Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to transmit energy to a nanofiber sampling coil and/or a nanofiber reference coil. Further activity may include receiving the energy as modified by evanescent interaction with a sampled material located proximate to the sampling coil and/or as modified by propagation through the reference coil, and comparing the energy modified by evanescent interaction with the energy modified by propagation through the reference coil to determine a spectroscopic property of the sampled material. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods, including the use of nanofibers and fluorescence induced by evanescent radiation to conduct spectroscopic analysis, are disclosed.

Abstract: A tool comprising a tool body having an opening defined by interior walls extending into the tool body and a casing disposed within the opening. The tool further includes a scintillator material disposed within the casing and a first compressive member disposed within the tool body at a first axial location. The first axial location extends for a fraction of a total axial length of the casing and exerts a first radially compressive force at the first axial location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining phase fractions (relative concentrations) within a multiphase fluid mixture, in the presence of an injected hydrate inhibitor. Combining this phase fraction information with a hydrate inhibitor injection rate (HIIR) enables resolving oil and water flow rates for the phase fractions. The liquid flow rates and a total combined flow rate of the fluid mixture—determined based on a differential pressure of the fluid mixture through a given area—enable resolving a gas flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a downhole tool having a fluid density measurement device positioned therein are provided. In one example, the method includes deploying the downhole tool at a first station in a borehole. The downhole tool is moved from the first station to a second station in the borehole. A plurality of fluid density values of fluid within the borehole between the first and second stations are measured using the fluid density measurement device in the downhole tool. The plurality of fluid density values may represent a continuous log of fluid densities between the first and second stations.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter in a downhole environment includes: an optical fiber configured to be disposed in a borehole, the optical fiber having a property that causes intrinsic backscattering of signals transmitted therein. The property varies along a length of the optical fiber to generate a variable intensity of the backscattering, the intensity of backscattering varying along the optical fiber as a function of distance from an end of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes a light source configured to send an optical signal into the optical fiber; and a detector configured to receive a return signal including backscattered signals.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a borehole in an earth formation includes: a borehole string configured to direct a fluid into the earth formation; at least one optical fiber sensor disposed on the borehole string at a fixed location relative to the borehole string, the optical fiber sensor including a plurality of measurement units configured to generate measurements of at least one of strain and deformation of the borehole string; at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature at a plurality of locations along the length of the optical fiber sensor; and a processor configured to receive the measurements from the at least one optical fiber sensor, receive temperature measurements from the at least one temperature sensor, and identify a fluid leak in at least one of the borehole string and the formation based on a correlation of the optical fiber sensor measurements and the temperature measurements.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a parameter of interest of a formation intersected by a borehole, including exposing a radiation sensor in the borehole to a calibration radiation source while a measurement operation using the radiation sensor is suspended. Methods may include exposing the radiation sensor to the calibration radiation source when the radiation sensor is stationary relative to the formation or during interruption of drilling operations or at predetermined intervals; processing response information, including performing a mitigation process on a portion of the response information relating to exposure of the radiation sensor to a calibration radiation source during measurement operations; or using the calibrated measurement information to estimate parameters of interest. Devices may include a radiation sensor, a calibrator including a calibration radiation source, and an actuator configured to intermittently expose the radiation sensor to the calibration radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for x-ray inspection of a pipeline girth weld. This comprises a directional x-ray source 5 which is insertable into a pipeline section and is rotatable within the pipeline. Means are provided to align the directional x-ray source with an external x-ray detector such that both may be rotated through 360 degrees substantially coaxially with the pipeline section. Means for sampling the data detected by the x-ray detector are provided so that it may be further analyzed.

