The penetrometer Penfeld is a geotechnical measuring device. Once in position on the seabed, it takes measurements in the sediment using a rod fitted with instruments.
The penetrometer’s maximum working depth is 6000 m. It features a rod which penetrates the sediment to a depth of 30 m. The rod is 36 mm in diameter and is wound around a 2.20 m diameter drum. It is straightened during penetration using the coiled tubing technique.
A bearing cable connects the device to the vessel. It is powered by pressure-equalizing lead batteries.
- Maximum working depth: 6000 m
- Maximum penetration depth of the rod: 50 m
- Weight in air: 50 m model = 9.3 t / 30 m model = 6.3 t
- Weight in water: 50 m model = 7 t / 30 m model = 4 t
- Rod equipped with measuring tip
- CPT tip
- VP tip
- Rod diameter: 36 mm
- Penetration force: 5 t
- Withdrawal force: 8 t
- Power: lead batteries
- Control: bidirectional acoustic link
- Range: A penetration of 150 m to 200 m per dive (depending on the condition of the batteries and the type of sediment).
- Inclination: 8° maximum