VibeCore Sampling
An intact sediment core is a highly sought after field sample that can reveal a treasure trove of information about a site over time. This time capsule allows the researcher look into the past at a timeline of what has been depositing and how it was laid down in the system to better understand the processes at work.
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A VibeCore is a vibratory coring device, as the name implies. It runs an offset weighted motor to create vibration and use a liquefaction effect in combination with weight or down force to penetrate a variety of sediments in highly saturated ground including subaqueous environments. This allows the core to remain less disturbed than the compatction down force alone introduces or the mixing of rotational drilling to preserve as much of the natural relationships between layers as possible. The aluminum sample tubes can be equipped with a core catcher on the end to help retain softer sediments and uses vacuum to further aide in sample retrieval.
Its great to be able to use these where people can easily go, but what if you want samples from places that conditions or safety concerns won't allow an operator?
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We built a USV specifically for this purpose. The craft was built with two autopilot systems, one for travel with electric trolling motors and another that controls 4 submersible thrusters in an omniboat configuration to hold a position instead of physical anchors. These motors are all controlled by linear actuators to protect equipment during launch/retreival. The main hand controller is used to move the boat and operate a winch for payload as well as the power to the core sampler itself. The boat also has an onboard Windows computer to use for remote link to a PTZ camera and omniboat control. Future modifications include a customized winch with a slipring to allow for using an electromechanical cable to allow greater sampling depths with easier line management.