Abstract: An example system for downhole measurement disclosed herein comprises a tool to be positioned downhole in a formation, the tool comprising an imaging system to determine measurement information from imaging information obtained by sensing light, and an illumination system to control source light to be emitted by the tool. The system also comprises an optical cable to sense an optical field of view that is remote from the tool, the optical cable including an optical fiber bundle comprising a bundle of imaging fibers to convey the imaging information from a sensing end of the optical cable to the imaging system, and a plurality of illumination fibers positioned outside the bundle of imaging fibers, the illumination fibers to convey the source light from the tool to the sensing end of the cable, the illumination fibers to emit the source light to illuminate the optical field of view.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting radiation in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. The apparatus may include a neutron sensitive scintillation media and at least one optically transparent neutron absorptive material optically coupled to the media, which may be positioned to prevent incident neutrons from reaching a neutron-shaded surface of the media, and to provide directional sensitivity. The neutron absorptive material may comprise a light guide optically coupled to the neutron sensitive scintillation media. The scintillation media may be disposed within the at least one optically transparent neutron absorptive material, which may be configured to prevent substantially all incident neutrons having an incident neutron energy below a selected energy threshold from reaching the media. The selected energy threshold may be approximately 0.2 eV. A neutron-reflecting material may be disposed within the scintillation media.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer of a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The wellbore has a downhole fluid thereabout. The downhole tool has a housing with a flowline therethrough for receiving the downhole fluid. The fluid analyzer includes at least one optical source to pass a light through an optical window and through the downhole fluid in the flowline, at least one photodetector to measure the light passed through the downhole fluid in the flowline, and at least one optical mirror. An optical path of the light extends from the optical source to the photodetector. An optical path length is defined as a length of a portion of the optical path within the flowline. The optical mirror is positionable about the flowline, and has an optical layer selectively passing the light from the optical mirror to the photodetector whereby the optical path length may be varied.

Abstract: A radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target electrode carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target electrode based upon an accelerating potential, and a suppressor electrode carried by the generator housing having an opening therein to permit passage of charged particles to the target electrode. A target extender electrode may be between the suppressor electrode and the target electrode and have an opening therein to permit passage of charged particles to the target.

Abstract: Solid state lasers are disclosed herein. An example laser disclosed herein includes a monolithic body having a first end and a second end. The monolithic body includes a first reflector disposed on the first end, a second reflector disposed on the second end, and a solid state gain medium and a Q-switch disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector. The example laser also includes a pump source to cause a population inversion in the solid state gain medium to cause the monolithic body to output a laser pulse. Various applications of the solid state laser are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus are provided for downhole sensing using optical couplers in a downhole splitter assembly to split interrogating light signals into multiple optical sensing branches. Each optical branch may then be coupled to an optical sensor (e.g., a pass-through or an optical single-ended transducer (OSET)) or to another optical coupler for additional branching. The sensors may be pressure/temperature (P/T) type transducers. Some systems may exclusively use OSETs as the optical sensors. In this manner, if one of the OSETs is damaged, it does not affect light traveling to any of the other sensors, and sensing information from remaining sensors is still returned.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a scintillation crystal having the general formula RE(1?y)MyF3XA3(1?x), wherein RE includes; A is selected from Cl, Br or I; and M is an activator ion selected from the Ce3+, Pr3+ or Eu3+; x is greater than 0.01 mole% and strictly less than 100 mole%, and y is greater than 0.01 mole% and strictly less than 100 mole%; and wherein the at least one activator ion is further combined with ions from the group of Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+, or Yb3+.

Abstract: In various embodiments is described a device and method for rapidly analyzing compositions of gases liberated from drilling fluid using spectral absorption analysis. Specifically the invention describes flowing the sample gas thru a closed path gas cell, irradiating the sample gas with a wide band infrared emitter in the 2 to 5 ?m wavelength range, measuring the infrared absorbance spectrum in the range of 2 to 5 ?m using a spectrometer and determining the composition of the gas sample using multivariate analysis of the spectrum. The composition includes the concentration of any one or more, either singularly or in combination, of hydrocarbon gases containing one to eight carbon atoms and carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: The invention subject of this disclosure teaches a method of determining a production factor for a carbonaceous material reservoir, the method comprising: providing a well in a carbonaceous material reservoir; providing unsampled fluid at a depth in the well; placing a sensor adjacent to the unsampled fluid and performing a measurement on the unsampled fluid; using data from the measurement to determine a partial pressure of a solution gas in the carbonaceous material reservoir; and determining a production factor for the carbonaceous material reservoir from the partial pressure of the solution gas.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems relating to radiological characterization of environments are disclosed. Multi-detector probes with a plurality of detectors in a common housing may be used to substantially concurrently detect a plurality of different radiation activities and types. Multiple multi-detector probes may be used in a down-hole environment to substantially concurrently detect radioactive activity and contents of a buried waste container. Software may process, analyze, and integrate the data from the different multi-detector probes and the different detector types therein to provide source location and integrated analysis as to the source types and activity in the measured environment. Further, the integrated data may be used to compensate for differential density effects and the effects of radiation shielding materials within the volume being measured.

Abstract: Voids adjacent a wellbore wall and in a region surrounding a wellbore wall can be detected by monitoring gamma rays scattered from the fractures. Gamma rays are strategically directed from a tool disposed within the wellbore and to the wall and/or the region. Some of the gamma rays scatter from the voids and are detected with detectors set a designated axial distance from the gamma ray source. In addition to identifying the presence of the voids, the location and size of the fractures/perforations is also estimated. Time lapsed imaging of the wellbore wall can yield changes in the voids that in turn can affect permeability of the well. Examples of the voids include fractures and/or perforations.

