Modular geological sample imaging kit

Abstract

Modular geological sample imaging kit The present invention relates to a geological sample imaging kit (10) comprising at least one geological sample imaging module (20) configured to image geological samples, at least one automation module (25) configured to power and connect the imaging module (20) to an image control and storage unit, and at least one extension module (30) configured to provide additional functionalities to the operation of the kit (10), the kit (10) being configured to be assembled in at least a first configuration in which the imaging module (20) and the automation module (25) are reversibly assembled on top of each other without the extension module (30), and a second configuration in which the imaging module (20), the automation module (25), and the extension module (30) are reversibly assembled on top of each other.Figure for the abridged version: 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Modular geological sample imaging kit

[0001] The present invention relates to a geological sample imaging kit.

[0002] In the petroleum industry, for example when drilling an oil well or a well for another effluent (in particular gas, steam, water), it is known to analyze geological samples by imaging, for example with a microscope, and possibly to take pictures of drilled rocks, either with a dedicated camera system or with a microscope equipped with a digital camera.

[0003] These geological samples are visually analyzed to determine information on the nature of the soils through which the well passes. For example, analyses are carried out to determine the physicochemical properties, including composition, of the samples.

[0004] Nowadays, numerous imaging solutions are available for a multitude of applications, not only in the oil and gas industry, but also in the mining industry. For each application, it is therefore possible to find a specific dedicated imaging system.

[0005] However, the specific nature of current imaging systems does not allow for diversification of the application of a given imaging system. This leads to a multiplication of costs for an operator wishing to analyze samples from different facilities and / or for different applications.

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to offer a modular and adaptable geological sample imaging kit according to the types of installations and applications desired.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to an imaging kit comprising at least one geological sample imaging module configured to image geological samples, at least one automation module configured to power and connect the imaging module to an image control and storage unit, and at least one extension module configured to provide additional functionalities to the operation of the kit, the kit being configured to be assembled in at least a first configuration in which the imaging module and the automation module are reversibly assembled on top of each other without the extension module, and a second configuration in which the imaging module, the automation module, and the extension module are reversibly assembled on top of each other.

[0008] Assembling the modules on top of each other makes the necessary modular and adaptable to the type of application desired, for example by choosing whether or not to add an extension module to the imaging and automation modules.

[0009] Furthermore, the reversible assembly of the modules of the kit allows it to be easily used on various installations, while being reusable and reconfigurable, for example, for successive use on installations with different specific needs.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the imaging kit comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0011] - the set comprises a plurality of imaging modules, each module imaging comprising an image recording unit configured to image geological samples in a given field of view, and a lighting system comprising at least one light source;

[0012] - at least one of the imaging modules in addition to an imaging sub-module, selected including a filter blocking one or more wavelength ranges of the light source(s), an image recording unit calibration tool, a sensor and / or device for measuring physical and / or chemical parameters of geological samples, an ambient environment control unit in the imaging module, and a geological sample preparation unit;

[0013] - the necessary component comprises a plurality of automation modules, each module automation including at least one electronic control unit and one power supply unit;

[0014] - at least one of the automation modules further comprises a sub-module automation, chosen from a communication unit, and a human-machine interface;

[0015] - the necessary component comprises a plurality of extension modules, at least one expansion modules including an expansion sub-module selected from a geological sample handling device, and an imaging module calibration tool;

[0016] - the geological sample handling device comprises a tray geological sample support comprising at least one compartment intended to receive a geological sample, the tray being movable, in the second configuration of the necessary, relative to the image recording unit, in order to place at least a part of the or each compartment in the field of vision of the image recording unit;

[0017] - wherein each module comprises an enclosure defining an internal volume, and a reversible fastening system intended to be attached to a complementary reversible fastening system of a separate module; and

[0018] - the necessary includes a container configured to contain and transport jointly at least one geological sample imaging module, at least one automation module and at least one extension module.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for imaging geological samples implemented with a device as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0020] - reversible assembly of at least the automation module and the module imaging one onto the other, and

[0021] - acquisition of images of at least one geological sample by the module imaging.

