The Core Handling, Preservation and Sample Preparation Training Course by Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical capabilities required for effective Core Handling and Preservation throughout oil and gas exploration, drilling and reservoir evaluation operations. The programme focuses on wellsite core handling, core preservation methods, core sample preparation, fluid saturation preservation, sample contamination prevention and core transportation to ensure that recovered geological materials retain their original properties and provide reliable information for reservoir characterisation.
Core samples represent an important source of geological and petrophysical information. Their condition directly influences the accuracy of laboratory measurements, reservoir evaluation and decisions concerning exploration and production strategies. Poor handling, unsuitable storage conditions, exposure to external fluids and inadequate transportation procedures compromise sample integrity. These issues introduce uncertainties into porosity, permeability, fluid saturation and other measurements used to understand reservoir characteristics.
Organisations operating across upstream oil and gas activities require consistent procedures for managing recovered core material from the moment it reaches the surface until it enters laboratory analysis. Core preservation begins at the wellsite and continues through identification, documentation, packaging, transportation, storage and preparation. Each stage requires appropriate technical controls to prevent physical damage, fluid loss, contamination and changes in the original geological condition of the sample.
The Core Handling, Preservation and Sample Preparation Training Course addresses the operational skills gap between recovering geological material and preparing representative samples for reliable laboratory investigation. It examines the relationship between drilling and coring operations, wellsite procedures, preservation techniques and laboratory requirements. Participants develop an understanding of how operational decisions influence the quality and reliability of subsequent core analysis.
The programme also addresses the challenges associated with preserving different core types and geological formations. Conventional cores, unconsolidated formations, fractured rocks and reservoir materials containing sensitive fluids require appropriate handling and preservation considerations. Understanding these differences enables technical personnel to select suitable procedures according to sample characteristics and intended analytical requirements.
A central element of the course is the protection of original fluid conditions. Changes in pressure, temperature, moisture content and exposure to atmospheric conditions affect the physical and chemical characteristics of recovered material. Effective fluid saturation preservation therefore requires careful attention to sample sealing, handling conditions, storage arrangements and transportation procedures. Participants examine how these factors influence laboratory results and reservoir interpretation.
Sample contamination prevention is another important consideration. Drilling fluids, mud filtrate, lubricants, cleaning materials, handling equipment and unsuitable packaging introduce contaminants that affect the reliability of geological and geochemical investigations. The course explores practical controls for identifying contamination risks, maintaining sample traceability and establishing procedures that protect the integrity of recovered materials.
Delivered by Institute For Oil & Gas Training, this specialist programme connects operational practices with the technical requirements of core laboratories and reservoir evaluation teams. It provides a structured approach to managing core material across the complete sample lifecycle, supporting better coordination between wellsite personnel, drilling engineers, geologists, petrophysicists and laboratory specialists.
The course is particularly relevant to organisations seeking to improve the quality of geological data, reduce avoidable sample deterioration and strengthen the reliability of core analysis programmes. By developing consistent handling and preservation capabilities, companies establish a stronger foundation for reservoir characterisation, formation evaluation and informed exploration and production decisions.
Explain the importance of core handling and preservation in maintaining the geological and petrophysical integrity of recovered samples.
Identify the principal stages involved in managing core material from wellsite recovery to laboratory preparation.
Apply appropriate wellsite core handling procedures during core retrieval, inspection, documentation and initial processing.
Differentiate between conventional, fractured, unconsolidated and pressure-sensitive core materials.
Evaluate core preservation methods according to geological characteristics and intended laboratory investigations.
Explain the factors influencing fluid saturation preservation and the reliability of formation fluid measurements.
Identify potential sources of contamination during core recovery, handling, storage and preparation.
Establish practical controls for sample contamination prevention throughout the core management process.
Understand packaging, labelling and identification requirements for different categories of core samples.
Evaluate core transportation procedures and their influence on sample condition and traceability.
Apply appropriate sample preparation principles before laboratory testing and analysis.
Recognise the effects of mechanical damage, fluid loss, exposure and unsuitable storage on analytical results.
Review core handling documentation and identify gaps in sample identification and traceability.
Coordinate preservation requirements between drilling teams, geological departments and core analysis laboratories.
