Articles | Volume 19
https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-19-13-2015
https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-19-13-2015
Technical development
 | 
29 May 2015
Technical development |  | 29 May 2015

An innovative optical and chemical drill core scanner

A. S. L. Sjöqvist, M. Arthursson, A. Lundström, E. Calderón Estrada, A. Inerfeldt, and H. Lorenz

Abstract. We describe a new innovative drill core scanner that semi-automatedly analyses drill cores directly in drill core trays with X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, without the need for much sample preparation or operator intervention. The instrument is fed with entire core trays, which are photographed at high resolution and scanned by a 3-D profiling laser. Algorithms recognise the geometry of the core tray, number of slots, location of the drill cores, calculate the optimal scanning path, and execute a continuous XRF analysis of 2 cm width along the core. The instrument is equipped with critical analytical components that allow an effective QA/QC routine to be implemented. It is a mobile instrument that can be manoeuvred by a single person with a manual pallet jack.