System and method for analysing material from a drill hole

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system (1) for analysing material from a drill hole (2), the system (1) comprising a first sample collector (3) comprising a suction unit (4) capable of collecting a first sample from the drill hole (2), a second sample collector (5) comprising a first conveyor (6) capable of collecting a second sample from the drill hole (2), a sample analyser (7) comprising a sample carrier (8) and at least one sensor (9), wherein the system (1) is configured to transport the first sample collected by the first sample collector (3) or the second sample collected by the second sample collector (5) or simultaneously both the first sample collected by the first sample collector (3) and the second sample collected by the second sample collector (5) to the sample carrier (8)

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYSING MATERIAL FROM A DRILL HOLEFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for analysing material from a drill hole. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for analysing material from a drill hole. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to automatically collecting dry and wet samples from a drill hole for sample material analysis.BACKGROUND

[0002] Mining companies typically collect drill chips samples during drilling for analysis of the material present in the mine blasthole bench. When drilling a hole, a substantial amount of material is being brought to the surface and the material characteristics present in the bench may vary depending on the depth. Typically, material samples are collected manually after the drilling is done from the drill chips heap around the drilled hole.

[0003] There are different factors driving mining companies to improve the grade control to become more accurate than using conventional mining methods. For example, grade control should become more accurate, as orebodies are becoming more and more heterogenous and at the same time ore grades are becoming lower than in the past. Further, inaccurate grade control leads to waste rock dilution and ore losses affecting economical results. Furthermore, waste rock dilution increases energy used in crushing and grinding, which on global scale is estimated to be 7% of global energy consumption, and thus a major CO2 emission source. Manual collection of drill cutting samples during and after drilling is a major health hazard in mining and mining companies are very concerned regarding safety of the mining personnel. Additionaly, automisation plays an important role in modem mining, particlularly robotized machines such as autonomous drilling machines are being developed in order to avoid that people move around rotary blasthole drills and to further save costs due to automatic processing.

[0004] Mining conditions, however, can be very demanding due to varying rock quality, water veins in the benches and especially hard winter conditions freezing collected wet samples, for instance. Another challenge comes from the rotary blasthole drill itself, which limits practical mechanical solutions to be used in each case and with each rotary blasthole drill individual model.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to collect representative samples during drilling at known depths from the hole to obtain distribution of the ore characteristics at each hole (location X, location Y, depth Z) to get a 3D map of the blast bench to optimize its blasting and exploitation of the ore. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a system and method for automatic sampling and analysing of material obtained from a drill hole. In particular, the drill cuttings analysis should be automated so that there is no need of people working in the proximity of a rotary blasthole drill while collecting samples from drill cuttings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for analysing material from a drill hole, the system comprising a first sample collector comprising a suction unit capable of collecting a first sample from the drill hole, a second sample collector comprising a first conveyor capable of collecting a second sample from the drill hole, a sample analyser comprising a sample carrier and at least one sensor, wherein the system is configured to transport the first sample collected by the first sample collector or the second sample collected by the second sample collector or simultaneously both the first sample collected by the first sample collector and the second sample collected by the second sample collector to the sample carrier.

[0008] Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list: the first sample collector comprises a dust collector comprising at least one filterthe system comprises a second conveyor capable of transporting the first sample from the first sample collector to the sample carrier• the second conveyor is a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor• the second conveyor is movable from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the second conveyor is arranged to transport the first sample to the sample carrier and in the second position the second conveyor is arranged to bypass the sample carrier• the suction unit comprises a first tube and a second tube, wherein at least a part of the first tube is arranged within the second tube, and wherein the first tube is movable relative to the second tube• the suction unit comprises a detachable suction head• the suction unit comprises a cleaning system comprising rotatable brushes or a scraper linearly movable along at least a part of the suction unit• at least a part of the suction unit is movable from a first storage position to a first operating position• the first conveyor is a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor• the first conveyor is movable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein in the third position the first conveyor is arranged to transport the second sample to the sample carrier and in the fourth position the first conveyor is arranged to bypass the sample carrier• at least a part of the first conveyor is movable from a second storage position to a second operating position• the at least one sensor is a contactless sensor• the at least one sensor is an x-ray sensor, an infra-red sensor, an optical sensor, a spectrometer, an image capturing sensor, a PGNAA sensor, a Raman sensor, a LIBS sensor, or a LIF sensor the system comprises a humidity sensorthe system comprises a moisture sensor• the system comprises a processing unit comprising at least one processing core and a memory• the system comprises a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit data obtained from the at least one sensor or the sample analyser or an analysis result to a node• the first conveyor comprises a cleaning system

