SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN EXPLORATION DRILLING

摘要

A sampling and analysis system (50), and related method, for use in exploration drilling, particularly diamond drilling. The system (50) includes a number of sub- systems, including a capturing sub-system (51), a sample recovery and splitting sub-system (52), a sample preparation/drying sub-system (53), a sample handling and sensor sub-system (54), a data collection and management sub- system (55), an automated data analysis and interpretation sub-system (56), and a control sub-system (57) for data collection and process control. The sample handling and sensor sub-system (54) may comprise an integrated arrangement or separate units providing a sample handling sub-system and a sample sensor sub-system. The sample preparation/drying sub-system (53) is operable to ensure that the samples it receives from the sample recovery sub-system (52) are optimally prepared for introduction to the sample handling and sensor sub- system (54). The sampling and analysis system (50) may be autonomous or operable manually or semi-automatically.