

Shell head

Retainer
screw

Pipe sub

Check
valve

Core sampler

Spring-finger
core catcher
Thin-wall sampler

Core sampler
shoe

a) b)

Fig.8 Push-in sampler Fig.9 Push-in shells

a) with fixed ball
b) with drop ball

121
Fig.8.1. Push-in sampler

122
 Supporting mast

Hydraulic cylinder
Oil hydraulic station

Saddle

Drill string
Support mast
fork

Supporting
branch pipe

Casing pipe
fork

Casing string
Vessel
Marine conductor

Seabed frame

Push-in sampler

Fig.10 Push-in method of borehole sampling

123
Fig.10.1 Sampling unit (using push-in method)

124
 Water Drivehead
pumping-in

Drive weight

Drilling string Drive string

Supporting
branch pipe
Casing pipe
fork

Vessel

Casing string
Hydraulic-per
cussion tool
Marine conductor

Seabed frame

Core sampler
Percussive
shell

Fig.11 Hydraulic-percussion method Fig.12 Driven-percussion method

of borehole sampling of borehole sampling

125
Casing string

Wire-line

Percussion unit

Core barrel

Fig. 13. Soil testing using percussion method SPT

126
 3.4. Technology of soil sampling using push-in method

At the site of the geotechnical borehole, the seabed frame is lowered together with the marine riser.
At the upper end of the riser (above the deck level), a branch pipe with holes for gripping forks is fastened.
The casing is lowered through the branch pipe with the riser to the planned depth of the bottom hole,
with the string slacking-off on the gripping fork in the branch pipe.
Lowering of the push-in sampler with the drill string through the casing is conducted until the
planned depth of the bottom hole is reached; the depth, reached by the sampler, is continuously monitored by
instruments.
A supporting mast with a hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the branch pipe. The hydraulic system of
the oil station with the hydraulic cylinder provides pushing in of the sampler to the target interval with
continuous monitoring of the depth of pushing-in by instruments.
Sampling of the next interval is carried out after the extraction of the drill string with the sampler,
dismantling of the supporting mast with the hydraulic cylinder, hole-making and lowering of the casing to
the depth of the sampling interval.

3.5. Technology of soil sampling using hydraulic-percussion method

At the site of the geotechnical borehole, the seabed frame is lowered

together with the marine riser. At the upper end of the riser (above the deck level), a branch pipe with holes
for gripping forks is fastened.
The casing is lowered through the branch pipe with the riser to the planned depth of the bottom hole,
with the string slacking-off on the gripping fork in the branch pipe.
Lowering of the hydraulic percussion tool bullet on the drillstring is executed through the casing to
the planned depth with continuous monitoring of the depth of lowering by instruments.
By the delivery of mud, first of all, drilling of a borehole in the washout mode and removal of
cuttings in the lower interval is conducted. At that, liquid in the hydraulic percussion unit is transported
through the lower startup unit and core barrel to the bottom hole (Fig.14a). By delivery of liquid during the
second stage, sampling in the target interval is conducted. During that procedure, after the switching of the
upper starting unit, mud is transported through the gap between pipes to the annular space of the borehole
(see Fig.14b).
Sampling in the next borehole interval is conducted after the extraction of the hydraulic percussion
drilling tool and recharging of the upper starting unit.

127
 Upper starting unit

Hydraulic
percussion tool

Pump block

Lower startup unit

Double core barrel

a) b)
Fig.14. Scheme of hydraulic-percussion tool bullet

128
 3.6. Technology of soil sampling using percussion method

At the site of drilling of a geotechnical borehole, the bottom frame is lowered

together with the marine riser. At the upper end of the riser (above the deck level), a branch pipe with holes
for gripping forks is fastened.
The casing is lowered through the branch pipe with riser to the planned depth of the bottom hole,
with the string slacking-off on the gripping fork in the branch pipe.
Lowering of the core receiver with the drill string is conducted until the planned depth is reached; the depth,
reached by the core receiver, is continuously monitored by instruments.
The anvil is attached to the upper face of the drillstring. Using the winch of
the drilling rig, the ram is attached to the top end of the drillstring before its seating on the anvil.
Using the winch of the drilling rig, a series of multiple blows by the ram is executed, with
continuous monitoring by instruments of the penetration depth, until the planned interval is reached.
Sampling of the next interval is carried out after the extraction of the ram, the drill string with the
core receiver, hole-making and lowering of the casing to the depth of the sampling interval.