Abstract: The invention subject of this disclosure teaches a method of determining a production factor for a carbonaceous material reservoir, the method comprising: providing a well in a carbonaceous material reservoir; providing unsampled fluid at a depth in the well; placing a sensor adjacent to the unsampled fluid and performing a measurement on the unsampled fluid; using data from the measurement to determine a partial pressure of a solution gas in the carbonaceous material reservoir; and determining a production factor for the carbonaceous material reservoir from the partial pressure of the solution gas.

Abstract: An optical window assembly of an optical sensor of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole tool has a housing with a flowline therethrough to receive downhole fluid therein. The optical sensor is positionable about the flowline to measure light passing therethrough. The optical window assembly includes a tubular sensor body positionable in the housing (the sensor body having a sensor end and a flanged signal end with a passage therethrough), an optical window positionable in the passage of the sensor body to pass the light from the flowline to the optical sensors, a seal disposable about the sensor body, and a backup ring disposable about the sensor body between the flanged signal end and the seal to support the seal about the sensor body whereby the downhole fluid is prevented from leaking between the seal and the sensor body.

Abstract: This device comprises a single radioactive source (44), capable of creating an incident beam (120), and a target (48) placed opposite the source (44). The target (48) is capable of creating the second beam (130) by interacting with a first part of the incident beam (120), a second part of the incident beam (120) passing through the target (48) to form the first beam (124).

Abstract: A scintillation device includes a scintillator body and a plurality of boot sections spaced apart from each other by at least one gap. Each of the plurality of boot sections substantially surrounds a portion of the scintillator body and wherein the plurality of boot sections are characterized by a total length that is less than a length of the scintillator body.

Abstract: A scintillator package includes a housing, with a scintillator in the housing to scintillate when struck by radiation. A window seals an end of the housing to permit light emitted during a scintillation to exit the housing. The window comprises a radioactive material that is non-scintillating, and this radioactive material may be naturally occurring, such as lutetium.

Abstract: A radiation detector may include a housing and a scintillator body carried by the housing. The scintillator body may have an exterior surface with a plurality of surface scratches spiraling around the exterior surface. A photodetector may be coupled to the scintillator body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to borehole logging methods and apparatuses for estimating at least one parameter of interest of a volume of interest of an earth formation using nuclear radiation. The method may include obtaining an energy spectrum; using at least one processor to remove at least one energy spectrum component using a method selected from a spectral decomposition and spectral windows method; and estimating the concentration of at least one radionuclide using the energy spectrum after the removal. The estimation of the at least one radionuclide concentration may include using the other of the method selected form the removal. The apparatus may include at least one processor configured to perform the method.

Abstract: A method and system for acoustic monitoring using a fiber optic cable. The optical fiber is used as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor activity, such as activity with respect to a conduit, wellbore or reservoir. The distributed interferometric monitoring provides for accurate detection of acoustic occurrences along the fiber optic cable and these acoustic occurrences may include fluid flow in a pipeline or wellbore, processes taking place in a wellbore or pipeline, fracturing, gravel packing, production logging and/or the like.

Abstract: A disclosed remote work system includes a light source and a nonlinear converter optically coupled to and remote from the light source. The nonlinear light converter converts a narrowband light pulse received from the light source to a converted spectrum light pulse. The system also includes a work element coupled to the nonlinear light converter. The work element performs a work operation using the converted spectrum light pulse. A related remote work method includes generating a narrowband light pulse and conveying the narrowband light pulse to a remote location. The method also includes converting the narrowband light pulse to a converted spectrum light pulse at the remote location. The method also includes performing a sense operation or work operation at the remote location using the converted spectrum light pulse.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring a chemical in a subsurface formation comprising housing component traversable within the well, a guide extending down the well from a fixed location being operatively connected to the housing, a radiation source, and an optical pathway between a sample and detector wherein the detector is located at the ground surface. Also disclosed is a method for reducing long distance transmission of radiation comprising placing a radiation source in a housing, placing a housing down in a well bore, lowering a spectrometer down the well bore, and controlling movement of a spectrometer by a guide wire controller at the ground surface. Further disclosed is a method of radiating a sample comprising, transmitting the radiation through at least one optical pathway, interacting a sample with the radiation, producing characteristic radiation from the sample, and transmitting by an optical pathway to a detector located in a spectrometer.