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement comprising a rotary blasthole drill and a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 19.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of the system according to any one of claims 1 - 19 in connection with drilling a drill hole.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for analysing material from a drill hole, the method comprising providing a first sample collector comprising a suction unit capable of collecting a first sample from the drill hole, providing a second sample collector comprising a first conveyor capable of collecting a second sample from the drill hole, providing a sample analyser comprising a sample carrier and at least one sensor, the method further comprising collecting the first sample by the first sample collector, transporting the first sample to the sample carrier and analysing the first sample, or collecting the second sample by the second sample collector, transporting the second sample to the sample carrier and analysing the second sample, or simultaneously collecting the first sample by the first sample collector and the second sample by the second sample collector, transporting each of the first sample and the second sample to the sample carrier and simultaneously analysing both the first sample and the second sample.

[0012] Various embodiments of the fourth aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:• the method comprising providing a second conveyor capable of transporting the first sample from the first sample collector to the sample carrier and moving the second conveyor from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the second conveyor is arranged to transport the first sample to the samplecarrier and in the second position the second conveyor is arranged to bypass the sample carrier• the method comprising moving the first conveyor from a third position to a fourth position, wherein in the third position the second conveyor is arranged to transport the second sample to the sample carrier and in the fourth position the first conveyor is arranged to bypass the sample carrier• the method comprising moving at least a part of the suction unit from a first storage position to a first operating position• the method comprising moving at least a part of the first conveyor from a second storage position to a second operating position• the method comprising cleaning the suction unit by a cleaning system comprising rotatable brushes or a scraper linearly movable along at least a part of the suction unit• the method comprising obtaining data from a x-ray sensor, an infra-red sensor, an optical sensor, a spectrometer, an image capturing sensor, a PGNAA sensor, or a Raman sensor• the method comprising measuring a humidity in a proximity of the drill hole or from the collected first and / or second sample• the method comprising wirelessly transmitting an analysis result to a node

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non- transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a system to at least receive a signal from a humidity sensor or a moisture sensor, and based on the received humidity sensor signal or the received moisture sensor signal collect a first sample from a drill hole by a first sample collector, transport the first sample to a sample carrier and analyse the first sample, or collect a second sample from the drill hole by a second sample collector, transport the second sample to the sample carrier and analyse the second sample, or simultaneously collect the first sample by the first sample collector and the second sample by the second sample collector, transport each of the first sample and the secondsample to the sample carrier and simultaneously analyse both the first sample and the second sample.

[0014] Considerable advantages are obtained by certain embodiments of the invention. In particular, a system and method for automatic sampling and analysing of material from a drill hole are provided. The system is capable of collecting and analysing both dry and wet drill chips due to a first sample collector comprising a suction unit and a second sample collector comprising a first conveyor. The first conveyor can be a conveyor belt having a closed trajectory or a screw conveyor, for instance. Dry dust from the drill hole can be beneficially collected by the suction unit. The suction unit can be located on top of or coupled to the drill deck 24 of the rotary blasthole drill. The dry dust collector can collect the sample into filter bags and then release the collected drill cuttings onto a sample carrier of an on-line analyser. Instead or in addition, dry or wet samples from the drill hole can also be collected by the first conveyor and transported to the sample carrier. Therefore, the system according to the present invention can automatically operate regardless of the material conditions of the material from the drill hole.