3.7. Technology for testing/sampling using percussion SPT method

At the boring site, during drilling in, predominantly, sandy sections, a percussion core barrel is used.
The percussion core barrel is lowered through casing as far as the bottom hole with continuous
instrumented control of the depth of lowering.
Using a winch, a serious of blows by the percussion unit is executed with continuous instrumented
control of the depth of penetration to the target interval, using marks on the cable and number of blows.
Sampling in the next interval is carried out after the extraction of the percussion core barrel, further
drilling and penetration of casing equal to the size of the sampled interval.

3.8. Drilling of pilot boreholes

In the areas where preliminary (geophysical) investigations did not exclude the presence of shallow
gas, a pilot borehole must be drilled, including special technological and safety measures.
The above offshore drilling operations are considered hazardous and costly, requiring high insurance
coverage.
A specialised auxiliary vessel is required to render the necessary assistance if an extraordinary
situation (average) arises; the operations are conducted during day time only; a lot of heavy mud is needed
for immediate borehole plugging if there is a gas blow-out; a set of gas analyses is necessary; safety
measures must be implemented, etc.
The drilling of a pilot borehole (Fig. 17) is carried out by rotary drilling using a drill string with the
diameter 50 mm and drill bit of at least 76 mm.
In order to prevent gas from reaching the vessel deck through the drill string (if shallow gas is encountered),
a float valve is used, installed in the lower part of the drill string; gas enters the annular space and exits to the
sea bottom, dissipating in water.
An uncased well is drilled using seawater as drilling fluid, while clay-based drilling mud is used
during drilling in loose deposits.

129
Fig.17. Scheme of pilot borehole

130
The above composition of the drillstring and technology of drilling prevent the entry of gas or gas-soil mix
into the vessel and cause the dispersion of those components (if any) in the water column.
Before the start of drilling, the possible location of a gas plume from the seabed through the
wellhead is determined by pumping air from the wellhead through the drillstring.
The following operations were executed during drilling:
- visual observations of the sea surface at the boards and in the moonpool (at the locations of possible gas
leakage);
- measurements of concentrations of one of the most widespread hydrocarbon gases – methane.
The general technological diagram is shown in the figure.
The measurements of concentrations of methane were carried out using the industrial gas detection
system SGAES-TG. Up to five optical gas detectors of the system (EGOS-0) are situated at the locations of
possible entry of gas – one over water at the vessel board, the second – in the working area at the moonpool,
the rest – at other locations of possible entry of gas and at the vessel air vents. Measurements of background
methane concentrations are conducted before the initiation of drilling.
The measurement data is recorded on a PC with the sampling rate 5 sec. The gas concentrations are recorded
in percentage from the LEL (Lower Explosion Limit) ; for methane – 4.40% of gas volume. The
measurement data is output as protocols. The approximate chart of pilot borehole boring is given in a Fig. 18,
where shows of gas are illustrated in red and green.

Time, hours

131
 CH 4,4%, lower
Depth from the top of the conductor string, m flammability
level

Time, hours

Fig.18. Schedule/diagram of drilling of the pilot borehole

Depth below seabed, m

132
 3.9. Equipment for bottom sampling

The VP-4 electrical vibratory sampler is used. General configuration of the sampler is shown in
Fig.19 and photo - in Fig.19.1.

Technical parameters of VP-4 sampler

Maximum water depth :50.0 m
Maximum sampling depth : 40 m
Core diameter :92.0 mm
Type of core receptacle :polythene sleeve
Type of core catcher :hinged, lobed
Power consumption :1.7 kW
Current :AC, 3-phase, 380/220 V,
50 Hz
Dimensions:
length :2.4 m
width :2.4 m
height :5.5 m
Weight of bottom equipment :500 kg

The operations are carried out when the vessel is anchored (2 anchors).

Based on sampling results, the following products will be prepared onshore:

lithological sections based on the sampling lines;
bottom soil maps at the scale 1:200 for the area of more detailed investigations and 1:10,000 for the rest of
the site.
Soil plugs are extracted from the cores taken at the site for the determination of soil classification
parameters and main physical parameters.

