Abstract: A detector detects at least one neutron. The detector includes at least one thin absorption layer each including an absorption material for absorbing the neutron and then radioactively decaying into energetic byproducts. The detector includes at least one emission layer each including a solid scintillation material for converting the energetic byproducts into photons. The detector includes a sensor for detecting the photons.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying bonding between a material and tubing. The method may include disposing an acoustic logging tool in a wellbore, wherein the acoustic logging tool comprises a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver, broadcasting a shaped signal with the transmitter such that the shaped signal interacts with a boundary of a casing and a material and recording a result signal from the boundary with the receiver. The method may further comprise identifying a cut-off time to be applied to the result signal, transforming the result signal from a time domain to a frequency domain, selecting one or more modes sensitive to a bonding at the boundary between the casing and the material, computing a decay rate of the one or more modes that were selected based at least one or more decay curves, and converting the decay rate to a bonding log.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection system 1 includes a neutron radiation source 3 capable of emitting neutrons N, and a neutron detector 14 capable of detecting neutrons Nb produced via an inspection object 6a among neutrons N emitted from the neutron radiation source 3. The neutron radiation source 3 includes a linear accelerator 11 capable of emitting charged particles P accelerated; a first magnet section 12 including magnets 12a and 12b facing each other, the magnets 12a and 12b being capable of deflecting the charged particles P in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of emission of the charged particles P from the linear accelerator 11; and a target section 13 capable of producing neutrons N by being irradiated with the charged particles P that have passed through the first magnet section 12.

Abstract: A neutron imaging device employs a neutron source including a sealed enclosure, gamma ray detector(s) spaced from the neutron source, and particle detector(s) disposed in the sealed enclosure of the neutron source. The output of the particle detector(s) can be used to obtain a direction of particles generated by the neutron source and corresponding directions of neutrons generated by the neutron source. Such information can be processed to determine locations in the surrounding borehole environment where the secondary gamma rays are generated and determine data representing formation density at such locations. In one aspect, the gamma ray detector(s) of the neutron imaging device can include at least one scintillation crystal with shielding disposed proximate opposite ends of the scintillation crystal. In another aspect, the particle detector(s) of the neutron imaging device can include a resistive anode encoder having a ceramic substrate and resistive glaze.

Abstract: A neutron spectrum generator is disclosed herein including a neutron source, a scatterer positioned in a direct path between the neutron source and a neutron detector, and a material shell configured to have at least one non-uniform characteristic selected from the group consisting of a material, a thickness, a length, an angle, a layer, and combinations thereof to generate a specific spectrum at the neutron detector that is different than the spectrum of the neutron source. A related method includes measuring a first response generated by a first material shell of a neutron spectrum generator interacting with a neutron source, replacing the first material shell with a second material shell, measuring a second response generated by a second material shell of a neutron spectrum generator interacting with the neutron source, and determining a total fission response by determining a difference between the first response and the second response.

Abstract: A downhole inspection system includes a neutron imaging device operable to generate data for detecting potential wellbore anomalies and an electromagnetic imaging device operable to generate data for detecting potential wellbore eccentricity. The neutron imaging device includes a neutron generator operable to emit neutrons, and a neutron detector fixed relative to the neutron generation unit and operable to detect backscattered neutrons from a surrounding environment. The electromagnetic imaging device includes at least one transmitter for generating electromagnetic pulse, and at least one receiver for detecting returning electromagnetic pulse. Correlation of the neutron imaging data with the electromagnetic imaging data provides additional data regarding the potential wellbore anomalies.

Abstract: An x-ray based evaluation tool for measurement of the density of material volumes within and surrounding un-cased, single, dual and multiple-casing wellbore environments is provided, the tool including at least an internal length comprising a sonde section, wherein said sonde section further comprises an x-ray source; a radiation shield for radiation measuring detectors; and a plurality of sonde-dependent electronics; wherein the tool uses x-rays to illuminate the formation surrounding a borehole, wherein the geometry, movement, and plurality of output source beams is selected by moveable collimated shielded sleeves, and a plurality of detectors are used to directly measure the density of the cement annuli and any variations in density within. Various electromagnetic radiation detectors, shields, and practical internal configurations and subsystems and methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a characteristic of a formation adjacent a wellbore comprises emitting a neutron field into the formation from a neutron source, obtaining data comprising a long neutron neutron (LNN), short neutron neutron (SNN), long neutron gamma (LNG) and short neutron gamma data (SNG) from the neutron field emitted into the formation and combining the long data with the short data to reduce error associated with the characteristic to be evaluated. A detector for evaluating a characteristic of a formation includes a neutron source and detectors for detecting LNN, SNN, LNG, SNG.