[0015] The system and method according to the present invention can also be utilized in non-drilling applications. For example, the system and method can also be utilized in flat-bed situations of a mobile tracked vehicle or truck moving in a mine or elsewhere.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system for analysing material from a drill hole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0017] FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic view of another system for analysing material from a drill hole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0018] FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic view of a processing unit of a system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, and

[0019] FIGURE 4 illustrates a schematic top view of a detail of a further system for analysing material from a drill hole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In FIGURE 1 a schematic view of a system 1 for analysing material from a drill hole 2 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The system 1 comprises a first sample collector 3. The first sample collector 3 comprises a suction unit 4. The suction unit 4 is capable of collecting a first sample from the drill hole 2. The first sample is typically in the form of dry drill dust. The suction unit 4 may, for example, comprise a hose. Alternatively, the suction unit 6 may comprise a first tube 12 and a second tube 13. At least a part of the first tube 12 is typically arranged within the second tube 13. The first tube 12 and the second tube 13 may be orientated parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drill hole 2 or at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill rod 27 in order to obtain optimum collection of material from the drill hole 2. The first tube 12 may be movable relative to the second tube 13, for instance. Thus, it is possible to move the first tube 12 from a first storage position to a first operating position. In the first storage position the suction unit 4 is above the ground so that the rotary blasthole drill can be moved. Further, the first tube 12 may be moved to the first storage position, i.e. away from the drill hole 2, when the drill chips are wet, particularly in case of sticky wet clay material. In case that the first tube 12 is moved to the first storage position due to wet material, a suction head 14 may be cleaned and / or closed by a rotating brush or a scraper. In the first operating position the suction unit 4 is positioned to collect the first sample from the drill hole 2, i.e. a suction head 14 at the end of the first tube 12 is positioned close to the drill hole 2. The suction head 14 may be detachable in order to attach another suction head having a different size or different shape to the first tube 12 in order to collect an optimum volume % of drill cuttings. Consequently, the first sample collector 3 can be also used for various rotary blasthole drill sizes, drill hole shapes and opening sizes. The design of the suction head 14 is such that drill cuttings flying out from the drill hole 2 can be collected from a certain area. The optimum angle of the first tube 12 and the second tube 13 may be selected such that the pressurized air flow from the drill hole 2 directs drill chips directly into the suction head 14 to reduce the energy required for the suction unit 4.The suction head 14 is made of durable and wear resistant material such as metal, ceramic or composite materials to resist wear caused by the fast flowing stream of drill chips from the drill hole 2. The first sample collector 3 may further comprise a dust collector 10 comprising at least one filter. For example, a plurality of filter bags may be provided. The dust collector is capable of collecting representative samples and only finest material particles are filtered. Additionally, the suction unit 4 may comprise a cleaning system 15 comprising rotatable brushes or a scraper linearly movable along at least a part of the suction unit 4. Thus, at least a part of the material from the drill hole 2 which has accumulated on an inner surface of the first tube 12 and / or second tube 13 can be removed. The cleaning system 15 may comprise an actuator capable of moving the brush or scraper. The cleaning system 15 may be utilized automatically after drilling of a drill hole 2 or within time intervals, i.e. even during drilling the drill hole 2. Furthermore, a grating may be arranged within the suction head 14 or within the first tube 12 or within the second tube 13 in order to avoid material having a specific size to enter a part of the suction unit 4. The grating of the suction head is of a special design to avoid particles to accumulate thereon. Optionally, a compressed air blow can be used to clean the grating during and / or after drilling and sample collection.

[0021] The system 1 may further comprise a second conveyor 11 capable of transporting the first sample from the first sample collector 3 to a sample carrier 8. The second conveyor 11 may be a conveyor belt having a closed trajectory or a screw conveyor. For example, the collected drill dust present in the at least one filter may be loaded onto the second conveyor 11 prior to transporting the first sample to the sample carrier 8. Alternatively, the collected drill dust may be directly released from the dust collector 10 onto the sample carrier 8.

