Abstract:
A chassis that supports a scanning system that images core samples from a wellbore. The chassis provides a mounting base for the scanning system for transportation of the scanning system, and also while the scanning system is in use and stationary. A suspension system mounts between the chassis and wheels that facilitate transportation of the chassis. The suspension system isolates the scanning system from shock and vibration encountered by the wheels while transporting the chassis and scanning system. In an example the chassis is a trailer, and which is pulled by a tractor. Legs can telescope downward from the chassis and against the surface on which the chassis is disposed. Airbags are strategically located within the chassis that absorb the vibration and thereby isolate the scanning system from the shock and vibration. Locations of the airbags include paths of force transmission between the wheels and the trailer.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates in general to a method and system for analyzing a core sample from a wellbore. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a trailer and chassis design that isolates a core scanning system from shock and vibration. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0004]    Various techniques are currently in use for identifying the presence of hydrocarbons in subterranean formations. Some techniques employ devices that emit a signal from a seismic source, and receive reflections of the signal on surface. Others involve disposing logging devices downhole in a wellbore intersecting the subterranean formation, and interrogating the formation from within the wellbore. Example downhole exploration devices include seismic tools that can transmit and receive seismic signals, or ones that simply receive a seismic signal generated at surface. Other devices collect and sample fluid from within the formation, or from within the wellbore. Nuclear tools are also employed that direct radiation into the formation, and receive radiation that scatters from the formation. Analyzing the scattered radiation can provide information about fluids residing in the formation adjacent the wellbore, the type of fluid, and information about other materials next to the wellbore, such as gravel pack. 
         [0005]    Logging downhole also is sometimes done while the wellbore itself is being drilled. The logging devices are usually either integral with a drill bit used during drilling, or on a drill string that rotates the drill bit. The logging devices typically are either nuclear, seismic, can in some instances optical devices. In some instances, a core is taken from the wellbore and analyzed after being retrieved to the surface. Analyzing the core generally provides information about the porosity and/or permeability of the rock formation adjacent the wellbore. Cores are generally elongated cylindrical members and obtained with a coring tool having an open barrel for receiving and retaining the core sample. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Disclosed herein is an example of a system for analyzing a core sample which includes a chassis, a core sample imaging device on the chassis, wheels coupled to the chassis, and a suspension system for absorbing shock and vibration that comprises an air bag assembly mounted in a path of force transmission between the wheels and the chassis. The system may further include a leg that telescopes from the chassis into supporting force against a surface on which the wheels are in contact. This example may further have an air bag assembly in the leg for absorbing shock and vibration. In an alternative, the system further includes a dolly assembly coupled to and supporting an end of the chassis, wherein the dolly assembly has a base that couples to the chassis, wheels coupled to the base, and an airbag system mounted on the base and in a path of vibrational force between the wheels and the chassis and that is for absorbing shock and vibration. Optionally further included with this example is a frame that extends forward from the base and has a pivoting coupling that selectively couples to a tractor rig, wherein the pivoting coupling isolates shock and vibration in the tractor rig from the chassis and from the core sample imaging device. A trailer may alternatively be provided on the chassis for housing the core sample imaging device. In this embodiment, the chassis, trailer, and core sample imaging device define a mobile unit. Further in this embodiment, the mobile unit has an offset center of gravity. The suspension system can isolate vibration acceleration up to about 4.0 G forces during transit and isolates vibrational forces having a frequency of between about 10 Hz to about 15 Hz. The system may optionally further include multiple mobile enclosures on the chassis that are coupled with a connector, so that coupling between mobile enclosures stiffens the chassis. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment of a system for analyzing a core sample includes a chassis, a trailer mounted onto the chassis that forms an enclosure, a core sample imaging device supported on the chassis and housed within the enclosure, wheels coupled to the chassis for providing mobility of the trailer thereby defining a mobile unit, a telescoping leg having an end mounted to the chassis, and a system of air bags provided between the wheels and the chassis and in the telescoping leg. The system of air bags can attenuate shock and vibration experienced by the wheels thereby isolating the chassis and the core sample imaging device from the shock and vibration. In an example, the system of air bags resists axial movement between the chassis and the wheels, so that when the mobile unit is accelerated, the chassis is restrained in a generally level orientation. The system can further include a dolly assembly coupled to and supporting an end of the chassis, and a frame that extends forward from the base and has a pivoting coupling that selectively couples to a tractor rig. In one embodiment, the dolly assembly is made up of a base that couples to the chassis, wheels coupled to the base, and an airbag system mounted on the base and in a path of vibrational force between the wheels and the chassis and that is for absorbing shock and vibration, and wherein the pivoting coupling isolates shock and vibration in the tractor rig from the chassis and from the core sample imaging device. 