Abstract: Fractures at a wellbore wall and in a region surrounding a wellbore wall can be detected by monitoring gamma rays scattered from the fractures. Gamma rays are strategically directed from a tool disposed within the wellbore and to the wall and/or the region. Some of the gamma rays scatter from the fractures and are detected with detectors set a designated axial distance from the gamma ray source. In addition to identifying the presence of the fractures, the location and size of the fractures is also estimated. Based on the location and disposition of the fractures, perforations are formed in the formation to provide communication between the fractures and the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter in a downhole environment includes: an optical fiber configured to be disposed in a borehole, the optical fiber including a core having a first index of refraction and a cladding surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction that is lower than the first index of refraction, at least a portion of the core being made from a hydrogen resistant material; at least one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) formed within the hydrogen resistant material; a light source configured to send an optical signal into the optical fiber; and a detector configured to receive a return signal generated by the at least one FBG and generate data representative of the at least one parameter.

Abstract: This invention relates to nondestructive control, more specifically, to the detection of cracks, flaws and other defects in oil and gas wells and cementing quality control.

Abstract: A measuring system for in-situ measurements down a well (1) by a spectrometer (4) is provided. The spectrometer (4) includes a radiation source (5) and a detector (6). A probe (15) optically connected to the spectrometer (4) and includes an optical pathway (7) for transmission of a radiation from the radiation source (5) and at least a second optical pathway for transmission of a characteristic radiation from a sample probe (15) near a side surface (11) of the borehole (3) and to optically couple the optical pathways (7) to the side surface (11), wherein the probe (15) is traversable up and down the well (1) by way of a guide operatively connected to the probe (15) and to a fixed location at the well head. By use of the apparatus and method a concentration of methane or other substance of interest is obtained and thereby a potential production of a coal bed methane formation is obtained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the composition of solid materials located downhole in a formation. Examples of solid materials that may be investigated downhole include scale and formation cores.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for estimating a property of a fluid downhole, the apparatus including but not limited to a carrier that is conveyable in a borehole; a test cell carried by the carrier for capturing a fluid downhole; a fluid channel immersed in the fluid downhole, the fluid channel having a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall faces the second wall; at least on charged particle source placed at location along the first wall of the fluid channel; and at least one charged particle detector placed at a location along the second wall of the fluid channel, wherein the at least one radioactive detector is in positioned to be in particle communication with the at least one of the charged particle source.

Abstract: An example system for downhole measurement disclosed herein comprises a tool to be positioned downhole in a formation, the tool comprising an imaging system to determine measurement information from imaging information obtained by sensing light, and an illumination system to control source light to be emitted by the tool. The system also comprises an optical cable to sense an optical field of view that is remote from the tool, the optical cable including an optical fiber bundle comprising a bundle of imaging fibers to convey the imaging information from a sensing end of the optical cable to the imaging system, and a plurality of illumination fibers positioned outside the bundle of imaging fibers, the illumination fibers to convey the source light from the tool to the sensing end of the cable, the illumination fibers to emit the source light to illuminate the optical field of view.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring the density of a material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge includes a nuclear density gauge for measuring the density of a material. A radiation source adapted to emit radiation into a material and a radiation detector operable to produce a signal representing the detected radiation. A first material property calculation function may calculate a value associated with the density of the material based upon the signal produced by the radiation detector. The material property gauge includes an electromagnetic moisture property gauge that determines a moisture property of the material. An electromagnetic field generator may generate an electromagnetic field where the electromagnetic field sweeps through one or more frequencies and penetrates into the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of a downhole fluid includes a carrier that is conveyable in a borehole, a test cell carried by the carrier for capturing the downhole fluid, an integrated circuit positioned inside of the test cell, and an electromagnetic energy source that emits an electromagnetic energy beam having a first bandwidth. A first filter is formed on the integrated circuit in electromagnetic energy communication with the first electromagnetic energy beam. A flow path is formed in the integrated circuit wherein the flow path contains the downhole fluid in the test cell and is in electromagnetic energy communication with a portion of the electromagnetic energy beam. An electromagnetic energy detector is in electromagnetic energy communication with a portion of the electromagnetic energy beam that has interacted with the downhole fluid for estimating the property of the downhole fluid.

Abstract: A radiation detector may include a housing and a scintillator body carried by the housing. The scintillator body may have an exterior surface with a plurality of surface scratches spiraling around the exterior surface. A photodetector may be coupled to the scintillator body.

