SCIMPI
Simple Cabled Instrument
for Measuring Parameters In-Situ
Cutting Edge
Subsea Monitoring
SCIMPI is modular and flexible. Talk to us about incorporating your additional sensing and data linking needs.
SCIMPI is an inexpensive seafloor borehole observatory for unconsolidated sediments.
This next generation of SCIMPI includes upgraded sensors, power systems, and field-proven reliability make SCIMPI a worthy alternative to CORK.
The SCIMPI concept affords tremendous operational cost savings during deployment. Emplaced via drill ship, SCIMPI’s modular system provides impressive flexibility. Choose the number and spacing of modules while still on station, based on borehole logging. No ROV is required to emplace this ultra lightweight and easy to handle system. Drill, core, log, and emplace the observatory all during the same visit to station.
Extremely frugal power management keeps the observatory actively collecting data for years between visits to its ROV-replaceable seafloor battery pack. SCIMPI can also be connected to cabled observatory infrastructure for zero-maintenance long-term data acquisition.
SCIMPI was originally jointly developed by the University of Rhode Island, Transcend Engineering, and Woods Hole Marine Systems, Inc., and funded by IODP Management, Inc., and has been steadily improved by Transcend Engineering based on lessons learned since the first deployment in 2013.
August 2025
SCIMPI was deployed on IODP3/ECORD’s Expedition 501: New England Shelf Hydrogeology
• SCIMPI is a CORK alternative
• Full-featured budget friendly alternative
• Light weight allows for ease of handling and quick deployment
• Versatile modularity
• Ultra long battery life
• Up to 128GB internal data storage
• Cabled observatory connectivity, IODP drill ship compatibility, and ROV serviceability
• Standard modules measure pressure, temperature, and conductivity
• Customization available for dissolved oxygen, pH, seismic sensors, and more. Have a special request? Let’s talk.
Photo: Erwan Le Ber
Command Module and Measurement Module
Example Module Configurations
P=Pressure
T=Temperature
R=Resistivity
B=Battery
CMD=Command Module
SCIMPI Deployment Layout Example
Temperature (Modified Seabird SBE-38)
Range: -5 to +35C
Absolute accuracy: +/-0.001C
Drift: +/- 0.001C per 6 months (certified maximum)
Deployment term accuracy (3 yrs): +/-0.007C
Resolution: 0.00025C
Electrical Resistivity Smart Sensor (ERSS) (Developed by TE)
Range: 0.01-98 Ohm-m (0.1-1000 mS/cm)
Absolute accuracy: 0.005 Ohm-m
Resolution: 0.001 Ohm-m
Pressure (Paroscientific Model 410K-101)
Any Paroscientific series 4000 Digiquartz sensors can be integrated
Range: 0-10,000 psi (other ranges available)
Absolute accuracy: 0.01%
Resolution: 0.0001%
Pressure Housing
Design pressure: 60 Mpa (8760 psi)
Diameter: 76.2 mm (3.0”)
Length: Varies by module
Weight: Varies by module
Material: Grade 5 Titanium, can also be made in aluminum, 17-4 PH or 316 stainless steel
Batteries
Each lithium thionyl chloride battery pack holds over 365 Watt-hours of charge. SCIMPI’s extremely efficient power management will enable it to collect data every 20 minutes for 5 years.
Buoyancy
Distributed flotation that keeps the cable taut between modules until the borehole collapses around the instrument is manufactured to our exacting specifications using the most appropriate materials and methods for each deployment based on depth.
SCIMPI Specifications
ECORD/IODP3 Expedition 501, SCIMPI Deployment Gallery,
L/B Robert, 2025
Attaching the floats. The SCIMPI platform allows for customization of spacing on site.
It takes a coordinated to layout the the modules and floats on the deck in preparation for deployment.
Finishing up the SCIMPI layout on deck.
Guiding the layout down the borehole.
SCIMPI going down the hole.
Photos and videos for ECORD Expedition 501: Erwan Le Ber
IODP Expedition 341S, SCIMPI Deployment Gallery,
JOIDES Resolution, 2013
SCIMPI originator Dr. Kate Moran.
Assembling the SCIMPI string on deck of the JOIDES Resolution.
Lowering SCIMPI down the drill pipe to the ocean floor.
The Command Module rests in the make-up plate with over 200m of SCIMPI cabling and modules suspended in the drill pipe below.
Attaching the ERS release system and Multi Function Telemetry Tool (MFTM) that will monitor SCIMPI health on descent.
Ready to descend and release.
SCIMPI Deployment Videos
SCIMPI is deployed into a borehole over 1600 meters down, through the drill string of the JOIDES Resolution, May 2013.
SCIMPI Data Retrieval at ODP889
ROV dive at ODP889 to retrieve SCIMPI Command Module. The ROV arrives at the SCIMPI at around 4:15:00, disconnects around 5:10:00 and then picks up and ascends around 6:23:00.