In many marine investigations, core samples are essential for ascertaining the bulk properties of underlying sediments, but obtaining these cores from the seabed with conventional multi-corers can be very challenging.
Conventional multi-corers have a minimum area size of 4m² and a minimum height of 3m and often require assembly on the vessel. In addition, due to their weight and height, they typically do not fit within a standard 20-foot shipping container, and it can be dangerous to operate them onboard with typically a large crane or frame being required.
To address this, K.U.M. developed the MiniMuc, a much smaller, deep-sea, core sampler with an area of just 1m² and height of 1m. Significantly, no assembly is required as the MiniMuc is shipped turnkey, ready to operate.
Once on the seabed, this compact corer is capable of collecting four probe samples in a single deployment. Seabed penetration is guaranteed by the various lead weights. Once penetration is complete, mechanical arms on the MiniMuc are released, closing the core tubes and extracting them from the seabed ready for transportation to the surface.
