A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, under-cutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.

A computer-implemented method includes: accessing a plurality of geo-exploration data from a first drilling site, wherein the plurality of geo-exploration data include spectroscopic infra-red (IR) data and well logs, wherein at least portions of the plurality of geo-exploration data are based on measurements of core samples taken from the first drilling site; based on, at least in part, the plurality of geo-exploration data, training a set of deep learning models, each deep learning model comprising multiple layers and configured to predict one or more geological formation properties; applying the set of deep learning models to newly received geo-exploration data that also includes spectroscopic IR data; and predicting the one or more geological formation properties based on, at least in part, the newly received geo-exploration data.

Disclosed are improved soil mapping methods and apparatus that enable a user to efficiently analyze soil and create accurate soil maps to enable the user to determine soil content. The apparatus includes a probe cylinder, an extractor cylinder, a collector assembly, a first stepper motor, a roller assembly, a mixing motor, a contact probe, a cleaning brush motor, a bracket assembly for a mix motor, brush motor, and probe, an extruded aluminum bracing, a gear track, a second stepper motor, a scraper assembly, a third stepper motor, a probe, and one or more hyperspectral sensors. The apparatus relies on less expensive, faster, and more accurate data points that provide actionable real-time information by automating the current labor-intensive soil testing process. The apparatus serves the agricultural industry by advancing precision soil mapping technology to support proactive and efficient fertilizer use. Further, the apparatus helps farmers to increase crop yields, optimize input costs, and protect the environment by supporting fertilizer efficiency.

Disclosed are improved soil mapping methods and apparatus that enable a user to efficiently analyze soil and create accurate soil maps to enable the user to determine soil content. The apparatus includes a probe cylinder, an extractor cylinder, a collector assembly, a first stepper motor, a roller assembly, a mixing motor, a contact probe, a cleaning brush motor, a bracket assembly for a mix motor, brush motor, and probe, an extruded aluminum bracing, a gear track, a second stepper motor, a scraper assembly, a third stepper motor, a probe, and one or more hyperspectral sensors. The apparatus relies on less expensive, faster, and more accurate data points that provide actionable real-time information by automating the current labor-intensive soil testing process. The apparatus serves the agricultural industry by advancing precision soil mapping technology to support proactive and efficient fertilizer use. Further, the apparatus helps farmers to increase crop yields, optimize input costs, and protect the environment by supporting fertilizer efficiency.

A coring tool includes a coring bit to cut and detach a core sample from a subsurface formation formed in a borehole. The coring tool includes a pressure vessel that includes a core chamber to store the core sample at a pressure and a piston positioned adjacent to the core chamber. The pressure vessel includes a chamber adjacent to the piston and a gas reservoir to store a gas that expands as the gas is moved to a surface of the borehole. The pressure vessel includes a valve coupled to an inlet of the chamber and an outlet of the gas reservoir, wherein the gas is to flow into the chamber when the valve is open to move the piston to cause an increase in the pressure of the core chamber.

A coring tool includes a coring bit to cut and detach a core sample from a subsurface formation formed in a borehole. The coring tool includes a pressure vessel that includes a core chamber to store the core sample at a pressure and a piston positioned adjacent to the core chamber. The pressure vessel includes a chamber adjacent to the piston and a gas reservoir to store a gas that expands as the gas is moved to a surface of the borehole. The pressure vessel includes a valve coupled to an inlet of the chamber and an outlet of the gas reservoir, wherein the gas is to flow into the chamber when the valve is open to move the piston to cause an increase in the pressure of the core chamber.

The present subject matter relates to systems, devices, and methods for agricultural sample collection. In one aspect, a sample collection system includes an aerial robotic platform, an arm assembly coupled to the aerial robotic platform and comprising an arm that extends away from the aerial robotic platform, and a sample collector connected to a distal end of the arm, wherein the sample collector is configured to selectively remove one or more samples of agricultural material from a plant to be analyzed.

The present subject matter relates to systems, devices, and methods for agricultural sample collection. In one aspect, a sample collection system includes an aerial robotic platform, an arm assembly coupled to the aerial robotic platform and comprising an arm that extends away from the aerial robotic platform, and a sample collector connected to a distal end of the arm, wherein the sample collector is configured to selectively remove one or more samples of agricultural material from a plant to be analyzed.

Methods and systems are provided for treating the tail gas stream of a sulfur recovery plant. The methods including generating a tail gas stream from a sulfur recovery plant, treating the tail gas stream with a hydrogen sulfide absorption unit and a hydrogen selective membrane unit, generating a stream low in hydrogen sulfide and a stream rich in hydrogen. The hydrogen sulfide rich stream is recycled to the sulfur recovery unit. The hydrogen selective membrane unit includes a glassy polymer membrane selective for hydrogen over hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.

The embodiments described herein can be used in a variety of sample retrieval, grasping, cutting, and manipulating operations. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member and a retention member movably coupled to the elongated member. The elongated member includes a cutting portion configured to cut a target sample when moved, and defines an internal volume within which at least a portion of the target sample can be received. The retention member includes an engagement portion configured to move between a first position and a second position when the retention member is actuated. The engagement portion is configured to extend within the internal volume to exert a force on the target sample within the internal volume when the engagement portion is in the second position.