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High Power IP System | 3000V/10A | 8-Channel | 32-bit ADC
PRODUCT PARAMETERS
Description
Overview
OverviewThe high-power induced polarization (IP) measurement system integrates decades of expertise in geophysical exploration instrumentation with state-of-the-art electronic engineering.
It features a 32-bit (A/D) conversion module, a real-time waveform visualization subsystem, and an embedded intelligent control platform—collectively enabling significant improvements in compactness, field portability, and key technical performance metrics. The system comprises three core components: a high-power direct-current (DC) IP transmitter, a single-channel receiver, and a 8-channel electrode Converter unit.
Features
1. High-Power Transmission, Up to 3000V/10A
The transmitter delivers standard output of 1000V/5A. Maximum power reaches 5kW, expandable to 30kW with external power source. Maximum voltage reaches 3000V. Maximum current reaches 10A. This high-power output ensures sufficient signal penetration in high-resistivity formations. Deep ore bodies, concealed alteration zones, and bedrock structures are detectable. The system supports bipolar output with duty cycle 1:1. Power supply cycle ranges from 1s to 128s. Current measurement accuracy is ±1%.
2. 32-Bit ADC High-Precision Acquisition
The receiver adopts 32-bit A/D conversion module. Measuring voltage range is ±4.5V. Voltage resolution reaches 0.1μV. Voltage accuracy is ±0.1% ± 1 digit. Polarization accuracy is ±0.2%. Input impedance is 50MΩ. The system provides 4 secondary field time windows for IP decay analysis. Stack times are selectable from 1 to 10. Power-off delay is adjustable from 50ms to 500ms in ten steps. 50Hz power frequency suppression exceeds 80dB. Real-time waveform visualization enables on-site quality control.
3. Eight-Channel Synchronous Acquisition
The system includes an 8-channel electrode converter unit. Eight potential electrodes are measured simultaneously against a common reference. Measurement time is reduced by up to 87.5% compared to single-channel systems. Large 3D grids are completed efficiently. Field crew costs are minimized. Data consistency across channels is ensured by synchronous sampling.
4. Dual Synchronization Modes
The transmitter supports both software synchronization and GPS synchronization. Software sync suits short-distance wired setups. GPS sync enables long-offset configurations and time-domain IP surveys over large areas. Flexibility is ensured for diverse terrain and survey scales.
5. Real-Time Data Management
The transmitter features USB communication interface. Current storage time interval is adjustable from 1 to 30 minutes. Built-in data logging supports continuous monitoring. The receiver displays real-time data on a 4.3-inch 24-bit true color LCD. The transmitter uses a 5-inch 24-bit true color LCD for parameter monitoring. Field operators verify data quality instantly.
6. Embedded Intelligent Control Platform
The system features an embedded intelligent control platform. Automatic gain adjustment optimizes signal levels. Noise monitoring alerts operators to interference. Data quality indices are computed in real time. Invalid measurements are flagged for repetition. Survey efficiency and data reliability are improved.
Technical Principles
The High Power IP System operates on the time-domain induced polarization (TDIP) method. The transmitter injects direct current into the ground through current electrodes A and B. The current is turned on for a specific duration (on-time), then turned off (off-time). The transmitted waveform repeats with opposite polarity.
When current flows through the ground, metallic minerals and clay particles generate induced polarization effects. After current shut-off, a secondary voltage decay is observed. The receiver measures this decay across potential electrodes M and N. The chargeability (M) is calculated as the time integral of the secondary decay voltage normalized by the primary voltage.
For electrical resistivity, Ohm’s law is applied. Apparent resistivity is calculated from the primary voltage, current, and electrode geometry. 2D or 3D resistivity and chargeability models are obtained through iterative inversion algorithms.
| Configuration | Channels | Measurement Time | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-channel | 1 | Baseline | Small-scale 2D profiles |
| 8-channel | 8 | 1/8 of single-channel | Large-scale 3D grids |
| 60-channel | 60 | Minimal per point | Very large arrays (see ERT+AMT system) |
The 8-channel configuration balances acquisition speed and system portability. It is optimal for detailed 3D exploration projects.
Specifications
The High Power IP System comprises three core components. High-Power DC IP Transmitter. Single-Channel / 8-Channel Receiver. 8-Channel Electrode Converter Unit.
