GEOTEK Multi Sensor Core Logger systems (MSCL)
General product overview and price guide
MSCL Systems:
The range of GEOTEK Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) systems available enable a number of
useful geophysical measurements to be obtained rapidly, accurately and automatically on sediment, or
rock cores under a variety of conditions. The rugged nature of the equipment makes it suitable for use
in either an onshore laboratory/repository environment or onboard survey and drilling vessels. To
accommodate varying customers requirements (both operational and scientific) a range of different
mechanical arrangements have been developed: a) standard (MSCL-S), b) Vertical (MSCL-V), c)
core imaging (MSCL-CIS), d) XYZ (MSCL-XYZ), and e) Natural Gamma (MSCL-NG) which are briefly
described below. Depending on the mechanical configuration of the MSCL, data can be obtained from
either whole core sections or from split core sections contained in plastic liners. Some measurements
can be made through aluminium or steel liners but plastic is generally better. There are advantages to
using alternative MSCL configurations depending on the type and quality of the core material as well
as the differing operational constraints and requirements.
Generally, individual core sections between 50 and 150 mm in diameter and up to 1.55m long can
be logged at spatial intervals as low as a few millimetres. The data acquisition configuration (which
sensors are active and at what spatial intervals they collect data) can be fully defined by the user and
changed between core sections as desired. The fully automated core logging procedures are
controlled through easy to use software packages operating in a ‘Windows’ environment on a rack
mounted PC which is built into the system’s electronics rack. Data processing is under the users full
control (using calibration information acquired) and can be displayed and edited in real time. Raw or
processed data can be saved in formats suitable for exporting to other software environments for
further data manipulation or data presentation. A demonstration logging program for the standard
MSCL is available on the Geotek web site.
1) The standard MSCL (MSCL-S) is a very versatile system that can easily be moved and used in
laboratories ashore or at sea. In its normal configuration it is floor mounted on legs (as illustrated) but
a bench mounted arrangement is also available. A rail and pusher system automatically measures the
length of each core section and pushes them through the stationary sensor array with sensor
measurements being taken at spatial increments defined by the user. Sequential core sections are
loaded on to the rails by the user when prompted by software commands. In this way a complete core
can be logged in a continuous process while the raw and processed data is displayed graphically in
real time on the computer display.
Sensor systems that can be mounted on the standard MSCL include; P-wave, gamma density,
electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, colour spectrophotometer, natural gamma and the
Geoscan imaging system. The user has the option of logging both P-wave and gamma density either
horizontally or vertically simply by changing the mechanical arrangement hence enabling both whole
round cores and split cores to be logged in the optimum configuration.
Geotek Ltd
MSCL Overview (February 2007)
Page 1
2) The Geotek MSCL-XYZ enables the user to load multiple split core sections (typically 8 or 9)
and log them in a single operation. This is particularly valuable in a repository environment or where
large core throughput is required without user intervention. A stationary frame contains a number of
trays in which the split core sections are placed.
The MSCL-XYZ can be used in 2 modes: Mode A) with the Geoscan imaging system mounted to
collect digital images of the core sections or Mode B) to make direct measurements on the core
surface (normally covered with ‘clingfilm’). In mode A the line scan camera and light assembly move
over each uncovered core section collecting an image of each core sections. Core sections can be
removed and replaced during imaging enabling a continuous imaging process that will image around
15m of core per hour. In mode B) the sensor systems move over and along each covered core
section taking measurements by moving the sensors down on to the split core surface that is detected
using a laser rangefinder. A sensor cradle compensates for any unevenness in the core surface and
measurements are taken at spatial increments or positions as defined by the user. In this way a
complete core can be logged in a continuous process without the need for the user to change
sections. Sensor systems that can be mounted on the XYZ-MSCL are currently the colour
spectrophotometer, magnetic susceptibility (high resolution point sensor) and Natural Gamma. As
with the standard MSCL complete control of the graphics display is provided, both in terms of the
presentation and processing protocols. Raw or processed data can be saved in formats suitable for
exporting to other software environments for further data manipulation or data presentation.
3) The Geotek MSCL-V (vertical) logs stationary core sections oriented vertically using a moving
sensor platform. This vertical configuration is particularly valuable where the core must be kept
vertical (e.g. when analysing water/sediment interface cores) or where space is very limited (e.g. in
laboratories on smaller research vessels). Sensor systems that can be mounted on the MSCL-V
include; P-wave, gamma density, electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility. Complete control of the
graphics display is provided, both in terms of the presentation and processing protocols. Raw or
processed data can be saved in formats suitable for exporting to other software environments for
further data manipulation or data presentation.
