Opposing-coils transient electromagnetic method focused near-surface resolution

Abstract

The transient electromagnetic (TEM) method is a commonly used, nonintrusive, geophysical method, but inherent mutual induction between the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) coils strongly influences the measurements. We have developed an opposing-coils configuration to greatly reduce this effect. Three coils are used in this system. The upper opposing coil is physically the same as the lower TX coil, and they are concentric and parallel to the middle RX coil. A pair of currents with equal amplitudes but reverse directions is injected into the opposing and TX coils. Theoretical calculations in free space show that the received magnetic field by the RX coil is zero, which indicates that the mutual induction effect could be largely reduced. Physical experiments prove that an almost-pure secondary field could be acquired using this system. We have studied an optimal separation between the TX and opposing coils to guarantee that the primary magnetic field is powerful and the instrument is compacted for field work. Then, the efficient exploration depth of this system for typical geoelectric models was simulated to be approximately 15–50 m. Comparisons of simulated responses over highly conductive thick plates in free space and a field test over a culvert structure between this system and EM-47 showed that the system has enhanced sensitivity and lateral resolution. This system can be used in near-surface investigations, e.g., groundwater, environmental, and engineering investigations.