Having Neutron Source And Neutron Detector Patents (Class 250/269.4)
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Patent number: 11781412Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole logging tool. A first proppant is pumped into the wellbore, after the first set of data is captured. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. A second proppant is also pumped into the wellbore, after the first proppant is pumped into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive, and the second tracer is different than the first tracer. A second set of data is obtained in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The first and second sets of data are compared.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 11774630Abstract: A method for obtaining nuclear measurement data includes measuring a burst gate source intensity. The method also includes measuring at least one of burst gate neutron count rate or a capture gate neutron count rate at a neutron detector arranged proximate a gamma ray detector. The method further includes determining, based at least in part on the burst gate source intensity and at least one of the burst gate neutron count rate or the capture gate neutron count rate, a normalized neutron count rate. The method also includes determining at least one of an inelastic spectrum or a capture spectrum. The method includes determining based at least in part on the normalized neutron count rate, at least one of a corrected inelastic spectrum or a corrected capture spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Feyzi Inanc, Maxim Vasilyev, Toyli Anniyev, Ezzatollah Esfandiari
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Patent number: 11681070Abstract: Systems and methods may utilize information collected by a pulsed-neutron logging tool along with modeling a characterization of a borehole to form a 3-stage correction algorithm. This algorithm may be used to find an oil, water, and gas holdup in the borehole. During operations, a pulsed neutron logging tool which emits neutrons to interact with nuclei inducing gamma radiation. The gamma radiation is detected into a response which may be correlated to the location of a holdup in a borehole by using the entire spectrum or ratios of selected peaks. In examples, a borehole density index may be implemented to complement the response and improve accuracy and measurement confidence.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Mayir Mamtimin, Jeffrey James Crawford, Weijun Guo
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Patent number: 11681060Abstract: Detection of nuclear reactions are accomplished through use of a solid-state detector that uses a hexagonal boron nitride configuration. Metallized areas for the hexagonal boron nitride have a metallized top and bottom area that is pixelated.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Olivier Philip, Irina Shestakova
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Patent number: 11403497Abstract: Embodiments of categorizing fractures in a subsurface formation are provided herein. One embodiment comprises obtaining at least one borehole image for a plurality of fractures in a subsurface formation and at least one resistivity log for the plurality of fractures of the surface formation. The embodiment comprises determining first aperture data based on the at least one borehole image for the plurality of fractures and determining second aperture data based on the at the least one resistivity log for the plurality of fractures. The embodiment comprises comparing the first aperture data based on the at least one borehole image and the second aperture data based on at least one resistivity log to determine whether to categorize each fracture of the plurality of fractures as a naturally occurring fracture or a non-naturally occurring fracture. The embodiment comprises generating an output indicating the categorization of each fracture and displaying the output.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Bo Gong, Hanming Wang
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Patent number: 10852283Abstract: A system that may identify when a pulsed neutron generator is operating while disposed in an undesirable environment, such as in air, may include a pulsed neutron generator designed to emit neutrons in an environment. The system may also include a radiation detector designed to take measurements of the neutrons. The system may also include data processing circuitry designed to determine if the environment surrounding the pulsed neutron generator is air based at least in part on a neutron signal obtained by the radiation detector. The determination may include comparing one or more characteristics of the neutron signal with corresponding reference characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Marie-Laure Mauborgne, Francoise Allioli, Mauro Manclossi, Luisa Nicoletti
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Patent number: 9158011Abstract: A system for in situ nuclear measurement of alpha radiation of an effluent and a related method. The system includes: M diamond semiconductor detectors obtained by chemical vapor deposition, or silicon semiconductor detectors covered with a diamond layer, as alpha radiation detectors, configured to be immersed in the effluent, and to measure alpha radiation emitted by the effluent, M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; P measuring channels connected to the M alpha radiation detectors, P is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M, each of the P measuring channels configured to provide a value or a sum of alpha activity values from the M alpha radiation detectors to which they are connected; and, if P is greater than 1, a mechanism for adding together results from the P measuring channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventor: Nicolas Saurel
