Method and apparatus for stabilizing borehole cores

A method of stabilizing a columnar mass of core material encapsulated within an expandable sleeve of the core variety adapted for encapsulating sections of earth, said method comprising:

• providing a container for housing an encapsulated core;
• receiving the encapsulated core within the housing;
• introducing plaster of paris in a generally fluid condition into the housing, substantially around and longitudinally along the core for rigidly encasing it longitudinally therealong;
• and
• allowing the plaster of paris to solidify substantially around the core for imparting longitudinal rigidity thereto and allowing the casted core to be handled in a conventional manner without adversely affecting the physical properties thereof.

Apparatus for utilizing a subtemperature mass to stabilize a columnar mass of core material containing fluids therein and encapsulated within an expandable sleeve, said apparatus comprising:

• an elongated housing adapted for the receipt and containment of the encapsulated core, said housing including at least two longitudinal sections substantially separable one from the other for exposing the encapsulated core therebetween;
• means for introducing a subtemperate mass within said housing and substantially around the core disposed therein for solidifying the fluids contained therethrough;
• and
• means for providing access to the solidified encapsulated core within said housing for the subsequent analysis thereof.

Apparatus for utilizing a casting medium to stabilize a columnar mass of core material encapsulated within an expandable sleeve, said apparatus comprising:

• an elongated housing adapted for the receipt and containment of the encapsulated core;
• means for introducing a casting medium within said housing and substantially around and longitudinally along the core disposed therein for imparting longitudinal rigidity thereto;
• and
• means included with said housing for shielding an arcuate, longitudinal portion of the core from the casting medium to prevent solidification therealong.

A method of stabilizing a columnar mass of core material encapsulated within an expandable sleeve of the core barrel variety adapted for encapsulating sections of earth, said method comprising:

• providing a container for housing an encapsulated core;
• receiving the encapsulated core within the housing;
• supplying a solidifying casting medium in a generally fluid condition;
• introducing the casting medium into the housing;
• shielding an arcuate longitudinal portion of the core from the casting medium to prevent solidification therealong and provide subsequent access thereto;
• distributing the casting medium substantially around and longitudinally along the core for rigidly encasing it longitudinally therealong;
• and
• allowing the casting medium to solidify around the unshielded portion of the core for imparting longitudinal rigidity thereto and allowing the casted core to be handled in a conventional manner without adversely affecting the physical properties thereof.