| Abstract: | Many practical energy sources are available for land use and likewise a goodly number for marine operations. However, the transitional region between navigable water and negotiable land is poorly served. The vehicles that are capable of operating amphibiously are limited in the pay-load they can transport, and in the bulk of apparatus that can be operated from the space available. The Flex-O-Gun (Trademark of Geo Space Corporation) is a new, lightweight gas exploder designed to meet the requirements for operation in rivers, bays, and marsh areas not generally accessible to the larger, heavier systems such as the Dinoseis (Trademark of Atlantic Richfield Company), Vibrator and Air Guns. Weighing less than 70 kilograms, the Flex-O-Gun requires only modest sources of oxygen and propane and the associated firing equipment for operation. The gun delivers energy by the sudden introduction into the water of high pressure gases resulting from detonation. The device is unique in that the underwater gun assembly contains no gas mixing or firing elements. A flexible, metallic hose conveys the charge of mixed gases and subsequent detonating flame to the gun from control and firing mechanisms located above the surface. With its small weight and total space requirements, the Flex-O-Gun can be operated from small boats, buggies, or trucks, and is easily transported. In this paper the features of the gun are described and the results given of tests of its operations. An implanting device is also discussed which extends its application to viscous formations. The device employs water jets mounted below the gun to wash down a hole and insure placement of the gun at depths to obtain maximum energy output. |