1. High-Power DC IP Transmitter
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmitting power | 5kW (max 30kW with external source) |
| Transmitting voltage | ±1000V (max 3000V) |
| Transmitting current | 5A (max 10A) |
| Current measurement accuracy | ±1% |
| Power supply cycle | 1s to 128s |
| Current storage interval | 1 to 30 minutes |
| Communication interface | USB |
| Synchronization mode | Software sync, GPS sync |
| Output band | Bipolar, duty cycle 1:1 |
| Display | 5-inch 24-bit true color LCD |
| Operating temperature | -10℃ to +50℃, humidity 95% |
| Storage temperature | -20℃ to 60℃ |
2. Single-Channel / 8-Channel Receiver
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Channel | 1 or 8 |
| Measuring voltage range | ±4.5V |
| Measuring voltage resolution | 0.1μV |
| Measuring voltage accuracy | ±0.1% ± 1 digit |
| Adaptable power supply time | 1s, 2s, 4s, 8s, 16s, 32s, 64s, 128s |
| Polarization accuracy | ±0.2% |
| Stack | 1 to 10 times selectable |
| Power-off delay | 50 to 500ms in ten steps |
| 50Hz power frequency suppression | >80dB |
| Input impedance | 50MΩ |
| Secondary field time window number | 4 |
| Synchronization mode | Software synchronization |
| Display | 4.3-inch 24-bit true color LCD |
3. 8-Channel Electrode Converter Unit
The converter unit manages automatic switching among electrode arrays. Eight potential electrodes are connected simultaneously. The unit routes each channel to the receiver in sequence. Standard configurations include Wenner, Schlumberger, dipole-dipole, and pole-dipole arrays. Custom array geometries are programmable. The compact design maintains field portability while maximizing acquisition efficiency.
Applications
1. Mineral Exploration
Rapidly delineate disseminated sulfide ore bodies. Identify chargeable zones associated with copper, lead-zinc, gold, and nickel deposits. The high-power output penetrates conductive overburden. Deep-seated mineralization at 300-500m depth is detectable. 3D chargeability models guide drill targeting. Exploration risk is significantly reduced.
2. Engineering Geological Survey
Investigate subsurface conditions for foundation design. Detect cavities, faults, and weak zones. Map bedrock depth and weathering profiles. IP effects identify clay-rich zones and water-bearing fractures. Engineering decisions are supported by quantitative geophysical data.
3. Environmental Geological Investigation
Map contaminant plumes from landfills and industrial sites. Track groundwater pollution migration. Identify buried waste and underground storage tanks. Resistivity and chargeability jointly constrain contamination extent. Non-invasive surveys minimize environmental disturbance.
4. Groundwater Exploration
Locate water-bearing fracture zones and porous aquifers. Distinguish freshwater from saline water through resistivity contrast. IP effects identify clay aquitards. Well placement is optimized based on 3D geophysical models.
5. Geothermal Exploration
Identify conductive alteration zones associated with geothermal systems. Map fault and fracture networks controlling fluid flow. Deep resistivity structures indicate heat source depth. Exploration drilling is guided by geophysical targets.
Cases
Case 1: 3D Resistivity and Chargeability Survey
A detailed 3D IP survey was conducted over a concealed mineral prospect. The 8-channel system deployed 64 electrodes in a grid pattern. Wenner and dipole-dipole arrays were combined. High-power transmission at 2000V/8A ensured adequate signal in resistive host rocks. 3D resistivity and chargeability volumes were inverted. A concealed chargeable body at 280m depth was identified. The anomaly was interpreted as a disseminated sulfide zone. Subsequent drilling confirmed economic-grade mineralization.
Case 2: High Power IP Test for Gold Mine
A gold mine exploration project required mapping alteration zones below conductive regolith. The original target depth was estimated at 400m. The High Power IP System was deployed with 2500V/8A output. 8-channel acquisition covered a 400m × 400m grid in three days. Chargeability anomalies correlated with known alteration. New targets were identified at 350-450m depth. Drill testing intersected gold-bearing quartz veins. The high-power capability proved essential for penetrating the conductive cover.
FAQ
In gravity exploration (SI), what is the unit of gravity? How to convert gravity units between SI and CGS?
① In SI, it is m·s-2, and one percent of it is the international unit abbreviation g.u.;
② Conversion between SI and CGS: 1g.u.=10-1 mGal
What are gravitational field and gravitational potential?
Gravitational field: The space around the earth with gravity is called the gravitational field.
Gravitational potential: The gravitational potential W in the gravitational field is equal to the work done by a particle of unit mass moving from infinity to that point.
What is the normal gravity field of the earth? What are the rules for the change of the normal gravity field with latitude and altitude?
① The normal gravity field of the earth: Assuming that the earth is a rotating ellipsoid (reference plane), the surface is glossy, the internal density is uniform, or it is distributed in concentric layers, the density of each layer is uniform, and the deviation of the shape of the ellipsoid from the geoid is very small, then the gravity field generated by the earth is the normal gravity field.
② The normal gravity value is only related to the latitude, the smallest at the equator and the largest at the poles, with a difference of about 50,000 g.u.; the rate of change of the normal gravity value with latitude is the largest at 45° latitude, and zero at the equator and the poles; the normal gravity value decreases with increasing altitude, and its rate of change is -3.086 g.u.. The main feature of the long-term change is the "westward drift" of the geomagnetic elements, both the dipole field and the non-dipole field drift westward, and have a global nature.
What is the relationship between gravitational field strength and gravitational acceleration?
The gravitational field strength is equal to the gravitational acceleration in both numerical and dimensional terms, and the two are in the same direction. In gravity exploration, all references to gravity refer to gravitational acceleration. The gravitational field strength at a point in space is equal to the gravitational acceleration at that point.
What is gravity exploration?
Gravity exploration is an exploration method that is based on the density difference of rocks and ores. Since density difference will cause local changes in the normal gravity field of the earth (i.e. gravity anomaly), it is used to solve geological problems by observing and studying gravity anomalies.
