Specim offer 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.

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 of course 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.

The Swedish Geological Survey have recently given an interview with Specim regarding their project of scanning 200,000 meters of drill core with Specim’s SisuROCK hyperspectral core logger.

The full interview given by Kaj Lax, Head of the Mineral Resources Department of SGU, Swedish Geological Survey can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6y1QZKhWZM&feature=youtu.be

Here are some extracts:

“It’s actually part of what happened and started 15 years ago. The European Union realised that we had a problem with providing EU 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.  If we would have done this using a traditional core logging it would have taken us far, far, far too long! I don’t know how long it would have taken us, but you 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, anyone interested. The information in the data is probably going to lead to a mine, I would hope so I think so. We’ve seen some pretty interesting stuff already.

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.”

Kaj Lax – Swedish Geological Survey

“This is Specim’s SisuROCK hyperspectral core logging workstation. 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 shape of the spectrum of the reflected light, the absorption in the spectrum tells us which mineral the light was reflected from. So, it tells us which minerals are in the rock.

The SisuROCK can maintain a scanning speed of more than 200 boxes in an eight-hour shift, meaning that more than 2,000 metres of drill core. With the SisuROCK you can find minerals not visible by the naked eye, because they have a very small grain size, for example. You can also see and detect more gradual changes in mineral composition and mixing of several minerals. You define more boundaries more accurately and make new interpretations of the origin of the formation.

The SisuROCK can maintain a scanning speed of more than 200 boxes in an eight-hour shift, meaning that more than 2,000 metres of drill core. With the SisuROCK you can find minerals not visible by the naked eye, because they have a very small grain size, for example. You can also see and detect more gradual changes in mineral composition and mixing of several minerals. You define more boundaries more accurately and make new interpretations of the origin of the formation.”

Rainer Bars, Project Manager, Specim

Caption:  During six months, SGU scanned 230,000 metres of drill core

Specim have published SisuRock two application notes

Hyperspectral imaging of lake sediments using SCS (single core scanner):

http://www.specim.fi/downloads/Uni_Bern.pdf

High Speed Drillcore Analysis:

http://www.specim.fi/downloads/High_speed_drillcore-14.pdf

Quantum Design represent Specim throughout the UK and Ireland.  Visit our website www.qd-uki.co.uk to find out more about our us and our extensive product range.  Watch our new company video here