SBP29

SBP29 provides sub-bottom profiling as an optional extension to the EM 124 or EM 304 multibeam echo sounder systems. It applies a dedicated SBP29 array for transmitting narrow beam sub-bottom signals in the frequency range from 2 to 9 kHz. The echoes are received using the EM 124 or EM 304 receiver unit. The array geometry is the same as used by the EM multibeam echo sounders, providing narrow beam footprints.  Due to the TX/RX geometry – the mills-cross geometry - the SBP29 sometimes is referred to as a multibeam sediment profiler. A fan of receiving beams is formed across-track, and the system can observe up to 21 beams across for every ping. In addition, the TX beam can be cyclically tilted along-track from ping to ping. This gives the SBP29 some quite unique features – especially when it comes to slope robustness.

SBP29 comes in 3-, 6- and 12-degree configuration, where 3, 6, and 12 refers to the transmit beam width. The 3-degree system is the largest, with 96 transmit transducer elements.

SBP27 is the configuration that operates with the older versions of the multibeam systems, EM122 and EM302. The SBP27 operating frequency is 2-7 kHz. Otherwise, its functionality and configuration options are the same as for SBP29.

Sloping seabed and sloping subsurface features may result in loss of sub-bottom return signals, especially with very narrow beams. 

SBP29 with its multiple beams across for each ping, and with its option for cycling the transmit beam provides unique slope robustness. SBP29 can be configurd to make several narrow beam echograms with different TX/RX pointing angles, increasing the likelihood of normal incident to all slope directions in the sub-surface layers.  In addition, the beam width can be cyclically changed between each ping, allowing for both narrow and wide beam data. 

The composite echogram is a unique SBP29 features that helps you pick the best from each of the many available echograms. The composite echogram is one single echogram consisting of individual traces picked from all available observations with the best signal-to-noise ratio.