OIP

GEOPROBE ® OPTICAL IMAGE PROFILER (OIP-UV AND OIP-G)

What is the OIP

The OIP-UV is a tool for mapping light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL), residual LNAPL, and light oils. The OIP-UV system utilizes a 275nm ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) to produce fluorescence from the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in fuels and light oils. The UV light is directed out a sapphire window in the side of the probe onto the soil. When LNAPL level fuels are present, the PAH molecules will absorb the UV light energy and shortly afterwards emit a light photon (fluorophore) which is the resultant fluorescence. Directly behind the sapphire window, the onboard camera captures images of the soil and any fluorescence produced by hydrocarbon contaminants present. The acquisition software analyzes each pixel of the images taken for the presence of color typical of fuel fluorescence. If there is no fuel present in the formation, or it is not in high enough concentration, then the returned camera image will appear black or dark under the UV light source. The OIP acquisition software logs percent area fluorescence with depth. The OIP-UV probe contains a visible as well as UV LEDs. The visible images are useful for determination of soil color, texture and occasionally confirming the presence of fuel or oil LNAPL globules.

Detection Limits

The OIP-UV probe contains both 275nm UV and visible LEDs. This tool is designed for common fuels and oils such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, motor, hydraulic and cutting oil.
The OIP-G probe contains both 520nm LD and infrared LEDs. This tool is designed for heavier fuels and oils such as creosote, coal tars, crude oil and heavy bunker fuels.

Able to automatically and manually capture visible soil images with the OIP-UV.

OIP Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advancement rate of the OIP?

The OIP is advanced approximately 3 feet per minute.

Can the OIP differentiate between fuel types with the OIP?

The OIP software does not automatically provide any distinct product designation based upon the fluorescence image returned from the oil. Each fuel or oil type may give a slightly different coloration of the respondent fluorescent image. Assuming that the coloration of the QA diesel and motor oil images are consistent throughout the project, if the coloration of the fuel fluorescence has changes in the borehole or between logs then the different is likely due to either different levels of weathering of the same fuel/oil product or there are two separate fuel/oils present.

Can the OIP determine concentration from the OIP fluorescence response?

No concentration can not be determined. OIP Fluorescence only occurs when fuel or oil NAPL or residual NAPL is present. The higher the % fluorescence response the greater the distribution of fuel NAPL.

Can the OIP-UV or OIP-G fluoresce DNAPL Solvents?

No chlorinated DNAPL solvents will not fluoresce on their own without help from something else. Many chlorinated solvents like Trichloroethylene and Trichloroethane have been used as degreaser in industrial manufacturers. In this case there is a likelihood that the comingled oils and greases within the DNAPL will fluorescence under the OIP-UV excitation. We recommend a sample being collected and tested prior to mobilization for this purpose. Also, MIP can be used the track the chlorinated solvent plume from DNAPL to sub ppm levels.

GEOPROBE ® OPTICAL IMAGE PROFILER (OIP-UV AND OIP-G)

GEOPROBE ® OPTICAL IMAGE PROFILER (OIP-UV AND OIP-G)

What is the OIP

Detection Limits

Standard OIP-UV Log

Standard OIP-UV Log

Standard OIP-UV Log

Standard OIP-G Log

Standard OIP-UV Log

Standard OIP-UV Log

CPT Advancement

Geoprobe Advancement

Geoprobe Advancement

Geoprobe Advancement

Geoprobe Advancement

Geoprobe Advancement

OIP Frequently Asked Questions