This document provides instructions for using a trimming core plug machine to cut rock core samples to a desired size. The machine uses two radial saws that can cut both ends of a core plug simultaneously with cooling water. Safety precautions when using the machine include not touching the cutting wheels and only operating it when the hood is closed. The experiment involves clamping the core sample, starting the water pump, trimming the sample with the saw, unclamping the sample, and measuring its diameter and length. Basic maintenance is to keep the machine clean and change the fluid as needed.

1. Koya University
Faculty of Engineering
Petroleum Engineering Department
By Barham Sabir
2019-2020
Reservoir Rock Properties Laboratory Manual

2. Experiment #2
Trimming Core Plugs

3. Aim / Objective
To Trim the Core sample (obtained from plugging machine) using Trim Saw
machine and measure its length and diameter.
Introduction
After preparing plugs from core drill machine, all of them should be cut into
desired size.This can be done by trimming machine. Trimming machine is a bench
model designed to produce fast, high quality thin sliced samples from all materials
without disturbing the structure of the sample (Fig. 1).
Figure 1: Trimming core plug machine
The students should considered the following safty notices:
 Touching any resinous cutting wheel can be dangerous.
 The machine is fitted with safety devices which prevent the wheel from
turning when the hood is open
 This machine must only be used by a qualified person who has received the
proper training

4.  Required to achieve the quality of cut and the high standard of safety
envisaged by the manufacturer.
Machine Description:
The machine consists of two radial saw that can work together and cut both end of
pugs simultaneously. Each cuts needs nearly 0.2 litter cooling water. This machine
is designed to work with all types of cutting wheel (resinous - diamond - boron
carbide) and various accessories and adaptations enable samples or core sections to
be cut lengthways. These include cradles or devices for holding the samples
configurations using two wheels which allow parallel-sided sections of continuous
length to be cut in a single operation. The machine is fitted with a safety cut-out
switch which can be reset, or rewound should there be no power, as well as a
gradual starting device. When the cover is open this safety switch open the electric
current and the machine don’t work. The use of passivated water is strongly
recommended to avoid corrosion.
Features:
Saw blade diameter: 200 mm (8'')
Saw blade thickness: 2 mm
Core diameter: up to 2''
Core length: 2", 3" other upon request
Lubricants: water (usually), oil
Power supply: 220 VAC 1 phase 50 or 60 Hz
Motor power: 550 W, 3,000 RPM
Weight : 30kg
Dimensions: 700x800x600 mm

5. Figure 2: Trimming core plug machine components
Experiment operation
 Fill the tank with water. Make sure that the water level exceeds the bottom
of pump.
 Clamp the core with clamping system by tightening the binding screws.
 Start the water pump and check the direction of water and check the flow
 Start the saw by pressing the start bottom
 By moving the sample to front start trimming of the sample
 Press the stop button
 Unclamp the core sample
 Measure the diameter and length of the sample
Maintenance
Apart from keeping the machine properly clean, no specific maintenance is
required. Make sure that any sediment or waste matter is removed from the tank
before starting. Change the fluid according to the frequency of use and its
deterioration over time (shelf life).
Radial saw
Protecting housing
Water line
clamping unit
on/off button
Motor

6. Data and calculations:
Sample No.
Diameter of core sample ………………… (cm)
Length of core sample ………………… (cm)