Assess sample handling problems and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Contribute to improved operational consistency and quality assurance across core recovery and laboratory workflows.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers the Core Handling, Preservation and Sample Preparation Training Course through an industry-focused methodology that combines technical presentations, operational case studies, practical demonstrations, structured exercises and specialist discussions.
The delivery approach follows the complete journey of a core sample, beginning with its recovery at the wellsite and continuing through preservation, transportation, laboratory receipt and preparation for analysis. This integrated approach enables participants to understand how individual handling decisions influence sample integrity, laboratory accuracy and the reliability of subsequent geological and petrophysical investigations.
Participants examine the technical principles governing core recovery, handling, preservation and preparation. The sessions cover different core types, geological characteristics, sample sensitivity and the relationship between preservation procedures and analytical objectives.
Specialist discussions address the operational challenges associated with maintaining sample integrity in different drilling and reservoir environments. Particular attention is given to pressure-sensitive materials, unconsolidated formations, fractured cores and samples containing formation fluids. This develops a stronger understanding of the technical considerations involved in managing different types of recovered geological material.
Industry-based case studies examine operational situations involving inadequate core recovery documentation, mechanical damage, fluid contamination, incorrect labelling and unsuitable preservation arrangements. Participants investigate the causes of sample deterioration and evaluate their consequences for subsequent laboratory analysis.
These case studies strengthen understanding of wellsite core handling responsibilities and the importance of consistent procedures during core retrieval and initial processing. Participants also explore practical corrective measures for reducing handling errors and protecting recovered samples.
Practical demonstrations introduce the equipment, packaging materials and handling arrangements used to protect recovered core samples. Participants examine sample wrapping, sealing, labelling, protective containers and storage considerations.
The demonstrations also explore the selection of appropriate core preservation methods according to sample characteristics and laboratory requirements. Emphasis is placed on maintaining sample condition, controlling environmental exposure and protecting fluid saturation during the different stages of core management.
Structured exercises examine the procedures involved in preparing core material for laboratory investigation. Participants explore sample selection, identification, trimming considerations, handling precautions and contamination controls.
These exercises demonstrate how preparation decisions influence sample representativeness and the reliability of laboratory measurements. Participants also examine the importance of coordinating preparation requirements with laboratory specialists to ensure that samples are suitable for their intended analytical applications.
Practical scenarios examine the movement of recovered core material from offshore and onshore wellsites to designated storage facilities and specialist laboratories. Participants review packaging selection, transportation documentation, handling instructions and sample receiving procedures.
The exercises highlight the importance of maintaining sample traceability and documenting custody throughout transportation. Participants evaluate potential risks associated with transportation delays, physical movement, environmental exposure and inadequate storage arrangements, developing a clearer understanding of the controls required to protect sample integrity.
Group activities encourage participants to evaluate existing sample management procedures and identify improvements for different operational situations. Teams examine preservation failures, contamination risks, documentation gaps and coordination problems between drilling and laboratory personnel.
The methodology emphasises the practical application of technical knowledge to real-world operational challenges. Participants develop problem-solving capabilities, improve their approach to preservation decisions and strengthen communication between the departments responsible for core recovery, preservation, transportation and analysis.
Effective core management improves the quality of geological information used throughout exploration and production activities. Organisations that strengthen their core handling and preservation procedures gain better control over sample condition, reliability and traceability. This supports consistent laboratory analysis, reduces avoidable sample deterioration and improves the technical information available for reservoir evaluation.
Consistent core preservation methods protect recovered samples against unnecessary changes before laboratory investigation. Maintaining sample integrity supports representative measurements and improves the quality of geological information used in reservoir characterisation and formation evaluation. Organisations benefit from more dependable data when assessing porosity, permeability, fluid saturation and other reservoir properties.
Inadequate packaging, improper handling and unsuitable storage conditions contribute to physical damage and sample deterioration. Implementing improved handling and preservation procedures reduces avoidable damage during recovery, processing and transportation. This protects valuable geological material and reduces the need for repeat sampling where repeat recovery is operationally possible.
Reliable laboratory results depend on the condition and representativeness of submitted samples. Better coordination between wellsite personnel and laboratory specialists ensures that core samples arrive with appropriate identification, preservation and preparation information. This improves laboratory workflow consistency and strengthens confidence in measurements used for reservoir evaluation.
Establishing effective sample contamination prevention procedures helps organisations identify and control potential contamination sources throughout the core management process. Better control of drilling fluid residues, external materials, handling equipment and packaging reduces the risk of introducing unwanted substances into geological samples, supporting more reliable laboratory investigations.