133
 Traverse

Carriage

Cable

Vibrator

Spud lead

Sling

Core lifter

Turnbuckle

Supporting frame

Fig. 19. Sampler VP-4

134
Fig. 20. Sampler VP-4

135
 4. CONE PENETRATION TESTING

4.1. Requirements for CPT methodology

4.1.1. Cone penetration testing (CPT) must be carried out in compliance with recommendations of the
ISMFEE - International Reference Test Procedure for Cone Penetration Test – IRTP.
4.1.2. CPT must be carried out in compliance with GOST (State Standard) 19912-2001, using a probe with
pore pressure measurement cell and push-in pressure of up to 100 kN, with geometric dimensions
complying to Type II according to GOST 20069-81, or the European Standard JSS MFE-776,
ensuring the measurement of pore pressure alongside with measurement of soil resistance under the
cone and friction sleeve.
4.1.3. CPT is conducted using either the “ZOND-M” CPT unit or “GEOTECH” equipment.
4.1.4. CPT is carried out using a drillstring consisting of smooth drill pipes with the diameter 73/56 mm
with a drill bit at the end. The drillstring is used for ensuring the mechanical stability of the
penetration rod string, as well as drilling through testing intervals with drilling with washout used.
Such a method allows to conduct CPT in soils to the depth up to 20 m during one trip. Borehole
configuration during CPT is shown in Fig. 20.
4.1.5. Pushing-in is provided by an oil hydraulic cylinder with the force of up to 100kN. one run of the rod
of the hydraulic cylinder comprises 1200 mm.
4.1.6. The velocity of the probe penetration is kept within (1.2±0.3) m/min.
4.1.7. The tested intervals are drilled through using a conductor string.
4.1.8. The following parameters are measured during testing:
qc - measured cone resistance;
fs - unit sleeve friction resistance;
u - pore pressure.

4.1.9. Recording of the measurement results is carried out on a PC based on the signal from the depth sensor
with the sampling rate 2 cm and more. The results of testing are presented as tables and diagrams as soil
columns and testing diagrams.
4.1.10. The classification of soils is done based on the calculated values R1=fs/ qcх 100 and SCN –
classification index of the soil number according to Olsen’s diagram. The above information is included in
the field report.
4.1.11. Onshore, calculations of deformation/strength parameters are made: Su, φ, C, E, both in situ and
average values for separate layers.
4.1.12. Based on CPT results, calculations of bearing capacity of the soil foundation
and penetration of jack-up legs, as well as preliminary calculations of bearing capacity of piles are made.
4.1.13. Onshore, after receiving the results of laboratory investigations, it is envisaged to make
interpretation models more accurate. Based on the selected dependencies, it is planned to calculate norm
parameters of soils using geotechnical components in compliance with GOST 20522-96 “Methods of statistic
processing of test results”.

136
Marine riser 219mm

Seabed frame

Casing string 146мм

Conductor string 73мм

Penetrated interval
max 20 m

Fig. 20. Design of borehole with CPT carried out from a drillship

137
4.2. Cone penetration testing unit “ZOND-M”

4.2.1. A schematic of the unit is given in Fig. 20; it consists of:

a) Equipment
- seabed frame with marine riser;
- branch pipe;
- push-in mechanism;
- conductor string;
- penetration string;
b) Devices
- measuring probe;
- cable drum with communication cable;
- measuring transducer block;
- sensor of sounding depth;
- PC + software.

The “Zond-M” unit was certified by State Enterprise “VNIIFTRI” of State Committee for Standards of the
Russian Federation, Certificate of Conformity No. 0000240 of 22.03.2002.

4.2.2. Main working parameters of “ZOND-M”:

- sea depth, max. 100 m;

- maximum sounding depth – 100 m;
- maximum push-in pressure – 100 kN;
- stroke of the hydraulic cylinder rod – 1200 mm;
- nominal sounding velocity – 1.2 m/min.;
- diameter of the penetrometer rod – 36 mm;
- length of the penetrometer rod – 1000 mm;
- minimum weight of the bottom base – 5 ton;
- area of the bottom base 2500х2500 mm2;
- casing pipe diameter – 219 mm;
- nominal AC voltage (50 Hz) – 3х380 V;
- power consumption, max. - 3.5 kV·A.

4.2.3. Measuring probe configuration

The measuring probe configuration corresponds to the recommendations of ISMFEE (European Standard) -
International Reference Test Procedure for Cone Penetration Test - IRTP):

- outer diameter - 35.7 mm;

- area of the cone base – 10 cm2;
- angle at the top of the cone – 60º;
- area of the friction coupling – 150 cm2;
- area index – а=0.852;
- location of the pore pressure-measuring cell – on the cone.

