3D Drill Core Volume Measurement for Fragmented Samples

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the volume of drill core samples, especially those that are fragmented or non-cylindrical, introduce significant measurement errors and lack repeatability, making accurate volume determination challenging.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing an electromagnetic 3D scanner to compare the surface of a drill core sample with a reference surface of the core tray, computing the volume by integrating the difference between these surfaces, and accounting for void volumes and drill core sample blocks to ensure accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement or water displacement method is used for fragmented drill core samples, then the measurement process can be performed, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately capture irregular geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume measurement accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to fragmented samples

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (calipers, rulers) and water displacement methods with an electromagnetic 3D scanning system. The scanner captures the actual geometry of drill core samples including fragmented sections, and computational algorithms automatically calculate volume from the 3D point cloud data, eliminating the need for physical contact or water submersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from linear dimensions (length, width) assumed cylindrical shape to actual 3D spatial coordinates. By scanning the sample surface and obtaining a point cloud representation, the system calculates volume based on the actual geometric form rather than assuming a idealized cylindrical shape, thereby improving accuracy for fragmented samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If water displacement method is used for porous drill core samples, then volume can be measured, but the reliability deteriorates because samples may dissolve or disintegrate during submersion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume measurement capabilityVSAvoidsample integrity during measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the water displacement method with non-contact electromagnetic scanning. The 3D scanner captures the sample geometry through electromagnetic radiation reflection without physical contact or fluid submersion, eliminating the risk of sample dissolution or disintegration while maintaining volume measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual approximation is used for non-cylindrical segments, then volume can be estimated, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to geometric deviations from cylindrical shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of measurement processVSAvoidvolume accuracy for irregular shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual estimation and approximation calculations with automated 3D scanning and computational volume calculation. The electromagnetic scanner captures the true geometry of non-cylindrical segments, and software algorithms automatically compute the exact volume from the point cloud data, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a digital copy (3D point cloud model) of the drill core sample surface. This digital replica accurately represents the actual geometry including all irregularities and fragmented sections, allowing precise volume calculation without physically manipulating or approximating the original sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Provides accurate and repeatable volume measurements for both cylindrical and fragmented drill core samples, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

scanning the core tray, with an electromagnetic 3D scanner, to obtain a sample surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12577842B2Method and system for measuring volume of a drill core sample

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 MINALYZE

AI summary

A method and system for determining the volume of a drill core sample, wherein the method comprises the steps of providing a reference surface of a core tray adapted to carry at least one drill core sample, placing a drill core sample in the core tray, scanning the core tray with an electromagnetic 3D scanner to obtain a sample surface, and computing the volume of the drill core sample by comparing the sample surface with the reference surface. Scanning the sample will provide accurate and repeatable measurements even for drill core samples with non-cylindrical segments.