Abstract: An apparatus for determining fractional amounts of each phase of a multiple phase fluid includes an x-ray generator includes a sample chamber is configured to admit therein a sample of fluid for analysis. The chamber is disposed in a radiation path output from the generator. A filter is disposed in the radiation path between the output of the generator and the radiation input of the sample chamber. A first radiation detector is positioned in a radiation path from the sample chamber after radiation has passed through the sample chamber. A thickness and a material of the filter are selected to optimize resolution of radiation detected by the first detector to changes in volume fraction of oil and water in the fluid sample when a gas fraction thereof is between about 90 to 100 percent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the phase fraction of a fluid collected downhole is shown comprising an x-ray generator, a filter, a sample cell, and a radiation detector. The filter produces a radiation spectrum with a high energy portion and a low energy portion. Filtered radiation is passed through a sample fluid and the resulting attenuated radiation signal is used in calculating the phase fractions of oil, water, and gas in the sample fluid. In one embodiment, a second reference radiation detector measures the radiation directly from the x-ray generator and this measurement is used in normalizing the fraction result. The ratio of the high energy signal to low energy signal of the reference detector is used in controlling the input voltage of the x-ray generator thus ensuring a stable spectrum.

Abstract: An x-ray tool for determining a characteristic of an oilfield fluid. The tool may include a generator portion housing a collimator about a target from which x-rays are emitted. In this manner x-rays may be attenuated right at the target such that a majority of shielding otherwise necessary for safety concerns may be eliminated. Rather, by employing the target within the collimator, shielding of the generator may be limited to a single shielding plate within the generator portion that is positioned parallel to the target at the opposite end of an x-ray tube therebetween. As a result of this configuration, an x-ray tool for analysis of oilfield fluids may be provided with a minimum weight of shielding material. Thus, hand-held user friendly embodiments may be safely employed at the oilfield.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining fractional amounts of each phase of a multiple phase fluid includes an x-ray generator includes a sample chamber is configured to admit therein a sample of fluid for analysis. The chamber is disposed in a radiation path output from the generator. A filter is disposed in the radiation path between the output of the generator and the radiation input of the sample chamber. A first radiation detector is positioned in a radiation path from the sample chamber after radiation has passed through the sample chamber. A thickness and a material of the filter are selected to optimize resolution of radiation detected by the first detector to changes in volume fraction of oil and water in the fluid sample when a gas fraction thereof is between about 90 to 100 percent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the density and phase fractions of well services fluids is shown including an x-ray generator, a sample cell, and a radiation detector. Radiation is passed through the sample cell and fluid and the attenuated radiation signal is used to evaluate the fluid. In one embodiment, a reference radiation detector measures a filtered radiation signal and controls the acceleration voltage and/or beam current of the x-ray generator using this information. The apparatus may be permanently affixed for long term monitoring or temporarily clamped on to a pipe in production.

Abstract: A fluid density determination apparatus and method comprising an X-ray generator emitting a high energy radiation signal and a low energy radiation signal; a sample cell housing a sample of interest and at least one of the high energy and low energy radiation signals being directed through the sample cell; and a radiation detector measuring the output radiation from the sample cell. Data gathered at the radiation detector using the high and low energy signals are used to calculate the density of the fluid sample of interest.

Abstract: An x-ray tool for determining a characteristic of an oilfield fluid. The tool may include a generator portion housing a collimator about a target from which x-rays are emitted. In this manner x-rays may be attenuated right at the target such that a majority of shielding otherwise necessary for safety concerns may be eliminated. Rather, by employing the target within the collimator, shielding of the generator may be limited to a single shielding plate within the generator portion that is positioned parallel to the target at the opposite end of an x-ray tube therebetween. As a result of this configuration, an x-ray tool for analysis of oilfield fluids may be provided with a minimum weight of shielding material. Thus, hand-held user friendly embodiments may be safely employed at the oilfield.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the density and phase fractions of well services fluids is shown including an x-ray generator, a sample cell, and a radiation detector. Radiation is passed through the sample cell and fluid and the attenuated radiation signal is used to evaluate the fluid. In one embodiment, a reference radiation detector measures a filtered radiation signal and controls the acceleration voltage and/or beam current of the x-ray generator using this information. The apparatus may be permanently affixed for long term monitoring or temporarily clamped on to a pipe in production.

Abstract: An x-ray tool for determining a characteristic of an oilfield fluid. The tool may include a generator portion housing a collimator about a target from which x-rays are emitted. In this manner x-rays may be attenuated right at the target such that a majority of shielding otherwise necessary for safety concerns may be eliminated. Rather, by employing the target within the collimator, shielding of the generator may be limited to a single shielding plate within the generator portion that is positioned parallel to the target at the opposite end of an x-ray tube therebetween. As a result of this configuration, an x-ray tool for analysis of oilfield fluids may be provided that is no more than about 50 lbs. in total weight. Thus, hand-held user friendly embodiments may be safely employed at the oilfield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the phase fraction of a fluid collected downhole is shown comprising an x-ray generator, a filter, a sample cell, and a radiation detector. The filter produces a radiation spectrum with a high energy portion and a low energy portion. Filtered radiation is passed through a sample fluid and the resulting attenuated radiation signal is used in calculating the phase fractions of oil, water, and gas in the sample fluid. In one embodiment, a second reference radiation detector measures the radiation directly from the x-ray generator and this measurement is used in normalizing the fraction result. The ratio of the high energy signal to low energy signal of the reference detector is used in controlling the input voltage of the x-ray generator thus ensuring a stable spectrum.

Abstract: A fluid density determination apparatus and method comprising an X-ray generator emitting a high energy radiation signal and a low energy radiation signal; a sample cell housing a sample of interest and at least one of the high energy and low energy radiation signals being directed through the sample cell; and a radiation detector measuring the output radiation from the sample cell. Data gathered at the radiation detector using the high and low energy signals are used to calculate the density of the fluid sample of interest.