Abstract: A method of and apparatus for stabilizing oil well cores taken within rubber sleeve core barrels is provided wherein an unconsolidated and friable columnar mass of earth may be handled without altering the characteristics of its physical structure. A housing is therein provided for receiving a conventional rubber sleeved core sample from a vertically suspended core barrel inside a drilling rig. The housing is adapted for the positioning of the ensleeved core therein and the circulation therearound of a subfreezing mass for the freezing and solidification of the core fluids contained therethrough. Freezing of the core fluids immobilizes rock grains and the like, stabilizing the core sample for handling and second stage stabilization through rigid encasement in a casting medium. The casted core may then be handled in a conventional manner during transportation for subsequent analysis in its original condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling to the base of a vertically suspended core barrel inside a drilling rig for controllably receiving intact the columnar mass of core material contained therein. A tubular housing is provided for connecting to the barrel and includes a piston element slidably positioned therein for abutting engagement with and underlying support of the core sample to be received from the barrel. The piston element includes expandable side walls adapted for frictional engagement with the side walls of the tubular housing. Control means are provided for controlling the expansion of the piston walls, the resultant friction produced therealong and the preferred rate of movement of the core into the tubular housing under the force of gravity. The construction of the tubular housing permits the core received therein to be retained in its original extracted condition while facilitating the handling, subsequent examination and analysis thereof.