         [0008]    Also provided herein is a method of isolating forces from a core sample analysis system which includes mounting a core sample imaging device supported on a chassis, coupling the chassis to a series of wheels, and isolating the core sample imaging device from shock and vibration experienced by the wheels by disposing air bags between the wheels and the chassis. The method may further include strategically sizing the air bags so that the air bags isolate the chassis from vibrational forces of up to about 4.0 G forces that are experienced by the wheels. In an embodiment the method also includes strategically disposing the air bags so that the chassis remains substantially level when the chassis is accelerated during transportation. The chassis can be transported by coupling the chassis to a dolly having wheels, a base, and a frame that connects to a tractor rig with a pivoting connection. In an embodiment, the pivoting connection attenuations vibration experienced by the tractor rig from being transferred to the dolly or the chassis. The method may further include providing a telescoping leg on a lower side of the chassis, and providing an air bag in the telescoping leg for attenuation vibration propagating within a surface on which the wheels are in contact. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Some of the features and benefits of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a plan partial sectional view of an example of a system for analyzing a core sample. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an overhead view of an example of a cabinet for shielding radiation and conditioning a scanning unit for a core sample. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an axial sectional view of the cabinet of  FIG. 2  and taken along lines  3 - 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cabinet of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the cabinet of  FIG. 2  in partial phantom view and an example scanning unit in the cabinet. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an example of a chassis for supporting a mobile enclosure. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are overhead and side views of an example of a dolly coupled to the chassis of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an example of a leg for supporting the chassis of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a graphical illustration of vibration isolation provided by an example of a suspension system provided with the chassis of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 10  A and B are graphical illustrations of vibration absorbed by the chassis of  FIG. 6  while being transported. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    While the invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0021]    The method and system of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In an embodiment, usage of the term “about” includes, but is not necessarily limited to, +/−5% of the cited magnitude. In an embodiment, usage of the term “substantially” includes, but is not necessarily limited to, +/−5% of the cited magnitude. 
         [0022]    It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, them have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation. 
         [0023]    Shown in a plan partial sectional view in  FIG. 1  is one example of a core analysis system  10 , which includes first, second and third mobile enclosures. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the first mobile enclosure is a scan trailer  12 , the second mobile enclosure is a handling trailer  14 , and the third mobile enclosure is an analysis trailer  16 . In one example, each of the enclosures may be part of a tractor trailer and which are movable by a tractor trailer. Schematically illustrated in the scan trailer  12  is a scan system  18 , and substantially all of which is housed within a cabinet  19 . In the illustrated example, cabinet  19  is specially designed to shield any radiation within, generated, inherent, or otherwise, from making its way to outside of the cabinet  19 . Thus, cabinet  19  is in compliance with 21 C.F.R. 1020.40. Further shown in cabinet  19  is a scan source  20 , which in one embodiment includes a device for emitting radiation, such as but not limited to an X-ray, microwave, millimeter wave, etc. A scan receiver  22  is also shown provided within cabinet  19  and combined with scan source  20 , in one example, forms a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. 
         [0024]    An elongate and cylindrical core sample  24  is shown axially inserted within scan system  18 . Core sample  24  is disposed into scan system  18  through a loading assembly  26 , which is shown coupled to one end of the scan system  18  and projecting through an opening in a side wall of handling trailer  14 . In an example, core sample  24  is taken from a subterranean formation below system  10 , and is retrieved via a wellbore  27  shown adjacent system  10 . Thus the wellbore  27  intersects the subterranean formation. Embodiments exist where the system  10  is “onsite” in the field and where the distance between the wellbore  27  to system  10  can range from less than one hundred yards up to five miles, and any distance between. Accordingly, real time analysis while drilling the wellbore  27  can take place within the system  10 . Feedback from the analysis can be used by the drilling operator to make adjustments or changes to the drilling operation. 