Abstract: A radiation detector may include a housing, and a scintillator body carried within the housing and including a proximal portion defining a proximal end, a distal portion defining a distal end, and a medial portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The scintillator body may have a constant diameter along the proximal portion, and a decreasing diameter along the distal portion from the medial portion to the distal end.

Abstract: An inert (non-radioactive) tagging material can be added to cement in a wellbore. The non-radioactive tagging material can emit radiation at a specific energy level when irradiated with radiation. A logging tool containing a radiation source can be introduced into a wellbore and activated to emit radiation. The logging tool can detect the radiation emitted from the non-radioactive tags within the wellbore. Accordingly, integrity of cement, particularly low density cements that have a density close to that of fluid provided to or contained within a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, can be determined from the detected radiation.

Abstract: A well-logging device may include a housing to be positioned within a borehole of a subterranean formation and at least one radiation source carried by the housing to direct radiation into the subterranean formation. The well-logging device may also include noble gas-based radiation detectors carried by the housing to detect radiation from the subterranean formation. At least one of the noble detectors is at a first axial spacing from the at least one radiation source, and at least one other of the noble gas-based radiation detectors is at a second axial spacing from the at least one radiation source different from the first axial spacing. A controller may determine at least one property of the subterranean formation based upon the detected radiation from the noble gas-based radiation detectors.

Abstract: A well-logging device may include a housing to be positioned within a borehole of a subterranean formation, and at least one radiation source carried by the housing to direct radiation into the subterranean formation. The well-logging device may also include noble gas-based radiation detectors carried by the housing in azimuthally spaced relation to detect radiation from the subterranean formation. A controller may determine at least one property of the subterranean formation based upon the detected radiation from the noble gas-based radiation detectors.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to emit radiation into an earth formation from a source positioned below a surface of the earth, collect resulting radiation that is a result of the radiation emitted and interacting with the formation, and to determine the total carbon yield from the resulting radiation. Further activities may include determining the amount of inorganic carbon content from carbonate minerals in the formation based on a carbon-calcium ratio derived from the resulting radiation, as well as from iron-carbon based minerals in the formation based on a carbon-iron ratio derived from the resulting radiation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for evaluating an earth formation using a pulsed neutron source comprising of dual beams of oppositely directed hydrogen isotopic ions with timing and focal characteristics of each beam set to accomplish a beam-to-beam focusing interaction to a selected position that extends axially along a sealed tube. This makes it possible to generate pulsed neutrons from a plurality of positions.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and identifying carbon- and/or nitrogen-containing materials are disclosed. The methods may comprise detection of photo-nuclear reaction products of nitrogen and carbon to detect and identify the carbon- and/or nitrogen-containing materials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a phase fraction of a flow stream are disclosed. An infrared phase fraction meter includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared radiation that includes first and second wavelength bands. The first wavelength band substantially transmits through first and second phases of the flow stream and is substantially absorbed by a third phase. In contrast, the second wavelength band is substantially absorbed by the second phase relative to the first and third phases. One or more detectors simultaneously detect attenuation of the first and second wavelength bands upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream, and a phase fraction of the second phase is determined based on the attenuation. As an example, the first, second and third phases are gas, water and oil, respectively, produced from a well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a logging tool for logging formational changes in a borehole, the logging tool having a longitudinal axis. The logging tool comprises a radiating source (5) for emitting an interaction signal, a detector (6) for detecting a reaction signal, and a screen (7) for limiting a volume (53) investigated by the radiating source and the detector, wherein the tool comprises a first part (8) and a second part (9), the second part being able to rotate around the longitudinal axis relative to the first part during use, and the second part comprising the screen (7), and wherein a speed of rotation of the second part is controlled by the rotation unit to be proportional to an output signal of the detector. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of characterising a geological formation surrounding a borehole by a logging tool according to the present invention.

Abstract: A measuring system for in-situ measurements down a well (1) by a spectrometer (4) is provided. The spectrometer (4) includes a radiation source (5) and a detector (6). A probe (15) optically connected to the spectrometer (4) and includes an optical pathway (7) for transmission of a radiation from the radiation source (5) and at least a second optical pathway for transmission of a characteristic radiation from a sample to the detector (6). A positioner is provided to position the probe (15) near a side surface (11) of the borehole (3) and to optically couple the optical pathways (7) to the side surface (11), wherein the probe (15) is traversable up and down the well (1) by way of a guide operatively connected to the probe (15) and to a fixed location at the wellhead. By use of the apparatus and method a concentration of methane or other substance of interest is obtained, and thereby, a potential production of a coal bed methane formation is obtained.