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Innovation, Technology, and High-Resolution Images: Learn more about DMT Corescan

November 16, 2021

DMT CoreScan

The geological information that supports activities such as mining is largely the result of drilling techniques. Thus, the drill cores obtained, i.e. the rock samples collected during boreholes, are the main source of information from direct subsurface research of a mineral deposit, providing samples that promote geological knowledge in greater detail.

 

In order to optimise projects based on the analysis of borehole cores, DMT CoreScan was developed. This equipment allows high-resolution images to be taken of complete or fragmented drill cores and stored digitally in colour.

 

The use of this technology makes it possible to capture high-resolution images of up to 1016 dpi or 40 pixels per millimetre. In this sense, flat images of the cores can be generated, as well as in 360° visualisation mode. The information is then read into the CoreBase software. Below you can watch a video illustrating how the DMT CoreScan.

Watch the video

Throughout this text, we'll go into detail about the equipment, its applications and the advantages when carrying out projects.

Flatbed or 360° scanning

DMT CoreScan generates images of the cores in two ways: flat or 360°. In the first mode, an entire core box can be scanned, resulting in a detailed image of the cores. In the second mode, when fully scanned, the cores rotate 360° around their axis, while a fixed camera parallel to the axis of rotation performs the scan.

Both systems feature fast scanning technology:

  • 360° mode: 20 seconds per metre;
  • Flat mode: 30 seconds per box;

Below you can see images that exemplify these two modes.

modo 360° – digitalização da circunferência total do furo
Figura 1: modo 360° – digitalização da circunferência total do furo. Fonte: DMT Group.
modo plano – análise em 2D de testemunho único ou caixas de testemunhos
Figura 2: modo plano – análise em 2D de testemunho único ou caixas de testemunhos. Fonte: DMT Group.
Figura 3: Software CoreBase. Fonte: DMT Group.

Software CoreBase

The information acquired through DMT CoreScan can be processed in the Corebase software,allowing the user to create a digital library with integrated and organised data from the boreholes with advanced search functions.

In this sense, the software 's integrated database enables structural and petrographic analysis of borehole cores, the generation of lithological columns, the definition of alteration zones and geotechnical parameters (RQD, FD, FS), and the rapid construction of borehole LOGs. In addition Corebase can be accessed online.

Applications

There are many applications for DMT CoreScan in a project, and among them we can highlight its use in oil and gas exploration. This is because CoreScan UV, it is possible to analyse the distribution of mineral oil or fluorescent minerals such as scheelite. Other applications include

  • Sedimentological investigations;
  • Structural investigations;
  • Scientific drilling projects;
  • Underground investigation for geotechnical studies, geothermal energy projects, final disposal of radioactive waste, etc;

Advantages

One of the great advantages of DMT CoreScan is its high-resolution images, as mentioned above. In the figure below, you can see the image quality of a borehole core generated by this equipment.

40 pix/mm – Alta resolução
Figura 4: 40 pix/mm – Alta resolução. Fonte: DMT Group.

Another benefit is the portability of CoreScan. Instead of transporting the samples, the scanning can be done at the geological exploration site itself.

Check out the list of other advantages, available on the DMT Group website:

  • Easy-to-use and user-friendly system;
  • Quantitative fracture analyses;
  • Structural analysis of boreholes and stereographic projections;
  • The information is digitally organised with special software and archived for later use;
  • Witness orientation;
  • Data is permanently accessible and available online;
  • Additional function for recording under ultraviolet light;
  • The system can be purchased complete with product training or DMT Group specialists can carry out the work on site.

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References