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Big Bang 100

Big Bang 100

Overview

The Big Bang 100 is an accelerated weight drop seismic source designed for reliable, high-speed, low-cost seismic energy production. Built for mobile field acquisition, the system provides a fast 4 to 5 second cycle time and efficient move-up operation to help reduce acquisition cost and improve production.

The Big Bang 100 delivers a full spectrum of important high and low frequency seismic signal for near-surface and engineering seismic applications. It uses twin 12 volt DC permanent magnet motors to provide 2 kilowatts of hammer cocking power, with stored energy supplied by common garage door springs.

The system includes a shock absorbing latch pin and lifting mechanism, plus a handheld controller with 20 feet of wire for operation from within a tow vehicle. Its standard 2 inch receiver coupler and adjustable hitch height make it practical for truck-mounted seismic acquisition.

Features

Accelerated Weight Drop Source
  • Reliable accelerated weight drop seismic source
  • Designed for high-speed, low-cost seismic energy production
  • 4 to 5 second cycle time
  • Best-in-class move-up time for improved field productivity
  • Full spectrum high and low frequency seismic signal
High Energy Output
  • Standard dry impact hammer weight: 100 lbs
  • Hammer weight adjustable by an additional 50 lbs
  • 20 inch draw and release height
  • Full impact energy approximately 7,000 joules
  • Dead blow hammer with steel shot pockets
  • Standard 50 lb lead shot capacity
Drive & Energy System
  • Twin 12 volt DC permanent magnet motors
  • 2 kilowatts of hammer cocking power
  • Energy stored in standard garage door springs
  • Two 140 lb garage door springs per system
  • Low-cost, readily available spring components
Operator Controls
  • Handheld controller included
  • 20 ft controller cable for operation from tow vehicle
  • Powered by standard 12 volt DC car battery, not provided
  • Designed for convenient mobile field operation
Mechanical Design
  • Grade 8 shock absorbing latch pin and roller
  • Shock absorbing latch design helps protect gear boxes
  • Standard 2 inch square tube receiver coupler
  • Includes 10 inch adjustable hitch height
  • Low system weight: approximately 175 lbs uncrated
  • Dimensions: 56 inches high x 16 inches wide x 16 inches deep

Benefits

Increase Field Production
  • The fast 4 to 5 second cycle time and quick move-up workflow help crews acquire more shots per day.
Generate Stronger Impact Energy
  • The 100 lb hammer and approximately 7,000 joules of impact energy provide a stronger source option for near-surface seismic acquisition.
Reduce Operating Cost
  • Standard 12 volt power and common garage door springs help keep maintenance and operating costs low.
Improve Source Repeatability
  • The controlled draw and release mechanism helps produce repeatable seismic impacts for consistent acquisition.
Operate From Tow Vehicle
  • The handheld controller and 20 ft cable allow operators to run the source from inside or near the tow vehicle.
Protect Mechanical Components
  • The shock absorbing latch pin and roller help reduce impact stress on gear boxes and lifting components.
Deploy with Common Vehicles
  • The standard 2 inch receiver coupler and adjustable hitch height support truck-mounted and trailer-mounted operation.

Related Applications

Learn more about applications commonly used with this product.

Near Surface & Engineering Seismic
  • Use as a mobile accelerated weight drop source for shallow seismic, refraction, and engineering geophysics projects.
MASW Acquisition
  • Provides repeatable impact energy suitable for surface wave and MASW acquisition workflows.
Rapid Mobile Seismic Acquisition
  • Fast cycle time and receiver hitch mounting support high-productivity mobile acquisition.
Higher Energy Impact Source
  • Use when a stronger impact source is needed than smaller hammer or weight drop systems.
Low-Cost Seismic Source
  • Simple 12 volt power and common spring components help provide economical field operation.
Impact Source Acquisition
  • Use with recording systems and trigger equipment designed for mechanical impact sources.