[0022] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the imaging method comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0023] - the method includes a preliminary step to image acquisition, assembly reversible of the expansion module, the automation module and the imaging module on top of each other;

[0024] - in the image acquisition step, the extension module is disassembled from the automation module and imaging module; and

[0025] - the method comprises, after the image acquisition step, a step, the case if necessary, disassembly of the automation module and the imaging module relative to the extension module, then joint storage and transport of at least one geological sample imaging module, at least one automation module and at least one extension module in a container.

[0026] Finally, the invention also relates to a subsurface exploitation installation comprising an imaging kit as described above, and at least one geological sample, the geological sample being taken from the subsurface.

[0027] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the installation comprises the following feature:

[0028] - the installation includes at least one subsurface drilling station and one subsurface drilling station collection of geological samples from the drilling station.

[0029] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an imaging kit assembled in a second configuration in which an imaging module, a module automation and expansion modules are reversibly assembled one on top of the other

[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partially exploded perspective view of the imaging kit of [Fig.1],

[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an internal view of an imaging module, and

[0033] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of an expansion module.

[0034] A necessary 10 for imaging geological samples is shown in [Fig.1].

[0035] The kit 10 is intended to be used for analyzing geological samples 15.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the device 10 is used at an oil site where a subsurface drilling installation, not shown, is installed. To optimize drilling, it is important to know the soil conditions in which the installation is located and the type of rock it penetrates. For this purpose, geological samples 15, for example, debris from the subsurface, are collected and analyzed by an operator to determine, among other things, the chemical composition of the samples.

[0037] It is understood that the necessary 10 can be used for the purpose of analyzing samples from any type of installation, petroleum, mining or otherwise, and is not reserved exclusively for geological samples from the subsoil.

[0038] The necessary 10 includes at least one geological sample imaging module 20 configured to image geological samples 15, at least one automation module 25 and at least one extension module 30 configured to be assembled or not with the imaging module 20 and the automation module 25, as will be described in detail below.

[0039] Each module 20, 25, 30 includes an enclosure 22, 27, 32 defining an internal volume 24, 29, 34 containing at least one piece of equipment configured to be moved together with the enclosure 22, 27, 32.

[0040] Each automation module 25 is, for example, configured to supply power to and connect the imaging module 20 to an image control and storage unit, not shown. For this purpose, each automation module 25 comprises, for example, at least one electronic control unit and one power supply unit, not shown.

[0041] As will be described later, each extension module 30 offers optional additional functionalities for the operation of the necessary 10.

[0042] According to the invention, the required 10 is configured to be assembled in at least a first configuration in which the imaging module 20 and the automation module 25 are reversibly assembled one on top of the other without the expansion module 30, and a second configuration, shown in [Fig. 1], in which The imaging module 20, the automation module 25, and the expansion module 30 are reversibly assembled on top of each other.

[0043] By "reversibly", it is meant that each module 20, 25, 30 is mounted in a detachable manner on a neighboring module 20, 25, 30, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0044] For this purpose, each module 20, 25, 30 includes a reversible fastening system 35, visible in [Fig.2], intended to be fixed to a complementary reversible fastening system of a separate module.

[0045] Each reversible fastening system 35 includes, for example, a snap-on system, a magnetic fastening system, or a removable screwing system.

[0046] At least one of the reversible fastening systems 35 is, for example, configured to electrically connect two modules 20, 25, 30 together. For example, the reversible fastening system 35 of the automation module 25 is configured to electrically connect the imaging module 20, and optionally the expansion module 30, to the automation module 25.

[0047] The kit 10 includes, for example, a container, not shown, configured to contain and transport together each imaging module 20, each automation module 25 and each extension module 30. The container is, for example, configured to contain and transport the kit 10 in the first configuration and / or in the second configuration, and / or to contain and transport the modules 20, 25, 30 separately and disassembled from each other.