Consistent core management procedures strengthen communication between drilling departments, wellsite geologists, core handling personnel and laboratory teams. Clearly defined responsibilities and standardised documentation improve sample transfer activities, reduce operational misunderstandings and support better coordination of preservation and preparation requirements.
Consistent labelling, sample identification, inventory management and custody records improve the organisation's ability to track geological materials throughout their lifecycle. Better documentation supports quality assurance activities and provides a reliable record of sample condition, handling history and preservation requirements.
Improved transportation arrangements help organisations protect recovered samples during movement between drilling locations, storage facilities and laboratories. Appropriate packaging, handling instructions and transport documentation reduce avoidable logistical problems, maintain sample traceability and support more reliable delivery to designated facilities.
Consistent procedures covering sample receipt, inspection, preservation, preparation and laboratory submission strengthen internal quality management practices. Organisations benefit from improved process control, clearer operational accountability and more effective monitoring of activities that influence core sample integrity.
Reliable core information provides an important technical foundation for geological modelling, reservoir description and petrophysical evaluation. Protecting the original condition of recovered samples improves the quality of information available for reservoir development, production planning and subsurface investment decisions.
Participants develop practical technical knowledge and professional capabilities that strengthen their contribution to core recovery, preservation and laboratory preparation activities. The course builds a clearer understanding of the complete core management process and helps attendees apply appropriate handling, preservation and contamination control principles within their operational responsibilities.
Attendees gain a structured understanding of core management activities, including sample identification, handling, preservation, transportation, storage and preparation. They develop greater awareness of geological sample characteristics, preservation requirements and the procedures used to maintain sample integrity throughout upstream oil and gas operations.
Participants strengthen their ability to recognise handling risks during core retrieval and initial processing. They develop a better understanding of sample identification, physical damage prevention and appropriate preservation procedures, enabling them to contribute more effectively to wellsite core handling activities.
The course improves participants' ability to assess sample characteristics and understand appropriate preservation requirements. Attendees develop greater awareness of how pressure, temperature, moisture loss and environmental exposure influence sample integrity and fluid saturation preservation. This knowledge supports more informed decisions when handling different types of recovered core material.
Attendees improve their ability to identify potential contamination sources and understand practical controls during sample handling, packaging and preparation. This strengthens their contribution to laboratory quality management and helps protect the reliability of geological and petrophysical investigations.
Participants gain insight into how laboratories receive, inspect and prepare core material for different analytical procedures. They develop a stronger understanding of sample representativeness, preparation requirements and preservation history, improving communication with laboratory specialists and coordination between operational and analytical teams.
Through operational case studies and practical exercises, participants develop the ability to recognise preservation failures, investigate their causes and recommend appropriate corrective actions. They become better equipped to address sample deterioration, contamination risks, documentation gaps and transportation challenges.
Attendees develop greater confidence when discussing core management procedures with drilling engineers, geologists, petrophysicists and laboratory specialists. Their improved technical understanding supports more effective participation in operational planning, technical discussions, sample management reviews and quality assurance activities.
The specialist knowledge gained strengthens professional capabilities across wellsite operations, geological services, core analysis and reservoir evaluation. Participants develop a broader understanding of the relationship between sample integrity, laboratory reliability and subsurface decision-making. These capabilities support their continued professional development and increase their effectiveness in technical roles within the oil and gas industry.
Wellsite Geologists: Responsible for monitoring geological materials and maintaining appropriate sample recovery, identification and handling procedures.
Core Handling Technicians: Directly involved in core retrieval, inspection, packaging, preservation and preparation activities.
Core Analysis Laboratory Technicians: Require a stronger understanding of sample condition, preservation history and preparation requirements before laboratory testing.
Geologists: Benefit from improved knowledge of core integrity and the influence of handling procedures on geological interpretation.
Petrophysicists: Require representative and properly preserved core material to support petrophysical evaluation and the calibration of formation evaluation data.
Drilling Engineers: Need to understand how drilling and coring operations influence sample recovery, handling requirements and subsequent laboratory investigations.
Coring Engineers and Specialists: Responsible for coordinating coring operations and maintaining the quality of recovered core material.
Reservoir Engineers: Benefit from understanding how sample preservation influences the reliability of reservoir properties used in engineering studies.
