GMX-50 Gomex Box Corer XL
The GMX-50 GOMEX Box Corer XL, named for its origin in the Gulf of Mexico, is a stainless steel sediment sampling device designed for deep-sea soft sediments. This XL version features an expanded sample box, offering double the sampling area of the standard model. It is well-suited for use on smaller vessels or in confined deck spaces.
The corer includes four key structural components:
- The enlarged stainless steel sample box
- A fixed external support frame
- A mechanical linkage and sliding bar to close the spades
- A reliable top-mounted release mechanism
Integrated weight trays are designed to accommodate several lead weights on each side, serving as both ballast and actuation force to close and hold the spades.
Its compact design, ease of use, and robust tripping/closing mechanism make the GMX-50 a cost-effective and safer alternative to larger samplers such as the USNEL spade corer. Comparative studies (Boland, 1991) suggest GOMEX produces higher quality biological samples, particularly for macrofaunal density analysis in deep-sea environments.
Material: Fully constructed from stainless steel
Box Dimensions: 50 cm X 50 cm X 50 cm
Sampling area: 1250 cm2
Height: 130 cm
Deck Footprint: 60 cm × 60 cm
Weight: 50 kg (excluding added ballast)
Vertical Support Bars: 58 cm height x 3 cm width (each side)
Weight Trays: 8 cm x 27.5 cm x 20.5 cm, hold 1-2 weights per side (max 92 kg, typical 46 kg)
Box Corers are trusted tools for recovering undisturbed sediment samples from marine and freshwater environments. The GOMEX XL is lowered vertically, triggering upon seabed contact. During retrieval, a spade mechanism swings beneath the box to seal the sample and prevent loss.
Stainless steel doors remain open during descent to reduce bow-wave effects, then close tightly during sampling to isolate the internal environment. Once recovered, samples can be accessed directly or removed in the enclosed box.
This method is ideal for:
- Zoobenthic studies (Gage & Tyler 1991, Paterson et al. 1998)
- Surficial sediment analysis (McCave 1985, Ekeroth et al. 2012)
- Concretion sampling (Hessler & Jumars 1974, Veillette et al. 2007)
The GOMEX XL also supports sub-coring to reduce core shortening and replicate sampling for statistical analysis. (Blomqvist & Boström 1987).
For more information, please contact us at (858) 454-4044 or brock@o-vations.com.
