SuperGrad – FAQ: Implementation of a SuperGrad
Increasingly, researchers are looking in to the applications of magnetics alone or in combination with seismic or radon measurements for earthquake research. GEM’s new SuperGrad technology is the highest sensitivity gradiometer ever developed for these types of applications. As an option, GEM integrates SuperGrad and Radon systems into a single research package for multi-disciplinary data acquisition and analysis.
Below is a set of commonly asked implementation-related questions about the SuperGrad and / or Integrated SuperGrad / Radon system.
- How is the SuperGrad system installed?
- What are the ISGR system components?
- What software is provided and what is its purpose?
- How is the SuperGrad controlled?
- How are SuperGrad data analyzed?
- Under what environmental conditions can the SuperGrad operate?
- Are there any other applications of SuperGrad?
How is the SuperGrad System Installed?
Basic Configuration of SuperGrad System
The system is installed currently in the AMRAM tunnel near Eilat in Israel. Sensors are placed on pillars in the most homogenous areas. Two sensors are 5m away from each other and the third is 50m away. A GPS receiver is used for Universal Time. Data are transmitted to a commercial computer formatted in 1 hour files for transfer via telephone to the central station. Laplink is used to ensure remote control of the system and for data control.
What are the ISGR System Components?
The following components are included with the ISGR system.
Schematic of the ISGR System
What Software is Provided and what is its Purpose?
GEM provides the SGLogger software for use with the SuperGrad system. Radon software is provided through the manufacturer of the radon system.
The SGLogger software is a Windows-based application that stores the data from the SuperGrad into 1 hour long files on a computer hard drive. It also serves as an RS-232 interface to support special commands for the SuperGrad console.
Two serial ports are involved in the process. One receives data and is used for remote control communication. The other receives an hourly status report which contains the information displayed on the file header. A third serial port may be used to connect to a modem to transmit files to a remote computer via a modem, etc. File transmission is left to other software such as LapLink, etc.
How is the SuperGrad Controlled?
The SuperGrad is controlled via a control interface in the SGLogger software. Commands can be entered directly into a command line interface or alternately via a popup menu. Basic commands include starting cycling, stopping cycling, performing memory tests, and sensor tests, etc.
How are SuperGrad data Analyzed?
Data are typically analyzed using profile plots to identify features that may be related to earthquake type events. Initially, we are routinely collecting data until the first earthquake event. This will enable recognition of associated earthquake features.
Following this initial event, there will be a detailed analysis of data prior to an earthquake. Both long term drifts and shorter term drifts anomalies will be analyzed graphically. Radon records will then be correlated with any anomalies detected.
Under what Environmental Conditions can the SuperGrad Operate?
The SuperGrad is an environmentally robust and tested system capable of operating in temperatures ranging from -40 to +55 degrees C.
Are there any other Applications of SuperGrad?
Other applications of SuperGrad include:
- Volcano monitoring
- Marine monitoring
- Deep studies for disposal of radioactive waste
- Nuclear test ban studies
For more Information
For more information on Potassium technologies, please refer to the technical papers on this site. Specifications on the SuperGrad are provided in the GEM SuperGradiometer_GSMP-20S3 brochure.
SUPER GRADIOMETER INFORMATION:
- SuperGrad – FAQ: Using Gradiometric Monitoring
- SuperGrad – FAQ: The SuperGradiometer System
- SuperGrad – FAQ: Integrating Radon Measurements with SuperGrad
- SuperGrad – Installation at the CONRAD Earth Observatory in Austria_VIDEO
If you would like information specific to your work, please visit our Quotations area and submit a Request for Quotation. We would be delighted to provide you with a no-obligation quote suited to your exact needs.
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