Mud Engineers and Drilling Fluids Specialists: Need awareness of contamination risks associated with drilling fluids and mud filtrate during core recovery.
Laboratory Supervisors and Managers: Require consistent knowledge of sample receipt, identification, preservation, preparation and quality management.
Core Store and Sample Management Personnel: Responsible for sample inventory, storage conditions, documentation and material traceability.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Professionals: Involved in reviewing sample management procedures, documentation and operational quality controls.
Exploration and Production Supervisors: Require an understanding of core sample integrity and its importance to subsurface evaluation programmes.
Technical Services Managers: Responsible for coordinating geological, drilling, laboratory and reservoir evaluation activities.
Junior and Mid-Level Technical Professionals: Seeking to strengthen their practical knowledge of core management and develop specialist capabilities in upstream operations.
Senior Technical Personnel and Department Heads: Require a broader understanding of operational risks, quality management and organisational responsibilities associated with core preservation.
This module introduces the technical principles and operational responsibilities associated with recovering and handling geological core material during drilling operations. Participants examine the relationship between coring activities, sample integrity and the quality of information obtained from subsequent laboratory investigations.
The module explores core recovery procedures, initial sample inspection, identification, documentation and the physical handling considerations associated with different geological formations. Emphasis is placed on recognising sample sensitivity, minimising mechanical damage and establishing consistent wellsite core handling practices.
Establishes internationally recognised requirements for quality management systems.
Emphasises consistent operational processes and documented procedures.
Supports identification and traceability throughout relevant operational workflows.
Provides a framework for monitoring process performance and addressing non-conformities.
Encourages continual improvement in activities affecting product and service quality.
Explain the purpose and importance of geological core recovery in upstream operations.
Identify the principal stages involved in recovering and handling core samples.
Differentiate between conventional, fractured and unconsolidated core materials.
Explain the responsibilities of wellsite personnel during core retrieval and initial inspection.
Apply appropriate principles for identifying, labelling and documenting recovered core.
Recognise mechanical damage and handling conditions that compromise sample integrity.
Understand the relationship between core recovery quality and subsequent laboratory analysis.
Establish a structured approach to initial core inspection and sample management.
This module examines the principles and operational practices involved in protecting recovered core material against deterioration. Participants explore the physical and environmental factors that influence sample condition between wellsite recovery and laboratory analysis.
The module focuses on core preservation methods for different sample types, including conventional reservoir cores and materials requiring specialised preservation arrangements. Particular attention is given to fluid saturation preservation, pressure and temperature considerations, moisture control, sample sealing and protection against exposure to atmospheric conditions.
Provides established industry guidance on core analysis practices.
Addresses the importance of representative core material in laboratory investigations.
Supports appropriate consideration of sample condition and preparation requirements.
Provides technical context for understanding the influence of core handling on analytical results.
The publication was withdrawn in 2021 and is referenced here for historical technical guidance rather than as a current mandatory standard.
Explain the technical importance of preserving original core characteristics.
Identify factors that influence physical and fluid-related changes in recovered samples.
Differentiate between preservation requirements for different core types.
Evaluate suitable preservation approaches according to sample characteristics.
Explain the importance of fluid saturation preservation in reservoir evaluation.
Recognise the effects of pressure, temperature, moisture loss and atmospheric exposure.
Understand the purpose of appropriate wrapping, sealing and protective packaging.
Identify common preservation failures and their consequences for laboratory measurements.
Coordinate sample preservation requirements with laboratory personnel.
This module focuses on the preparation of recovered core material for geological, petrophysical and laboratory investigations. Participants examine the procedures used to select, inspect, process and prepare representative samples while maintaining their original characteristics as far as practicable.
The module also addresses sample contamination prevention throughout preparation activities. Participants investigate potential contamination sources, equipment cleanliness, handling materials, drilling fluid residues and preparation-related changes that affect the reliability of laboratory results.
Establishes general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Emphasises the importance of appropriate sample handling and preparation.
Addresses the suitability of laboratory methods and technical procedures.
Supports reliable results through documented processes and quality controls.
Requires laboratories to consider factors that influence the validity of testing activities.
Explain the purpose of core sample preparation before laboratory testing.
Identify preparation requirements according to geological characteristics and analytical objectives.
Understand sample selection and representativeness considerations.
