Autonomous deep-water gas dynamic sampler for sampling loose sediments and massive formations

Abstract

The article reviews general challenges of exploration in the South China Sea related to prospecting and sampling of solid mineral deposits. The importance of sampling as the only scientifically sound method of identifying and defining properties of minerals is emphasized. Information is provided on the equipment and methods used in Vietnam for sampling bottom sediments in the South China Sea. An autonomous gas-dynamic boomerang sampler designed by the authors is presented. The sampler is designed to close the clamshell buckets with subsequent surfacing of the unit using the energy of expanding gases. The sampler consists of clamshell buckets, an operating cylinder with a piston and a lifting cylinder mounted on a rigid frame. The sampler can be used for sampling solid grounds with the drillability grade above III, and it significantly reduces the sampling time, while increasing the reliability of the survey.