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 Supporting mast

Hydraulic cylinder

Oil hydraulic station

Saddle

Measuring transducer unit

Penetrometer
communication cable
Personal computer
with software Cone rod string

Support mast Supporting

fork branch pipe

Casing pipe
fork

Vessel

Casing string
Marine conductor
Conductor string

Seabed frame

Penetrometer

Fig. 21. Scheme of cone penetration testing of soils - CPT

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 4.2.4. Measuring transducer block
The measuring probe is coupled with the measuring transducer block using a cable communication line
located inside the rods of the penetrometer column. The following parameters are measured during sounding:
- cone resistance under the cone (qc),
- Unit sleeve friction resistance (fs);
- pore pressure (u2).

Main technical parameters of the measuring transducer block:

- number of measurement ranges (see Table 3) – 2;
- principal relative error of parameter measurements, max. – 1%;
- reading frequency - 2 readings/sec.;
- recording increment – fold – 2 cm and more;
- coupling with PC in compliance with RS-232C Standard;
- information exchange velocity with using a series communication channel with
a PC - 9600 Baud;
- DC supply voltage - +12 V to +16 V;
- consumption current, max. - 0.5 A.

4.2.5. Parameter measurement ranges

Table 3

CPT data Range 1 Range 2

From To From To
Cone resistance, qc, MPa 0.4 50.0 0.07 7.0
Unit sleeve friction resistance, fs, MPa 0.006 0.60 0.0015 0.150
Pore pressure, u2, MPa 0.04 4.0 0.01 1.0

4.2.6. PC software provides the following:

- selection of calibration suitable for the measuring probe used;
- automatic balancing of measurement channels (with unloaded measuring probe);
- automatic selection of parameter measurement range during CPT;
- loading of measurement results in the PC database;
- control of measured data on the PC display during CPT both in the digital and graphic
format;
- visualisation of measurement results and interpretations both in the digital and graphic
format;
- classification of soils and calculations of their physical and mechanical parameters.

4.3. Technology of CPT using “ZOND-M”

At the CPT site, the seabed frame is lowered in the borehole together with the marine riser. At the upper end
of the riser (above the deck level), a branch pipe with holes for gripping forks is fastened.
The casing is lowered through the branch pipe with the riser to the planned depth of the bottom hole, with the
string slacking-off on the gripping fork in the branch pipe.
The drill string is lowered through the casing string to the planned borehole depth with the string slacking-off
on the supporting fork resting on the casing string coupling.
The penetration string is lowered through the drill string with a short stop at the sea bottom level in
order to make zero readings of the “ZOND-M” equipment. Following that, the penetration string with the
probe is lowered to the planned depth of investigations in the borehole.
After the installation of the supporting mast in the branch pipe with feeding from the oil station with
the hydraulic cylinder, cyclic pushing-in of the penetration string with the probe (with 1.0 m intervals) is
conducted, with simultaneous activation of the cell measuring the CPT depth.
During pushing in of the probe, readings and records of the testing parameters are output as a
function of the testing depth.

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CPT of the next interval is carried out after the dismantling of the supporting mast, extraction of the
penetration string, hole-making and lowering of the drill string to the next borehole testing interval.
The operations shall be governed by the relevant administrative acts, including GOST 19912-2001
“Soils. Methods of field testing using cone penetration testing and dynamic penetration testing”.

4.4. “GEOTECH” CPT equipment

The GEOTECH equipment is able to ensure the following three options of the transmission of
measurement data to the PC interface:
- data transmission by communications cable;
- data transmission using an acoustic communications channel (through the penetrometer string);
- reading of data stored in the back-up memory of the measuring probe in the PC after the extraction
of the probe from the borehole.

The technological diagram of the “GEOTECH” equipment using an acoustic communications

channel is presented in Fig. 22.
The basic set of the “GEOTECH” equipment has the following components:
- 3-channel СРТ probe with built-in tilt sensor and back-up memory module;
- sounding depth sensor;
- tilt sensor (in the probe);
- PC interface block;
- PC + software.

In order to operate in the mode of data transmission by cable, the equipment has:
- adaptor with waterproof connector and communications cable (at least 150 m long) for connecting
the measuring probe to the PC interface.

In order to operate in the mode of data transmission using an acoustic communications channel, the
equipment has:
- acoustic transmitter block with built-in power source;
- microphone with cable for the connection with the PC interface.

The built-in memory and PC software ensure the storage of the CPT data, their synchronisation with the
depth marks (are transmitted to the PC by the depth sensor) and data reading in the PC after the extraction of
the probe from the borehole.