Abstract: Estimating cement voids in between a casing and a borehole wall of a borehole penetrating the earth formation includes forming with a computing device an actual ratio of radiation induced by a neutron source and measured by a first detector and a second detector when the tool is at two or more different locations in the borehole. A relationship between the actual ratio and the porosity at each of the two or more different locations is used and compared to two different cases of estimates of the ratio. Based on the comparison, an estimate of the cement voids at the two or more locations.

Abstract: A tool having a neutron source, a gamma ray detector, and a photomultiplier tube is provided. The gamma ray detector and the photomultiplier tube are at least partially surrounded by a layer of boron. The tool is used to make measurements, and the number of prompt gamma rays emitted by the boron is determined from the measurements. The number of neutrons detected may be inferred using the determined number of prompt gamma rays. The tool may also have a layer of neutron absorbing material different from boron or a layer of heavy metal at least partially surrounding the boron. The tool may be a logging tool used to delineate a porous formation and to determine its porosity. The tool may have a plurality of gamma ray detector/photomultiplier tube pairs and those pairs may be used to determine a formation hydrogen index and/or a borehole hydrogen index.

Abstract: A through casing formation evaluation tool string 1000, 2000, 3000 including a conveyance string 100, a sonic array tool 200, a pulsed neutron tool 400 and one or more downhole memory modules 160, 540, 550. A method of through casing formation evaluation and casing and cementing integrity evaluation includes lowering a tool string into a cased wellbore; concurrently collecting data with the sonic array tool and pulsed neutron tool and transmitting at least a portion of the collected data via a conveyance string to a CPU located at the surface of the earth; storing a portion of the collected data in a memory module disposed in the tool string; removing the tool string from the wellbore; processing the collected data in the CPU to obtain selected rock property data about the one or more of the geologic formations and/or cement integrity.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation includes: a neutron source disposed in a borehole; a neutron detector having a neutron detection material that includes a material transparent to light having a plurality of nano-crystallites where each nano-crystallite in the plurality has a periodic crystal structure with a diameter or dimension that is less than 1000 nm and includes atoms of a neutron interaction material that emit a charged particle upon absorbing a received neutron and atoms of an activator material that provide for scintillation upon interacting with the charged particle to emit light photons wherein the atoms of the neutron interaction material and the atoms of the activator material have positions in the periodic crystal structure of each nano-crystallite in the plurality; a photodetector that receives the photons and provides a signal correlated to the photons; and a processor to estimate the property using the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus can measure characteristics of a formation surrounding a borehole. The apparatus includes a tool body having a neutron measurement section and a density measurement section. The neutron measurement section includes a neutron source and a neutron detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the neutron source. The density measurement section includes a gamma ray source and a gamma ray detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the gamma ray source. The neutron measurement section and the density measurement section are positioned in the tool body so that the sections overlap in the axial direction and are azimuthally spaced apart in the tool body. The tool body also includes shielding to block a direct signal path from the neutron source to the gamma ray detector arrangement and to block a direct signal path from the gamma ray source to the neutron detector arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one property of an earth formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a carrier configured to be disposed in the formation; a neutron tube disposed at the carrier and located on an axis; a high voltage power source disposed in the carrier and electrically connected to the neutron tube, the high voltage power source located remotely from the neutron tube; and at least one detector disposed in the carrier and located proximate to the neutron tube.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for determining neutron-gamma density (NGD) measurement of a subterranean formation that is accurate in both liquid- and gas-filled formations are provided. For example, a downhole tool for obtaining such an NGD measurement may include a neutron generator, neutron detector, two gamma-ray detectors, and data processing circuitry. Neutron generator may emit neutrons into a formation, causing a fast neutron cloud to form. Neutron detector may detect a count of neutrons representing the extent of the neutron cloud. Gamma-ray detectors may detect counts of inelastic gamma-rays caused by neutrons that inelastically scatter off the formation. Since the extent of the fast neutron cloud may vary depending on whether the formation is liquid- or gas-filled, data processing circuitry may determine the density of the formation based at least in part on the counts of inelastic gamma-rays normalized to the count of neutrons.

