Abstract:
A scintillator type radiation detector package is provided including a scintillation crystal directly coupled to the window of a photomultiplier. A scintillator package is also provided having a longer life at wellbore temperature with minimal deterioration of a hygroscopic scintillation crystal(s). Direct optical coupling of the scintillator to the photomultiplier reduces the amount of light lost at coupling interfaces and improved detection resolution over the conventional structures having separate packages for crystal and photomultiplier.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for measuring neutron-induced activation gamma-rays in a subterranean formation are provided. In one example, a downhole tool for measuring neutron-induced activation gamma-rays may include a neutron source and a gamma-ray detector. The neutron source may emit neutrons according to a pulsing scheme that includes a delay between two pulses. The delay may be sufficient to allow substantially all neutron capture events due to the emitted neutrons to cease. The gamma-ray detector may be configured to detect activation gamma-rays produced when elements activated by the emitted neutrons decay to a non-radioactive state.
Abstract:
A nuclear tool includes a tool housing; a neutron generator disposed in the tool housing; and a solid-state neutron monitor disposed proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator. A method for constructing a nuclear tool includes disposing a neutron generator in a tool housing; and disposing a solid-state neutron monitor proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator. A method for logging a formation includes disposing a nuclear tool in a wellbore penetrating the formation, wherein the nuclear tool comprises a neutron generator and a solid-state neutron monitor disposed proximate the neutron generator; generating neutrons from the neutron generator; monitoring neutrons generated by the neutron generator using the solid-state neutron monitor; detecting signals generated from the neutrons traveling in the formation; and correcting the detected signals, based on signal strength detected by the solid-state neutron monitor, to produce corrected signals.
Abstract:
A nuclear tool includes a tool housing; a neutron generator disposed in the tool housing; and a solid-state neutron monitor disposed proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator. A method for constructing a nuclear tool includes disposing a neutron generator in a tool housing; and disposing a solid-state neutron monitor proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator. A method for logging a formation includes disposing a nuclear tool in a wellbore penetrating the formation, wherein the nuclear tool comprises a neutron generator and a solid-state neutron monitor disposed proximate the neutron generator; generating neutrons from the neutron generator; monitoring neutrons generated by the neutron generator using the solid-state neutron monitor; detecting signals generated from the neutrons traveling in the formation; and correcting the detected signals, based on signal strength detected by the solid-state neutron monitor, to produce corrected signals.
Abstract:
Logging-while-drilling tools incorporating an electronic radiation generator, such as an electronic X-ray generator, and a method for using the same are provided. One example of such a logging-while-drilling tool may include a circumferential drill collar, a chassis disposed radially interior to the drill collar, and an electronic X-ray generator and an X-ray detector disposed within the chassis. The electronic X-ray generator may emit X-rays out of the logging-while-drilling tool into a subterranean formation. The X-ray detector may detect X-rays that return to the logging-while-drilling tool after scattering in the subterranean formation, which may be used to determine a density and/or a lithology of the subterranean formation.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for obtaining neutron images of a rock formation are provided. The neutron images can be obtained from a tool which need not rotate to obtain neutron data from a plurality of azimuthal orientations.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and devices with improved electrode configuration for downhole nuclear radiation generators are provided. For example, one embodiment of a nuclear radiation generator capable of downhole operation may include a charged particle source, a target material, and an acceleration column between the charged particle source and the target material. The acceleration column may include several electrodes shaped such that substantially no electrode material from the electrodes is sputtered onto an insulator surface of the acceleration column during normal downhole operation.
Abstract:
Methods and related systems are described for the detection of nuclear radiation. The system can include a tool body adapted to be deployed in a wellbore and a scintillator material that intrinsically generates radiation. The scintillator material is mounted within the tool body. A photodetection system is coupled to the scintillator material, and mounted within the tool body. Features in a spectrum associated with a scintillation material's intrinsic radioactive decay are used for the determination of one or more parameter's of the response function of the radiation detector system.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and devices for inelastic gamma-ray logging are provided. In one embodiment, such a method includes emitting neutrons into a subterranean formation from a downhole tool to produce inelastic gamma-rays, detecting a portion of the inelastic gamma-rays that scatter back to the downhole tool to obtain an inelastic gamma-ray signal, and determining a property of the subterranean formation based at least in part on the inelastic gamma-ray signal. The inelastic gamma-ray signal may be substantially free of epithermal and thermal neutron capture background.
Abstract:
The invention provides a hermetically sealed scintillation crystal package with a window made of a ruggedized material such as ALON (aluminum Oxynitride) or Spinel ceramic (MgAl2O4) where the window is sealed to an external metallic housing part by a brazing or soldering process and the external housing part is welded to the housing containing the scintillation crystal.
Abstract translation:本发明提供了一种密封的闪烁晶体封装,其具有由诸如ALON(氮氧化铝)或尖晶石陶瓷(MgAl 2 O 4)等加固材料制成的窗口,其中窗口通过钎焊或焊接工艺密封到外部金属外壳部件,外部 壳体部分焊接到包含闪烁晶体的壳体。