Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
266 words
A method of preparing a geological core sample containing pore spaces and representative of an underground formation from which the sample is taken to prepare the core sample for testing in testing apparatus in which pressures are applied to the core sample to simulate approximate overburden pressure to which the sample material was subjected in its underground formation, the method comprising; applying a petroleum based release material to the exterior surface of the core sample; partially filling a mold with a plastic mixture of hardenable epoxy resin and hardener therefor; inserting one end of said core sample into the partially filled mold, the space between said sample and the interior of said mold lying within the range of from about 0.010 cm. to about 0.050 cm, to form a plastic coating on said sample substantially free of voids and having a thickness within said range so that the plastic coating on the thus coated sample is sufficiently thick and stiff to prevent intrusion into the pores of the core sample during testing of the core sample under confining pressure yet is sufficiently thin to transmit the confining pressure to the sample; applying a sufficient pressure to the opposite end of the core sample to slowly urge said sample into said mold until the plastic mixture therein covers the entire surface of said sample; curing the plastic material for a period of time sufficient to form a stiff coating on the core sample; removing the thus-coated core sample from said mold; and cutting off the ends of the core sample to remove the coating from said ends.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
266 words
A method of preparing a geological core sample containing pore spaces and representative of an underground formation from which the sample is taken to prepare the core sample for testing in testing apparatus in which pressures are applied to the core sample to simulate approximate overburden pressure to which the sample material was subjected in its underground formation, the method comprising; applying a petroleum based release material to the exterior surface of the core sample; partially filling a mold with a plastic mixture of hardenable epoxy resin and hardener therefor; inserting one end of said core sample into the partially filled mold, the space between said sample and the interior of said mold lying within the range of from about 0.010 cm. to about 0.050 cm, to form a plastic coating on said sample substantially free of voids and having a thickness within said range so that the plastic coating on the thus coated sample is sufficiently thick and stiff to prevent intrusion into the pores of the core sample during testing of the core sample under confining pressure yet is sufficiently thin to transmit the confining pressure to the sample; applying a sufficient pressure to the opposite end of the core sample to slowly urge said sample into said mold until the plastic mixture therein covers the entire surface of said sample; curing the plastic material for a period of time sufficient to form a stiff coating on the core sample; removing the thus-coated core sample from said mold; and cutting off the ends of the core sample to remove the coating from said ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 which further comprises, curing the coating on the core sample by maintaining the same at room temperature for at least about four hours and thereafter maintaining said coating at an elevated temperature for at least about eight hours.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure applied to the sample is not less than about 5 pounds per square inch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: grinding the ends of said coated core sample until such ends are flat and perpendicular to the axis of said core sample and the grains of core sample are exposed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 comprising flushing the core sample with an organic cleaning material prior to applying said release material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said cleaning material is selected from a group consisting of toluene and hexane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the coating is cured by maintaining the same at room temperature for at least about four hours and thereafter maintaining said coating at an elevated temperature for at least about eight hours.