Methods Used to Extract Core Samples

Core samples are a great way to better understand oil and gas reserves. By taking a piece of a large sum we are able to research and learn more about the material from which it came.

There are several methods that can be used to extract a core sample from an exposure. Some of the most common and frequently used are gravity coring, vibracoring and drilling.

Gravity coring typically happens in a body of water such as a lake or ocean. As its name implies, gravity coring occurs by dropping the core sampler into the sample. Once this happens gravity carries it to the bottom of the water body. At the bottom the sample recovers sediment cores which allows engineers to see the presence or lack thereof certain fossils. This gives engineers the ability to tract climate patterns such as ice ages, monsoons and other catastrophic events. By using core samples, we are able to learn more about what life was like thousands and thousands of years ago.  Gravity coring boasts the benefits of being simple and reliable. Typically there is little cost associated with this method of coring and you are able to maintain the method easily.

The second method mentioned is vibracoring. Vibracoring is a technique that is used for sampling underwater sediments. As the term suggests, vibracoring involves vibrations. During the process of vibracoring the sample is vibrated to allow penetration into the medium which is being thinned out over a course of time. One factor that must be taken into account when using the method of vibracoring is the subject material that is being used. When vibracoring, the physical strength of the subject material typically limits the amount of sample that can be receieved.

The last method mentioned is drilling. Drilling is often the method most notably associated with extracting core samples.  In drilling, a tool is used to extract a core sample from the reserve. One caution that must be taken when dealing with the method of drilling for core samples is the use of force on the sample. When using a rotating tool, it is important to note that not too much force is placed on the ample because that can lead to fractures and cracks within the core sample. When the small sample is fractured it becomes harder for engineers to interpret the piece of matter. While all core sample sizes vary, it is important to have a pure and wholesome sample.

When core samples are extracted they must be properly maintained. Coring for samples has quickly become one of the best ways to gather data that can trace the past. Whether coring under water or on land, coring has been a popular practice for industries nationwide, primarily in the oil and gas industries. Further development and exploration of core samples leads to great discoveries and a vast set of knowledge.

If you are looking to extract core samples contact Kocurek Industries Inc. Kocurek Industries Inc. can be reached at (979) 406-0627 or by visiting www.kocurekindustries.com.