Determination of formation dip and strike from transient LWD electromagnetic measurements

An original method has been developed for estimating formation dip and strike from transient induction LWD data, based on focusing in the time domain. The focusing consists in decomposing the measured signals into a time series and diagonalizing the matrix of focused magnetic field components. We have implemented the method and comprehensively tested it in horizontally-layered media used for LWD data inversion to solve geosteering problems and evaluate the formation resistivity. Estimates of the angles contribute to reliable geosteering when choosing a direction of drilling, as well as when inverting data for a complex earth model. A significant reduction in the resource intensity of inversion and model equivalence is achieved by reducing the number of determined parameters.

Fault Detection and Condition Monitoring of PMSGs in Offshore Wind Turbines

Research on fault detection (FD) and condition monitoring (CM) of rotating electrical generators for modern wind turbines has addressed a wide variety of technologies. Among these, permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) and the analysis of their electromagnetic signatures in the presence of faults deserve emphasis in this paper. PMSGs are prominent in the offshore wind industry, and methods for FD and CM of PMSGs based on electromagnetic measurements are extensively discussed in academia. This paper is a concise review of FD and CM in wind turbines and PMSGs. Terminology and fundamentals of PMSG’s operation are introduced first, aiming to offer an easy read and good reference to a broad audience of engineers and data scientists. Experience and research challenges with stator winding failures are also discussed.

Diagnostics of Large Non-Conductive Anti-Corrosion Coatings on Steel Structures by Means of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

This paper proposes a testing methodology for barrier properties of large non-conductive anti-corrosion coatings on steel structures. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was adapted to in situ testing of steel structures by using a prototypical flexible measuring probe and a gel electrolyte that filled the probe, to take measurements on any surface regardless of its position. The first stage of the testing methodology was to perform time-consuming impedance measurements and quick electromagnetic measurements of coating thickness at selected test points. The results were used to determine correlation relationships between the logarithm of the impedance modulus for the coating at a measuring frequency of 0.1 Hz measured with the EIS method and the average thickness of the coating measured with an electromagnetic thickness gauge. Quick electromagnetic measurements were performed in the second stage to specify thickness of the other surface of the steel structure coating. The barrier properties of this coating were identified on the basis of the determined correlation.

Application of Electromagnetic Sensing and Infiltration Measurements to Evaluate Salinity Reclamation and Turfgrass Management Options for Improved Leaching

Scarce freshwater resources in arid and semiarid regions means that recreational landscapes should use recycled or low quality waters for irrigation, increasing the risk of salinity and infiltration problems. We map salinity distribution within turf fields using electromagnetic sensing, evaluate need for leaching and evaluate post leaching results for subsequent management decisions. Electromagnetic measurements were made with two EM38 instruments positioned vertically and horizontally in order to determine salinity distribution. Sensor readings were coupled to GPS data to create spatial salinity maps. Next, optimal calibration point coordinates were determined via ESAP software. Soil samples were taken from 0-60 cm at 5 depths for each calibration point. Laboratory soil saturation percentage, moisture content, ECe and pHe of saturation extracts were determined for calibration to convert resistivity measurements to ECe. Next, ECe maps were created using ESAP software. Leaching for reclamation was performed by means of sprinkling. Treated municipal wastewater was utilized both for irrigation and for reclamation leaching. Low water content and high spatial variability of soil texture adversely affected the accuracy of the readings. Pre and post leaching surveys indicate that there was only a 30% decrease in salinity, very low relative to expected results considering the amount of water applied. This relatively low reduction in salinity and the lack of runoff during irrigation combined with infiltration measurements suggests that aeration techniques for healthier grasses led to water bypassing small pores thus limiting leaching efficiency. In this instance practices to improve infiltration lead paradoxically to less salinity reclamation than expected.

Controlled source electromagnetic measurements offshore the Maltese Islands: Implications for offshore freshened groundwater in a carbonate shelf

<p>Carbonate lithologies host considerable quantities of the Earth’s freshwater resources and partially supply a significant amount of the global population with drinkable water.  Although they comprise substantial amounts of the coastlines, it is not known if these carbonate lithologies can sustain freshened groundwater offshore, and if this can help meet future water demands in coastal regions. To date, predicting volumes of freshened groundwater within marine carbonates has been challenging. Here, we integrate controlled source electromagnetic profiles with seismic reflection and core log data to derive a lithological model for the eastern carbonate margin of the Maltese Islands, one of the most water-starved countries in the world. Electrical resistivity models are used to guide lithological inference where seismic data provide limited information due to the superimposed seafloor multiple. We show that resistivity values within the Upper Coralline and Globigerina Limestone formations exceed the measured resistivity of seawater-saturated core log samples by at least a factor of four. This could be indicative of offshore freshened groundwater that occupies the pore space of the low permeability limestone along the eastern Maltese shelf. To validate this observation without further ground-truthing data, we use extensive forward modelling to show that a similar resistivity footprint can be achieved by localized interbedded low-porosity or highly cemented units. However, the spatial extent of such units across the entire eastern Maltese margin is geologically improbable. This points to the occurrence of offshore freshened groundwater that was likely emplaced during the last sea-level lowstand.</p>

Electrical and Electromagnetic Geophysical Prospecting for the Monitoring of Rock Glaciers in the Dolomites, Northeast Italy

The monitoring of rock glaciers plays a relevant role in relation to natural hazards in high mountain environments. Due to the climate warming, mountain permafrost is thawing, and its degradation is influencing the triggering and the evolvement of processes such as rockfalls, landslides, debris flows and floods. Therefore, the study and monitoring of these periglacial forms have both a scientific and economic importance. We tested electrical and electromagnetic measurements along the same investigation lines, in two different sites of the Dolomites area (Northeast Italy). Electrical prospecting exploits the high resistivity contrast between frozen and non-frozen debris. However, these measurements have high logistic demands, considering the complex rock glaciers surface and the need of ground galvanic contact. For this reason, we tried to compare electrical measurements with electromagnetic contactless ones, that theoretically can be used to define the distribution of electrical resistivity in the first subsoil in a quicker and easier way. The obtained results show that the joint use of the two methods allows us to characterize a rock glacier subsoil with good confidence. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of both the techniques are discussed.