Geophysical prospecting

Geophysics is the study of the Earth's physical characteristics with the aim of non-destructively identifying its constituents and geometry, from the surface or by drilling.

SERCEL, designer and supplier of high-performance equipment for oil and gas exploration, infrastructure monitoring and other subsurface surveillance activities, is one of the world leaders in its field. The company claims a market share of over 50%, and is the world leader in seismic equipment.

The 508XT, an unrivalled product

Geophysical studies for subsurface detection use seismometers to mobilize substantial resources and cutting-edge technologies. The SERCEL 508XT research seismometer has become the benchmark in this field.

Capable of detecting very small ground movements and recording them as a proportional electrical voltage on a very precise time base, the 508XT system has truly changed the face of terrestrial seismic recording with unrivalled resolution.

Innovative in more ways than one, and packed with technology, the 508XT's X-Tech physical architecture features a rectangular geometry characterized by a succession of sockets connected to a brain that acts as a hub. This complex architecture, combining the best of wired and wireless technologies, enables both stand-alone and connected operation, with real-time data transmission.

Proven cooperation

Cutting-edge technology requires cutting-edge protection. We had to design a protective casing strong enough to protect the on-board electronics and meet the constraints of extreme use, such as temperature extremes (-45°C to +75°C on the surface), tropical and marine humidity, and handling (shocks, falls, transport, especially overland).

In perfect coordination with SERCEL's design office, EDELTAMP manufactured the mold and industrially produced the housing in compliance with ISO 4892 and the customer's strict specifications.

Expertise EDELTAMP

Polyamide 12 thermoplastic elastomer was chosen for this unusual high-performance engineering specification because of its high toughness, good chemical resistance and low susceptibility to cracking.

The geometry of the case demanded even greater dimensional precision, with very tight tolerances, to guarantee absolute tightness.

Thanks to the expertise ofEDELTAMPteams, a mold was developed with two cavities: one for the white housing in PA12 30% FV injection, integrating the overmolding of 4 stainless steel inserts and 6 transparent PA12 inserts, and the other for the thin part with TPE injection, overmolding the white insert.

In order to guarantee watertightness (tested with helium at 1*10-⁷ Bar.cm³/s), particular attention was paid to the flatness of the groove bottom and docking plane during mold making. Hundreds of checkpoints were mapped to verify flatness, and it took several round-trips to reach the required level.

During the injection process, the temperature of the melt is constantly and precisely controlled to obtain the right flow properties and avoid problems such as thermal and material degradation. At the same time, and just as importantly, the mold is maintained at the right temperature to ensure good surface finish, precise dimensions and high overall part quality.

After validation throughout the project, all parts are produced on 500- and 850-ton hydraulic injection molding machines at the d'Heyrieux site.EDELTAMP Heyrieux site.

Co-development with EDELTAMP

Integrating knowledge of thermoplastic constraints and the challenge of high-precision injection molding with the design of critical parts is the key to successful product development.

That's why we EDELTAMP co-develops solutions with its customers, working closely with all those involved in design and production.

As a reminderEDELTAMP confirms its development plan for 2024 and continues to expand at its Heyrieux site with the addition of a building for a total of 5,800m². Thanks to its new layout and the addition of new machinery and control equipment, the company can rely on its team and design office to meet the challenges of the future on a European scale.