[0022] Furthermore, the system 1 comprises a second sample collector 5. The second sample collector 5 comprises a first conveyor 6 capable of collecting a second sample from the drill hole 2. The first conveyor 6 may be, for example, a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor. The screw conveyor may be a shaftless screw conveyor or a screw conveyor having a shaft. The second sample collector 5 is particularly useful for collecting a second sample when drill cuttings are becoming moist or generally below the water table on blast bench. In such a situation, operation of the first sample collector 3 is stopped. As long as the material from the drill hole 2 is dry either the first sample collector 3 or the second sample collector 5 or both the first sample collector 3 and the first sample collector5 simultaneously may be used. In case that both the first sample collector 3 and the first sample collector 5 are used simultaneously the material of the first sample and the second sample is - of course - identical or substantially identical. At least a part of the first conveyor 6 may be movable from a second storage position to a second operating position as indicated by arrow A in FIGURE 2. In the second storage position the second sample collector 5 is above the ground so that the rotary blasthole drill can be moved. In the second operating position the second sample collector 5 is positioned to collect the second sample from the drill hole 2, i.e. the first conveyor 6 is positioned close to the drill hole 2 at one end in order to collect the second sample. The first conveyor 6 may comprise a cleaning system for cleaning material that has accumulated on the first conveyor 6. In case that the first conveyor 6 is a conveyor belt, a bar may be provided at the upper end of the conveyor belt under the lower side of the belt so that ridges in the returning part of the belt are in mechanical contact with the bar during movement of the belt. In case that the first conveyor 6 is a screw conveyor, it can be rotated backwards, especially when the collection is finished. At that time the lower end of the screw conveyor is open so that it can drain. There may also be provided longitudinal gaps of about 0.5 mm to 2 mm in the housing below the screw conveyor in its lower part through which the abundant water can drain away. In case of a lot of water, the water drains from the lower end in any case (screw conveyor or conveyor belt) on the side of the sleeve holes. In such a situation, the finest material escapes with the water, but even a coarser sample is better than no sample. The open length of the lower end of a shaftless screw conveyor can be changed or set when the drill is put into use. Such opening adjusts the quantity of drill chips on a case-by-case basis. The length of such opening of a shaftless screw conveyor can be e.g. adjusted by arranging a pipe in the elongated opening so that the pipe covers the opening depending on the situation. In the lower part of a screw conveyor there may be a folded flap or screen arranged on top of it that prevents larger material pieces from entering the screw conveyor in order to avoid clogging. Of course, also pressure washing of the screw conveyor is possible, because the rotary blasthole drill has water and pressurized air available. Holes may be provided in a housing of the screw conveyor so that washing water is fed through the holes with high pressure, while the screw conveyor rotates and scrapes loose material from the walls of the housing and the surface of the screw conveyor itself. Washing or cleaning of a conveyor belt can also take place by guiding pressurized water and / or pressurized air onto the lower side of the returning belt. Of course, water utilized in connection with cleaning of the first conveyor 6 may be heated.

[0023] Additionally, a heating system may be provided for heating at least one of the first conveyor 6 and the second conveyor 11. The heating system may be, for example, an electrical heating system. Instead or in addition, a hot gas, for example a flue gas, may be guided into the space below the drill deck 24. The heating system is particularly useful in winter or arctic conditions.

[0024] Additionally, the system 1 comprises a sample analyser 7 as shown in FIGURE 2. In this document, the term sample analyser refers to on-line analytical equipment, which is able to automatically analyse samples of material collected from the drill hole 2 while the rotary blasthole drill is drilling the hole and the drill bit 26 is penetrating into the ground / a rock. The sample analyser 7 comprises the sample carrier 8 and at least one sensor 9. The first sample or the second sample or simultaneously both the first sample and the second sample can be transported to the sample carrier 8. The sample carrier 8 may be, for example, a planar substrate. After placing the first sample or the second sample or simultaneously both the first sample and the second sample can be transported to the sample carrier 8 analysis of the material can take place. An on-line analytical method is selected for each application and may include one or more analytical methods. Examples of analytical methods are XRF, PGNAA (Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis), IR (infra-red), Raman spectroscopy, Libs (Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy), LIF (Laser Induced Fluorescence spectroscopy)) and similar methods used in analysis of physical samples common in the mining industry. The sample analyser 7 may be configured to receive a continuous or step-wise flow of drill chips from the drill hole 2 for analysis purposes. A time interval between the analysis of different samples from different drill bit depths may be, for example, in the range between 5 s and 15 s or longer. Information of an analysed sample may be associated with a drill bit depth, a position information and other drilling parameters (Measure While Drilling data) at centimeter accuracy. Obtained results at centimeter accuracy can be used to calculate an average analysis result for 1 meter or for one foot or any other depth in the drill hole 2. The results can be used to obtain geological mine maps, for example 3D maps. A curtain 16 or barrier may be provided to protect the sample analyser 7 or parts thereof from drill dust and material flying from the drill hole 2. The curtain 16 or barrier may be, for example, made of rubber or fabric.