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Patent number: 9153608Abstract: A reverse bias voltage is applied to a photodiode array provided with a plurality of avalanche photodiodes operated in Geiger mode and with quenching resistors connected in series to the respective avalanche photodiodes. Electric current is measured with change of the reverse bias voltage applied, and the reverse bias voltage at an inflection point in change of electric current measured is determined as a reference voltage. A voltage obtained by adding a predetermined value to the determined reference voltage is determined as a recommended operating voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Kenichi Sato, Shogo Kamakura, Shigeyuki Nakamura, Tsuyoshi Ohta, Michito Hirayanagi, Hiroki Suzuki, Shunsuke Adachi
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Patent number: 8964504Abstract: A method of evaluating a cased borehole in an earth formation includes: emitting at least one acoustic signal into the borehole via an acoustic source and detecting a return acoustic signal via an acoustic sensor, the borehole including a casing and a casing support material disposed between the casing and a borehole wall; emitting a neutron flux via a neutron source into the borehole and detecting a radiation signal via a radiation detector, the radiation signal including induced gamma radiation resulting from neutron interactions; and identifying a casing support material characteristic based on the return acoustic signal and the radiation signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David M. Chace, Rafay Z. Ansari, Elton Frost, Jr.
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Patent number: 8921769Abstract: Method and apparatus for evaluating an earth formation using at least one detector with a pulsed neutron source that includes a beam of deuterium ions that can be directed to a selected position on a target including tritium that extends axially along a sealed tube. This makes it possible to generate pulsed neutrons from a plurality of positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Steven M. Bliven
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Patent number: 8907269Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Constantyn Chalitsios, Yi Liu, Steven Bliven
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Publication number: 20140319330Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to methods and neutron detectors for use in downhole and other oilfield applications. In particular, the neutron detector includes a scintillator formed at least partially from an elpasolite material. In a more specific embodiment, the scintillator is formed from a Cs2LiYCl6 (“CLYC”) material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Markus Berheide, Bradley A. Roscoe, Jing Qian, Timothy Spillane, Irina Shestakova, Olivier G. Philip, Stefan Vajda
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Patent number: 8849573Abstract: A method of estimating formation porosity using a neural network for neutron porosity tools. In the training stage, the near-to-far ratio, environmental variables, such as mineralogy, borehole size, standoff etc., are fed to the inputs and the neural network is trained for obtaining the related true porosity (the output). The trained neural network is implanted into tool's firmware for the real time porosity measurement, accounting for the environmental effects considered during training.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Qianmei Zhang, Constantyn Chalitsios
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Patent number: 8803078Abstract: A neutron logging tool includes a neutron source and at least one position sensitive thermal or epithermal neutron detector. The logging tool further includes an electronic controller configured to estimate the axial location of detected neutrons. Measurement of the axial neutron flux distribution enables other formation and borehole parameters such as formation porosity and sensor standoff to be computed. In logging while drilling embodiments, a borehole caliper may also be computed form the axial neutron flux distribution.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Libai Xu, Kevin S McKinny, Cornelis Huiszoon, Christian Stoller
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Patent number: 8759750Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for determining porosity with high sensitivity are provided. In one example, a downhole tool with such high porosity sensitivity may include a neutron source, a near neutron detector, and a far neutron detector. The neutron source may emit neutrons into the subterranean formation, which may scatter and be detected by the near and far detectors. The near neutron detector may be disposed near enough to the neutron source to detect a maximum number of neutrons when the porosity of the subterranean formation is greater than 0 p.u.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: James L. Thornton
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Patent number: 8735804Abstract: A device for online measurement of a flow of fast and epithermal neutrons. The device has a fast and epithermal neutron detector (DNR) able to detect principally fast and epithermal neutrons; a thermal neutron detector (DNT) able to detect principally thermal neutrons; a first circuit (C1) for processing the signal delivered by the fast neutron detector; a second circuit (C2) for processing the signal delivered by the thermal neutron detector; a means (CE, PMM) suitable for determining the progressive sensitivity to the fast neutrons and to the thermal neutrons of each of the neutron detectors, and a computer (CALC) which computes the flow of fast and epithermal neutrons on the basis of the said progressive sensitivities and of the signals delivered by the first and second processing circuits.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, SCK.CENInventors: Ludovic Oriol, Bernard Lescop, Ludo Vermeeren