         [0025]    A hatch assembly  28  is schematically illustrated which provides the coupling interface between trailers  12 ,  14  and includes scaling around the loading assembly  26 . While in scan system  18 , core sample  24  rests on a core carrier  30 . In an example, core carrier  30  is fabricated from a material transparent to X-Rays, and can support the load of the core sample  24  with minimum deflection to maintain the resolution of a stationary scanner. Core carrier  30  is part of a manipulator system  31 , which further includes a manipulator arm  32  that telescopingly moves along a manipulator base  34 . As shown, an end of manipulator arm  32  distal from manipulator base  34  couples onto an end of core carrier  30 , so that core carrier is basically cantilevered on an end of the manipulator arm  32 . Manipulator arm  32  is shown in an extended position over manipulator base  34 . Manipulator arm  32  axially moves with respect to manipulator base  34  via a motor  36  shown having a shaft  38  that couples to manipulator arm  32 . In one example, motor  36  is a linear direct current motor. A gear (not shown) on an end of shaft  38  distal from motor  36  engages a gear rack  40  that is provided on manipulator arm  32 . Accordingly, selectively operating motor  36  urges manipulator arm  32 , core carrier  30  and core sample  24  in an axial direction with respect to scan source  20 . Moving manipulator arm  32  into a retracted position onto manipulator base  34  positions the entire length of core sample  24  in scan system  18 , so that all of core sample  24  may be analyzed by the scan system  18 . In one example, the scan source  20  and scan receiver  22  orbit around the core sample  24  and so that when in combination of axial movement of core sample  24  within system  18 , a helical scan is taken of core sample  24 . Further optionally, motor  36 , or additional motors not shown, may manipulate and selectively move manipulator arm vertically and/or laterally to thereby better position core sample  24  into a designated orientation and/or spatial position during the scanning process. 
         [0026]    Further shown in  FIG. 1  are a series of work surfaces  42  provided within handling trailer  14 . In one example of operation, before or after core sample  24  is scanned, it may be broken into sections for further analysis and analyzed on surfaces  42 . Examples of the surfaces  42  include a crusher, sample divider, and mortar grinder. Additional analysis may take place within analysis trailer  16 . Schematically illustrated within analysis trailer  16  are a variety of analysis equipment such as, but not limited to, scanners and spectrometers. One such analysis equipment is a nanotom  44 , which can include a scanning system for scanning the internals of core sample  24 , or parts of the core sample. Further analysis equipment in the analysis trailer  16  may be a laser induced spectroscope  46 , a Raman spectroscope  48 , and near infrared spectroscope  49 . It will be understood that alternate embodiments may include more trailers or fewer trailers. For example, an appropriately sized scan system  18  may allow loading assembly  26  to be in scan trailer  12  without projecting through an opening in the trailer and without a hatch assembly  28 . A further embodiment may provide work surfaces  42  in the same trailer as the analysis equipment, or the analysis equipment may be contained in handling trailer  14 . In yet a further embodiment, scan system  18 , loading assembly  26 , work surfaces  42  and analysis equipment (e.g., nanotom  44 , spectroscopes  46 ,  48 ,  49 , or others) are all contained in one trailer. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , shown in an overhead view is an example of the scan system  18  and an upper surface of cabinet  19 . Further illustrated in this example is a conditioning vent  50  on an upper end of the cabinet  19 , where conditioning vent  50  provides a path for airflow and that is used in conditioning the inside of the cabinet  19 , while blocking the leakage of any radiation from cabinet  19 . An advantage of the conditioning vent  50  is that conditioned air at proper temperature and humidity may be injected into the inside of cabinet  19  so that the sensitive devices housed within the cabinet  19  may be maintained in proper operating conditions to ensure normal operating functionality. In an example, operational conditions require maintaining a substantially constant temperature within the cabinet  19 . In one embodiment, the temperature variation in the cabinet  19  is kept of within 2 degrees C. of a designated temperature. An advantage of the device described herein is that the temperature in the cabinet  19  can be maintained within the designated range in spite of substantial air replacement. Air replacement in the cabinet  19 , due to the loading mechanism operation, maintains temperature uniformity across the scanner frame and rotary element. In one example, the volumetric rate of air replacement is at least about 4 m 3 /min. A power distribution panel  52  is shown provided at an aft end of cabinet  19 , and which includes buses (not shown) and other devices for distributing power through cabinet  19  into scan system  18 . A control panel  54  