Patent classifications
G01V5/105
Neutron-gamma density through normalized inelastic ratio
Systems, methods, and devices for determining a 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, a neutron detector, two gamma-ray detectors, and data processing circuitry. The neutron generator may emit neutrons into a formation, causing a fast neutron cloud to form. The neutron detector may detect a count of neutrons representing the extent of the neutron cloud. The 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, the 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.
SQUEEZE TARGET SELECTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS
A method includes obtaining a pulsed neutron log as a function of position along a cased wellbore. The method also includes analyzing the pulsed neutron log to identify a gas channel associated with a surface casing vent flow condition. The method also includes selecting a squeeze target along the identified gas channel. The method also includes directing at least one well intervention tool in the cased wellbore to perform a squeeze operation for the selected squeeze target.
Neutron gamma density correction using elemental spectroscopy
A method for determining a corrected neutron gamma density of a formation includes emitting neutrons into a formation using a neutron source to generate gamma-rays. Additionally, the method includes detecting a first count rate of gamma-rays and a gamma-ray spectrum using at least a gamma-ray detector of the downhole tool. The method also includes detecting a second count rate of neutrons using a neutron detector. The method includes using a processor to perform a gamma-ray spectroscopy analysis on the formation based on the gamma-ray spectrum and determining a correction based on results of the gamma-ray spectroscopy analysis. The method includes applying the correction to the first count rate or the second count rate and determining a neutron gamma density of the formation based on a first corrected count rate of gamma-rays or a second corrected count rate of neutrons. The method also includes outputting the determined density of the formation.
GAMMA CALIBRATION
Estimating parameters of interest of a formation, including density, porosity, and fluid saturation. Methods relate to gamma ray energy spectra calibration for a radiation detector including generating a calibration radiation spectrum using measurements of radiation with the detector in a time interval wherein the radiation comprises predominantly gamma rays emitted by decay of radionuclides produced by neutron activation reactions resulting from neutron irradiation, the time interval following a prior time interval corresponding to thermal neutrons produced from the irradiation; making at least one other radiation measurement with the detector outside the time interval; and producing a calibrated radiation measurement from the at least one other radiation measurement using the calibration radiation spectrum. The measurements may be taken in the time interval by conveying the radiation detector in the borehole at high speed and using a background gate of the detector.
Scale identifier
Scale identifier systems and methods for generating a log of scale type and location in subterranean formations, and, more particularly, in wellbore tubing are provided. A method for scale identification may be provided. The method may comprise providing a first logging tool comprising a tool body, a neutron source coupled to the tool body, and detectors coupled to the tool body; providing a second logging tool for measuring deviations in inner diameter of a tubing in a wellbore; placing the first logging tool and the second logging tool into the wellbore; logging the interior of the tubing with the first logging tool and the second logging tool to generate data; and generating a log of scale location and type from the data.
Apparatus and method for obtaining real-time true formation porosity using pulsed neutron well logging tool having dual-function detectors
A method for measuring subterranean formation porosity includes the steps of: deploying a nuclear logging tool having one or more neutron sources and two or more dual-function detectors disposed in into a subterranean formation; causing the one or more neutron sources to emit neutrons in a plurality of neutron pulses into the subterranean formation and generating neutrons and gamma rays in the subterranean formation; obtaining one or more neutron count rates for each of the two or more detectors; determining a formation type of the subterranean formation based on gamma rays received at the one or more detectors; calculating one or more neutron count rate ratios between the neutron count rates of two detectors selected from the two or more detectors; and obtaining one or more formation porosities based on the formation type and the one or more neutron count rate ratios.
Compensated sigma from measurements made by a pulsed neutron instrument
A method for determining a formation thermal neutron decay rate from measurements of radiation resulting from at least one burst of high energy neutrons into formations surrounding a wellbore includes determining a first apparent neutron decay rate in a time window beginning at a first selected time after an end of the at least one burst, a second apparent decay rate from a time window beginning at a second selected time after the burst and a third apparent decay rate from a third selected time after the burst. The second time is later than the first time. A thermal neutron capture cross section of fluid in the wellbore is determined. A decay rate correction factor is determined based on the first and second apparent decay rates and a parameter indicative of the wellbore capture cross-section. The correction factor is applied to the third apparent decay rate to determine the formation thermal neutron decay rate.
Construction Of A Target Assembly For A Compact D-D Or D-T Neutron Generator
A method for forming a neutron generating tube. The method may include brazing a welding ring to a neutron generating tube at a first open end, brazing a welding lip to a target rod, and disposing the target rod into the neutron generating tube, wherein the welding lip is at least in part in contact with the welding ring. The method may further include welding the welding lip to the welding ring to form a vacuum envelope, disposing a copper tubing at a second open end of the neutron generating tube opposite the first open end, and pinching off the copper tubing to form a sealed vacuum in the neutron generating tube.
COMPENSATED SIGMA FROM MEASUREMENTS MADE BY A PULSED NEUTRON INSTRUMENT
A method for determining a formation thermal neutron decay rate from measurements of radiation resulting from at least one burst of high energy neutrons into formations surrounding a wellbore includes determining a first apparent neutron decay rate in a time window beginning at a first selected time after an end of the at least one burst, a second apparent decay rate from a time window beginning at a second selected time after the burst and a third apparent decay rate from a third selected time after the burst. The second time is later than the first time. A thermal neutron capture cross section of fluid in the wellbore is determined. A decay rate correction factor is determined based on the first and second apparent decay rates and a parameter indicative of the wellbore capture cross-section. The correction factor is applied to the third apparent decay rate to determine the formation thermal neutron decay rate.
Method and apparatus for obtaining real-time downhole oil saturation
A method for measuring an oil saturation value of a subterrain formation uses a tool having multiple dual-function detectors that detect neutrons and gamma rays. The method includes emitting neutrons into the formation, detecting neutrons and gamma ray signals form the formation using the detectors, determining formation parameters including the formation type and formation porosity, and further determining parameters such as C/O ratios at each of the detectors, a total neutron count rate at each of detectors, a fast neutron count rate at each of detectors, and a thermal neutron count rate at each of the three or more detector, and calculating the oil saturation value using the determined parameters.