Description

The immersed bulk volume determination system flawlessly measures the bulk volume of plug-sized core samples by virtue of the Archimedes’ principle. The system comprises a mercury bath, a high-precision digital balance and a mechanical linear actuator. The wetted parts of the actuator are a sample plunger and a level rod. Initially, the apparatus is calibrated by lowering the actuator with a rotary crank until the rod tip barely contacts the mercury surface. The balance is then zeroed and the actuator, raised. The sample is placed on the surface of the mercury under the plunger and submerged with the actuator until the tip of the rod brushes the mercury’s surface. The rod ensures that the actuator is immersed to the same depth during calibration and measurements.