The design of the probes complies with recommendations of the ISMFEE - International Reference Test
Procedure for Cone Penetration Test – IRTP (European Standard):

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 Supporting mast

Hydraulic cylinder

Oil hydraulic station

Depth sensor Saddle

Interface unit

Microphone
Personal computer
with software
Cone rod string

Support mast Supporting

fork branch pipe

Casing pipe
fork

Vessel

Casing string
Marine conductor
Conductor string

Seabed frame

Acoustic transmitter

Receiver probe

Fig. 22. Scheme of cone penetration testing CPT, cable-free option

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 - the outer diameter - 35.7 mm;
- cone base area – 10 cm2;
- angle at the cone apex – 60 deg.;
- area of the friction sleeve – 150 cm2;
- pore pressure cell is located behind the cone.

4.4.2. The following parameters are measured during CPT:

- point resistance (qc) – up to 100 MPa;
- local friction (fs) – up to 0.5 MPa;
- pore pressure (u2) – up to 2.5 MPa;
- azimuth angle of the probe tilt.

4.4.3. PC software ensures the following:

- recording of measurement results in the PC database;
- control of data obtained during CPT on the PC screen, in both digital and graphic
formats;
- visualisation of measurement results in both digital and graphic formats, with
interpretation;
- classification of soils and calculations of their physical and mechanical properties.
Photographs of the calibration unit are presented in Fig. 23, probes – in Fig. 24 and recording
equipment – in Fig. 25.

4.5. Technology of CPT using “GEOTECH” equipment

At the CPT site, the seabed frame is lowered in the borehole together with the marine riser. At the
upper end of the riser (above the deck level), a branch pipe with holes for gripping forks is fastened.
The casing string is lowered through the branch pipe with the riser to the planned depth of the bottom
hole, with the string slacking-off on the gripping fork in the branch pipe.
The drillstring is lowered through the casing string to the planned borehole depth with the string
slacking-off on the supporting fork resting on the casing string coupling.
The penetration string is lowered through the drillstring to the planned depth of investigations in the
borehole.
After the installation of the supporting mast in the branch pipe with feeding from the oil station with
the hydraulic cylinder, cyclic pushing-in of the penetration string with the probe (with 1.0 m intervals) in the
soil massif is conducted.
During pushing-in of the probe, the acoustic communication of the measuring probe with onboard
equipment is ensured, as well as the display of readouts and recording of testing parameters as a function of
the testing depth.
CPT of the next interval is carried out after the dismantling of the supporting mast, extraction of the
penetration string, hole-making and lowering of the drill string to the next borehole testing interval.

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Fig. 23. Unit for calibration of measurement channels

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Fig. 24. Probe with a transducer block for transformation into acoustic signal

Fig. 25. Recording system using cable data transmission

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 UNDERWATER VIDEO SURVEYS AND INSPECTION USING ROVs

Underwater video surveys are used for the inspection and recording of the condition of pipelines and
underwater parts of offshore structures, occurrence of foreign artificial objects on the seabed in the vicinity
of a pipeline or structure.

Underwater video surveys are carried out either by divers or from remotely operated underwater vehicles
(ROV), equipped with video cameras, lights, manipulator and beacon of underwater acoustic positioning
system for the positioning of the ROV. A ROV could be also equipped with side-scan (SSS), sector and
scanning sonars, echosounder, subbottom profiler, route finder, meter of anode potentials, caliper, flaw
detector.

INSPECTION ROV SUB-ATLANTIC NAVAJO

• light weight – 35 kg
• possibility of manual actuation
• depth rating 300 m
• high towing power
• possibility of working in strong currents
• forward velocity – 6 knots
• standard payload – 5 kg
• highly sensitive colour and black and white video
cameras
• HID lamps
• auto-heading and depth
• video text block
• possibility of installation of SSS
• instrumented platform and manipulator
• high reliability and easy maintenance

Technical specifications

Depth rating: standard - 300 m, (>300 m optional)

Payload: standard - 5 kg (>5 kg optional)
Dimensions:
Height: 405 mm
Length: 950 mm
Width: 631 mm
Weight in air: 35 kg

Thrust:
Forward: 46 kgf
Lateral: 18 kgf
Vertical: 18 kgf

ROV maximum velocity/maximum operational current:

Forward: > 5.83 knots
Lateral: > 2.43 knots
Vertical: > 2.43 knots
Turning rate: 120 degrees per second.

The video module is located in the frontal part of the vehicle; it consists of a transparent cylindrical acrylic
housing. The module contains a platform, on which a colour video camera with variable zoom, a highly
sensitive black and white video camera, 50 W dimmer-controlled halogen lamps and two laser emitters are
installed. In addition, there are spherical windows for luminaires on both ends of the cylinder. Each sphere
contains a 20 W gaseous discharge lamp, the power of which is equivalent to 60 W of halogen lighting.

