In-situ Resin Impregnation for Unconsolidated Core Sample Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coring unconsolidated sediments are prone to mechanical damage due to handling and shipment, as they require segmenting the core barrel and extensive handling, which can cause vibration and jarring, leading to sample disruption.
Innovation Solution
A core sampling apparatus with impregnation tubes between the inner and outer walls, allowing for in-situ resin impregnation of the core sample, which stabilizes the sediment without segmenting the barrel, using a corer with a core catcher and a resin system that includes a pump connection for vacuum assistance and a resin gun for efficient resin delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the core barrel is segmented into one meter segments for stabilization, then the stabilization process can be performed, but the handling and movement of multiple segments increases the risk of mechanical damage to the core sample
Solution Approach 1:
The core barrel is divided into multiple segments that can be handled separately during stabilization, allowing the stabilization process to be performed on manageable portions while maintaining overall sample integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The core barrel is pre-segmented before stabilization is needed, allowing the stabilization process to begin immediately without requiring complex assembly or handling of a single long barrel
2Ease of manufacture
If the inner barrel is handled extensively during stabilization, then the stabilization process can be completed, but vibration and jarring occur that disrupt the core sample
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the core barrel, the stabilization process can be performed on smaller, more manageable portions that require less handling and generate less vibration and jarring
Solution Approach 2:
The core sample is surrounded by a foam insert that provides cushioning and damping before stabilization begins, reducing the impact of any vibration or jarring that occurs during handling
3Device complexity
If the core barrel is kept as a single unit, then handling is minimized, but stabilization cannot be performed on the full length without segmenting
Solution Approach 1:
The core barrel is segmented into manageable portions that can be stabilized independently, allowing efficient stabilization of the full length through sequential processing of segments
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stabilized segments can be combined or stacked to form the complete stabilized core sample, achieving full-length stabilization without requiring handling of a single long barrel
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method allows for the stabilization of unconsolidated sediments in their entirety within the core barrel, minimizing mechanical damage and enabling undisturbed retrieval and analysis of core samples, facilitating petrographic inspections with reduced handling and movement.
Implementation Method 1
a pump connection adapted to be connected to a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum to ease sampling of the core
Implementation Method 2
in-situ resin impregnation such that the solidified core can be inspected and analyzed
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for in-situ stabilization of unconsolidated sediment in core samples are disclosed. The core sampling apparatus includes a corer having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the inner and the outer wall, wherein the impregnation tubes are parallel to a central axis of the corer. The method for sampling a core includes extracting a core sample using a corer, and in-situ stabilizing unconsolidated sediment in the core sample within the corer by impregnating the core sample with a resin. The resin is supplied through a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the walls of the corer.