High-Throughput Analysis of Offshore Well Drill-Cuttings via SEM-Automated Mineralogy Using Single-Step Trans-Vertical Moulds

Single-step trans-vertical moulds used to prepare grain mounts for SEM-automated-mineralogy based instruments have been shown lead more representative sample statistics. For samples that contain a variety of mineral phases, denser phases can settle the bottom an epoxy mould during curing phase. Slicing and polishing cross section through density-stratified material compensate this. Aliquots from offshore drill well cuttings were prepared using three different methods: (1) traditional mounting, (2) two-step moulds, (3) single-step moulds. All analysed with FEI Quanta 650 FEG instrument MLA software similar acquisition parameters. The results indicate are reproducible, accurate statistics, yield calculated elemental assays closely match data standard analytical methods. In addition, these be made in half time because unique geometry custom-made SEM holders, throughput is doubled. Depending on size fraction cuttings, further increased by slicing off remaining allow 26x TV holder. A cell holder was created accommodate samples, allowing them fit into LA-ICP-MS such detailed follow-up microanalyses conducted specific minerals. instance geochronology grains interest (e.g., zircons), which had mapped SEM-MLA.