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There is a magnetic compass there as well. The laser emitters are used for the establishment of a reference
distance by emitting two parallel rays with known distance between them onto the inspected object.

Components of the ROV system

The frame has hydrodynamic configuration and is made of impact-resistant corrosion-proof plastic. The
frame can be easily dismantled for the purposes of maintenance, repair or replacement of the internal
components of the ROV. All parts of the frame have easily detachable fixings and landings for attaching
manipulators and other attachment tools.

The telemetric system

The communication channel “surface-ROV” - 8 analogue channels, 12-bit resolution, 16 digital channels.
The communication channel “ROV-surface - 8 analogue channels, 12-bit resolution, 16 digital channels.
The velocity of the signal transmission – 57.6 kBaud.
The communication channel – one – of the RS485 standard and one additional – of the RS232 standard.

The system of motors-thrusters

The vehicle is equipped with 4 “wet” type thrusters SPE-75 (two marching, one vertical and one horizontal).
The thrusters are water-filled, which makes oil-filled compensators and magnetic couplings unnecessary.
The thrusters are attached to ROVs using easily detachable couplings.

Instrumented platforms
It is possible to attach instrumented platforms and a manipulator to NAVAJO; they have neutral buoyancy
and could be designed either by the customer or by the manufacturer according to the stated requirements.

Extra equipment
The following additional equipment could be installed on the ROV Navajo:
• Dual frequency side-scan sonar
• Subbottom profiler
• Side-scan sonar
• Bathymetric and oceanographic sensors
• Marine corrosion meter and thickness measurement sensors
• Extra manipulators

Additional support systems for ROV NAVAJO

The main ROV system consists of:
The surface control unit (SCU)
The remote control unit
The cable

SCU of ROV NAVAJO

SCU is a 19” console ensuring the transmission of power and control of the whole system. That compact
block incorporates a power supply unit with the system of insulation control, telemetry, system of lamp
adjustment, function of automatic heading and depth control (height as an option), meter of cable revolutions
and video text. SCU also controls the operation of the instrumented platforms. The block is connected with
the power cable and the cable of the ROV.
Power: 80-264 V AC, 47-440 Hz, 3.0-4.8 kW.
The remote control unit is used for the control of the ROV movement and is connected with the SCU by
cable. The standard remote control unit is a joystick Sony PS2 as the most popular with the operators of
ROVs.
The SCU and ROV are connected by a cable with the diameter 14 mm, connected to the ROV by an
electrical connector with a metal case.
The NAVAJO ROV consists of three main modules: the module of motors-thrusters, the video module
and the frame.
The module of motors-thrusters is located in the back part of the vehicle and consists of the housing of the
electronic block, landings for the installation of 4 thrusters and sockets for connecting the cable and the
video module. The electronic equipment of the power supply and the telemetric block are inside that block;
they are accessed by removing the bayonet fixing plug.

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Additionally installed equipment:
• Dual frequency sector sonar
• Subbottom profiler
• Side-scan sonar
• Bathymetric and oceanographic sensors
• Marine corrosion meter and thickness measurement sensors
• Extra manipulators

Inspection ROV GNOM Standard

The GNOM ROV is used during shallow-water

operations, from small-size vessels and launches
with limited power supply and space.
The GNOM ROVs have demonstrated excellent
performance during the inspection of underwater
pipelines, underwater parts of drilling rigs and oil
platforms. Such operations are carried out regularly
in the Caspian Sea using GNOMs. They are most
effective for the ecological operations.

Technical specifications

• Number of thrusters: 3 (4)

• Operating depth: 120 m
• Horizontal speed: up to 3 knots
• Cable: diameter 3mm, Kevlar-strengthened, up to 200 m long
• Video camera: colour SONY Super HAD CCD 1/3", 520 TV Lines, 0.3 lux
• LED lights
• Digital compass (heading retention function; data are displayed on a monitor screen)
• Depth sensor (depth retention function; data are displayed on a monitor screen)
• Power supply and control unit: 220 VAC or 12 VDC
• Power consumption: 200 W
• The full system is packed in two STORMCASE cases
• ROV weight in the air: 3 kg, total system weight: 18 kg
• ROV dimensions: 310x180x150 mm
• Digital data display

Advantages of GNOM ROVs:

• The complete system is placed in two briefcases – the ROV, coil with cable, battery-powered
control unit, video monitor and recording device.
• Simplicity and convenience of operation — the ROV is controlled by one operator using a radio
joystick.
• Possibility of operation from any vessel — the ROV can be deployed both from a big vessel and a
small launch or motor boat.
• Readiness for the start of operations — the preparation for operations takes no more than 3-5
minutes.
• Thin cable (2-3 mm thick). Unlike with other underwater vehicles, it drags the ROV much less and
allows to operate at the stated depth in reality.
• Small weight and size and excellent manoeuvrability, as well as the possibility of operation

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 directly at an object, in particular in cavities, holes, pipes and other hardly accessible places.
• Small power consumption — 3-5 times less than in Videoray and Seabotix vehicles with
practically identical actual velocity, which allows to use autonomous power from a small battery (12
Ah), built in the operator’s control unit.

