Core stabilization apparatus and method therefor

The present invention relates in general to the drilling of core samples, and in particular to the stabilization of the recovered core in a core barrel. A core stabilization apparatus and method are implemented. An inner barrel having a plurality of ports disposed circumferentially and axially in a wall thereof is provided. A gas manifold is attached to a first subsets of the ports. Gas is delivered to an interior of the inner barrel via the gas manifold and the corresponding ports. Drilling mud remaining in the interior of the inner barrel is expelled through a second subset of ports. After expulsion of the drilling mud, a stabilizing compound is injected into the interior via an injection manifold attached to the second subset of ports. Upon curing of the stabilizing compound, the inner barrel and core sample contained therein may be sectioned or otherwise manipulated.