nerc.ac.uk

Preservation and storage of geological samples : implications and suggested methods

Bird, E.J.M.; Cuss, R.J.; Hines, A.. 2025 Preservation and storage of geological samples : implications and suggested methods. Nottingham, UK, British Geological Survey, 29pp. (OR/25/012) (Unpublished)

Before downloading, please read NORA policies.
[thumbnail of OR25012.pdf]
Preview
Text
OR25012.pdf

Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract/Summary

This report describes a study undertaken to determine the effectiveness of various preservation methods for reducing desaturation of geological samples held in long-term storage. A total of 24 samples of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone were tested using different storage methods. The change in water content was recorded regularly over one year and revealed that the best method is using a chamber vacuum sealer with sandwiched aluminium/mylar bags. Oven-drying two samples also revealed that it can take up to 7 days for all water to be removed from samples, so this should be the minimum drying time before geotechnical properties are determined. The moisture loss seen in a pre-compacted sample of bentonite showed that exposure to the atmosphere of just 1 hour is sufficient to reduce saturation sufficiently to change THMCG properties. Therefore, samples should be vacuum sealed in Mylar as much as possible during sample preparation.

Item Type: Publication - Report
Funders/Sponsors: British Geological Survey
Additional Information: This item has been internally reviewed, but not externally peer-reviewed.
Date made live: 22 Aug 2025 10:21 +0 (UTC)
URI: https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/540127

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Document Downloads

Downloads for past 30 days

Downloads per month over past year

More statistics for this item...