Scanning sonar Tritech Super SeaKing DST

Very latest achievements in the sphere of marine acoustic equipment have been
used in the dual-frequency scanning sonar Super SeaKing DST. The utilisation
of the CHIRP technology and composite transducer heads allow to obtain
earlier unattainable operating detection ranges and clearest images. CHIRP
technology dramatically improves the range resolution compared with
conventional sonars by a factor of up to five times. In addition, the utilised
modular transducer design and longer life slip ring assembly allow to minimise
the consequences of operational damage and to further improve the service life
of the instrument.
The Super SeaKing DST shares all of the advantages of the earlier SeaKing
model, which has been chosen as the standard obstacle avoidance sonar in
many of the professional ROV fleets around the world. The Super SeaKing
DST combines the functions of two sonars: a 352 kHz sonar with an
operational range of up to 300 metres for long range target acquisition, and a
675 kHz sonar for ultra-high definition images. All products in the SeaKing
DST family can be run simultaneously utilising a single cable for ArcNet
communications link, using the same processor and display.

Technical specifications

Operating frequency (low) Dynamic frequency change using CHIRP

technology, from 250 to 350 kHz
Operating frequency (high) Dynamic frequency change using CHIRP
technology, from 620 to 720 kHz
Optional high frequency 1 MHz
Beamwidth, vertical 200 [325 kHz]/ 400 [675 kHz]
Beamwidth, horizontal 30 [325 kHz]/ 1.50 [675 kHz]
Maximum range 300 m [325 kHz]/ 100 m [675 kHz]
Minimum range 0.4 m
Range resolution 5-400 mm, depending on range
Pulse length 20-300 μsec.
Scanned sector 3600 with continuous 360° mode available
Maximum diameter 110 mm
Maximum length 242 mm
Weight in air 3 kg
Weight in water 1.4 kg
Standard maximum operational depth 4000 m
Optional maximum operational depth 6800 m
Standard connector Tritech 6 pin with water-block
Operating temperature -10..+350C
Storage temperature -20..+500C
Power requirements 18-36 VDC
Communication protocols ArcNet, RS232
Data communication rate 156 kBits/sec. or 78 kBits/sec. [ArcNet] /
115.2 kbaud [RS232]

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 5. ONSHORE OPERATIONS

Onshore operations incorporate:

• laboratory investigations and soil testing in onshore laboratories;
• processing and generalisation of field data and results of soil investigations;
• geotechnical calculations to evaluate the bearing capacity of piles;
• calculations of penetration of jack-up legs

5.1. Laboratory investigations

Laboratory investigations are carried out depending on the requirements of the technical assignment
and in compliance with the standards of the Russian Federation, UK and USA, both in the onshore
laboratories and on board the vessels.
Onboard laboratory investigations incorporate the testing of samples of clayey soils obtained in
geotechnical boreholes and at sites of seabed sampling, using Torvane and Pocket Penetrometer. The
equipment manufactured by Controls is used: the Torvane 16-ТО175/А, and the Pocket Penetrometer
16-ТО171. Those tests provide fast evaluation of the consistency of clayey soils and undrained shear
stress (Su).
Laboratory investigations in the onshore laboratories must provide the soil classification in
accordance with the utilised standards and determination of indices of physical and mechanical
parameters with the scope sufficient for the production of a geotechnical model of the soil foundation.
In order to determine the strength and deformation parameters of soils under static loads, triaxial
testing equipment is used, utilising methodologies, which take into account specific features of seabed
soils, i.e.: the sensitivity of structures to external influences, gas saturation of soils and the neutral
pressure of the water column.
As regards the soils occurring in the areas subjected to possible seismic impacts on the structure,
cyclic impact of storm waves, wind and ice loads, the determination of mechanical properties of soils
under dynamic loads is carried out.
The processing of the test results is conducted based on statistical methods, which are also used
for the determination of the degree of the soil heterogeneity in area and depth, for the identification of
geotechnical components and values of their standard and calculated parameters.

