Systems and methods for collecting cutting samples during oil and gas drilling operations

A method of collecting cutting samples produced during drilling of a well comprising:

• extracting fluid containing cuttings from a source by generating suction using a venturi-effect in response to a flow of carrier fluid;
• separating the cuttings from carrier fluid;
• depositing the cuttings at a corresponding point along a moving elongated strip of base material;
• covering the elongated strip of base material and the cuttings deposited on the base material with an elongated strip of cover material;
• and
• advancing the covered elongated strip of base material and covered cuttings onto a reel.

A system for automated collection of cutting samples produced during drilling of a well comprising:

• a packaging system operable to:
• receive fluid containing cuttings;
• separate the cuttings from the fluid;
• deposit the cuttings at a corresponding point along a moving elongated strip of base material;
• cover the elongated strip of base material and the cuttings deposited on the base material with an elongated strip of cover material;
• determine an elemental composition of the cuttings;
• and
• advance the covered elongated strip of base material and covered cuttings onto a reel.