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 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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus can measure characteristics of a formation surrounding a borehole. The apparatus includes a tool body having a neutron measurement section. The neutron measurement section includes a neutron source and a neutron detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the neutron source The apparatus also includes a density measurement section having a gamma ray source and a gamma ray detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the gamma ray source. The neutron measurement section and the density measurement section are positioned in the tool body so that the sections overlap in the axial direction and are azimuthally spaced apart in the tool body. The tool body also includes shielding to block a direct signal path from the neutron source to the gamma ray detector arrangement and to block a direct signal path from the gamma ray source to the neutron detector arrangement.

Abstract: A method for determining a bulk formation density using a neutron generator includes detected secondary gamma rays and evaluating the detected gamma rays according to pre-determined selection criteria. Selected gamma rays are then used to compute the formation density. The selection criteria may include, for example, a time delay between the detection of a neutron and an associated particle and/or a direction of propagation of the neutron.

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: A nuclear measurement tool for determining properties of a formation penetrated by a borehole fluid. The tool comprising: a nuclear source for irradiating the formation and a a plurality of nuclear sensors each operating with a different depth of investigation into the formation. The tool further comprising processing means for receiving the data from the nuclear sensors and based thereon determining the properties of the formation by taking into account the penetration of the borehole fluid.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for determining formation density. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a bottomhole assembly having a drill bit attached to end thereof for drilling through a formation, a first sensor in the drill bit configured to provide first signals for determining a first density of the formation proximate to the drill, a second sensor distal from the first sensor configured to provide signals for determining density of a second density of the formation, and a processor configured to determine the formation density from the first density and the second density.

Abstract: A method for performing a measurement of a property downhole includes: using an instrument including an irradiator including a pulsed neutron generator, a moderator and a material including a high cross section for capturing thermal neutrons downhole, generating inelastic gamma photons from neutron interactions in the moderator and generating capture gamma photons from neutron interactions in the material; irradiating sub-surface materials proximate to the instrument with the inelastic gamma photons and the capture gamma photons; detecting radiation scattered by the sub-surface materials; and estimating the property according to the detected radiation. A system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole tool with two detectors located at different distances from a neutron source, has at least one dual gamma ray and neutron detector that includes a first detection element made of a neutron detector material, and a second element made of a gamma ray scintillation material, the first detection element and the second detection element being optically connected to a photomultiplier.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an operation in a borehole penetrating the earth includes a borehole tool and a neutron source within the borehole tool that emits neutron-alpha particles pairs as the result of a nuclear reaction. The apparatus also includes an alpha particle detector within the borehole tool arranged to detect when an alpha particle emitted by the neutron source strikes it and a gamma ray detector to detect gamma rays produced as a result of interactions between neutrons produced by the neutron source and at least one material in an area of interest outside of the borehole. The apparatus also includes a processing system that determines a characteristic of the area of interest based on a time difference between when the alpha particle strikes the alpha particle detector and a time when one or more gamma rays strikes the gamma ray detector.

Abstract: Determining a value indicative of gas saturation of a formation. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including obtaining an inelastic count rate and a capture count rate of a gamma detector for a particular borehole depth, calculating a ratio of an inelastic count rate to a capture count rate for the particular borehole depth, determining a value indicative of gas saturation based on the ratio of the inelastic count rate to the capture count rate for the particular borehole depth, repeating the obtaining, calculating and determining for a plurality of borehole depths, and producing a plot of the value indicative of gas saturation of the formation as a function of borehole depth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for monitoring or tracing a job operation performed in a borehole, such as well boreholes traversing a geological formation. In one embodiment, the novel methods of the invention comprise the steps of: (a) disposing into the borehole a neutron absorber during the performance of the job operation; (b) logging the borehole with an instrument capable of measuring a neutron capture in and around the borehole after performance of the job operation; and (c) monitoring or tracing the job operation performed in the borehole by comparing the measured neutron capture with a baseline neutron capture in and around the borehole. The methods of the present invention pose small or no risk from a health safety and environment perspective and are useful for monitoring or tracing hydraulic fracturing, cementing operation in well boreholes, production logging or subsurface location of downhole collars, float shoes and other jewellery.

