Background Current design is not portable Uses a very large truck with approximately 30 tons of pushing power For every two feet pushed a new section of tube is screwed on by hand Very expensive Prone to breaking if pushed too hard and too deep If broken in great depths there is no retrieving the cone and the process would have to be restarted Unrealistic to use current setup for small depths or small projects

Problem Statement  We were given a task by Applied Research Associates to take their existing design for their “Vertek CPT push systems, cone penetrometers and fuel fluorescence detectors” and make it a portable system easily maneuvered by one person.  The system should go a maximum depth of 4ft and use Bluetooth interfacing to communicate with android technology.

Solution Statement  Produce a portable oil detection device that only reaches a depth of 4ft and can be easily maneuvered by one person.  Our design will consist of an auger spinning around the original cone penetrometer given to us by ARA, allowing the cone penetrometer to stay stationary with hopes of less damage, more accurate readings, and interchangeability. Which will in turn reduce maintenance cost.  Most augers only spin in one direction, our will need to have reverse for safety and easy extraction from the ground.

Solution Statement  Our design will need to have a digital readout showing depth, wave length of light reflected, GPS coordinates, and battery life.  The portable device will also have a rechargeable and easily interchangeable battery.  Our design has to incorporate ARA’s sapphire smart window.