A system for real-time or near real-time analysis of drilling fluid, drill cuttings and/or mud gas transported from a well to a mud circulation system has a hydrocarbon analysis device for in-line measuring hydrocarbon content in the material and an in-line gamma-ray detection apparatus. The in-line gamma-ray detection apparatus is disposed in the path of material transported from the well. A control unit for real-time or near real-time receives and correlates signals from the hydrocarbon analysis device and the in-line gamma-ray detection apparatus.

A system for real-time or near real-time analysis of drilling fluid, drill cuttings and/or mud gas transported from a well to a mud circulation system has a hydrocarbon analysis device for in-line measuring hydrocarbon content in the material and an in-line gamma-ray detection apparatus. The in-line gamma-ray detection apparatus is disposed in the path of material transported from the well. A control unit for real-time or near real-time receives and correlates signals from the hydrocarbon analysis device and the in-line gamma-ray detection apparatus.

The present invention is related to technologies used to inspect flexible undersea pipes, in particular to detect flooding of the annular space in said pipes. The present invention discloses a device for detecting annular flooding with gamma transmission in a flexible pipe, comprising a structure (07), in which said structure (07) contains in its interior, a first pressure vessel (10) containing an encapsulated radioactive source (03) in its interior, a second pressure vessel (11) containing radiation sensors (04) in its interior, and a third pressure vessel (12), containing electronic means for collecting and amplifying signals (05) in its interior, in which said radiation sensors (04) are connected to the electronic means (05) for collecting and amplifying signals using an internal cable (13). The present invention also discloses a unit for detecting annular flooding with gamma transmission in a flexible pipe based on the gamma transmission technique, comprising a device (50) for detecting annular flooding with gamma transmission in a flexible pipe (01) coupled to an ROV (02), in which coupling occurs through a control arm (08) of the ROV (02), and the device is controlled and operated exclusively via the umbilical cable (06) connected to the ROV (02), and a method for detecting annular flooding with gamma transmission in a flexible pipe.

A trip avoidance X-ray inspection system, typically defining a specialized system that delivers pulsed X-rays, comprises one or more pulse X-ray cameras, each comprising a known set of effects on nucleonic instrumentation; a predetermined set of such shielded X-ray sources; a predetermined set of nucleonic instrumentation operatively in communication with one or more pulse X-ray cameras; and a digital radiography detector adapted to allow, process, or otherwise create an X-ray produced image when disposed proximate predetermined set of nucleonic instrumentation. The pulse X-ray camera is adapted to be disposed at a predetermined distance from predetermined set of shielded X-ray sources.

A trip avoidance X-ray inspection system, typically defining a specialized system that delivers pulsed X-rays, comprises one or more pulse X-ray cameras, each comprising a known set of effects on nucleonic instrumentation; a predetermined set of such shielded X-ray sources; a predetermined set of nucleonic instrumentation operatively in communication with one or more pulse X-ray cameras; and a digital radiography detector adapted to allow, process, or otherwise create an X-ray produced image when disposed proximate predetermined set of nucleonic instrumentation. The pulse X-ray camera is adapted to be disposed at a predetermined distance from predetermined set of shielded X-ray sources.

A method for inferring incident count rates of electromagnetic energy at a detector is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation through a fluid and receiving a portion of the electromagnetic radiation at a detector. The method also includes measuring the energy spectrum of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector and using the measured energy spectrum and a physical model of detector response to electromagnetic radiation to infer incident count rates for discrete energy levels of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

A method for inferring incident count rates of electromagnetic energy at a detector is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation through a fluid and receiving a portion of the electromagnetic radiation at a detector. The method also includes measuring the energy spectrum of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector and using the measured energy spectrum and a physical model of detector response to electromagnetic radiation to infer incident count rates for discrete energy levels of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

The invention is directed to apparatus for measuring mass flow-rates of the gas, oil and water phases in a wet gas, comprising the following parts: a differential pressure flow meter, having a throat section, and a gamma ray detector, comprising a gamma ray emitter and a gamma ray receiver that are arranged in such a manner that gamma rays emitted from the gamma ray emitter can pass through the throat section in diametrical direction to reach the gamma ray receiver; wherein a radioactive source in the gamma-ray emitter is a multi-energy radioactive source that can naturally emit at least three energy gamma rays, and a thermostatic device is not used in the gamma ray receiver. The invention further relates to a metering method for measuring mass flow-rates of the gas, oil and water phases in a wet gas, in which the above apparatus is used. As for the apparatus according to the invention, neither a thermostatic device nor the calibration for the empty tube value is in need, and thus it is very suitable for the uses under water or down-hole.

The invention is directed to apparatus for measuring mass flow-rates of the gas, oil and water phases in a wet gas, comprising the following parts: a differential pressure flow meter, having a throat section, and a gamma ray detector, comprising a gamma ray emitter and a gamma ray receiver that are arranged in such a manner that gamma rays emitted from the gamma ray emitter can pass through the throat section in diametrical direction to reach the gamma ray receiver; wherein a radioactive source in the gamma-ray emitter is a multi-energy radioactive source that can naturally emit at least three energy gamma rays, and a thermostatic device is not used in the gamma ray receiver. The invention further relates to a metering method for measuring mass flow-rates of the gas, oil and water phases in a wet gas, in which the above apparatus is used. As for the apparatus according to the invention, neither a thermostatic device nor the calibration for the empty tube value is in need, and thus it is very suitable for the uses under water or down-hole.

An x-ray mass flow rate sensor uses a low density polymer pipe, an x-ray source, and an x-ray detector. The polymer pipe has a low density (less than 2.8 SG) and a high pressure rating (greater than 5 ksi). By using a low density polymer pipe, the sensor is able to use an x-ray source that does not require a linear accelerator and is less than or equal to 450 kV. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are mounted on opposite sides of the polymer pipe to form a detection area that passes through the polymer pipe. A real-time calibration of the sensor is performed by detecting gray level values in a calibration region of the detection area for two reference materials placed in the detection area. The sensor may additionally include a mechanical flow rate sensor with a plurality of pistons with springs of varying spring constants.