Abstract: A nuclear measurement tool for determining properties of a formation penetrated by a borehole fluid. The tool comprising: a nuclear source for irradiating the formation and a a plurality of nuclear sensors each operating with a different depth of investigation into the formation. The tool further comprising processing means for receiving the data from the nuclear sensors and based thereon determining the properties of the formation by taking into account the penetration of the borehole fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus can measure characteristics of a formation surrounding a borehole. The apparatus comprises a tool body including a neutron measurement section including a neutron source and a neutron detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the neutron source; and a density measurement section including a gamma ray source and a gamma ray detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the gamma ray source. The neutron measurement section and the density measurement section are positioned in the tool body so that the sections overlap in the axial direction and are azimuthally spaced apart in the tool body. The tool body also includes shielding to block a direct signal path from the neutron source to the gamma ray detector arrangement and to block a direct signal path from the gamma ray source to the neutron detector arrangement.

Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool capable of fluid analysis during production logging that includes a phase separator and a plurality of sensors to perform analysis on the fluids collected at a subsurface location in a borehole.

Abstract: A well logging instrument that has a neutron source for irradiating earth formations traversing a borehole used in deriving useful information pertaining to said formations. Three detectors are mounted in a spaced-apart vertical relationship within a pressure-resistant housing. The detectors nearest and farthest from the neutron source detect thermal neutrons while the third detector from the neutron source detects a rare earth compensated aggregate capture gamma ray spectrum. By comparing the irradiated formations as detected by the three detectors, certain formation fluid, matrix, and pore volume parameters are derived. Also, by comparing the count rates of high and low energy ranges of the third detector in earth coal formation matrix, an ash volume is determined. From this value, a bulk density is derived from the corresponding earth coal formation.

Abstract: Elemental analysis of an earth formation is obtained using measurements from a gamma ray logging tool. From the elemental analysis, an estimate of the Calcium, Magnesium and Carbon content of the formation is determined. The amount of organic carbon in the formation is estimated from the total Carbon content and the inorganic carbon associated with minerals in the formation. An indication of source rock may be obtained from the Th/U ratio. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.

Abstract: A tool for formation logging includes a support configured for movement in a borehole; a neutron source disposed on the support; a neutron monitor disposed on the support and configured to monitor an output of the neutron source; a gamma-ray detector disposed on the support and spaced apart from the neutron source; and a shielding material disposed between the gamma-ray detector and the neutron source.

Abstract: It is described a logging tool 20 for underground formations surrounding a borehole 14, comprising an elongated body 21 along a major axis; a collar 22 disposed peripherally around said body 21 having a collar wall defined by an inner and an outer surface; a radiation emitting source 201 arranged to illuminate the earth formation 16 surrounding the borehole; at least one radiation detector 211 arranged to detect radiation reflected by the earth formation resulting from illumination by the source 201; at least one source collimation—window 202 and one detector collimation window 212 through which the earth formation is illuminated and radiation is detected; and characterized in that it further comprises at least one radiation shield 30 located between said inner collar surface and the outer surface of the tool, said radiation shield positioned so as to eliminate parasitic radiation that has not traversed the outer collar.

Abstract: Measurements made with porosity and density logging tools in a gas reservoir may differ due to invasion effects. The effects are particularly large on measurement-while-drilling applications where invasion is minimal. Using a Monte-Carlo method, a relationship is established between true formation porosity and porosity estimates from density and porosity tools. This relationship is used on real data to get an improved estimate of formation porosity and of gas saturation.

