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Faster drill core scanning with Specim’s SisuROCK hyperspectral core logger
S
pecim offers a number of turn- key systems for hyperspectral imaging and analysis of geological samples such as drill
cores – whether this be a single core or a complete box. Any number of silicate and non-silicate minerals can be imaged and identified with the use of VNIR, SWIR and/or LWIR (thermal imaging) cameras.
Specim’s SisuROCK is capable of imaging a single drill core in a high- resolution mode or a whole core box in a high-speed scanning mode. Hyperspectral imaging data of a whole core box is acquired in less than 15 seconds, highly improving productivity in drill-core analysis.
The choice of system depends on the specific requirements of the user, but normally speed, throughput and total sample volume/variety are the key factors in making this decision. “Specim’s SisuROCK hyperspectral
core logging workstation (see image below). It contains three cameras for imaging the core: Specim’s Phoenix hyperspectral imaging camera, Specim’s OWL hyperspectral imaging camera and a high-resolution RGB camera. The SisuROCK measures infrared light reflected from the surface of the drill core. The absorption in the spectrum tells us which mineral the light was
reflected from, in effect showing which minerals are in the rock.” The SisuROCK can maintain a scanning speed of more than 200 boxes in an eight-hour shift, equivalent to more than 2,000 metres of drill core. The SisuROCK finds minerals not visible by the naked eye, especially when they are very small in size, like a grain for example.
The SisuROCK also detects gradual changes in mineral composition and the mixing of several minerals. Boundaries can be defined more accurately and new interpretations established when it comes to the origin of the formation.
Specim in a Swedish Geological Survey project
The Swedish Geological Survey (SGU) used Specim in its project of scanning 200,000 meters of drill core with the SisuROCK hyperspectral core logger. Kaj Lax, Head of the Mineral
Specim’s SisuROCK hyperspectral core logging workstation
34 November 2021 | Automation
Resources Department of SGU, said: “It’s actually part of what happened and started 15 years ago. The European Union realised that we had a problem with providing it with metals and minerals, so they started off a ‘raw materials’ initiative. The Swedish government set aside a fair amount of money for the survey to do more on mineral resources. The SGU scanning project is a result of that.”
Describing the use of the SisuRock in SGU’s project, Lax said:
“If we would have done this using a traditional core logging it would have taken us far, far, far too long! We simply would never have done that, it would not produce what we were looking for. We’ve already seen that there are examples where there is a clear mismatch with what the hyperspectral imaging data says and what the geologists on site had want and that is extremely interesting.”
The objective for the Geological Survey now is to make sure that it’s available for exploration companies, mining companies, universities, and other interested parties. “In my view, the most valuable
properties at this workstation used the SisuROCK are the reliability and speed. It’s a very good combination when you have both,” said Lax.
Finding Specim products Quantum Design represents Specim throughout the UK and Ireland. Visit our website to find out more about us and our extensive product range.
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