--> Abstract: Sampling and Processing Technologies of Deep-Biosphere in-Situ Cores with PRESS (Pressurized Core Sub-Sampling and Extrusion System), by Erik C. Anders and Wolfgang H. Müller; #90078 (2008)

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Sampling and Processing Technologies of Deep-Biosphere in-Situ Cores with PRESS (Pressurized Core Sub-Sampling and Extrusion System)

Erik C. Anders and Wolfgang H. Müller
LKM, Technische Universtät Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Precondition to achieve genuine findings is research in pristine in-situ habitat, if environmentally relevant results are to be obtained.

Benthic conditions of sediment structure and gas hydrates, temperature, pressure and bio-geochemistry have to be maintained during the sequences of retrieval, transfer, storage and downstream analysis.

TUB developed PRESS in the EU project HYACE/HYACINTH which enables well defined sectioning and transfer of drilled pressure-cores (obtained by HYACE Rotary Corer and Fugro Percussion Corer) into transportation and investigation chambers; all sterile, anaerobic and without depressurisation. When coupled with DeepIsoBUG (University Cardiff, John Parkes) it also allows sub-sampling and incubation of coaxial core-sections to examine high-pressure adapted bacteria or remote biogeochemical processes in defined research conditions of the laboratory.

Aided by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) PRESS was successfully deployed in the Gulf of Mexico (US JIP), on IODP Expedition 311 (in facilities of Canadian Geological Survey) and as part of the NGHP expedition 01.

However, it also disclosed deficiencies regarding its bulkiness and overall handling. Especially the core-cutting mechanism exhibited substantial shortcomings and the immense proportion of the system additionally impaired the handling and limited the applicability just as well as it amplified operating expenses.

TUB is currently working on concepts to scale down the system to reduce logistical and financial expenses and likewise to enlarge its implementation by requiring less operating space. Redesigning the fault-prone cutting mechanism shall simultaneously adjust the system to harder cores (e.g., ICDP). Novel transportation chambers for processed sub-samples intend to make the system more attractive for a broad spectrum of users and reduce their interdependence.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas