Multi-Physics, Intelligent Sensing System (MISS)
For Real-Time, Look-Ahead While Drilling
Sponsor: Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
Timeline: August 2024 to August 2027
Project Summary
Virginia Tech will develop a look-ahead sensing system based on integrated electromagnetic and seismic sensors to guide and assist drilling to lower the cost and safety concerns of undergrounding power lines. The system's sensors, in the form of radar and accelerometers, would be mounted on and behind the drill head, with complimentary distributed acoustic sensing at the surface to detect obstructions within at least 10 feet of drilling operations. Artificial intelligence capabilities would interpret the geophysical data from the sensors and provide a real-time prediction of obstacles to operators within seconds.
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