DID YOU KNOW? DTIC has over 3.5 million final reports on DoD funded research, development, test, and evaluation activities available to our registered users. Click
HERE to register or log in.
Accession Number:
ADA067565
Title:
Feasibility Study of an Earth Melting Penetrator System for Geoprospecting Tunnel Right-of-Ways
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.
Corporate Author:
WESTINGHOUSE ADVANCED ENERGY SYSTEMS DIV LARGE PA
Report Date:
1978-12-01
Pagination or Media Count:
160.0
Abstract:
The Earth Melting Penetrator EMP is a concept utilizing high- temperature penetrator tips at the leading end of a length of nonrotating stem to melt earth materials in its path and leave an open hole for geologic exploration purposes. The early proof-of-concept testing was performed by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Westinghouse Corporation Advanced Energy Systems Division developed a conceptual design and cost estimate for a technically feasible EMP system including heater, core handling, power transmission, and power generation subsystems capable of penetrating a 3-mile long right-of-way path through rock and soil and recovering a 3-in. -diam core from that hole. The heater tip is an annular extended surface tungsten body heated to 2300 C by pyrographite resistance elements. A special annular configuration downhole electrical transformer was designed to convert 1.25 mw of electric power from high voltage-low current transmission mode to low voltage- high current heater mode. A special power generation and control system using paralleling and load sharing between three 680 Hz, 900 kw diesel-powered generators was designed. Tip-steering techniques were established. Several tip- location guidance schemes were examined, and it was found that an inertial system would be best but was outside the current state of the art and that a combination electrolitc level-compass scheme would be marginally adequate but technically feasible.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
