PROTOCOL FOR CHARACTERIZING ROCK, METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING ROCK HARDNESS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH

摘要

A protocol for characterizing a rock is provided. The protocol includes a crushing operation, wherein a test column of the rock in granular form is subjected to a compressive force orientated parallel to the axis of the column. The protocol further includes a measurement operation, wherein the amount by which the axial length of the test column is reduced through the application of the force is measured. The protocol yet further includes a calculation operation, wherein a characteristic of the rock is calculated using the product of the force applied and the amount by which the length of the test column is reduced through the application of force. A method for characterizing the hardness of a subject rock is also provided.