Accession Number:

ADA067565

Title:

Feasibility Study of an Earth Melting Penetrator System for Geoprospecting Tunnel Right-of-Ways

Personal Author(s):

Corporate Author:

WESTINGHOUSE ADVANCED ENERGY SYSTEMS DIV LARGE PA

Report Date:

1978-12-01

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.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Pages:

0160

Descriptors:

Identifiers:

Subject Categories:

Communities Of Interest:

Modernization Areas:

Distribution Statement:

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Contract Number:

DACW39-76-C-0163

File Size:

5.30MB

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