Pressure coring, in-situ cores, core transfer under pressure

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A core sample, recovered from beneath the land or sea floor, is no longer in pristine condition, due to the enormous pressure change while moving it to the surface, from great depths to atmospheric conditions. As a result mechanical, physical, and chemical properties as well as living conditions for microorganisms of the deep biosphere are significantly altered. In order to investigate highly instable gas hydrates, which decompose under pressure and temperature change, a system to recover and investigate pressure cores under in-situ conditions has been developed within an EU funded project since 1997: HYACE -HYdrate Autoclave Coring Equipment. The next logical step of development is extending the applicability of the pressure coring system to pressure related phenomena other than gas hydrates. Possible future applications include, but are not limited to, research in shales and other tight formations, CO2-sequestration, oil and gas exploration, coalbed methane, and microbiology of the deep biosphere. In order to meet the corresponding requirements and to incorporate the experiences from previous expeditions it is necessary to: First, redesign the pressure coring system in order to adapt it to the new applications. Second, utilize synergy effects with the ongoing Project COMPOSE and Third, manufacture and test the new system.