5.2. Processing and generalisation of geotechnical data

During that stage of investigations, generalisation and comprehensive analysis of results of field
investigations and those of laboratory investigations are carried out.
During the investigations, generalised stratigraphy of soils is determined, geological structure of the
soil foundation and physical and mechanical parameters of soils are analysed, the soil columns for boreholes
are prepared, incorporating the results of laboratory investigations and the cone penetration testing (CPT)
data (profiles of grain size, specific gravity and undrained shear stress).
Based on the results of generalisation and analysis, standard and calculated parameters of the
physical and mechanical properties of soils are determined, which are necessary for further geotechnical and
engineering calculations.
Standard calculation software is used during the generalisation of data. AutoCAD – 2000 software
set is used for the preparation of graphics.

5.3. Geotechnical and engineering calculations

The above calculations are made for the purposes of construction and upgrading of platforms and
installation of jack-up rigs for drilling exploration wells.
Geotechnical calculations for new construction and upgrading of platforms are conducted in
compliance with API RP 2A (2000) and include:
• determinations of bearing capacity of piles;
• calculations of the interaction soil/pile for axial loads: T-Z, Q-Z и P-Y;
• evaluation of resistance of the clayey foundation to lateral loads, including resistance to sliding.
Design calculations for the construction purposes incorporate the analysis of pile drivability and
selection of acceptable hammers.
As regards jack-up drilling rigs, calculations of the design penetration of legs at maximum loads during
its installation are made; the analysis of possible settlement during drilling is also made. The calculations are

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carried out using two methods: the Fugro method and the formulae of the construction rules and regulations
2.02.01-83 “Foundations of Buildings and Structures”.

6. REPORTS

The results of investigations shall be submitted to the Client step-by-step, depending on the progress
of the execution of operations:
• the field reports on separate types of investigations after the completion of offshore operations;
• the preliminary report – the evaluation of the conditions of the installation of a jack-up rig and
drilling of an exploration well based on the results of geophysical operations;
• the technical report based on the results of final data processing and laboratory studies.

The field reports are submitted after the completion of offshore operations. They must contain
information about the technology and volume of the completed operations. Initial data are presented for
consideration (graphs and logs of the CPT data, drilling protocols, lists of seabed sampling etc.).
The preliminary reports are submitted based on the results of the preliminary data processing. They must
contain preliminary data on the technology and volume of the executed operations. They must reflect
preliminary results of data processing and conclusions about the geotechnical conditions at the investigated
site.
The Technical Report must be submitted within 40-60 days after the end of offshore geotechnical
investigations. It must contain generalised results of investigations, standard and calculated parameters of
soils, which are necessary for the development of construction projects, and must contain main conclusions
and recommendations that are necessary for making design decisions and selection of optimum structure
design.
The Technical Report is submitted in the standard format: 4 hard copies and 2 copies on CDs. The text
copies must be in the Winword format, graphic attachments – in formats compatible with AutoCAD or GIS
systems. One copy of the Technical Report on paper and CD is transferred to the General Designer.
Initial data (catalogues, logs, materials resulting from recording, measurements and observations) are
transferred together with the Technical Report in one copy. The results of digital recording are presented on
a CD.

_____________________________________________________________________________
Editor-in-Chief: Eduard Ter-Saakov, Prof., Dr. Techn. Sci., Chairman of the Board of Joint Stock Company
“Morinzhgeologia”, ph./fax: +(371) 67919860, ph.: +(371) 67919564, GSM +(371) 29454315, e-mail:
[email protected] .

Authors:
Yuri Bezrodnykh, Dr. Geol.-Mineral. Sci., Chief Geologist, ph.: +(371) 67919481, GSM +(371) 26520781,
e-mail: [email protected] ;
Nicolay Kutuzov, Chief Engineer, Cand. Techn. Sci., Chief Engineer, ph.: +(371) 67919580, GSM +(371)
26520644, e-mail: [email protected] ;
Gennady Serebrennikov, Leading Geophysical Specialist, Cand. Geol.-Mineral. Sci., ph.: +(371)
67919454#30, GSM +(371) 29767815, e-mail: [email protected] ;
Alexander Agaronov, Leading Specialist in Drilling and Sampling Technologies, ph.: +(371) 67919454#28,
GSM +(78512) 708345, e-mail: [email protected];
Andrey Dorofeev, Leading Geotechnical Engineer, +(371) 67919832, GSM +(371) 26592034,
e-mail: [email protected].

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