[0048] The container is for example a suitcase or a trunk.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the necessary 10 comprises a plurality of imaging modules 20, a plurality of automation modules 25 and a plurality of extension modules 30.

[0050] The necessary 10 can then be assembled in a plurality of configurations, in which an imaging module 20 is chosen from the plurality of imaging modules, an automation module 25 is chosen from the plurality of automation modules, and, optionally, an extension module 30 is chosen from the plurality of extension modules.

[0051] When at least two modules 20, 25, 30 are assembled one on top of the other, the at least two enclosures 22, 27, 32 assembled together define an overall internal volume 38 of the required 10.

[0052] The overall volume 38 of the kit 10 depends on the arrangement of the modules 20, 25, 30 with each other. For example, the kit 10 can be made more compact if it is intended to be used in a space with limited volume.

[0053] At least one of the automation modules 25 further comprises an automation sub-module, selected from a communication unit, and a human-machine interface.

[0054] Such a sub-module then makes it possible to transfer information from, for example, the imaging module 20 to a remote operator or to the site of the installation.

[0055] For example, each automation module 25 of the plurality of automation modules is distinguished from the other automation modules 25 by the sub-module it comprises.

[0056] It is understood that an automation module 25 may include several of the sub-modules described above.

[0057] With reference to [Fig.3], the imaging module 20 will now be described in detail.

[0058] Each imaging module 20 includes an image recording unit 40 configured to image the geological samples 15 in a given field of view.

[0059] The image recording unit 40 is, for example, a camera operating in the visible and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet range.

[0060] In the example shown in [Fig.3], the image recording unit 40 is mounted on an elevation axis 44, and is advantageously movable in translation along an elevation direction L along the elevation axis 44.

[0061] For example, the field of view of the image recording unit 40 extends along the elevation direction L. Thus, by translating the image recording unit 40 along the elevation direction L, it is possible to move an object, such as a geological sample 15, closer to or further from the focal plane of the image recording unit 40.

[0062] Each imaging module 20 also includes a lighting system 46 comprising at least one light source 48.

[0063] The lighting system 46 is arranged in the internal volume 24 of the imaging module 20 and is configured to illuminate the geological samples 15 in a stable and repeatable manner.

[0064] The light source 48 is a visible light source, for example a broadband light source or a narrowband light source. It is, for example, of the annular type in order to limit the formation of shadow areas on the illuminated geological samples 15, or of the standard linear type.

[0065] The imaging module 20 further includes a base 50 for supporting at least one geological sample 15.

[0066] The base 50 includes, for example, a compartment 53 defining a housing for receiving the geological sample 15 to be analyzed. The compartment 53 is arranged in the field of view of the image recording unit 40 in the elevation direction L, in the internal volume 24 of the enclosure 22 of the imaging module 20.

[0067] At least one of the imaging modules 20 further comprises an imaging sub-module, selected from a filter blocking one or more wavelength ranges of the light source 48, a calibration tool for the image recording unit 40, a sensor and / or a device for measuring physical and / or chemical parameters of the geological samples 15, an ambient environment control unit in the imaging module 20, and a geological sample preparation unit 15.

[0068] For example, each imaging module 20 of the plurality of imaging modules is distinguished from the other imaging modules 20 by the sub-module it comprises.

[0069] It is understood that an imaging module 20 may comprise several of the sub-modules described above.

[0070] When the imaging sub-module is a blocking filter, the filter is for example movable in a shutter position, in which the filter blocks one or more wavelength ranges of the light source 48 of the corresponding module, and a free position, in which the filter is not positioned in front of the light source 48 and does not interfere with the light rays from the light source 48.

[0071] Such a filter offers the possibility of acquiring one or more images of a sample 15 representative only of the light reflected by the samples 15 in specific ranges of wavelengths, for example under red, blue or green lighting.

[0072] When the imaging submodule is a calibration tool for the image recording unit 40, it is configured, for example, to adjust parameters of the image recording unit 40 such as the color of the recorded image, the position and distance of the image recording unit 40 relative to the geological sample 15.

