Core Laboratories, Inc.

Western Geophysical Company of America

Darrell C Bush

David L Freeman

Ralph E Jenkins

A method of mounting and confining poorly and/or unconsolidated core samples for subsequent handling and testing is disclosed. The preferred method comprises the steps of inserting a poorly consolidated core sample into a predetermined length of heat shrinkable tubing. End plugs are inserted at each end of the core sample and within the tubing. Heat is then applied to the heat shrinkable tubing and the tubing shrinks to conform to the outer circumferential surface of the core sample and the end plugs. The tubing is cut off at each end of the poorly consolidated core sample at the line of contact between the poorly consolidated core sample and each end plug. Then the poorly consolidated core sample is seated to attempt to return grains to their in situ grain to grain relationship. Suitable screens are placed against each end of the core sample. Screen caps are then attached to each end of the core sample to provide a constant pressure on the ends of the core sample. The screen caps can then be held in place with shrinkable bands or bonded to each other or tied to each other to form a very durable and useful portable laboratory sample of poorly consolidated earth.

Method for mounting poorly consolidated core samples

The permeability of a core sample is measured during nonsteady state flow of fluid therethrough. A predetermined test pressure is supplied to an upstream end of the core sample while that sample is disposed in a fixed, closed volume and is subjected to a constant, predetermined confining pressure. The change in pressure across the core sample, with the passage of time, is measured; and the permeability of the core sample is determined as a function of the time-related measure of pressure change.

Method and apparatus for nonsteady state testing of permeability

A particle size analyzer of the sedimentation type in which a cup-shaped member is used to deposit the particles in the sedimentation fluid substantially simultaneously and at low velocity. The particles are ultrasonically dispersed as they are deposited in the fluid and are collected by a balance member which detects their receipt as a function of time. An electronic circuit connected to the balance member determines the size of the particles through the use of Stokes' Law and an empirically determined relationship between the settling velocity of the particles and their size.

Particle measuring apparatus

A method of coating a core sample in which a distillate such as petroleum jelly is applied to the exterior surface of the sample. A cylindrical mold is partially filled with a plastic mixture of hardenable epoxy resin and hardener therefor, and one end of the core sample is slowly inserted into the mold under a pressure which preferably is not more than about 50 pounds per square inch. In some cases the inserted end of the sample is pre-coated with the plastic mixture. As the insertion of the sample is continued, the mixture flows up the side of the sample and covers the opposite end. The coating is cured by maintaining it in the mold at room temperature for a period of time sufficient to enable the resin to set up and then by holding it at an elevated temperature for at least about eight hours. Upon the removal of the coated sample from the mold, the ends are cut off to expose the sample material.

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Colleyville, TX, United States of America

Darrell C Bush