[0025] Additionally, the system 1 may comprise processing unit 17 comprising a processor 18 as shown in FIGURE 3. The processor 17 may comprise, for example, a single- or multi-core processor. A single-core processor comprises one processing core and a multi-core processor comprises more than one processing core. The processor 18 may further comprise more than one processor. A processing core may comprise, for example, a Cortex- A8 processing core manufactured by ARM Holdings or a Steamroller processing core produced by Advanced Micro Devices Corporation. Processor 18 may comprise at least one Qualcomm Snapdragon and / or Intel Atom processor. Processor 18 may be means for performing method steps in system 1. Processor 18 may be configured, at least in part by computer instructions, to perform actions.

[0026] Further, the processing unit 17 may comprise at least one memory 19. Memory 19 may comprise random-access memory and / or permanent memory as shown in FIGURE 3. Memory 18 may comprise at least one RAM chip. Memory 19 may be at least in part accessible to processor 18. Memory 19 may be at least in part comprised in processor 18. Memory 19 may be means for storing information. Memory 19 may comprise computer instructions that processor 18 is configured to execute. When computer instructions configured to cause processor 18 to perform certain actions stored in memory 19, and system 1 overall is configured to run under the direction of processor 18 using computer instructions from memory 19, processor 18 and / or its at least one processing core may be considered to be configured to perform said certain actions. Memory 19 may be at least in part external to system 1 but accessible to system 1. Data received from the at least one sensor 9 of the sample analyser 7 may be, for example, stored in the memory 19.

[0027] The system 1 may further comprise at least one humidity sensor 22 for measuring a humidity in the proximity of the drill hole 2. The system 1 may further comprise at least one moisture sensor for measuring a moisture of the first sample and / or the second sample. The moisture may be measured at the location of the first conveyor or the sample carrier 8. Signals from the humidity sensor 22 or the moisture sensor may be transmitted to the processing unit 17 and processed by the processor 18. Based on the received signals, the first sample collector 3 or the second sample collector 5 or simultaneously both the first sample collector 3 and the second sample collector 5 may be utilized for collecting a sample from the drill hole 2 and transporting the collected sample to the sample carrier 8. Selection of the sample collector to be utilized may take place based on a threshold humidity or moisture value stored in the memory 19, for instance.

[0028] Furthermore, the processing unit 17 may comprise a transmitter 20 for transmitting data as shown in FIGURE 3. The transmitter 20 may be configured to transmit information in accordance with at least one communication standard. The transmitter 20 may comprise more than one transmitter. The transmitter 20 may be configured to operate in accordance with global system for mobile communication, GSM, wideband code division multiple access, WCDMA, 5G, long term evolution, LTE, IS-95, wireless local area network, WLAN, Ethernet and / or worldwide interoperability for microwave access, WiMAX, standards, for example. Data obtained from the at least one sensor 9 or the sample analyser 7 or analysis results may be, for example, transmitted to a node such as a server, a cloud-based server, a tablet computer or a smartphone by means of the transmitter 20. The node may be located directly on the rotary blasthole drill, elsewhere in the mine or external to the mine.

[0029] Additionally, the processing unit 17 may furthermore comprise a receiver 21 for receiving data as shown in FIGURE 3. The receiver 21 may be configured to receive information in accordance with at least one communication standard. The receiver 21 may comprise more than one receiver. The receiver 21 may be configured to operate in accordance with global system for mobile communication, GSM, wideband code division multiple access, WCDMA, 5G, long term evolution, LTE, IS-95, wireless local area network, WLAN, Ethernet and / or worldwide interoperability for microwave access, WiMAX, standards, for example. Data received by the receiver 21, for example computer program code, may be stored in the memory 19. The receiver 21 may be configured to receive signals from an external positioning system, for example a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite signal. Data obtained from the at least one sensor 9 or the sample analyser 7 or analysis results may be associated with positioning data received from the external positioning system.

[0030] Yet further, the processing unit 17 may comprise a user interface 23. The user interface 23 may be a touchscreen, a keybord or a plurality of buttons, for instance. Functionalities of the system 1 may be controlled by a user utilizing the user interface 23. At least a part of the suction unit 4 may be, for example, instructued by the user to move from a first storage position to a first operating position or at least a part of the first conveyor 6 may be, for example, instructed to move from a second storage position to a second operating position. Other functionalities may be an on / off button, an emergencyshut-off button, a button for selecting the first sample collector 5or a button for selecting the second sample collector 5, for instance.

