USGS uses the vibracorer is best in locations where the seafloor, lakebed, bay-floor, or river-bottom sediment is unconsolidated and waterlogged.
The Rossfelder P-5 vibracorer is designed for penetrating unconsolidated, waterlogged sediments in the ocean, lakes, harbors, bays, and rivers. The P-5 houses a pair of vibrator motors in a contra-rotating configuration that doubles the vertical motion of the unit. Single barrels of 2.5m - 4m are attached to the head and a flexible “float and lead foot” package assist in keeping the corer upright during the operation. The high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrational energy is emitted from the vibracore head down through the attached barrel, liquifying the sediment and enabling the core barrel to penetrate. The core sample is captured in an internal polybuterate liner, and is retained by a cutter nose and core catcher.
Specifications
- Manufacturer - Rossfelder
- Model – P-5
- Weight – Head – 325 lbs, weight of system – 800 lbs.
- Dimensions – 20’ x 3’ x 3’
- Power Requirements - 15kva, 3 phase, 480v power.
- SWLs - 5 ton SWL
Operational Characteristics
- Operational Depth – to 600m water depth
- Sediment Type – unconsolidated, waterlogged sediments
- Limitations – relatively light weight of corer limits penetration of dewatered sediments and thick sand deposits
- Ship’s Requirements
- A-frame height of at least 24’ (for 4m barrels)
- Ship’s generator providing adequate power
- Ability to hold station for duration of operation, at least 10 minutes
Additional Equipment Required
Core pipe, polybuterate liner, cutter noses, core catchers
Learn more about MarFac, the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Marine Facility.
PCMSC MarFac Field Equipment and Capabilities
PCMSC Marine Facility (MarFac)
- Overview
USGS uses the vibracorer is best in locations where the seafloor, lakebed, bay-floor, or river-bottom sediment is unconsolidated and waterlogged.
USGS science crew position the Rossfelder vibracorer for deployment off San Francisco, California. The Rossfelder P-5 vibracorer is designed for penetrating unconsolidated, waterlogged sediments in the ocean, lakes, harbors, bays, and rivers. The P-5 houses a pair of vibrator motors in a contra-rotating configuration that doubles the vertical motion of the unit. Single barrels of 2.5m - 4m are attached to the head and a flexible “float and lead foot” package assist in keeping the corer upright during the operation. The high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrational energy is emitted from the vibracore head down through the attached barrel, liquifying the sediment and enabling the core barrel to penetrate. The core sample is captured in an internal polybuterate liner, and is retained by a cutter nose and core catcher.
Specifications
- Manufacturer - Rossfelder
- Model – P-5
- Weight – Head – 325 lbs, weight of system – 800 lbs.
- Dimensions – 20’ x 3’ x 3’
- Power Requirements - 15kva, 3 phase, 480v power.
- SWLs - 5 ton SWL
Operational Characteristics
The vibracorer’s polybuterate liner is visible. More liners can be seen in a cage off to the side. - Operational Depth – to 600m water depth
- Sediment Type – unconsolidated, waterlogged sediments
- Limitations – relatively light weight of corer limits penetration of dewatered sediments and thick sand deposits
- Ship’s Requirements
- A-frame height of at least 24’ (for 4m barrels)
- Ship’s generator providing adequate power
- Ability to hold station for duration of operation, at least 10 minutes
Additional Equipment Required
Core pipe, polybuterate liner, cutter noses, core catchers
- Science
Learn more about MarFac, the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Marine Facility.
PCMSC MarFac Field Equipment and Capabilities
Learn about the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Marine Facility’s vast array of field equipment, sampling devices, and mapping systems, and our capabilities. Our engineers, designers, mechanics, and technicians have also designed and developed some of the specialized field equipment we use in field operations in the nearshore, in the deep sea, and on land.PCMSC Marine Facility (MarFac)
Learn about the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Marine Facility, or MarFac