Field test of the PNC mobile investigation system

not registered; not registered; Nakano, Katsushi

Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC) has been developing groundwater research instruments in order to characterize hydraulic and geochemical environments in the deep underground. As part of this development programme, a support system was developed in 1996 to conduct groundwater investigations efficiently. This system, called the PNC Mobile Investigation System, consists of 5 units: a data acquisition and analysis unit, a maintenance unit, a hoisting unit, a cable drum for hydraulic tests (Type I), and a cable drum for groundwater sampling (Type II). The system is the following features: (1) Groundwater investigation is possible without a drill machine and rig. (2) Long term investigation is possible without housing facilities and utilities. (3) Maintenance of instruments is possible in the field. (4) Control units, such as the computer, are well protected from the external environment. (5) Groundwater analysis is possible in the field. (6)Recovery of instruments stuck in the borehole is possible using the emergency hoisting unit. The first field test of this system was performed in February and March, 1997. Through this test, it was confirmed that the system had met its performance design when combined with a proper hydraulic test instrument. Much useful information for future improvements to the system was also obtained.