Optical Borehole Scanner for Fast Hyperspectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mining technologies face challenges with expensive equipment that can be lost down boreholes and require slow physical sampling for material testing along elongate boreholes.
Innovation Solution
A geological surface-scanning apparatus that scans uneven surfaces without contact, using a light source, reflector, and optical fibers to obtain hyperspectral radiometric data at high speeds, is designed to be low-cost and avoid radioactive materials, allowing it to move quickly through boreholes without physical sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical sampling of material along the borehole is used, then material testing can be performed, but test times become slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical sampling with an optical scanning system. A light source illuminates the borehole wall, and optical fibers capture reflected light to obtain hyperspectral radiometric data without physical contact or material removal. This substitution of mechanical sampling with optical detection enables fast scanning speeds (typically up to between 2 to 4 m/s) while maintaining material analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If expensive testing equipment is used, then accurate material evaluation can be achieved, but the equipment is undesirable when lost down the borehole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a low-cost optical scanning apparatus that can be safely lost down the borehole without significant consequence. The system uses inexpensive components including a light source, simple reflector geometry, and optical fiber bundles, avoiding expensive radioactive or complex mechanical equipment. The apparatus contains no radioactive materials, and if lost, causes minimal business interruption.
3Reliability
If the apparatus contacts the geological surface, then stable positioning may be achieved, but the apparatus becomes more complex and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflected light as an intermediary to transfer information from the geological surface to the detector without requiring physical contact. The optical system (light source, reflector, and optical fibers) acts as a mediator that enables measurement while maintaining a gap between the apparatus and the borehole wall, simplifying the mechanical structure and enabling faster movement.
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 apparatus enables fast and cost-effective hyperspectral data collection without physical sampling, maintaining high signal quality and robustness, even in harsh environments, and can be used in various applications beyond mining.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector for reflecting incident light onto the geological surface, and for reflecting reflected light from the geological surface
Implementation Method 2
optical fibre means for receiving the reflected light from the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a geological system. The system includes an apparatus for use when scanning an uneven geological surface and that need not contact the geological surface. The apparatus includes a light source for providing light. A reflector is provided for reflecting incident light onto the geological surface, and for reflecting reflected light from the geological surface. The apparatus also includes optical fibre means for receiving the reflected light from the reflector. The system includes moving means for moving the apparatus along the uneven geological surface during scanning. Advantageously, the apparatus does not require physical sampling of material along a hole, and may instead move along the hole at very fast speeds (typically up to between 2 to 4 m/s) whilst obtaining hyperspectral radiometric data. The apparatus may be low cost, and may include no radioactive materials, so that there is little concern or business interruption if it is lost down a hole.