Importance

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Abstract

The invention comprises an improved self-contained, environmentally isolated, multi-parametric measuring apparatus and method for sampling and determining the dynamic loading characteristics of a soil bed. The apparatus is specially adapted to withstand the extreme pressure of deep water applications. In operation, a drill string presses the apparatus of the invention into a soil bed at an uncontrolled rate resulting in a variable penetration rate. The apparatus has a self-contained data acquisition system that measures and records, as a function of time, the force exerted on the sampling apparatus and the depth of penetration as the drill string presses the sampling apparatus into the soil bed. Data is provided that enables the user to determine the static soil characteristics (e.g., shear strength and stress-strain characteristics) and the dynamic loading characteristics of the soil bed. The apparatus captures a sample of the soil for laboratory analysis. The data collected provides information on the quality of the sample and location of defects in the sample which would affect laboratory test results. The apparatus is self-contained and operates independently of surface telemetry. The method of the invention may be performed in less time than known systems and can be advantageously performed from a floating platform, because the apparatus of the invention is self-compensating and not adversely affected by variable sea states.

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First Claim