Abstract: An apparatus (10) for capturing drilling fluid returns in an exploration drilling process, as well as a related method of capturing the drilling fluid returns. The apparatus (10) is adapted to be fitted onto a drill collar/casing (11) adjacent its open top (13). The apparatus (10) comprises a body (21) defining a reservoir (23) for receiving the drilling fluid returns flowing out through the open top end (13) of the drill collar/casing (11) and spilling into the reservoir (23). The reservoir (23) comprises a collecting portion (25) in which the fluid returns spilling from the drill collar/casing (11) can be collected. The reservoir (23) also comprises a sump portion (27) which can receive the drilling fluid returns and from which the drilling fluid returns can be pumped by way of a sump pump (28). The reservoir (23) is configured to direct the drilling fluid returns collected by the collecting portion (25) to the sump portion (27) as a continuous flow.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for capturing drilling fluid returns in an exploration drilling process, as well as a related method of capturing the drilling fluid returns. The apparatus (10) is adapted to be fitted onto a drill collar/casing (11) adjacent its open top (13). The apparatus (10) comprises a body (21) defining a reservoir (23) for receiving the drilling fluid returns flowing out through the open top end (13) of the drill collar/casing (11) and spilling into the reservoir (23). The reservoir (23) comprises a collecting portion (25) in which the fluid returns spilling from the drill collar/casing (11) can be collected. The reservoir (23) also comprises a sump portion (27) which can receive the drilling fluid returns and from which the drilling fluid returns can be pumped by way of a sump pump (28). The reservoir (23) is configured to direct the drilling fluid returns collected by the collecting portion (25) to the sump portion (27) as a continuous flow.

Abstract: The collection system (10) for collecting drilling cuttings removed from drilling fluid returns during borehole drilling for the purpose of sampling. The collection system (10) has a conveyor means (21), a transfer (23), and a loading means (25). The loading means (25) is provided for sequentially positioning a plurality of sample collection containers (27), such as sample collection bags, at a collection zone (24) to receive discrete quantities of the drilling cuttings via the transfer (23) The sample collection bags may be supported in holders (29). The discrete quantities of the drilling cuttings provide representative samples to be stored individually in the sample collection containers (27). The loading means 25 comprises a carousel (33) adapted to support the sample collection containers (27) and index them sequentially into position at the collection zone (24).