[0073] When the imaging submodule is a sensor and / or a device for measuring physical and / or chemical parameters of geological samples 15, the submodule includes, for example, a color, brightness, temperature, pressure sensor, and / or a device for measuring X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), plasma atomic emission spectrometry (LIBS), and / or a device for manipulating chemical compounds, or others.

[0074] When the imaging sub-module is an ambient environment control unit in the imaging module 20, it includes, for example, a set of temperature sensors, heating and / or air conditioning and / or ventilation system, etc.

[0075] Such a diversity of imaging sub-modules available to assemble the necessary 10 offers an operator a wide choice of functionalities depending on the type of samples 15 to be analyzed, the type of installation from which the samples 15 come, the specific needs of the operator, etc.

[0076] With reference to [Fig.4], the expansion module 30 will now be described in detail.

[0077] Each extension module 30 includes an extension sub-module selected from a geological sample handling device, and a calibration tool for the imaging module 20.

[0078] For example, each extension module 30 of the plurality of extension modules is distinguished from the other extension modules 30 by the sub-module it comprises.

[0079] It is understood that an extension module 30 may include several of the sub-modules described above.

[0080] When the extension module 30 is assembled on the imaging module 20 and the extension sub-module is a calibration tool for the imaging module 20, the sub-module is configured, for example, to adjust parameters of the image recording unit 40 such as the color of the recorded image, the position and distance of the image recording unit 40 relative to the geological sample 15.

[0081] When the extension sub-module is a geological sample handling device, it includes for example a support tray 60 for geological samples 15.

[0082] The support platform 60 includes, for example, at least one compartment 62 intended to receive a geological sample 15.

[0083] The support platform 60 is for example divided into two sub-platforms, one comprising at least one compartment 62 intended to receive a geological sample 15 of a given size, and the other defining a flat surface intended to receive a sample 15 of a larger dimension.

[0084] The two sub-plates are for example superimposed one on top of the other, and movable relative to each other in order to place each plate successively in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40, when the extension module 30 is assembled with the imaging module 20.

[0085] In a particular embodiment, in which the extension module 30 is assembled on the imaging module 20, at least one of the tray 60 and the image recording unit 40 is movable relative to the other of the image recording unit 40 and the tray 60, in order to place at least a part of the or each compartment 62 in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0086] Advantageously, the movement of one and / or the other of the plate 60 and the image recording unit 40 is automated.

[0087] For example, the necessary 10 includes a motor integrated into the extension module 30, not shown, capable of generating the movement of the plate 60 and / or the image recording unit 40.

[0088] Thus, when a geological sample 15, placed in a compartment 62, is too large to fit entirely within the field of vision of the image recording unit 40, the movement of the image recording unit 40 and / or the platform 62 allows the entire geological sample 15 to be placed successively within the field of vision of the image recording unit 40 in order to acquire at least one image for each part of the geological sample 15.

[0089] The plurality of images recorded per sample is, for example, then processed by software or computer program, not shown, in order to recreate an image of the entire sample.

[0090] In one embodiment, the tray 60 also contains a set of calibration cards (color / scale), so as to automate the calibration of the image recording unit 40.

[0091] In another particular embodiment, the tray 60 comprises a plurality of separate compartments 62, each compartment 62 being configured to contain a geological sample 15. The movement of one of the tray 60 and the image recording unit 40 relative to the other of the image recording unit 40 and the tray 60 is configured to place successively and individually each compartment 62 opposite the field of view of the image recording unit 40.

[0092] Thus, the precise location of each geological sample 15 in a dedicated compartment 62 allows the platform 60 and / or the image recording unit 40 to be moved precisely from one sample 15 to another, in order to acquire one or more images of each sample successively.

[0093] In the example shown in the figures, the plate 60 is movable relative to the image recording unit 40.

[0094] The image recording unit 40 is, for example, fixed in each transverse plane perpendicular to the elevation direction L. In other words, the image recording unit 40 is mobile only along the elevation axis 44 according to the elevation direction L.

