WorldWide Drilling Resource

Good Ole Rock 'N' Soil Complied by the Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource ® I just want to rock and soil all night; rock and soil sampling, that is. Sampling is the act of cutting small pieces of rock or soil from large rocks or soil. Rock sampling can be used to characterize a geothermal reservoir. It's sampling of ex- posed potentially mineral-bearing rocks. During this initial sampling, chips are taken and, if positive results are re- turned, a soil sampling survey is taken. The properties of rock samples provide information for determining whether a power generation or heat utilization fa- cility can be established. Rock sampling is an effective way to characterize many important properties of a geothermal re- source. Rock properties determine chemistry, temperature, and volume of the fluids produced. Drilling wells and collecting drill cores are a common way to identify where a possible geothermal reservoir re- sides. Soil sampling is also used in the beginning stages of mineral exploration. This sampling can be used to quickly establish the life of mineralization. Soil sampling can either stop a project dead in its tracks, or give the green light for further dis- bursement, like drilling. A successful soil sampling will result in a precise drill hole targeting. It is undertaken to define the location and shape of a hidden mineralized structure and to identify any high-grade sections within the structure. Both time and money could be wasted drilling alongside a section which does not have the highest grade zone. GPS technology makes this process a lot easier. The uncer- tainty of where the actual sample comes from is reduced. It’s not just an earthly project either. Rock and soil sampling has been done on the Moon and even on Mars. The study of rock and soil samples from the Moon continues to provide useful information about the early history of the Moon, Earth, and inner solar system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been using the Curiosity Mars rover to drill formations in an effort to study the planet’s past or present ability to sustain microbial life. Curiosity’s hammering drill collects powdered sample materials from the in- terior of a rock, then prepares and deliv- ers portions of the sample to onboard laboratory instruments. No, we cannot use it to party every day, but rock and soil sampling is very useful and there is plenty of information contained in the samples. 1” plastic cycle valves & they don’t leak! t For more info call: (800) 364-2124 or visit us online: www.barrettpumpstop.com In-well couplings are available for this valve. Proudly made in the USA 45 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® FEBRUARY 2017 E x p l o r a t i o n Blasthole drilling will be our editorial focus in April. Have an article idea? Submit it to us today. Call Bonnie at 850-547-0102 or e-mail bonnie@ worldwidedrillingresource.com