Marine Magnetics
Argos Handheld Gradiometer | Magnetic Target Detector for Divers
Marine Magnetics Argos is an advanced handheld underwater gradiometer developed for diver-assisted detection and precise relocation of buried ferrous objects. It is a practical underwater search tool for commercial diving companies, UXO investigation teams, salvage divers, marine archaeologists and subsea construction contractors. Using Overhauser magnetometer technology and real-time analytic signal processing, Argos detects magnetic anomalies generated by iron and steel objects buried below the seabed, covered by sediment or hidden from visual inspection. Typical targets include unexploded ordnance, anchors, chains, pipelines, cables, tools, wreck components and other ferrous debris.Unlike conventional marine magnetometers that require recorded survey data to be processed and interpreted, Argos provides immediate audible guidance and LED signal-strength indication. The response becomes stronger as the diver approaches the target, allowing rapid underwater localization without needing to interpret numerical magnetic readings.
Its compact, rugged and nearly neutrally buoyant design allows a single diver to search efficiently in shallow water, ports, harbours, rivers, lakes and coastal environments.
A Professional Underwater Search Tool for Diving Companies
Argos helps commercial divers relocate magnetic anomalies previously identified by boat-towed, ROV or geophysical surveys. It can also be used as a standalone diver-held underwater search instrument for locating UXO, anchors, chains, pipelines, tools and wreck debris. Because detection is based on magnetic response rather than visibility, Argos remains effective in turbid water and after seabed sediment has been disturbed.
Applications
- Diver-assisted UXO detection and verification
- Relocation of magnetic anomalies identified during marine surveys
- Underwater metal and ferrous-object detection
- Pre-dredging and route-clearance investigations
- Salvage and lost-object recovery
- Underwater archaeological investigations
- Harbour, quay and jetty inspections
- Detection of buried anchors, chains, cables and pipelines
- Shipwreck and scattered-debris searches
- Subsea construction and offshore diving support
- Search operations in low-visibility or turbid water
Key Features
- Handheld underwater magnetic gradiometer
- High-sensitivity detection of buried ferrous targets
- Overhauser magnetometer sensor technology
- Real-time analytic signal processing
- Audible target-direction guidance
- Integrated LED signal-strength display
- Immediate response without post-processing
- Simple and intuitive underwater operation
- Lightweight and nearly neutrally buoyant
- Compact, rugged underwater housing
- Rapid deployment by a single diver
- Approximately 15 hours of battery operation
Technical Specifications
- Sensor type: Overhauser magnetometer
- Gradient sensitivity: 5 nT/m
- Sampling rate: 1–5 Hz
- Magnetic operating range: 18,000–120,000 nT
- Depth rating: 100 m water equivalent
- Pressure rating: 145 psi
- Guidance interface: Audio and LED indicators
- Communications: RS-232
- Battery life: Approximately 15 hours
- Charger input: 24 VDC
- Weight in air: Approximately 3 kg
- Weight in water: Nearly neutrally buoyant
Underwater Detection Without Visibility
Argos is especially valuable where poor visibility, sediment or seabed burial makes cameras and visual inspection ineffective. Because it responds to magnetic fields rather than light, the system can guide a diver toward ferrous targets that cannot be seen underwater.
Argos is intended for detecting magnetic materials such as iron and steel. It is not a general-purpose detector for non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper or pure gold unless they are associated with ferrous components.
Marine Magnetics Argos is available for sale and live demonstration through Kordil. Contact us to arrange a demonstration or discuss your underwater target-detection application.