Open AccessOpposing-coils transient electromagnetic method focused near-surface resolution
Author(s) -
Zhenzhu Xi,
Long Xia,
Long Huang,
Zhou Sheng,
Gang Song,
Huijie Hou,
Xingpeng Chen,
Liang Wang,
Wei Xiao,
Qingxing Qi
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.178
H-Index - 172
eISSN - 1942-2156
pISSN - 0016-8033
DOI - 10.1190/geo2014-0564.1
Subject(s) - electromagnetic coil , induction coil , transient (computer programming) , electrical conductor , electromagnetic induction , magnetic field , acoustics , electromagnetic field , amplitude , transmitter , sensitivity (control systems) , near and far field , physics , concentric , optics , geology , electrical engineering , computer science , channel (broadcasting) , engineering , electronic engineering , geometry , mathematics , quantum mechanics , operating system
The transient electromagnetic (TEM) method is a commonly used, nonintrusive, geophysical method, but inherent mutual induction between the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) coils strongly influences the measurements. We have developed an opposing-coils configuration to greatly reduce this effect. Three coils are used in this system. The upper opposing coil is physically the same as the lower TX coil, and they are concentric and parallel to the middle RX coil. A pair of currents with equal amplitudes but reverse directions is injected into the opposing and TX coils. Theoretical calculations in free space show that the received magnetic field by the RX coil is zero, which indicates that the mutual induction effect could be largely reduced. Physical experiments prove that an almost-pure secondary field could be acquired using this system. We have studied an optimal separation between the TX and opposing coils to guarantee that the primary magnetic field is powerful and the instrument is compacted for field work. Then, the efficient exploration depth of this system for typical geoelectric models was simulated to be approximately 15–50 m. Comparisons of simulated responses over highly conductive thick plates in free space and a field test over a culvert structure between this system and EM-47 showed that the system has enhanced sensitivity and lateral resolution. This system can be used in near-surface investigations, e.g., groundwater, environmental, and engineering investigations.