Optimalization of ultrasonic tomography method using robotic instrument

Abstract

Ultrasonic tomography is one of many non-destructive methods to image a rock by measuring wave velocities (P or S-wave). Some applications of ultrasonic tomography include research for seismic anisotropy, rock physics, shale gas etc. The objective of this study is to assess the ability of the robotic instrument to measure rock samples using ultrasonic tomography method. As we know that a conventional method are still employed to measure wave velocities in ultrasonic tomography. The conventional method measures a rock manually that it is often difficult and sometime takes quite long time. One of alternatives to cope with the problem is to design a robotic instrument. The robotic instrument is made of microcontroller and stepper motor. The microcontroller and stepper motor control the position of ultrasonic transducers while measuring the rock sample. The robotic instrument is not only able to measure but also have feedback controls. As a result, measured data can be more accurate and precise than those of the conventional method. Several rock samples are used for testing measurements using a MSIRT (Modified Simultaneous Iterative Reconstruction Technique) method. Results show that using the robotic instrument can enhance quality of data and reduce error up to 50%.