is shown adjacent power distribution panel  52  and includes hardware and software for managing control of the operation of the systems house within cabinet  19 . Projecting outward past the forward end of cabinet  19  is the loading assembly  26  in an open configuration. In the illustrated example, the loading assembly  26  includes a loading cover  56  and loading basin  58 , where the loading cover  56  is shown swung open from a loading basin  58 . As shown the core sample  24  has been inserted into open loading assembly  26  and onto the core carrier  30 . As will be described in more detail below, safety features are included with the system that prevent operation of the manipulator system  31  when the loading assembly  26  is in the open position of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows an example of the cabinet  19  in a sectional view and taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . This view which is taken along the axial portion of manipulator system  31  shows one example of a wiring track  60 ; which has cross members for organizing the control and power wires needed for use in the scan system  18  and as the manipulator arm  32  axially moves with respect to manipulator base  34 . Wiring track  60  maintains the wires in a designated location and position with use of wiring track  60  during operation of the manipulator system  31 . Further in the example of  FIG. 3  is a shroud  62  shown mounted on an upper end of manipulator system  31  and which covers a portion of the upper end and shields components within the manipulator system  31 . Manipulator base  34  (and thus manipulator arm  32 ) is supported on a vertical mounting pedestal  64 , which has a generally rectangular cross section along its axis, and has a lower end mounted on the floor of cabinet  19 . Shown housed within shroud  62  is a wiring bus  66  which extends axially along the manipulator assembly. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  provides in perspective view of one example of the cabinet  19  and having hinged panel  68  along its outer surface. As indicated above, the structure of cabinet  19  is in compliance with 21 C.F.R. 1020.40. Thus proper protective shielding and interlocking is provided in the panel  68  and along the hinged interface. An additional safety feature is a door assembly  70  which includes a barrier (not shown) that slides axially across the opening shown at the base of the loading assembly  26  and in a forward wall of cabinet  19 . The barrier thus provides a radiation shield from the inside to the outside of cabinet  19  while still allowing core sample loading in compliance with 21 C.F.R. §1020.40. 
         [0030]    An example of the manipulator assembly within cabinet  19  is illustrated in perspective view in  FIG. 5 , and where cabinet  19  is shown in a partial phantom view. In this embodiment, a rearward end of manipulator base  34  is supported on a rearward end of cabinet  19 ; manipulator base  34  extends axially away from the rearward wall of cabinet  19  with the manipulator arm  32  axially sliding on manipulator base  34 . Motor  36  is shown oriented generally perpendicular to an axis of manipulator arm  32  and manipulator base  34 , and couples to manipulator arm  32  by shaft  38 . Further illustrated is how the core carrier  30  couples to a mounting plate  72 ; where mounting plate  72  is a generally circular and planar member that mounts on a forward end of manipulator arm  32 . In one embodiment, this member along with an extended tunnel provides the seal that inhibits excessive air flow during the loading process. 
         [0031]    Axial movement, as shown by the double headed arrow A, of core sample  24  is accomplished via motor  36 . X, Y, and Z axes are illustrated to define an example coordinate system for the purposes of reference herein. While not limited to this coordinate system, the axes depict axial movement of any object, such as the core sample  24 , to be along the Z axis, vertical movement to be along the Y axis, and lateral movement to be along the X axis. As indicated above, operation of motor  36  can move core sample  24  along all of these axes. Further shown in  FIG. 5  are curved supports  74 ,  76  that circumscribe manipulator arm  32  and provide a mounting surface for scan source  20  and scan receiver  22 . The combination of the support  74 ,  76  define a gantry  78  that when rotated puts the scan source  20  and scan receiver  22  at an orbiting rotation around the core sample  24  and provides the scanning capabilities of the scan system  18 . As indicated above, the air replacement capabilities provided with cabinet  19  maintains a substantially constant temperature across the gantry  78 . 
         [0032]    Referring back to  FIG. 4 , an interlock connector  80  is shown provided on the loading cover  56  and loading basin  58 . The interlock connectors  80  thus may recognize when the cover  56  is in the open position of  FIG. 4  and in combination with controller  82  may prevent operation of the manipulator assembly. However, the control system associated with the scan system  18  that allows for motion of the manipulator assembly when the cover  56  is in the closed position and interlock connectors are adjacent one another. 
