Apparatus for Washing Rock Samples

Abstract

An apparatus for washing rock samples, which is particularly suited to the washing and preparation of rock samples obtained from oil and gas wells. In one embodiment there is provided a method of washing rock samples involving a plurality of discrete rock samples; providing a plurality of sequentially arranged discrete washers each of which is spaced from a respective washing position and configured to direct a washing flow of water towards said washing position; and automatically conveying said samples relative to said washers so that each sample moves in succession through said washing positions for sequential washing by each said washer.

1 . An apparatus for washing rock samples for subsequent analysis and derivation of geological information from the rock samples, the apparatus comprising a plurality of sequentially arranged and equi-spaced discrete washers, each of which is spaced from a respective washing position and configured to direct a washing flow of water towards said washing position; a plurality of sequentially arranged and equi-spaced discrete dryers each of which comprises a heater arranged to direct heat towards a respective drying position; and a conveyor operable to automatically convey a plurality of discrete rock samples, in succession, relative to said washers in a step-wise manner such that each sample moves through said washing positions for sequential washing by each said washer, wherein each said sample remains stationary, relative to each said washer, in each said respective washing position for an equal and predetermined washing period during which said respective washer is operable to wash the sample by said respective washing flow of water, and is moved by an index distance between successive said washing periods; the conveyor also being operable to automatically convey said samples, in succession, relative to said dryers in a step-wise manner so that each sample moves through said drying positions for sequential drying by each said dryer, wherein each said sample remains stationary, relative to each said dryer, in each said drying position for an equal and predetermined drying period, and is moved by said index distance between successive said drying periods; wherein each said index distance is equal to the distance by which said washers are equi-spaced apart and is equal to the distance by which said dryers are equi-spaced apart. 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of washers comprise at least one washer that is connected to a supply of fresh water so as to produce a washing flow of fresh water. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said plurality of washers comprise at least one washer that is connected to a recirculated flow of water. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one washer that is supplied with fresh water is arranged sequentially after a washer that is supplied with recirculated water. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 3 , comprising a plurality of washers connected to said recirculated flow of water and a single washer connected to said supply of fresh water. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 3  further comprising at least one filter through which said recirculated flow of water passes. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 3  comprising a weir over which said recirculated flow of water passes. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 3  further comprising a pump operable to pump said recirculating flow of water to said washers. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each said heater comprises an infrared lamp. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising agitating means operable to automatically agitate each sample as it is moved through said drying positions. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle being configured for the receipt of a respective sample and wherein each of said receptacles permits water remaining on each of the samples to drain, and wherein said agitating means comprises a mechanism operable to engage and oscillate said receptacles.