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MSCL Overview (February 2007)
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Geotek Ltd
MSCL Overview (February 2007)
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4) The Geotek MSCL-CIS (Core Imaging System) is a bench mounted system that images
stationary core sections oriented horizontally using a moving sensor platform. The imaging systems
are transported along the stationery core section driven by a ball screw mechanism giving very high
precision movement which when combined with the low distortion camera available for the MSCL-CIS
lead to exceptionally high quality images.
Sensors available for use with the MSCL
Core thickness (MSCL-S and MSCL-V):
This measurement is made using a pair of displacement transducers mechanically coupled to the
spring loaded P-Wave transducers. Thickness measurements have a resolution of 0.01 mm.
Temperature (MSCL-S and MSCL-V):
This measurement is made using a PRT probe that can be used to monitor the laboratory
temperature or inserted into the end of each core section. Temperature measurements have a
resolution of 0.01 °C.
P-wave velocity (PWV) (MSCL-S and MSCL-V):
PWV is measured using ARC (Acoustic Rolling Contact) transducers. They have been specifically
designed for core logging and have a spring-loaded, rotating, acoustically matched, soft coupling and
a centre frequency around 230 kHz. The advantage of these ARC transducers compared with the
older type static transducers is the easy and consistent acoustic coupling characteristics which do not
require any coupling fluid. Timing measurements have an accuracy of 50 ns providing velocity
accuracies of about 0.5%, depending on core thickness and condition. A static upper transducer is
provided for use on split core sections. Calibration is achieved using a length of core liner filled with
distilled water of known temperature and velocity.
Gamma Density (GD) (MSCL-S and MSCL-V):
Density is determined by measuring the attenuation of gamma rays through the cores. A 137-Cs
gamma source in a lead shield, with optional 2.5 mm or 5 mm collimators, provides a thin gamma
beam which passes through the core. An integrated gamma detector measures the intensity of the
beam relative to standards providing the gamma density of the core material. Density can be
measured with an accuracy better than 1% depending upon count time used and core condition.
Machined aluminium density calibration samples can be supplied. Each sample is machined from a
standard aluminium billet and is stepped to enable calibration equations to be determined.
Magnetic susceptibility (MS) (MSCL-S, MSCL-V and MSCL-XYZ):
Two sensor systems are available; a loop sensor for use with whole cores and a point sensor for
use with horizontally split cores. The Bartington MS2E point sensor enables down-core spatial
resolutions of better than 5mm to be achieved. Calibration/check samples are provided with each
sensor. Only the point sensor can be used with the XYZ system.
Colour line scan camera imaging system (MSCL-S, MSCL-CIS and MSCL-XYZ):
This versatile system consists of a custom built 3*2048 CCD line scan imaging system which
operates with either the MSCL-S or on the MSCL-XYZ. The camera design and calibration protocols
ensures that colour from each CCD array is fully defined. Image resolution depends on core width but
typically is about 300 dpi (dots per inch) for a 75 mm diameter core. Resolutions of up to 1000 dpi can
be achieved on narrow sections from the core if required. Data from each colour channel enables
down core RGB profiles with resolutions typically around 0.1mm making fine scale analysis of varved
sediments a reality. The advantage of using the imaging system on the MSCL-XYZ is that multiple
core sections (up to 9) can be loaded simultaneously and imaged completely unattended. Imaging
speed is approximately 5 mins per 1.5m core section.
Electrical Resistivity (ER) (MSCL-S and MSCL-V):
ER is measured using a non contact inductive coil array enabling resistivity to be measured
through plastic liners. Resistivity profiles are very sensitive to changes in pore water salinity and when
combined with gamma density enable grain size related lithological information to be derived.
Calibration is performed using salt water standards of known resistivities. A down core resolution of
approximately 2-4 cm can be achieved with an accuracy that depends on core size and quality.
Geotek Ltd
MSCL Overview (February 2007)
Page 4
Colour Spectrophotometer (MSCL-S and MSCL-XYZ):
A colour spectrophotometer is used to accurately define the spectral colour of the core between
360nm and 740 nm at 10nm intervals. The sensor head contacts the surface of the core which is
normally covered a thin transparent plastic film (‘clingfilm’, or similar products). This measurement
enables accurate colour analysis to be made at spatial intervals as low as 3mm (using a 3mm
aperture compared with the normal 8mm aperture). The data is used to report Munsell colours (if
required) as well as generating a simulated colour core for diagrammatic purposes where a detailed
image is not required or available.
Natural Gamma Radiation (NGR) (MSCL-S, MSCL-XYZ or MSCL-NG):
Natural gamma radiation in sediments and rocks are normally at low levels which can require long
sampling times (especially if spectral information is required). Consequently the Geotek natural
gamma logging system is offered as either an additional sensor system on a standard track or as a
stand alone system and can obtain data with a down core spatial resolution of 5-10cm.
The NGR system uses up to 3 off 3”*3” NaI(Tl) detectors all individually controlled through the PC.
By using reference sources each detector collects fully calibrated and stabilised spectra even at very
long count times.
The complete system is controlled through the standard Geotek MSCL software which enables
either full 1024 channel spectral measurements (0-3MeV) or simply total counts to be recorded at user
defined intervals down the core. In the full spectral mode the relative elemental yields of K, U and Th
can be obtained through the processing software if a suitable core standard (with known
concentrations of K, U and Th) is available. Bismuth Germanate (BGO) detectors could be used in
place of the NaI (Tl) detectors to give an improved response time if required.
Electronics Rack:
All the electronics are supplied in a single integrated 19 inch rack unit that contains of all the
necessary external electronics including the motor control unit the microprocessor and rack mounted
PC. A PC based virtual oscilloscope for monitoring and recording the P-Wave signals is included
when the P wave sensors are installed. The vertical size of the unit varies depending on the MSCL
configuration.
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MSCL Overview (February 2007)
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Geotek Ltd
MSCL Overview (February 2007)
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Prices are available on application.
The MSCL systems are very modular in design and if a customer does not require specific sensors
(in the first instance) then price adjustments can be made accordingly. For a specific quotation on
variations of the standard system as described please contact us again stating the configuration
requirements.
Warranty:
Geotek guarantees all components and the system as a whole in every respect (unless misused by
the operator) for a period of one year following installation and acceptance at the customers premises
by a Geotek technician. During this period Geotek will repair or replace, free of charge, any
component found to be malfunctioning. Geotek will only be responsible for shipping costs from the UK
to the customer’s main premises.
Extended support/service/warranty arrangements are made on an individual basis depending on
the customer’s specific requirements.
Normal payment terms:
1. 1/3 payment on issuance of purchase order, 2/3 payment following installation and
acceptance
2. Prices do not include any import taxes, duties or other agency fees that may be incurred.
3. Payment to be made in pounds sterling (GBP).
Notes:
1. The customer is advised to supply short lengths of liner and end caps so that calibration pieces
can be made to fit. The user should also state the size of the magnetic susceptibility loop required. If
ordering the NGR system the maximum core size for this measurement should be stated.
The customer will be responsible for obtaining the necessary licenses and permissions for
the import, storage and use of the gamma source at the customer’s laboratory.
Appendix 1
Choosing the most appropriate magnetic susceptibility loop for logging whole cores.
The best size loop is the smallest one available through which the cores being logged will fit. In
practice this means using a loop diameter that is at least 5 mm larger than the outside diameter of the
liner, assuming that the liner is consistently round and that the end caps are removed or replaced
during the logging process. Obviously it is preferable if attempting to obtain the very best data that a
different loop size is used for each core size logged.
Most institutions tend to log cores of only 1 or 2 different sizes. In the first instance therefore,
before the user has gained a lot of experience, it is probably advisable to purchase a loop with a
diameter large enough to enable the end caps of the largest core size to be normally logged to pass
through the loop.
Standard loop sizes available (in mm) are:
45, 60, 72, 80, 90, 100, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, & 160
So for example if the normal diameter of the largest core (including the end cap is 132mm then the
user should choose the 140mm loop (note that the 135mm loop would be too tight in this case).
When logging cores which are much smaller than the loop size the data is perfectly valid and
corrections can be made to account for the loop/core size ratio. However, the down core spatial
resolution and sensitivity of the measurement is not as good as when using a closely fitting loop.
Remember that additional loops can be purchased at a later date if required.
Geotek Ltd
MSCL Overview (February 2007)
Page 7
Appendix 2.
Natural Gamma Radiation – Core Size and shielding:
In the Natural Gamma system the core passes through a heavy centre lead shield in which the 3
detectors are mounted. It is essential to have good shielding from background radiation and hence
the shield should be a close fit around the core. The user should therefore specify the core diameter
(with end caps) which is to pass through. If more than one core size is to be used then the user
should ideally purchase a separate shield for each core size.
Geotek Ltd
MSCL Overview (February 2007)
Page 8
Appendix 3.
List of MSCL systems manufactured:
Serial
No.
01/75
02
03
05
04/06/9
2
07
08
09
10/11
12
13
14
15/87
16
17
18
19
20/51
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Customer
Country
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Geological Survey Of The Netherlands
GEOMAR Forschungszentrum
Exlog / BP / Statoil
Dalhousie University / Bedford Institute Of
Oceanography (BIO)
Texas A&M University (TAMU)
University of Rhode Island (URI)
Lehigh University
University College Of Wales
Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO)
Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural
Resources
Alfred Wegner Institute (AWI)
Southampton Oceanography Centre (SOC)
University of Kiel
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
Japan Marine Science and Technology Centre
(JAMSTEC)
Institute of Baltic Sea Research
Free University of Amsterdam
IFRTP
Naval Research Laboratory
GEOMARE Sud
JAMSTEC (2) Mirai
Alfred Wegner Institute (AWI - 2)
University of Bremen
James Cook University
Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ)
Ocean Drilling Program (ODP)
University of Minnesota
IFREMER
EHT
National Centre for Marine Research (NCMR)
CSIC Barcelona
Korean Ocean Research and Development
Institute (KORDI)
Osservatorio Geofisico Sperimentale (OGS)
TDI - Brooks International
Oregon State University
Stockholm University
Tromso University
University of South Carolina
Naval Oceanographic Office
GEOMARE Sud
Florida State University (FSU)
GFZ Potsdam
Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO-2)
University of Bergen
Saclant Undersea Research Centre (NATO)
University of Washington
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI – 3)
Geotek Ltd
N
SN
USA
Netherlands
Germany
UK
Canada
Delivery
Date
Jul 90
Feb 91
Jun 91
Nov 91
May 92
USA
USA
USA
UK
USA
Germany
Sep 92
Oct 92
Apr 93
Jan 93
May 93
Jul 93
Germany
UK
Germany
USA
Japan
Sep 93
May 94
Apr 94
Dec 94
Mar 95
Germany
Netherlands
France
USA
Italy
Japan
Germany
Germany
Australia
Japan
USA
USA
France
Switzerland
Greece
Spain
Korea
May 95
Sep 95
May 95
Oct 95
Oct 95
Jun 96
Jan 96
Apr 96
Jun 96
Jun 96
Aug 96
Aug 96
Sep 96
May 97
Jul 97
Jul 97
Jan 98
Italy
USA
USA
Sweden
Norway
USA
USA
Italy
USA
Germany
USA
Norway
Italy
USA
Germany
Feb 98
Mar 98
May 98
Jun 98
Jul 98
Jul 98
Jan 99
Nov 98
Jan 99
Dec 98
Apr 99
June 99
Aug 99
Aug 99
Nov 99
S
C
C
C
CN
S
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
V
C
C
MSCL Overview (February 2007)
Page 9
20/51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75/01
76/78
77
78/76
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87/15
88
89
90
91
92/06
93
94
Free University of Amsterdam
Tokai University
Kochi University
University of Technology, Sydney.
University of Florida - Gainsville
University of Hong Kong
Louisiana State University
RWTH Aachen
Ocean Drilling Program (ODP)
University of Rhode Island
National Institute of Oceanography, Goa
University of Bremen
Geotek (internal use)
Geotek (internal use)
University of Hamburg
RWTH Aachen
GEOMAR (2)
University of Quebec at Montreal
University of Kochi/ IODP Drill Ship CHIKYU
University of Kochi/ Drill Ship CHIKYU
University of Kochi
University of Kochi
University of Kochi/ Drill Ship CHIKYU
University of Kochi/ Drill Ship CHIKYU
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
University of Minnesota
University of Laval
University of Minnesota
Geotek – Internal use
IES Academia
Instituto Geológico y Minero de España
Central Geological Survey
Chinese Naval Academy
University of Durham
Geotek – internal use
Vanderbilt University, Tennessee
National Oceanography Centre
Geotek – internal use
University of Tasmania
Université de Franche-Comté
University of Miami
Geological Survey of Canada, Halifax
KIGAM, Daejeon
EMCOL, Istanbul Technical University
C
C
CN
N
CN
Netherlands
Japan
Japan
Australia
USA
China SAR
USA
Germany
USA
USA
India
Germany
UK
UK
UK
Germany
Germany
Canada
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
USA
USA
Canada
USA
UK
Taiwan
Spain
Taiwan
Taiwan
UK
Jan 00
Dec 99
Mar 00
Aug 00
Sept 00
Oct 00
Nov 00
Feb 01
Jul 01
Sept 01
May 02
Dec 01
Mar 02
Jun 02
Jan 04
Jan 03
Feb 03
June 03
July 03
July 03
July 03
July 03
July 03
July 03
Sept 03
Aug 04
Aug 03
March 04
March 04
June 04
Oct 04
Sept 04
Oct 04
June 05
C
XYZ N
USA
UK
Nov 05
Feb 06
C
Australia
France
USA
Canada
Korea
Turkey
Feb 06
Jan 06
Mar 06
Mar 06
Sept 06
Feb 07
C
C,XY
C
C
C
C
V
N
V
XYZ
XYZ
XYZ
XYZ N
C
XYZ N
C
C
S indicates a moving sensor/Stationary core system.
V indicates a vertical core/moving sensor system.
C indicates the inclusion of the digital imaging camera.
N indicates the inclusion of the Natural gamma measurement system.
XY indicates an X-Y table tracking camera system (moving sensor).
XYZ indicates an X-Y-Z table tracking system (with vertical moving sensor).
Geotek Ltd
MSCL Overview (February 2007)
Page 10