A system for collecting samples of powdered rock has been devised for use in conjunction with an ultrasonic/sonic drill/corer (USDC) — a lightweight, low-power apparatus designed to cut into, and acquire samples of, rock or other hard material for scientific analysis. The USDC was described in "Ultrasonic/Sonic Drill/Corers With Integrated Sensors" (NPO-20856), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 25, No. 1 (January 2001), page 38. To recapitulate: The USDC includes a drill bit, corer, or other tool bit, in which ultrasonic and sonic vibrations are excited by an electronically driven piezoelectric actuator. The USDC advances into the rock or other material of interest by means of a hammering action and a resulting chiseling action at the tip of the tool bit. The hammering and chiseling actions are so effective that unlike in conventional twist drilling, a negligible amount of axial force is needed to make the USDC advance into the material. Also unlike a conventional twist drill, the USDC operates without need for torsional restraint, lubricant, or a sharp bit.
The USDC generates powder as a byproduct of the drilling or coring process. The purpose served by the present sample-collection system is to remove the powder from the tool-bit/rock interface and deliver the powder to one or more designated location(s) for analysis or storage.
The sample-collection system includes parts that are integrated into the USDC (see figure). The USDC is designed so that when the tool bit is brought into contact with the rock, a circular bellows or knife-edge seal at the lower end of the USDC housing is also pressed against the rock, partially sealing the volume enclosed by the USDC housing and the rock face. From time to time during operation of the tool bit, a high-pressure pulse of gas is blown into the volume through an inlet. The resulting flow of gas entrains particles of powder and carries them away through an outlet.
A screen along the path of the powder/gas mixture is used to trap particles above a predetermined size while allowing acceptably small particles to proceed. The powder can then be further processed in any of several ways. For example, it can be trapped on a porous or adhesive tape for delivery to an instrument or for storage, mixed with fluids by use of a sonicator, or blown into a heating chamber for thermal treatment and analysis.
This work was done by Stewart Sherrit, Yoseph Bar-Cohen, Xiaoqi Bao, and Zensheu Chang of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and by David Blake of Ames Research Center and Charles Bryson of Bryson Consulting for Ames Research Center. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Machinery/Automation category. NPO-40564
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Powder-Collection System for Ultrasonic/Sonic Drill/Corer
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Overview
The document is a technical report detailing the development of an Ultrasonic/Sonic Rock Powdering Sampler and Delivery Tool, aimed at improving the acquisition and handling of planetary rock samples, particularly for Mars exploration. The invention addresses challenges faced by geological and biological scientists in obtaining uncontaminated samples from Martian rocks, where weathering layers and ambient dust can compromise the integrity of the samples.
The report outlines the limitations of current sampling techniques, which typically involve multi-step processes such as sample acquisition, crushing, sieving, and delivery to analytical instruments. These conventional methods often require high axial loads and can introduce contaminants from mechanical components. In contrast, the novel Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer (USDC) offers significant advantages, including low axial force, low power requirements, and a compact design that allows for direct powder generation from rock.
The device operates by using a hammering bit that drills into the rock, creating powdered samples. A pneumatic system then channels the produced powder to a designated location for analysis. The design includes a circular knife-edge seal that partially encloses the rock surface, allowing for efficient powder collection. High-pressure CO2 gas pulses are used to transport the powder from the drilling site to the analytical instruments, ensuring minimal contamination and preserving sample integrity.
The report highlights the contributions of various inventors and collaborators involved in the project, including those from NASA and other institutions. It emphasizes the importance of this technology for future NASA missions, particularly in supporting analytical instruments that perform chemical and mineralogical analyses and potentially detect life indicators on other planets.
The document also notes that the components of the device have been demonstrated, and it is in the final stages of integration, indicating readiness for practical application. The expected impact of this innovation aligns with NASA's objectives in planetary exploration, enhancing the ability to gather and analyze samples from extraterrestrial environments effectively.
Overall, the report presents a significant advancement in planetary sampling technology, promising to improve the quality and reliability of geological analyses in space exploration missions.