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Publication number: 20140124659Abstract: Borehole logging tools and systems that include a scintillator positioned to interact with scattered source neutrons that are received from a target formation. The scintillator emits luminescence in response to interaction with the scattered neutrons. The scintillator includes an aluminofluoride host material (e.g., LiCAF). In a specific embodiment, the aluminofluoride host material is doped with europium. In a further specific embodiment, a processor distinguishes scattered neutrons from gamma rays based upon identifying a peak within an output signal from the scintillator. In yet another specific embodiment, a system includes a first scintillator and a second scintillator. The processor subtracts luminescence generated by the second scintillator from luminescence generated by the first scintillator to identify a neutron response of the first scintillator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Markus Berheide, Bradley A. Roscoe, Jing Qian, Timothy Spillane
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Patent number: 8692185Abstract: Determining a parameter associated with a formation corrected for neutrons produced. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: disposing a logging tool within a borehole, the borehole penetrates a formation; producing neutrons by a neutron source within the logging tool; detecting neutrons produced by the neutron source, the detecting by a neutron detector; creating an indication of a number of neutrons produced by the neutron source, the indication based only on neutrons detected that have not interacted with other elements before entering the neutron detector; obtaining a count rate of a gamma detector responsive to the production of neutrons by the neutron source; and determining a parameter associated with the formation based on the count rate and on the indication of the number of neutrons produced.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Weijun Guo, Stephen A. Zannoni, Carlos E. Haramboure, Jerome A. Truax
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Patent number: 8664587Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining neutron images of a rock formation are provided. The neutron images can be obtained from a tool in a logging-while-drilling system but which need not rotate to obtain neutron data from a plurality of azimuthal orientations.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Michael Evans, Peter Wraight, Christian Stoller, Avto Tkabladze
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Publication number: 20140034823Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.Inventor: Catherine Hyde-Barber
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Patent number: 8642944Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Richard Saenger, Bradley A. Roscoe, Zilu Zhou, Christian Stoller
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Patent number: 8633434Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating 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; and a high voltage power source disposed at the carrier and electrically connected to the neutron tube, the high voltage power source being offset from the axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Steven Bliven, Yi Liu, Constantyn Chalitsios
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Patent number: 8606523Abstract: The invention is related to the development of gas condensate deposits and may be used to determine current condensate saturation in the near-wellbore zone in the formation. The method for the current condensate saturation determination in the near-wellbore zone requires the measurement of the formation rock parameters and formation fluid parameters before the start of gas-condensate production and creation of the numerical model of the neutron logging signal change during the production period for the measured formation rock parameters and formation fluid parameters and expected condensate saturation value. During the production period when the well productivity decreases, neutron logging is performed and then the measured signals are matched with the model calculations and based on the provision of the best match of the measured and simulated neutron logging signals condensate saturation is determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Oleg Yurievich Dinariev, Alan Sibbit, Alexander Nikolaevich Shandrygin
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Patent number: 8604441Abstract: Room temperature operating solid state hand held neutron detectors integrate one or more relatively thin layers of a high neutron interaction cross-section element or materials with semiconductor detectors. The high neutron interaction cross-section element (e.g., Gd, B or Li) or materials comprising at least one high neutron interaction cross-section element can be in the form of unstructured layers or micro- or nano-structured arrays. Such architecture provides high efficiency neutron detector devices by capturing substantially more carriers produced from high energy ?-particles or ?-photons generated by neutron interaction.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Dale L. Perry
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Patent number: 8606522Abstract: The invention is related to the development of volatile oil deposits and may be used to determine current gas saturation in a near-wellbore zone in a volatile oil formation. The method for the current gas saturation determination in the near-wellbore zone requires the measurement of the formation rock parameters and formation fluid parameters before the gas accumulation start in the near-wellbore zone and creation of the numerical model of the neutron logging signal change during the production period for the measured formation and formation fluid parameters and expected gas saturation value. During the production period when the well productivity decreases, neutron logging is performed and then the measured signals are matched with the model calculations and based on the provision of the best match of the measured and simulated neutron logging signals gas saturation is determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Oleg Yurievich Dinariev, Alan Sibbit, Alexander Nikolaevich Shandrygin
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Patent number: 8594265Abstract: A method for operating a pulsed neutron generator includes adjusting a target current of the neutron generator to a preselected value. A parameter related to a neutron output of the neutron generator is measured. A target voltage of the neutron generator is adjusted to maintain the measured parameter within a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Luke T. Perkins, Peter Wraight, Wolfgang P. Ziegler, Robert A. Adolph
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Publication number: 20130299687Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Hugh D. Scott, Christian Stoller
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Publication number: 20130256522Abstract: A pulsed neutron generator includes a sealed tube. a gas reservoir is disposed in the sealed tube and includes an electrically heatable filament disposed within a porous, sintered getter. The getter includes dispersed particles of a thermally reversible hydride-adsorptive material therein. The dispersed particles have deuterium and/or tritium adsorbed on them. A gas ionizer disposed in the sealed tube. A target is disposed in the sealed tube. The target includes adsorbed deuterium and/or tritium therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Luke T. Perkins, Dylan Leber
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Publication number: 20130206972Abstract: A method is provided to detect neutrons using a boron-shielded gamma-ray detector, which will detect the 0.48-MeV prompt gamma ray due to the 10B (n,?)7Li reaction. The gamma ray detector can be a proportional gas counter, a scintillation based detector, or a semiconductor detector. Monoenergetic prompt gammas will produce a sharp peak in the pulse height spectrum of a gamma-ray spectroscopy detector. By surrounding a gamma detector with a layer containing 10B, we can measure the gamma signal and neutron signal at the same time and at the same physical location in an instrument. The approach can be used to measure neutron porosity simultaneous with gamma-ray counting or spectroscopy at the same location as long as the 0.48-keV gamma-ray from the neutron reaction does not interfere with the gamma-ray measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Tong Zhou, David Rose, Sicco Beekman, Christian Stoller
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Publication number: 20130187035Abstract: A well-logging device may include a housing to be positioned within a larger borehole of a subterranean formation and thereby define a stand-off distance with respect to the larger borehole. The well-logging device may also include at least one radiation source carried by the housing to direct radiation into the subterranean formation, and radiation detectors carried by the housing in azimuthally spaced relation to detect radiation from the subterranean formation. The well-logging device may further include a controller to cooperate with the radiation detectors to determine at least one property of the subterranean formation corrected for the stand-off distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8481920Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Feyzi Inanc, W. Allen Gilchrist, Eric Sullivan, Tu Tien Trinh, Yi Liu
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Patent number: 8461520Abstract: An apparatus for performing an operation in a borehole penetrating the earth includes a carrier and a neutron source that emits neutrons and is disposed in the carrier. The apparatus also includes a target disposed in the carrier and that produces gamma rays as a result of interactions between neutrons produced by the neutron source and at least one material forming the target. The apparatus also includes a gamma ray detector that detects the gamma rays produced by the target and is disposed in the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Loren P. Roberts
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Patent number: 8445839Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for calibrating a first self-powered neutron detector for long term use in a nuclear reactor core with a second self-powered neutron detector, where the emitter material of the second self-powered neutron detector has a neutron absorption cross-section that is greater than the neutron absorption cross-section of the first emitter material for the first self-powered neutron detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Areva NP Inc.Inventors: Veldon D. Holaday, Richard C. Deveney, Alexander Y. Cheng, John Wesley Davis, Wesley D. Stults
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Patent number: 8421004Abstract: An apparatus for measuring radiation in a borehole penetrating the Earth, the apparatus includes: a downhole tool having a structure defining a cavity; and one or more radiation detection components integrated into the cavity and configured to measure the radiation. An apparatus conveyable through a borehole for measuring radiation downhole and a method of producing a downhole apparatus for measuring radiation are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Eric B. Molz, Hayward Atkinson, Qianmei Zhang, Constantyn Chalitsios, Srdja Zekovic, Edgar R. Alvarez, Jonathan Hook
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Publication number: 20130075600Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for detecting a neutron. The apparatus includes: a neutron interaction material configured to emit a charged particle upon absorbing a neutron; a plurality of nanoparticles distributed in the neutron interaction material, each nanoparticle in the plurality being configured to scintillate upon interacting with the charged particle to emit a pulse of light; a photodetector coupled to the neutron interaction material and configured to receive the pulse of light and generate a signal based on the received pulse of light; and a processor configured to receive the signal in order to detect the neutron.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Anton Nikitin, Mikhail Korjik
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Publication number: 20130068941Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for detecting neutrons. The apparatus includes a plurality of neutron detector cells, each detector cell comprising a cathode surrounding an anode wherein the cathode of each cell is common to an adjacent detector cell. A neutron interaction material covers an interior surface of the cathode in each neutron detector cell, the neutron interaction material being configured to emit a charged particle between the cathode and the anode upon interacting with a neutron.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Anton Nikitin
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Publication number: 20130048848Abstract: Method and apparatus for evaluating an earth formation using at least one detector with a pulsed neutron source that includes a beam of deuterium ions that can be directed to a selected position on a target including tritium that extends axially along a sealed tube. This makes it possible to generate pulsed neutrons from a plurality of positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Steven M. Bliven
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Patent number: 8384018Abstract: An analyzer having a detector and a neutron source assembly adjacent to the detector is disclosed, wherein the neutron source assembly has a neutron source and a shielding source holder.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.Inventors: Alexander Joseph Esin, Nikolay Baturin, Alex Kulik, Michael G. Brosseau
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Patent number: 8309944Abstract: Neutron optics based on the two-reflection geometries are capable of controlling beams of long wavelength neutrons with low angular divergence. The preferred mirror fabrication technique is a replication process with electroform nickel replication process being preferable. In the preliminary demonstration test an electroform nickel optics gave the neutron current density gain at the focal spot of the mirror at least 8 for neutron wavelengths in the range from 6 to 20 ?. The replication techniques can be also be used to fabricate neutron beam controlling guides.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Mikhail V. Gubarev, Brian D. Ramsey, Darell E. Engelhaupt
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Patent number: 8299420Abstract: A downhole tool for performing measurement of a formation. The tool comprising a housing surrounding a source for generating neutrons and a detector for detecting the neutrons. A shield is located outside of, or embedded in, the housing and focuses the neutrons.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Christian Stoller
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Patent number: 8242436Abstract: A neutron porosity measurement device uses semiconductor detectors located at different distances from a cavity configured to accommodate a neutron source. Each of the semiconductor detectors includes (i) a semiconductor substrate doped to form a pn junction, and having microstructures of neutron reactive material formed to extend from a first surface inside the semiconductor substrate, and (ii) electrodes, one of which is in contact with the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and another one of which is in contact with a second surface of the semiconductor substrate, the second surface being opposite to the first surface. The electrodes are configured to acquire an electrical signal occurring when a neutron is captured inside the semiconductor substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Sondex LimitedInventor: Helene Claire Climent
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Patent number: 8241532Abstract: Neutron source comprising a composite, said composite comprising crystals comprising BeO and AmBe13, and an excess of beryllium, wherein the crystals have an average size of less than 2 microns; the size distribution of the crystals is less than 2 microns; and the beryllium is present in a 7-fold to a 75-fold excess by weight of the amount of AmBe13; and methods of making thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLcInventor: Louis D. Schulte