         [0033]    Shown in a side view in  FIG. 6  is an example of the scan trailer  12  mounted on a chassis  84 . Wheels  86  are provided on the chassis  84  for facilitating transportation of the chassis  84  having the scan trailer  12  A suspension system  87  is provided between the wheels  86  and chassis  84 , that in one example includes a series of airbags (not shown) for isolating vibration experienced in the wheels  86  from the chassis  84 . Further provided with the chassis  84  is a leg  88 , which can telescope axially and into supporting contact with a surface  90  on which the chassis  84  is resting. Example surfaces  90  include bare ground, a pad, a road, or other parking surface. Shown extending laterally away from an end of the chassis  84  is an example of a dolly  91 , which provides rolling support for a forward portion of the chassis  84 . Included with the dolly  91  is a hitch assembly  92  for coupling the chassis  84  to a tractor rig  93  that can selectively pull the chassis  84  (and mounted scan trailer  12 ) to a designated location. In an alternate embodiment, multiple mobile enclosures (or trailers) are provided on a single chassis  84 . A connector (not shown) may adjoin adjacent mobile enclosures, which also helps to stiffen the chassis  84  and reduce its deflection while in transit. An example of a connector is found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,599,829 and 5,454,673, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
         [0034]    More specifically, the suspension system  84 , with airbags, can be strategically disposed between the wheels  86  and the chassis  84  so that during transportation of the scan trailer  12 , the sensitive scanning equipment housed within the scan trailer  12  is not damaged. Further, airbags can also be selectively disposed within the leg  88 , so that when the chassis  84  is stationary and leg  88  is extended to support the chassis  84 , the chassis  84 , and thus the scan trailer  12 , can continue to be isolated from shock/vibration that may be transmitted from the surface  90  to the leg  88 . Seismic sources in this instance may emanate from typical wellbore operations, such as hydraulic fracturing. 
         [0035]    Advantages of the device disclosed herein include the ability to provide isolation from vibration up to 4.0 g due on/off road transport and through the truck. In one example, these vibrational forces are mitigated down to 0.3 g. A further advantage is to provide isolation from low frequency around the 10 Hz-15 Hz range for suitable operation of scan system  18  and other laboratory analytical equipment in the trailers  12 ,  14 ,  16 . This isolation can occur while stationary or during transit. The system can also provide leveling while in transit against acceleration, deceleration and turns to prevent tipping over of the off center of gravity loads. In an alternative, the hitch assembly  92  is removable, which can minimize the spacing requirement on site and for container alignment. In another alternative, the air ride suspension and trailer/suspension/tire integration can be variable. 
         [0036]    Low frequency vibration at the natural frequency of the trailer while stationary at the drilling site can be mitigated. In one embodiment a site leveling, stabilizing and isolation system is included, which provides support to ensure the equipment is leveled for suitable core loading despite the severely uneven center of gravity. A separate air bag leveling system can optionally be included to balance the off center of gravity during transit incidents such as body dive, acceleration/deceleration. An additional optional airbag isolation system can be provided below the turntable (not shown) which provides vibration isolation of the containerized equipment from the truck vibration. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , shown respectively in plan and side views is an example of the dolly  91  ( FIG. 6 ). The hitch assembly  92  includes a frame  94  that has an end mounted to a base  95  of the dolly  91 . The hitch assembly  92  further includes a pintle ring  96  on an end of the frame  94  distal from the base  95 . A pintle hook  98  ( FIG. 78 ) attached to an end of the tractor rig  93  selectively mates with the pintle ring  96  to couple together the tractor  93  and chassis  84  ( FIG. 6 ). The pintle hook  98  and pintle ring  96  selectively transfer an axial force between the two, but can pivot with respect to one another to form a pivoting type connection. An advantage of the dolly  91  and pintle coupling is that the pivoting type connection between the pintle hook  98  and ring  96  attenuate vibrational forces that might otherwise be transferred in a more rigid or fixed coupling. Thus a reduced amount of vibrational forces are transferred from the tractor  93  to the chassis  84 . As such, the scan system  18  ( FIG. 1 ) can be isolated from vibrational forces transmitted by the tractor  93 . Further illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  are wheels  10  that mount on an axle  102  that extends through the base  95  of the dolly  91 . Air bags  106  are shown mounted to the base  95  for attenuating vibration experienced by the wheels  100  that may otherwise be transmitted from the wheels  100 , thereby isolating the chassis  84  from vibrational forces generated as the wheels  100  travel along the surface  90 . Moreover, the air bags  106 , in conjunction with other air bags coupled with the chassis  84 , can maintain the chassis  84  level, even when the trailer  12  is being accelerated/decelerated, thus preventing “body dive” and other types of tipping that an unsupported trailer could experience. 