LOUPE
Portable EM Profiling System
2020
Research + Design + Development + Production
Loupe Portable EM Profiling System
Loupe is a portable time-domain electromagnetic (TEM) system specifically designed for rapid reconnaissance and near-surface conductivity measurements (profiling and mapping electrical conductivity in the near surface). The receiver (RX) and transmitter (TX) are each carried by one person on an ergonomically-designed backpack for rapid continuous data acquisition (Start/Stop mode function available). Loupe incorporates a 3-component coil sensor with 100 kHz bandwidth, fast-switching transmitter loop, simple user-interface and the ability to navigate and recover position using RTK GPS. Loupe operates effectively in the presence of interference from power transmission lines and other sources of noise that traditionally degrade the performance of EM systems in urban areas.
Multi-Mapping Applications
Loupe field tests have confirmed the applicability of the system to a range of near-surface electrical conductivity mapping applications.
Proven and potential applications include: Shallow sulphides and exploration for base metals (I.E. Graphite, Manganese, Gold +). Mapping of clays and other hazards in iron ore deposits/mining operations. Mapping underground infrastructure and detecting sub-surface voids. Archaeology investigations. Mapping water content and seepage in tailings dam walls. Tailings dam investigations. Groundwater exploration. Saline water incursion along coastlines. Weathering depth and salt in regolith. Rubbish mapping at waste sites. Pollution plume mapping and more.
Designed for the Field.
Comfort and safety of the operator are issues that have guided the design of this instrument. The transmitter loop is positioned behind the operator, rather than around the operator, in order to minimise exposure of the operator to excessive magnetic fields. Weight has been kept as low as possible: the transmitter system (TX) weighs approximately 12kg and the receiver system (RX) weighs approximately 10kg (including battery + backpack). The backpacks used for Loupe have been designed for military applications in which much heavier loads than this are worn comfortably for long periods. Real time control of Loupe functionality and QC of data is carried out via a small wireless tablet PC carried by the operators. Loupe’s software is capable of navigating the operator along a pre-defined grid, plotting TEM decays and profiles for review.