Recognise the effects of trimming, cutting and mechanical preparation on sample integrity.
Identify contamination sources associated with drilling fluids, equipment and handling materials.
Apply practical principles of sample contamination prevention.
Understand the importance of equipment cleanliness and suitable preparation environments.
Evaluate how preparation procedures influence porosity and permeability measurements.
Explain the importance of recording sample condition and preparation history.
Coordinate preparation activities with laboratory testing requirements.
This module examines the logistical and operational requirements involved in moving recovered core samples from wellsites to storage facilities and specialist laboratories. Participants explore packaging arrangements, identification systems, transport documentation and storage considerations that protect geological material throughout the supply chain.
The module highlights the relationship between packaging integrity, transportation conditions and sample preservation. It also examines the importance of maintaining traceability, managing custody records and communicating handling requirements between drilling contractors, logistics personnel, core stores and receiving laboratories.
Provides recognised guidance for handling and storage pictorial markings on packages.
Supports clear communication of packaging and handling requirements.
Includes symbols relating to package orientation, protection and handling precautions.
Helps reduce misunderstandings during storage and transportation.
Supports consistent identification of handling instructions across logistics operations.
Explain the logistical requirements associated with core transportation.
Identify suitable packaging considerations for different types of core material.
Understand the importance of protective wrapping, sealing and container selection.
Evaluate transportation risks associated with physical movement and environmental exposure.
Apply appropriate sample identification and labelling principles.
Understand the importance of sample custody and transportation documentation.
Establish clear communication between wellsite teams, logistics providers and laboratories.
Identify common transportation and storage failures affecting sample condition.
Explain appropriate storage considerations for preserving recovered core material.
Recommend improvements to core transportation and storage procedures.
This module brings together the technical and operational principles covered throughout the programme. Participants examine how organisations establish consistent procedures for managing core material from recovery through preservation, transportation, storage and laboratory preparation.
The module focuses on quality assurance, documentation, traceability, preservation verification and coordination between operational departments. Participants evaluate practical scenarios involving sample deterioration, incomplete records, contamination and unsuitable handling procedures, developing corrective actions that strengthen the reliability of the overall core management process.
Provides guidance for establishing and implementing quality plans.
Supports the identification of quality objectives and operational responsibilities.
Encourages documented procedures for activities affecting quality.
Provides guidance on monitoring and controlling quality-related processes.
Supports consistent quality planning and continual improvement.
Explain the role of quality assurance in core handling and preservation activities.
Develop an understanding of integrated sample management procedures.
Evaluate documentation requirements across the complete core sample lifecycle.
Identify weaknesses in sample identification, traceability and custody records.
Assess preservation and preparation procedures against defined quality requirements.
Recognise non-conformities associated with sample deterioration and contamination.
Recommend corrective actions for handling, storage and transportation problems.
Improve coordination between wellsite personnel and laboratory teams.
Understand the importance of maintaining reliable sample histories.
Contribute to continuous improvement in organisational core management practices.
Upon successful completion of the Core Handling, Preservation and Sample Preparation Training Course, attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.
The certificate recognises participation in the programme and completion of the associated training activities. Attendees are required to meet the course attendance requirement and participate in the scheduled training sessions to qualify for the certificate.
Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.
The course covers the complete management of geological core samples from wellsite recovery through preservation, packaging, transportation, storage and laboratory preparation. It focuses on maintaining sample integrity, protecting fluid saturation, preventing contamination and supporting reliable core analysis.
Core handling and preservation protect the original characteristics of recovered geological material. Poor handling, contamination, fluid loss and unsuitable storage conditions compromise laboratory measurements and affect reservoir evaluation. Consistent procedures support more reliable geological and petrophysical information.
The programme is designed for wellsite geologists, core handling technicians, drilling engineers, geologists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers, laboratory technicians, core store personnel and technical managers involved in core recovery and analysis activities.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers the programme through technical presentations, practical demonstrations, operational case studies, group exercises and real-world scenarios. The methodology connects core management principles with practical wellsite, transportation and laboratory requirements.
Attendees who complete the course and meet the attendance requirement receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training. The certificate recognises their participation in the specialist training programme.
Register your interest
No payment is taken here. We reply within one working day with availability and a formal quotation.
Next: 16 Nov 2026
4 dates available
New courses, dates and industry insight. No more than twice a month.
