University of Southampton relaunches 3D Chirp technology
The University of Southampton is relaunching its unique and cutting edge 3D Chirp technology. Following a growing number of successful commercial campaigns the University has re-acquired the licensing rights for 3D Chirp (GeoChirp 3D) from Kongsberg GeoAcoustics Ltd and is teaming up with SAND Geophysics Ltd to drive further growth and development.
3D Chirp is a decimetre-resolution, 3D sub-bottom profiler that provides unparalleled true 3D imagery of the foundation zone in a range of different environments.
Capable of quantifying the dimensions of discrete buried targets as small as several tens-of-centimetres, the 3D Chirp has proven extremely effective at: discriminating potential UneXploded Ordnance (UXO); cable/pipeline depth of burial assessment; pre-foundation site investigation; and the imaging of archaeological sites.
Data has been collected in a wide range of water depths, from inter-tidal sites up to 150 m in full open marine settings. Following the re-launch, the University of Southampton will maintain and operate the current system with a research and development focus, whilst SAND Geophysics, a specialist high-resolution marine geophysical service provider who have conducted over 15 surveys with 3D Chirp over the last 2 years, will provide a commercial package comprising operations, and/or processing and interpretation services while building on the current momentum to enhance the commercial capabilities and versatility of the technology.
As part of the re-launch, there will be significant new investment in the system, focussing on spares & maintenance to guarantee reliability through the transition period as well as upgrades of key components to improve future performance and versatility. SAND Geophysics Ltd also welcomes Jerome Malgorn to the team.
Jerome was the principal engineer on 3D Chirp whilst at Kongsberg GeoAcoustics Ltd and he will lead the way with the next phase of 3D Chirp development in collaboration with the University.
“We are very excited about the combination of technical skills and market know-how the University and SAND partnership offers,” explained Professor Justin Dix from the University of Southampton.
“We are actively engaged in development activities that will not only consolidate 3D Chirp’s current position in the shallow survey market, but open up new avenues where we believe the system can make a telling contribution in the near future.”
In a statement, Richard Hamilton, a director of SAND Geophysics said “We at SAND Geophysics are very pleased to consolidate our working relationship with the University of Southampton.
The 3D Chirp project has provided a very effective tool with a promising outlook, we look forward to taking a more active role in the system’s development, and aiding the commercialisation and industry take up of this proven sensor technology.”
For further information on the 3D Chirp see www.3dchirp.com or to enquire how it could aid your projects please contact enquiries@3Dchirp.com.