[0031] The processing unit 17 or parts therof may be integrated into a rotary blasthole drill oprating computer in order to synchronize drill chips sampling and analysis with the rotary blasthole drill operation. The processing unit 17 can control movements of the first sample collector 3 and the second sample collector 5 during drilling in order to collect and analyse samples synchronized with the drill operation. The system 1 is mechanically integrated with the rotary blasthole drill, by its electrical system, by hydraulics, by pressurized air system, and the drill has a locking system preventing the rotary blasthole drill from moving when at least one of the first sample collector 3 and the second sample collector 5 are in the respective operating position for collection of samples. The processing unit 17 has programs stored in the memory 19 for communication with the rotary blasthole drill operating computer in order to receive MWD data, including but not limited to depth of the drill bit 26, torque of drilling, etc.

[0032] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the second conveyor 11 may be movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position the second conveyor 11 is arranged to transport the first sample to the sample carrier 8 and in the second position the second conveyor 11 is arranged to bypass the sample carrier 8. Further, the first conveyor 6 may be also movable from a third position to a fourth position. In the third position the first conveyor 6 is arranged to transport the second sample to the sample carrier 8 and in the fourth position the first conveyor 6 is arranged to bypass the sample carrier 8. In other words, the first conveyor 6 and the second conveyor 11 can be moved such that neither the colected first sample nor the collected second sample are transported to the sample carrier 8, but to another location instead. This can be, for example, beneficial for obtaining a physical sample of the first sample, the second sample or both the first and the second samples. A receptacle 25 or a bag-like fabric for such physical sample may be provided, for instance. A plurality of receptacles 25 or bag-like fabrics may be provided to collect physical samples from different drill holes or during different time intervals from different depths of the hole without interaction of the system 1 with a user. A receptacle 25 or bag-like fabric containing the physical sample may then be stored and / or analysed in a laboratory.

[0033] In FIGURE 4 a schematic top view of a detail of a further system for analysing material from a drill hole 2 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As can be seen, the suction head 14 of the first sample collector 3 and one end of the second sample collector 5 are located in the proximity of or close to the drill hole 2 during drilling by the drill pipe 27. Preferably, both the suction head 14 of the first sample collector 3 and the end of the second sample collector 5 are located close to each other in order to be able to both collect simultaneously a substantially identical sample in case that the drill chips are dry.

[0034] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0035] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0036] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and / or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0037] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may becombined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0038] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0039] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0040] At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in collecting samples from a drill hole for analysis purposes.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST1 system2 drill hole3 first sample collector4 suction unit5 second sample collector6 first conveyor7 sample analyser8 sample carrier9 sensor10 dust collector11 second conveyor12 first tube13 second tube14 suction head15 cleaning system16 curtain17 processing unit18 processor19 memory20 transmitter21 receiver22 humidity sensor23 user interface24 drill deck25 receptacle26 drill bit27 drill pipe

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system (1) for analysing material from a drill hole (2), the system (1) comprising:- a first sample collector (3) comprising a suction unit (4) capable of collecting a first sample from the drill hole (2),- a second sample collector (5) comprising a first conveyor (6) capable of collecting a second sample from the drill hole (2),- a sample analyser (7) comprising: o a sample carrier (8), and o at least one sensor (9),- wherein the system (1) is configured to transport the first sample collected by the first sample collector (3) or the second sample collected by the second sample collector (5) or simultaneously both the first sample collected by the first sample collector (3) and the second sample collected by the second sample collector (5) to the sample carrier (8).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first sample collector (3) comprises a dust collector (10) comprising at least one filter.

3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system (1) comprises a second conveyor (11) capable of transporting the first sample from the first sample collector (3) to the sample carrier (8).

4. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the second conveyor (11) is a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor.

5. The system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second conveyor (11) is movable from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the second conveyor(11) is arranged to transport the first sample to the sample carrier (8) and in the second position the second conveyor (11) is arranged to bypass the sample carrier (8).

6. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the suction unit (4) comprises a first tube (12) and a second tube (13), wherein at least a part of the first tube(12) is arranged within the second tube (13), and wherein the first tube (12) is movable relative to the second tube (13).

7. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the suction unit (4) comprises a detachable suction head (14).

8. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the suction unit (4) comprises a cleaning system (15) comprising rotatable brushes or a scraper linearly movable along at least a part of the suction unit (4).

9. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein at least a part of the suction unit (4) is movable from a first storage position to a first operating position.

10. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the first conveyor (6) is a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor.

11. The system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first conveyor (6) is movable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein in the third position the first conveyor (6) is arranged to transport the second sample to the sample carrier (8) and in the fourth position the first conveyor (6) is arranged to bypass the sample carrier (8).

12. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 11, wherein at least a part of the first conveyor (6) is movable from a second storage position to a second operating position.

13. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein the at least one sensor (9) is a contactless sensor.

14. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the at least one sensor (9) is an x-ray sensor, an infra-red sensor, an optical sensor, a spectrometer, an image capturing sensor, a PGNAA sensor, a Raman sensor, a LIBS sensor, or a LIF sensor.

15. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the system (1) comprises a humidity sensor (22).

16. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 15, wherein the system (1) comprises a moisture sensor.

17. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 16, wherein the system (1) comprises a processing unit (17) comprising at least one processing (18) core and a memory (19).

18. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 17, wherein the system (1) comprises a transmitter (21) configured to wirelessly transmit data obtained from the at least one sensor (9) or the sample analyser (7) or an analysis result to a node.

19. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 18, wherein the first conveyor (6) comprises a cleaning system.

20. An arrangement comprising a rotary blasthole drill and a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 19.

21. Use of the system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 19 in connection with drilling a drill hole.

22. A method for analysing material from a drill hole (2), the method (1) comprising:- providing a first sample collector (3) comprising a suction unit (4) capable of collecting a first sample from the drill hole (2),- providing a second sample collector (5) comprising a first conveyor (6) capable of collecting a second sample from the drill hole (2),- providing a sample analyser (7) comprising: o a sample carrier (8), and o at least one sensor (9),- the method further comprising: o collecting the first sample by the first sample collector, transporting the first sample to the sample carrier and analysing the first sample, or o collecting the second sample by the second sample collector, transporting the second sample to the sample carrier and analysing the second sample, or o simultaneously collecting the first sample by the first sample collector and the second sample by the second sample collector, transporting each of the the first sample and the second sample to the sample carrier and simultaneously analysing both the first sample and the second sample.

23. The method according to claim 22, the method comprising providing a second conveyor (11) capable of transporting the first sample from the first sample collector (3) to the sample carrier (8) and moving the second conveyor (11) from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the second conveyor (11) is arranged totransport the first sample to the sample carrier (8) and in the second position the second conveyor (11) is arranged to bypass the sample carrier (8).

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, the method comprising moving the first conveyor (6) from a third position to a fourth position, wherein in the third position the second conveyor (11) is arranged to transport the second sample to the sample carrier (8) and in the fourth position the first conveyor (6) is arranged to bypass the sample carrier (8).

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 - 24, the method comprising moving at least a part of the suction unit (4) from a first storage position to a first operating position.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 - 25, the method comprising moving at least a part of the first conveyor (6) from a second storage position to a second operating position.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 - 26, the method comprising cleaning the suction unit (4) by a cleaning system (15) comprising rotatable brushes or a scraper linearly movable along at least a part of the suction unit (4).

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 - 27, the method comprising obtaining data from an x-ray sensor, an infra-red sensor, an optical sensor, a spectrometer, an image capturing sensor, a PGNAA sensor, or a Raman sensor.

29. The method (1) according to any one of claims 22 - 28, the method comprising measuring a humidity in a proximity of the drill hole (2).

30. The method according to any one of claims 22 - 29, the method comprising wirelessly transmitting an analysis result to a node.

31. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a system to at least:- receive a signal from a humidity sensor or a moisture sensor, and- based on the received humidity sensor signal or the received moisture sensor signal o collect a first sample from a drill hole by a first sample collector, transport the first sample to a sample carrier and analyse the first sample, orllect a second sample from the drill hole by a second sample collector, transport the second sample to the sample carrier and analyse the second sample, or multaneously collect the first sample by the first sample collector and the second sample by the second sample collector, transport each of the first sample and the second sample to the sample carrier and simultaneously analyse both the first sample and the second sample.

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