Automated multi-sensor petrophysical core logging*
Adel Vatandoost 1 2 Peter Fullagar 1 Michael Roach 11 CODES Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 79, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
2 Corresponding author. Email: adelvk@utas.edu.au
Exploration Geophysics 39(3) 181-188 https://doi.org/10.1071/EG08020
Submitted: 20 December 2007 Published: 22 September 2008
Abstract
A GEOTEK multi-sensor core logger (MSCL), originally developed to log soft-sediment cores, has been adapted to allow simultaneous measurement of a range of petrophysical parameters on diamond drill core. The system can measure the density, P-wave velocity, electrical conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility of either whole or half core. It also acquires high-resolution digital colour imagery of the core. System operation, sensor modification, sensor calibration, data accuracy, and repeatability are described in this paper. With careful calibration and close adherence to logging protocols, accuracy and precision of a few percent can be achieved with the MSCL in routine operation. The system is currently being used to record detailed petrophysical data on archival drill core from metalliferous mines for correlation with metallurgical parameters, but it has significant potential in mineral exploration and environmental applications as well.
Key words: calibration, core logging, geometallurgy, GEOTEK logger, petrophysics.
Acknowledgments
The research described above was undertaken as part of the AMIRA International Project P843, Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling. The support of industry sponsors – Anglo Gold Ashanti, Anglo Platinum, Barrick, BHP Billiton, CVRD, Datamine, Inco, Golder Associates, GEOTEK, Metso Minerals, Newcrest, Newmont, Rio Tinto, Teck Cominco, Xstrata Copper, and Zinifex, and their permission to publish this research is greatly appreciated. We also thank anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments.
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* *Presented at the 19th ASEG Geophysical Conference & Exhibition, November 2007.