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  shows in elevational side view an example of a leg  88  attached to a lower end of the chassis  84  and which provides support for the chassis  84 . In the example of  FIG. 8 , the leg  88  includes an upper portion with an end that connects to a lower end of the chassis  84 , and a lower portion  110  that inserts into an end of upper portion  108  distal from chassis  84  and that selectively telescopes with respect to the upper portion  108  thereby making both the length of the leg  88  and the elevation of the chassis  84  adjustable. A pin  112  is optionally provided for locking together the upper and lower portions  108 ,  110  and setting a length of the leg  88 . Further included in the example of  FIG. 8  is an air bag assembly  114  for isolating the chassis  84  from vibrational forces that might be propagating to or along the surface  90 . Example vibrational forces that propagate to/along the surface include those generated by vehicles that may be proximate the chassis  84 , as well as from downhole activities, e.g. hydraulic fracturing, formation drilling, perforating, logging, and the like. The air bag assembly  114  thus also isolates the scan system  18  (shown in dashed outline above the chassis  84 ) from vibrational forces propagating to/along the surface  90 . The example air bag assembly  114  includes a membrane  116 , which in an example is formed from an elastomeric material that in one embodiment is filled with a fluid (e.g. air, nitrogen, water). Alternatively, membrane  116  could be a substantially solid member, where example materials include an elastomeric material or other vibrational attenuating substance. An upper plate  118  is shown mounted on a lower end of lower portion  110  and rests on an upper portion of membrane  116 . Lower plate  120  is shown generally coaxial with upper plate  118  and on a side of membrane opposite upper plate  118 . Upper and lower plate  118 ,  120  as shown are generally transverse to an axis A x  of the leg  88 . 
         [0039]    Graphically depicted in the example of  FIG. 9  is a plot  122  having a line  124  representing values of vibrational transmissibility (ordinate) across the suspension system  87  with respect to values frequency (abscissa). In the illustrated embodiment, vibration frequencies of interest range from about 10 Hz to about 15 Hz. At these respective frequencies, and as illustrated by line  124 , the suspension system  87  (with airbags) provides about 94 to about 96% vibration mitigation. Such mitigation enables the scan system  18 , and other associated analytical equipment, to provide accurate readings during use, such as when located at or adjacent a drilling rig (not shown).  FIGS. 10A and 1011  are graphical illustrations of plots  126 ,  128  with lines  130 ,  132  that represent amounts of vibration absorbed by the chassis  84  ( FIG. 6 ) over time while being transported on a paved surface, such a road formed from asphalt or concrete. The units of the vibration are in gravitational force (G-force) (ordinate) and seconds (abscissa). Plot  126  reflects the vibration the chassis  84  would experience on the example paved surface without the air suspension system  87 . Plot represents vibrational forces experienced by the chassis  84  equipped with the suspension system  87  having the air bags (not shown). Clearly illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  is that the chassis  84  having the suspension system  87  described herein is subjected to vibrational amounts of less than 0.3 G forces. In contrast, without the suspension system  87 , as shown in  FIG. 10A , vibrational forces exerted onto the chassis  84  are up to 3 G forces. Accordingly, a 90% reduction of vibrational forces is experienced with the chassis  84  having the suspension system  87 , which is unexpected. 
         [0040]    The present invention described herein, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. Features of the system described herein provide appropriate trailer height, leveling and trailer dimensions suitable for preparing and loading core samples as well as testing in mobile CT scanning and laboratory analytical equipment on a container whose center of gravity is offset. The present system also provides sufficient spacing between trailers through a modified equipment hitch and tongue design and provide isolation from vibration up to 4 g from transportation (on or off a paved surface), or through the trailer rig. Further, while stationary, the scanning systems provided herein are isolated from low frequency vibrations (e.g. from about 10 hz to about 15 hz) by the above described isolation systems. Moreover, the suspension system associated with the chassis  84  maintains the chassis  84  in a level orientation while being transported, even during episodes of acceleration, deceleration, and directional changes, which limits acceleration forces experienced by the scanning equipment and also maintains the chassis  84  in a stable orientation. These and other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present invention disclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims.