OSIL are reporting an unprecedented level of interest in relation to their Giant Piston Corer, which offers the ability to retrieve core samples up to 30m in length from sediments at full ocean depth.
The Giant Piston Corer is capable of achieving varying core lengths of up to 30m in soft, cohesive sediments and muds, owing to its modular core barrel (individual tube lengths 6m). The increased penetration depth of the Piston Corer has made it one of the basic tools used in the study of marine sediments. Piston core samples are longer, less disturbed and more complete than those from gravity corers.
The system is robust and easy to use. The corer is lowered to the seabed, where the messenger operated release mechanism triggers the final free fall penetration to obtain a core sample, assisted by the stackable lead weights. The action of the piston reduces internal friction and prevents plugging. The 2m mechanical trigger enables the free fall distance to be adjusted via the length of cable from clamp to counterweight.
The system is manufactured from stainless or galvanised steel, depending on the application and budget. The internal core diameter is 111mm, and the system is supplied with PVC liners to aid core removal. The system is suitable for a variety of applications, including geological studies, marine chemistry, sedimentology, exploration & the study of ocean floor processes.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , July 09, 2012; Image: OSIL