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Industrial Research And Consultancy Centre
Patent
Methodology to Establish Magnetic Characteristics of Soil and Their Influence on Its Dielectric Response
Abstract

This invention presents a methodology for determining the magnetic characteristics of soils and their interrelationship with the dielectric response of the soil mass involves testing various soils using a magnetometer. These soils, with different characteristics, are analyzed for their magnetic properties and correlated with their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and electrical properties using an impedance analyzer. This approach provides a quick, non-invasive method to measure soil-specific parameters, establishing the influence of magnetic properties on the dielectric response. This methodology facilitates in-situ measurements, crucial for addressing geo-environmental challenges effectively.

Uniqueness of the Solution
  • Non-invasive and quick methodology for determining soil properties 
  • Correlation of magnetic characteristics with dielectric response and other soil properties
  •  Utilizes impedance analyzer to determine dielectric constant 
  • Facilitates in-situ measurements, reducing the need for invasive lab-based tests 
  • Employs a magnetometer calibrated with palladium at 27°C for accurate magnetic property assessment
Prototype Details

A methodology for determining the magnetic characteristics of soils and their inter-relationship of magnetic characteristics with the dielectric response of the soil mass, characterized by the following steps. 

  • placing 20 mg of air-dried soil sample in a pick-up coil; 
  • subjecting the said soil sample between the poles of an oscillating electromagnet that creates a uniform magnetic field; 
  • calibrating the magnetometer at 27 °C by using Palladium to obtain the magnetic characteristics of the soil; 
  • wherein the mineralogical composition of the soil sample is determined by using an X-ray diffraction spectrometer, wherein the fraction percentage by weight of the mineralogical composition is determined using Rietveld analysis by using the X'Pert High Score Plus software with PDF-4+ database
Current Status of Technology

Technology/Methodology Readiness Level is 4. Laboratory testing and validation are completed.

Technology readiness level

4

Societal Impact

This methodology can significantly improve the monitoring and management of soil-related environmental issues such as groundwater contamination, soil salinity, and landfill leachate monitoring. It provides a faster, non-invasive means to assess soil properties, aiding in better decision-making and management practices for environmental protection and sustainable agriculture.

Relevant Industries, Domains and Applications

Environmental Monitoring, Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Landfill Management

Applications or Domain
  • Groundwater contamination monitoring 
  • Subsurface water profiling 
  • Landfill leachate monitoring 
  • Soil salinity assessment 
  • Oil spill detection 
  • Slope instability and landslide monitoring

Geography of IP

Type of IP

Application Number

202021024425

Filing Date
Grant Number

447253

Grant Date
Assignee(s)
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay