Collaborative Research: Anaysis and Development of a New Pressure Probe for the IODP

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

The PIs will build the Dual Pressure Temperature Tapered Probe (DPTTP) for deployment in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program under this award. This tool will be used to estimate in situ pore pressure, permeability, and temperature of subseafloor sedimentary rocks. The tool extends the capability of the current ODP pressure probe, the DVTP-P, because it will have a narrower geometry (more rapid dissipation) and it will use a new dual pressure sensor technology wherein pressures from two sensors are cross-correlated to interpret in-situ pressure and permeability from partial dissipation records. The DPTTP will have a modular configuration with 1) a Mechanical Delivery Unit, 2) a Data Acquisition and Storage Assembly, and 3) a Tapered Probe. The Delivery Unit will be the existing ODP colleted system. The Data Acquisition Unit will be a new multi-channel system for general remote application: future geotechnical tools can be attached like the Tapered Probe to the 1st two units. The DPTTP will be land field tested in Year 2 to optimize design. A final field test will be on land or a cruise of opportunity. Theoretical analyses will be pursued concurrently with DPTTP development.