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PETE 220 Laboratory Report

Experiment:

Preparation of a core plug

Experiment No.:

Group Number:

13

Group Members:

Date:

20/11/2015

Table of Contents

Introduction, Purpose & Theory

Calculations & Results

Discussion & Conclusion

Introduction, Purpose & Theory

In this demonstration, we observed how an irregular shaped rock is turned into a
core plug.
The main piece of equipment in this demonstration was the masonry saw. The
masonry saw contained a large revolving blade. Furthermore, the blades can be
changed according to the length of the core plug that is desired in the situation.
In the cutting process, the rock is shaped perfectly and cut cylindrically so that
they could be placed in the core holder which would be used in the experiments
to measure porosity and permeability.
Initially, the rock sample is cut from a large chunk into a large cylinder using a
masonry saw that has a large diameter. After cutting the rock sample, a
revolving device is used in order to reduce the diameter of the rock to 1.5
inches. This device can also smoothen the edges.
The masonry saw and all the other cutting equipment use water while cutting.
This is done in order to avoid dust particles moving around the room. The water
ensures that dust can be avoided while cutting.
After the diameter of the rock has been reduced and the edges have been
smoothened, the perfectly cylindrical 1.5 inch core plug would be shortened by
using a smaller masonry saw. The final result would be a perfectly smoothened
core plug with a diameter of 1.5 inches and a length appropriate for placement
in a core holder for further experimentation.
After this, the core samples are oven dried. This is done in order to remove the
water from the cores and then, we take measurements.

Calculations & Results

There are no particular calculations in this demonstration. We simply took
measurements for our core sample.
The measurements are as follows;
Length = 78mm
Diameter = 37mm
Weight (Wet) = 132.493g
Weight (Dry) = 131.952g
Temperature used in the oven = 105 degrees Celsius (Not really essential, but
included, nevertheless)

Discussion & Conclusion

Overall, this experiment helped us realize how a core plug was prepared to
perfection for further experimentation.
The use of water while sawing the rock samples is important as it avoids dust.
Furthermore, different saw sizes can be used in order to cut to different
diameters.
In terms of errors, there can be systematic errors in the ruler used to measure the
length and the diameter of the core sample. Furthermore, there can also be
parallax errors when viewing the length or the diameter.

THE END