Patent ID: 9127529
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: E21B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing and utilizing a sample-embedded sliver for x-ray scanning and evaluation which comprises steps of: (i) extracting a plug from a core obtained from drilling a wellbore; (ii) optionally performing a single energy scan on the plug for sample selection; (iii) cutting a selected sample having opposite sides from the plug; (iv) positioning the sample within a casting container; (v) introducing flowable encapsulant into the casting container to encapsulate at least a peripheral edge that extends around the sample and between the opposite sides thereof; (vi) hardening the encapsulant to form a sample-embedded intermediate carrier which is removable from the container; (vii) machining a side of the sample-embedded intermediate carrier to expose a flat face of the sample to produce a first exposed face; (viii) machining to produce a second exposed face on an opposite side of the sample to the first exposed face, wherein the first and second faces are parallel to each other and spaced in part by a thickness of the sample, to provide an x-ray scannable discrete sliver comprising a thin planar sliver sample encapsulated at a peripheral edge thereof within surrounding encapsulant in thin layer form which structurally stabilizes the resulting sliver; and (ix) capturing at least one digital image of the sliver sample using x-ray scanning.