Even basic methods deserve more than basic instruments 

Inspired by the ABEM Terrameter LS 2, the ABEM Terrameter VES range brings new levels of performance and functionality to VES surveys for resistivity and IP.

VES (vertical electrical sounding) is a long established, straightforward method for determining the change in electrical resistivity beneath a single point. It is a basic and cost-effective method with measurements using just four electrodes attached to a resistivity meter, varying the electrode spacing to sample different depths.

 

The ABEM Terrameter VES has been engineered to provide a VES solution for resistivity and IP with better output, better data quality, improved user experience and ease of use, all in a rugged and affordable package.

 

The ABEM Terrameter VES MAX is a ‘bridging’ instrument for resistivity and IP, aimed at those with serious aspirations to start doing ERT in the future, and those with the budget for a fully-specified VES instrument, capable of advanced functionality. It should be of particular interest to those with requirements for IP or deeper resistivity surveys.

 

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Application Areas

Features

Accessories

Resources

Application Areas 

Geological Exploration

VES can help determine geological sequences or determine the depth to specific geological horizons, for example when assessing depth to bedrock or looking for potentially problematic layers, like quick-clay. It can be used as an initial search tool for broad targets such as large mineral bodies and can then form a baseline for further, more detailed, exploration and mapping in later phases of survey. The simple nature of the survey procedure makes VES an excellent geophysical method to start getting results quickly and make an assessment of what to do or where to go next.

Groundwater

One of the oldest applications for electrical resistivity and the most popular use of our VES instruments. Groundwater survey is not just exploration, it includes differentiating between fresh, brackish and saline deposits, monitoring drawdown and recharge of an aquifer, or estimating a known aquifer’s extent by surveying across a landscape. Chargeability data from the Induced Polarization (IP) method can help distinguish between clay and fresh water and the optional Terrameter Log 300 accessory allows further refinement of hydrological models with borehole resistivity logging.

Electrical Grounding

An increasing market for VES is the testing of electrical properties at existing or proposed electrical installations to predict how well ‘earthed’ (grounded) the equipment will be in case of emergencies. For AC (alternating current) infrastructure, the depth requirement for this kind of test is quite shallow and it is achieved with relatively small systems, very different from the ABEM instruments. For DC (direct current) infrastructure, such as large solar arrays or HVDC transmission lines, it is necessary to understand the electrical properties to a much greater depth.

 

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Features

Terrameter VES

The ABEM Terrameter VES is the new replacement for the long-serving Terrameter SAS 1000, it improves upon its predecessor with:

  • 30% better resolution
  • 50% higher maximum current
  • Built-in GPS
  • Real-time sounding curve
  • More memory in a removeable format
  • Better connectivity with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB
  • Simple remote control and remote diagnostics
  • User-friendly interface with ABEM Active Guidance

 

Terrameter VES MAX

The ABEM Terrameter VES MAX is a VES instrument for people with demanding survey needs. Compared to the Terrameter VES, it boasts:

  • 7x better resolution
  • 50% higher maximum voltage
  • 66% higher maximum current
  • 150% higher maximum power
  • 16 electrode switching ability
  • 2 measurement channels
  • Full waveform recording
  • Innovative 100% duty cycle IP mode

Robust and dynamic design

The ABEM Terrameter VES products are designed for demanding field work in tough conditions. The instrument design has been well proven during years of field work in all parts of the world with the Terrameter LS and LS 2. The cast aluminium casing is rugged and robust, yet convenient to carry, and meets the IEC IP66 standards, even during data collection. The ability to upgrade the instruments to other models within the Terrameter product line-up means the instruments are as dynamic as your survey business.

  • IEC IP66 standard
  • Rugged instrument casing
  • A variety of accessories for multiple applications
  • Upgradeable design

Intuitive workflows and guidance

The Terrameter VES and VES MAX have large full-colour screens and simple to navigate menus, where the survey set-up is a simple flow from start to finish.

Both instruments benefit from ABEM Active Guidance which was recently introduced onto the Terrameter LS 2. In this first generation of the feature, a single press of the guidance button will detect the active page, menu item or command and bring up relevant information. The Active Guidance aims to be much more than a simple “help” function; it is there to provide tips and suggestions from our experienced technical staff, as well as helping you avoid common mistakes.

It is like having one of our Application Engineers by your side at every step of your survey, and is another example of Guideline Geo’s commitment to being your guide to the subsurface.

 

Accessing ABEM Active Guidance on a Terrameter instrument


 

Accessories

ABEM Terrameter Log 300

Integrated resistivity & IP logging

The ABEM Terrameter Log 300 is a plug-and-play borehole logging tool compatible with both the SAS and LS product ranges. It seamlessly adds borehole capability to existing resistivity systems in a robust, durable design for demanding fieldwork. Deployment is made easier with a backpack frame and an optional tripod.

Learn more about the Terrameter Log 300 and its capabilities here.

 

 

ABEM Transport Case

Transport and store your instrument securely

The Terrameter VES comes in a sturdy wooden flight crate, but an alternative option is the ABEM transport case which features integrated wheels and pulling handle.

Industry-leading materials ensure a rugged, dust and water proof case that can withstand the test of weather and time. The ABEM transport case is included with the Terrameter VES MAX.

Power Accessories

Internal batteries & office power supply

The Terrameter VES MAX comes with a single internal battery and an office power supply for recharging and powering the instrument when back at the office. The Terrameter VES comes with only a 12V external power lead. One internal battery should provide sufficient power to undertake several 1D soundings but for longer campaigns an external 12V power source is recommended.

 

ABEM Power Adapter for the field

This powerful AC-DC adapter allows operators to run their ABEM instruments from an existing power network or a small ‘suitcase’-style generator. These generators weigh less than a typical high-capacity lead-acid battery, providing an option for prolonged power even in locations where recharging of batteries may be problematic. The ABEM Power Adapter is perfect for demanding field campaigns; it is fully waterproof and capable of providing a clean and stable 12V DC supply in excess of 30A from a 110V/230V AC (50 or 60 Hz) source. In addition to the main power output, a waterproof auxiliary connector offers both 5V 2A and 12V 1A outputs, for custom accessories.

 

Internal battery & office power supply

 

 

ES10-64C Electrode Selector

Electrode switching for your VES instrument

Both VES instruments can use an external electrode selector to allow 2D or even 3D surveys to be undertaken. This is to ensure backward compatibility with existing SAS 1000 / 4000 users who may wish to upgrade their instrument but want to retain their existing accessories.

Solid State Non-polarizing Electrodes

Specialist electrodes for cleaner IP data

A requirement for collecting the best IP data possible, is to use non-polarizing electrodes for the voltage measurement. Traditionally, these have been porous pot devices which require filling with copper sulphate solution and then waiting for the conductive fluid to transfer through the porous base on the pot and into the ground. ABEM’s solid-state non-polarising electrodes are a very convenient and easy-to-use alternative.



 

Resources

PRODUCT LEAFLET & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

QUICK GUIDE

VES WEBINAR

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