Multibeam Echo Sounders
KONGSBERG is a leading manufacturer of multibeam echo sounder systems for seabed mapping. Our product range includes models for all water depths and virtually any application. The benefits of multibeam echo sounders are that they map the seafloor with a fan of narrow acoustic beams, thus providing 100% coverage of the seafloor. The resulting seabed maps are more detailed than those obtained using single-beam technology. Producing maps using a KONGSBEG multibeam echosounder will improve survey efficiency by producing seabed maps more quickly, thus reducing ship survey time and cost.
Model overview
Comparison table of KONGSBERG multibeam echo sounders:
| Model | Frequency | Min/max depths *) | Max swath width | Tx Angle | Rx Angle | Standard Options | Available configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shallow | |||||||
| M3 Sonar | 500 kHz | 0.2 - 50 m | 120 degrees | 3 | 1.6 | 3x1.6 | 500m and 4000m depth ratings, Ethernet, Ethernet with sync, Ethernet with VDSL and auxiliary port |
| EM 2040C MKII (Compact) | 200 - 400 kHz | 0.5 - 520 m | Single head: 5.5xD / 580m / 140 degrees Dual head: 10xD / 700m / 200 degrees |
1 | 1 | 1x1 |
|
| EM 2040P MKII (Portable) | 200 - 700 kHz | 0.5 - 550 m | 7.5xD / 830m / 170 degrees | 1 | 1 | 1x1 | *Dual swath*600 kHz and 700 kHz modes (0.6 degree beamwidth)
|
| EM2040 PHS (Portable Hydrographic System) | 200 - 700 kHz | 0.5 - 550 m | 7.5xD / 830m / 170 degrees | 1 | 1 | 1x1 |
|
| EM 2040 MKII | 200 - 700 kHz | 0.5 - 600 m | Single RX: 8xD / 920m / 170 degrees Dual RX: 10xD / 980m / 220 degrees |
0.4, 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.4x0.7, 0.7x0.7 | * Dual RX * Dual swath* 600 kHz and 700 kHz modes
|
| Medium | |||||||
| EM 712 | 40 - 100 kHz | 3 - 3600 m | 5.5xD / 4200 m / 140 degrees |
0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 | 0.5, 1, 2 | 0.25x0.5, 0.5x0.5, 0,5x1, 1x1, 1x2, 2x2 | Customer specific configuration. *CW and FM transmit pulses |
| EM 712 USV | 40 - 100 kHz | 3 - 3000 m | 5.5xD / 4200 m / 140 degrees |
1 | 1 | 1x1 | *CW and FM transmit pulses |
| EM 712 S | 40 - 100 kHz | 3 - 1800 m | 5.5xD / 2800 m / 140 degrees |
0.5, 1, 2 | 0.5, 1, 2 | 0.5x0.5, 0.5x1, 1x1, 1x2, 2x2 | *0.5x0,5, 0,5x1, 1x1, 1x2, 2x2 *CW transmit pulses |
| EM 712 RD | 40 - 100 kHz | 3 - 600 m | 5.5xD / 1300 m / 140 degrees |
1, 2 | 2 | 1x2, 2x2 | No Export License, *Short CW transmit pulses |
| Deep | |||||||
| EM 304 MKII | 20 - 32 kHz | 10 - 11000m | 5.5D / 15000m / 140 degrees | 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 | 0.5, 1, 2, 4 | 0.3x0.5, 0.5x0.5, 0.5x1,1x1,1x2,2x2, 2x4, 4x4 | Other Customer specific configuration upon request. |
| EM 124 | 12 kHz | 20 - 11000 m | 6xD / 35000 m / 143 degrees |
0.5, 1, 2 | 1, 2, 4 | 0.5x1, 1x1, 1x2, 2x2 and 2x4 | Customer specific configuration. |
* Estimated depth and coverage for EM 712, based on BS= -20dB, NL=35 dB, f= 40 kHZ
Integrating more than one multibeam echo sounder
Depending upon the application, it can make sense to combine 2 or 3 multibeam echosounders with different frequencies onto one platform. A higher frequency instrument will have better resolution and accuracy than a lower frequency instrument for a certain water depth, whereas a lower frequency system will provide coverage in a deeper depth range. The different frequency models listed above are compatible and can be combined freely. If only one instrument is used at a time, a single operator unit is sufficient. However, when more than one frequency is activated for simultaneous operation, one operator unit is required for each instrument.
Our multibeam echo sounders are prepared for integration with other acoustic instruments and can be used as subsystems in integrated survey instrumentation solutions, involving centralized synchronization of the transmission sequence.
High accuracy
Our multibeam echo sounders are professional tools for precision mapping of the seabed, complying with the performance standards defined by the International Hydrographic Organization’s performance standards, S-44 edition 6. Our instruments are all characterized by high mapping productivity in combination with exceptionally high sounding accuracy, with a dense pattern of soundings to cover the seafloor in order to reveal all details on the bottom. In addition to the soundings, the multibeam echo sounders produce seabed image data similar to a side scan sonar image. This dataset is useful for characterizing the seabed material properties and sometimes for detecting small features not easily visible in the sounding data. Water column backscatter, between the sonar and seafloor, completes the full picture.
Complete mapping system
To form a complete mapping system, our multibeam echo sounders are connected to positioning, heading and motion sensing instruments, as well as sound velocity sensors to position the soundings correctly. Sound velocity profiles can be uploaded during acquisition for continuously updated ray tracing for the most accurate surveys.
Portable solutions
Portable solutions can be offered for inshore surveying. Permanent or semi-permanent mounting of the acoustic transducers is recommended for offshore work with surface vessels. Solutions for ROV- and AUV-based multibeam echo sounder surveying are available. We have considerable experience and can assist you with practical advice and system integration planning.
SEAFLOOR INFORMATION SYSTEM 5
Next generation real-time software for EM™ systems
A modern and efficient working environment
Seafloor Information Systems (SIS) 5 has been redesigned to improve both user experience and work processes. The modern windows environment, menus and layout are more intuitive, helping the operator to work more efficiently. The new 3D displays handle all depths, even when displaying shallow water multibeams at maximum ping rate. The background maps are generated from GeoTIFF or S 57 charts using Web Map Services (WMS).