[0095] In particular, the platform 60 is movable in at least one transverse plane, perpendicular to the elevation direction L, in order to position at least a part of the compartment(s), and / or in order to position successively and individually each compartment 62 in the field of view of the image recording unit 40.

[0096] For this purpose, the geological sample handling device includes, for example, at least two actuators 65 operating perpendicularly, each actuator 65 causing the movement of the platform 60 in a direction of movement perpendicular to the direction of elevation L.

[0097] Thus, the actuators 65 allow the movement of the plate 60 in said transverse plane, so as to move successively each part of each compartment 62 in relation to the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0098] Each actuator 65 is, for example, a linear actuator such as a cylinder. Each actuator 65 is, for example, actuated by the motor mentioned above.

[0099] The control of the position of the plate 60 (for example the calibration of the motor(s) operating the actuators 65 to reach a certain position) is for example automated.

[0100] In a first variant, not shown, each imaging module 20 comprises a camera or lens operating in the visible and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet range. Each imaging module 20 may then comprise a sub-module including an image recording unit for the images viewed by the camera or lens, the image recording unit being configured to image the geological samples 15 in a given field of view and to store such images.

[0101] In another variant, not shown, only the image recording unit 40 is mobile relative to the platform 60. For this purpose, the lighting system 46 is for example configured to move with the image recording unit 40 in order to illuminate in a stable and repeatable manner each sample 15 or part of a sample 15 that is in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0102] In yet another variant, not shown, the geological sample handling device is integrated into the imaging module 20, for example replacing the support base 50. In such a configuration, it is possible to use such an imaging module 20, equipped with the geological sample handling device, with the automation module 30, independently, without necessarily having the other imaging modules 20 and / or the other automation modules 25 and / or the other extension modules 30 that are part of the required set 10.

[0103] A method for imaging geological samples implemented with such a necessary 10 will now be described.

[0104] A first step consists of reversibly assembling at least the automation module 25 and the imaging module 20 one on top of the other.

[0105] For this purpose, an operator chooses, for example, an automation module 25 from the plurality of automation modules and an imaging module 20 from the plurality of imaging modules, and fixes the chosen automation module 25 with the chosen imaging module 20 using reversible fixing systems 35.

[0106] During this step, the operator can also choose to reversibly assemble an extension module 30, chosen for example from the plurality of extension modules, on the automation module 25 and the imaging module 20.

[0107] The process then includes a step of loading one or more geological samples 15 from the subsoil into the tray 60, in particular into compartment(s) 62 when the extension module 30 is assembled, and / or into compartment 53 when the extension module 30 is not assembled.

[0108] A second step consists of acquiring one or more images of a geological sample 15 using the imaging module 20.

[0109] For this purpose, an optional step of moving, automatic or manual, the image generation unit 40 and / or the platform 60 can be provided before the acquisition in order to place at least part of at least one compartment 53 or 62 in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0110] For example, the tray 60 is moved using the actuators 65 in order to place at least a part of at least one compartment 53 or 62 in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0111] The image recording unit 40 then acquires one or more images of the part of the geological sample 15 being disposed in said part of the at least one compartment 53 or 62 being in the field of view of the image recording unit 40.

[0112] During this image acquisition step, the extension module 30 is disassembled from the automation module 25 and the imaging module 20 or is assembled onto the automation module 25 and the imaging module 20, depending on the operator's needs.

[0113] When several samples 15, each arranged in a separate compartment 62 of the tray 60, are to be imaged, the method includes a step of moving one of the tray 60 and the image recording unit 40 relative to the other of the image recording unit 40 and the tray 60 to successively and individually place each compartment 62 opposite the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0114] A final step of the process, implemented after image acquisition, consists of disassembling, where applicable, each of the automation modules 25, imaging modules 20, and the extension module(s) 30, and storing and transporting them together each imaging module 20, each automation module 25 and each expansion module 30 in the container.

