The WISON‑APB is a versatile and advanced in‑situ testing system designed for high‑precision subsurface investigations. At its core, the WISON‑APB is a double‑acting hydraulic cylinder equipped with interchangeable tools, including a cone for CPT, the WIVATAP vane tester, or the WIPUSAP soil sampler, mounted to a piston rod for a range of geotechnical applications.
An umbilical cable connects the WISON‑APB to the heave‑compensated surface winch, supplying power, hydraulic control, and enabling real‑time data transmission. The system is lowered into a drill string that is secured at the seabed with a 10‑ton reaction frame. The WISON tooling is lowered via the winch through the drill head and drill rods, where it engages a specially designed latching ring at the bottom of the drill string in the Borehole Assembly (BHA) using four heavy‑duty latching jaws. This mechanism allows the WISON‑APB to lock into the BHA and push against the seabed reaction frame during testing, supporting controlled and repeatable penetration.
At the end of the CPT stroke, the latching mechanism releases automatically, and the winch’s self‑tensioning system retrieves the unit to the surface. A water pump mounted on the winch resets the piston rod to its starting position, preparing the system for the next test.
The WISON‑APB enables measurement of:
Optional modules allow for vane shear testing and soil sampling, enhancing the system’s versatility. With its robust design and multi‑functional capabilities, the WISON‑APB is well suited for both land‑based and offshore geotechnical investigations requiring precision, efficiency, and adaptability.