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Publication number: 20120175511Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Robert Michael Masnyk, Hermann Kramer
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Patent number: 8188436Abstract: A method and a facility are disclosed for imaging a PET spectrum with a PET detector, especially a PE-MR tomograph, and evaluation of the PET spectrum. To improve the correction of the base line in PET and thereby to improve the energy resolution for the PET images, at least one embodiment of the facility includes: a sampling facility for sampling the output signal of the PET detector at a predetermined sampling rate; an edge discriminator for recognizing at least one edge of a PET pulse; a background signal discriminator for estimating a background signal under the PET pulse; and an integrator device for determining the energy of the PET pulse in the PET spectrum above of the background signal from the sample values of the sampling facility.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Ladebeck, Markus Vester
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Publication number: 20120126105Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining neutron images of a rock formation are provided. The neutron images can be obtained from a tool in a logging-while-drilling system but which need not rotate to obtain neutron data from a plurality of azimuthal orientations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: MICHAEL EVANS, Peter Wraight, Christian Stoller, Avto Tkabladze
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Publication number: 20120075953Abstract: A method of evaluating a cased borehole in an earth formation includes: emitting at least one acoustic signal into the borehole via an acoustic source and detecting a return acoustic signal via an acoustic sensor, the borehole including a casing and a casing support material disposed between the casing and a borehole wall; emitting a neutron flux via a neutron source into the borehole and detecting a radiation signal via a radiation detector, the radiation signal including induced gamma radiation resulting from neutron interactions; and identifying a casing support material characteristic based on the return acoustic signal and the radiation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: David M. Chace, Rafay Z. Ansari, Elton Frost, JR.
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Publication number: 20120043459Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for evaluating an earth formation though a drillstring during tripping of the drillstring, particularly locating an area of circulation loss in a wellbore. The apparatus may include a neutron source and at least one radiation detector, which may be disposed on a logging instrument, configured to be dropped or pumped into a drillstring at the end of drilling. The logging instrument may be configured to make measurements through a homogenous portion of the drillstring while the drillstring is being tripped. The apparatus may include a memory and processor for logging data for later retrieval. The method may include adding a radiation absorbing substance to drilling fluid in the wellbore; exposing the earth formation to neutron radiation; and making a plurality of measurement indicative of radiation measurements of sigma or distinct energy peaks along the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Freeman L. Hill, John G. Evans
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Publication number: 20110313668Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for determining the porosity of a subterranean formation with reduced lithology error are provided. In one example, a downhole tool for such purposes may include a neutron source, a plurality of neutron detectors, and data processing circuitry. The neutron source may be configured to emit neutrons into a subterranean formation, and the plurality of neutron detectors may be configured to detect neutrons scattered from the subterranean formation. At least two of the plurality of neutron detectors may be disposed at different respective distances from the neutron source. The data processing circuitry may be configured to determine a porosity of the subterranean formation based at least in part on a weighted combination of the detector responses from each of the at least two of the plurality of neutron detectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: James L. Thornton
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Patent number: 8076634Abstract: A downhole tool for performing measurement of a formation. The tool comprising a housing surrounding a source for generating neutrons and a detector for detecting the neutrons. A shield is located outside of, or embedded in, the housing and focuses the neutrons.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Christian Stoller
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Publication number: 20110297818Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for determining porosity with high sensitivity are provided. In one example, a downhole tool with such high porosity sensitivity may include a neutron source, a near neutron detector, and a far neutron detector. The neutron source may emit neutrons into the subterranean formation, which may scatter and be detected by the near and far detectors. The near neutron detector may be disposed near enough to the neutron source to detect a maximum number of neutrons when the porosity of the subterranean formation is greater than 0 p.u.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: James L. Thornton