The present disclosure relates to a method for determining a remaining operating period of a detector unit for a radiometric, density- or fill-level measuring device. The detector unit includes a photomultiplier. In such method, the control voltage of the photomultiplier is registered over at least one predetermined time period, a time rate of change function is ascertained based on control voltage registered during the predetermined time period, and the remaining operating period until reaching a maximum control voltage is calculated by means of the time rate of change function and a current control voltage, which is present at the current operating time. The method of the present disclosure permits approximation of the remaining operating period of the detector unit and, thus, timely learning of when required maintenance measures, especially aging related replacement of the photomultiplier, must be performed.

The present disclosure relates to a method for determining a remaining operating period of a detector unit for a radiometric, density- or fill-level measuring device. The detector unit includes a photomultiplier. In such method, the control voltage of the photomultiplier is registered over at least one predetermined time period, a time rate of change function is ascertained based on control voltage registered during the predetermined time period, and the remaining operating period until reaching a maximum control voltage is calculated by means of the time rate of change function and a current control voltage, which is present at the current operating time. The method of the present disclosure permits approximation of the remaining operating period of the detector unit and, thus, timely learning of when required maintenance measures, especially aging related replacement of the photomultiplier, must be performed.

An apparatus and method are described which enable real time measurements to measure the margin to criticality in a process for manufacturing fissile materials. An exemplary apparatus includes a neutron source capable of being modulated, an optional moderator to reduce the thermal energy of neutrons from the neutron source, a collimator for controlling the direction of any neutrons emanating in use from the target, a plurality of detector arrays positioned in predetermined locations relative to a process vessel for detecting process variables and for sending signals representative of the process variables in real time to a processor for receiving the signals and converting the detected process variables into margin to criticality measurements.

An apparatus and method are described which enable real time measurements to measure the margin to criticality in a process for manufacturing fissile materials. An exemplary apparatus includes a neutron source capable of being modulated, an optional moderator to reduce the thermal energy of neutrons from the neutron source, a collimator for controlling the direction of any neutrons emanating in use from the target, a plurality of detector arrays positioned in predetermined locations relative to a process vessel for detecting process variables and for sending signals representative of the process variables in real time to a processor for receiving the signals and converting the detected process variables into margin to criticality measurements.

Method of real-time adaptive digital pulse signal processing for high count rate gamma-ray spectroscopy applications includes receiving a preamplifier signal at a pulse deconvolver, the preamplifier signal including resolution deterioration resulting from pulse pile-up. The method further includes generating a deconvoluted signal, by the pulse deconvolver, from the preamplifier signal, the deconvoluted signal having less resolution deterioration as compared to the received preamplifier signal. The method furthermore includes shaping of the deconvoluted signal by a trapezoid filter, the shaping comprising adjusting a shaping parameter of the trapezoid filter for an incoming signal based on a time separation from a subsequent incoming signal.

Method of real-time adaptive digital pulse signal processing for high count rate gamma-ray spectroscopy applications includes receiving a preamplifier signal at a pulse deconvolver, the preamplifier signal including resolution deterioration resulting from pulse pile-up. The method further includes generating a deconvoluted signal, by the pulse deconvolver, from the preamplifier signal, the deconvoluted signal having less resolution deterioration as compared to the received preamplifier signal. The method furthermore includes shaping of the deconvoluted signal by a trapezoid filter, the shaping comprising adjusting a shaping parameter of the trapezoid filter for an incoming signal based on a time separation from a subsequent incoming signal.

The disclosure presents a process for determining an initial gain of a gamma detector located within a wellbore of a well system. The technique can utilize the subterranean formation characteristics at the gamma detector. The process can sweep, at a step value, across a determined high voltage range. At each sweep step, gamma events can be detected and counted over a detection time interval. The collected gamma events can then be utilized to perform an in-situ plateau test from which a high voltage can be determined, e.g., knee of the plateau curve. The determined high voltage can then be used as the initial gain. Additional fine gain control functions can be executed to further adjust the gain. In an alternative aspect, the collected gamma events can be utilized to perform diagnostics to infer faults or issues with the gamma detector assembly while it is down-hole.

The disclosure presents a process for determining an initial gain of a gamma detector located within a wellbore of a well system. The technique can utilize the subterranean formation characteristics at the gamma detector. The process can sweep, at a step value, across a determined high voltage range. At each sweep step, gamma events can be detected and counted over a detection time interval. The collected gamma events can then be utilized to perform an in-situ plateau test from which a high voltage can be determined, e.g., knee of the plateau curve. The determined high voltage can then be used as the initial gain. Additional fine gain control functions can be executed to further adjust the gain. In an alternative aspect, the collected gamma events can be utilized to perform diagnostics to infer faults or issues with the gamma detector assembly while it is down-hole.

The disclosure presents a process for determining an initial gain of a gamma detector located within a wellbore of a well system. The technique can utilize the subterranean formation characteristics at the gamma detector. The process can sweep, at a step value, across a determined high voltage range. At each sweep step, gamma events can be detected and counted over a detection time interval. The collected gamma events can then be utilized to perform an in-situ plateau test from which a high voltage can be determined, e.g., knee of the plateau curve. The determined high voltage can then be used as the initial gain. Additional fine gain control functions can be executed to further adjust the gain. In an alternative aspect, the collected gamma events can be utilized to perform diagnostics to infer faults or issues with the gamma detector assembly while it is down-hole.

The current invention utilizes a downhole gamma ray counter having a processor and database to radially allocate gamma ray counts into buckets. Once a circumferential count is completed the buckets are utilized to form a pattern. The created pattern is then compared to various patterns within the database. Once a corresponding pattern is found within the database a value that is assigned to that pattern is transmitted to the surface. On the surface a surface processor compares the value to the values within the surface database finding the pattern assigned to that value. The surface processor and estimates the time of creation of the pattern downhole and uses the estimated time of creation and the pattern from the surface database to create an image of a portion of a wellbore.