Abstract: A logging tool includes an elongated body housing a neutron source and at least one neutron detector positioned along one side of the neutron source. Some embodiments of the logging tool include at least one gamma ray detector longitudinally separated from and to one end of the neutron source, and may be used to make simultaneous gamma ray and neutron logging measurements. In some embodiments, the logging tool also includes a (n, 2n)-neutron shield positioned to one end of the neutron detector, longitudinally between the neutron detector and the neutron source.

Abstract: A borehole logging system for determining bulk density, porosity and formation gas/liquid fluid saturation of formation penetrated by a borehole. Measures of fast neutron radiation and inelastic scatter gamma radiation, induced by a pulsed neutron source, are combined with an iterative numerical solution of a two-group diffusion model to obtain the formation parameters of interest. Double-valued ambiguities in prior art measurements are removed by using the iterative solution of the inverted two-group diffusion model. The system requires two gamma ray detectors at different axial spacings from the source, and a single neutron detector axially spaced between the two gamma ray detectors. The system can be embodied as a wireline system or as a logging-while-drilling system.

Abstract: A method and counter for reducing the background counting rate in gas-filled alpha particle counters wherein the counter is constructed in such a manner as to exaggerate the differences in the features in preamplifier pulses generated by collecting the charges in ionization tracks produced by alpha particles emanating from different regions within the counter and then using pulse feature analysis to recognize these differences and so discriminate between different regions of emanation. Thus alpha particles emitted from the sample can then be counted while those emitted from the counter components can be rejected, resulting in very low background counting rates even from large samples. In one embodiment, a multi-wire ionization chamber, different electric fields are created in different regions of the counter and the resultant difference in electron velocities during charge collection allow alpha particles from the sample and counter backwall to be distinguished.

Abstract: Measurements from many logging instruments such as Gamma ray counts from a pulsed neutron instrument, typically have a spectrum that contains a plurality of exponentially decaying components. The slowest decaying component is obtained by fitting a single exponential over the tail end of the data and selecting a beginning for the fitting window that minimizes the product of the chi-square and the standard error of the fit. The single determined component may be subtracted from the data and the process repeated to give additional components. The determined components are indicative of thermal neutron capture cross-sections.

Abstract: A borehole logging system for determining bulk density, porosity and formation gas/liquid fluid saturation of formation penetrated by a borehole. Measures of fast neutron radiation and inelastic scatter gamma radiation, induced by a pulsed neutron source, are combined with an iterative numerical solution of a two-group diffusion model to obtain the formation parameters of interest. Double-valued ambiguities in prior art measurements are removed by using the iterative solution of the inverted two-group diffusion model. The system requires two gamma ray detectors at different axial spacings from the source, and a single neutron detector axially spaced between the two gamma ray detectors. The system can be embodied as a wireline system or as a logging-while-drilling system.

Abstract: A nuclear logging-while-drilling measuring systems, and the correction of the formation property measurements for adverse effects of instrument standoff from the borehole wall, is disclosed. Detector responses for one or more downhole detectors are sampled and recorded over a time segment. The response samples are then sorted by magnitude, and a running integral of the sorted samples as a function of time is performed over the time segment. Linear segments are then fitted to the running integral, wherein each straight line segment is a function of one or more formation properties, and also a function of the standoff distance of the detector from the borehole wall. Segments are then combined to obtain a measure of one or more formation properties of interest such as formation density, where the adverse effects of borehole standoff are minimized. Standoff magnitude is also obtained and can be used to correct other logs, such as a neutron porosity log, for adverse effects of tool standoff and borehole size.

Abstract: A nuclear logging-while-drilling measuring systems, and the correction of the formation property measurements for adverse effects of instrument standoff from the borehole wall, is disclosed. Detector responses for one or more downhole detectors are sampled and recorded over a time segment. The response samples are then sorted by magnitude, and a running integral of the sorted samples as a function of time is performed over the time segment. Linear segments are then fitted to the running integral, wherein each straight line segment is a function of one or more formation properties, and also a function of the standoff distance of the detector from the borehole wall. Segments are then combined to obtain a measure of one or more formation properties of interest such as formation density, where the adverse effects of borehole standoff are minimized. Standoff magnitude is also obtained and can be used to correct other logs, such as a neutron porosity log, for adverse effects of tool standoff and borehole size.