Filtered Sample Bag for Representative Wet Drill Hole Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting wet sample material from drill holes in mines are inefficient, costly, and result in non-representative samples, leading to economic and environmental losses due to high waste rock dilution and ore loss, with challenges in obtaining timely and spatially accurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample material bag with filter regions of specific mesh sizes and RFID tags, coupled to a collector system, allows for direct collection and de-watering of wet samples, enabling representative analysis and spatial localization of sample material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual sample collection methods are used (spade, basin, vessel), then equipment complexity is reduced, but sample representativeness and analysis accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized sample collection bag as an intermediary device between the drill hole and analysis equipment. The bag includes filter regions that automatically separate different particle sizes during collection, ensuring representative sampling without complex manual procedures. The coupling region connects the bag to the drill hole, creating a streamlined collection system that maintains sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs filter materials with specific pore sizes (first filter region: 1-500 μm, second filter region: 1-10 mm) to automatically separate drill cuttings by particle size during collection. This porous structure enables passive classification of samples as they are collected, improving representativeness without adding mechanical complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water flushing is applied to drill holes, then dust suppression is improved, but sample collection difficulty increases due to wet sludge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of sample collection by using a flexible bag system that can accommodate wet, sludgy materials. The filter regions are designed to handle wet drill cuttings and sludge, allowing water flushing to continue for dust suppression while samples are collected in a form suitable for subsequent drying and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sample collection function from the water flushing system. Instead of trying to collect dry samples after flushing, the system is designed to collect wet samples directly during flushing operations, separating the collection function from the drying function that would otherwise be needed.
3Measurement precision
If samples are collected and transported to laboratory, then analysis capability is maintained, but time consumption and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification and separation of samples using filter regions during the collection process itself. The first filter region (1-500 μm) and second filter region (1-10 mm) automatically separate different particle sizes before the sample leaves the drill site, reducing the need for subsequent processing time in the laboratory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nested filter structure where the first filter region (finer mesh) and second filter region (coarser mesh) are arranged concentrically or in sequence. This nested arrangement allows multi-stage separation within a single collection device, maintaining analysis capability while minimizing transport time and sample loss.
4Manufacturing precision
If filter regions with small mesh size are used, then particle separation precision is improved, but sample loss of fine particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filtering process into two distinct stages with different mesh sizes. The first filter region uses finer mesh (1-500 μm) to capture fine particles, while the second filter region uses coarser mesh (1-10 mm) to capture larger cuttings. This segmentation ensures that no particle size fraction is lost, as each filter is optimized for its specific size range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different filter materials with different pore sizes in different regions of the same collection device. The first filter region has fine pores for fine particles, while the second filter region has coarse pores for larger material, optimizing separation precision for each local region without causing overall particle loss.
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
Enables efficient, safe, and representative collection of wet samples for on-site analysis, reducing handling time and improving ore grade control with precise spatial and temporal data integration.
Implementation Method 1
the first open upper portion defines a first periphery, the elongated first part comprising a first filter region made of a first filter material having a first mesh size in a range between 1 to 500 μm
Implementation Method 2
the second part comprising a second filter region made of a second filter material having a second mesh size in a range between 1 mm to 10 mm
Implementation Method 3
the first filter region made of a first filter material having a first mesh size in a range between 1 to 500 μm
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sample material bag (1) for receiving wet sample material (2) obtained from a drill hole, the sample material bag (1) comprising an elongated first part (3) having a first open upper portion (5) and a first closed bottom portion (6), wherein the first open upper portion (5) defines a first periphery, the elongated first part (3) comprising a first filter region (4) made of a first filter material having a first mesh size in a range between 1 to 500 μm, and a coupling region configured to be coupled to a sample material bag coupling section (7) of a sample material collector (8).