[0115] The imaging modules 20 and automation modules 25 are, for example, transported and stored together, in the assembled state, in the container.

[0116] The necessary 10 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0117] Initially, the modularity of the necessary 30 allows the operator to choose the modules that are useful to them and to the desired application. Thus, volumetric, temporal, or analytical constraints, for example, can be met. The study of the samples 15 is then optimized according to the needs, without increasing costs.

[0118] In a second step, the mobility between the platform 60 and the image recording unit 40 allows the samples 15 to be moved in relation to the image recording unit 40 and / or the image recording unit 40 in relation to the samples 15, in an automated, rapid, and repeatable manner. A large number of samples 15 can then be imaged quickly, and the operator's analysis task is facilitated.

Claims

Demands

1. Geological sample imaging kit (10) comprising at least one geological sample imaging module (20) configured to image geological samples (15), at least one automation module (25) configured to power and connect the imaging module (20) to an image control and storage unit, and at least one expansion module (30) configured to provide additional functionality to the operation of the kit (10), the kit (10) being configured to be assembled in at least a first configuration in which the imaging module (20) and the automation module (25) are reversibly assembled on top of each other without the expansion module (30), and a second configuration in which the imaging module (20), the automation module (25), and the expansion module (30) are reversibly assembled on top of each other.

2. Necessary (10) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of imaging modules, each imaging module (20) comprising an image recording unit (40) configured to image geological samples (15) in a given field of view, and a lighting system (46) comprising at least one light source (48).

3. Necessary (10) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the imaging modules (20) further comprises an imaging sub-module, selected from a filter blocking one or more wavelength ranges of the or each light source (48), a calibration tool for the image recording unit (40), a sensor and / or a device for measuring physical and / or chemical parameters of geological samples (15), an ambient environment control unit in the imaging module (20), and a geological sample preparation unit (15).

4. Necessary (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of automation modules (25), each automation module (25) comprising at least one electronic control unit and one power supply unit.

5. Necessary (10) according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the automation modules (25) further comprises a sub- automation module, chosen from a communication unit, and a human-machine interface.

6. Necessary (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of extension modules (30), at least one of the extension modules (30) comprising an extension sub-module selected from a geological sample handling device, and a calibration tool for the imaging module (20).

7. Necessary (10) according to claims 2 and 6, wherein the geological sample handling device comprises a geological sample support tray (60) (15) comprising at least one compartment (62) for receiving a geological sample (15), the tray (60) being movable, in the second configuration of the necessary (10), relative to the image recording unit (40), in order to place at least a part of the or each compartment (62) in the field of view of the image recording unit (40).

8. Necessary (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each module (20, 25, 30) comprises an enclosure (22, 27, 32) defining an internal volume (24, 29, 34), and a reversible fastening system (35) intended to be fixed to a complementary reversible fastening system of a separate module (20, 25, 30).

9. Necessary (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a container configured to jointly contain and transport at least one geological sample imaging module (20), at least one automation module (25) and at least one extension module (30).

10. A method for imaging geological samples implemented with a necessary (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - reversible assembly of at least the automation module (25) and the imaging module (20) one on top of the other, and - acquisition of images of at least one geological sample (15) by the imaging module (20).

11. A method according to claim 10, comprising a step prior to image acquisition, of reversible assembly of the module extension (30), automation module (25) and imaging module (20) stacked on top of each other.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein in the image acquisition step, the expansion module (30) is disassembled from the automation module (25) and the imaging module (20).

13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising after the image acquisition step, a step, if necessary, of disassembling the automation module (25) and the imaging module (20) with respect to the extension module (30), and then the joint storage and transport of at least one imaging module (20) of geological samples, at least one automation module (25) and at least one extension module (30) in a container.

14. Subsurface exploitation installation comprising an imaging kit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and at least one geological sample (15), the geological sample (15) being taken from the subsurface.

15. Installation according to claim 14, comprising at least one subsurface drilling station and a geological sample collection station (15) from the drilling station.

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