A neutron tube system and a detection control device applied to a neutron generator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a neutron tube system and detection control device applied to neutron generator. Detection control device includes radio frequency power supply, impedance matching module, filter module, voltage detection module and control module, radio frequency power supply is used to provide radio frequency energy to radio frequency electrode, to make the working gas in ion source produce plasma, voltage detection module includes voltage detection unit and partial voltage unit, voltage detection unit is used to detect the voltage information of partial voltage unit both ends, filter module is used to prevent radio frequency energy from entering voltage detection module, and prevents direct current from entering radio frequency power supply, control module is used to control the output power of radio frequency power supply according to voltage information. The utility model provides a neutron tube system and detection control device applied to neutron generator, can acquire the density of plasma in neutron generator in real time, provides stable and reliable feedback signal for the output power control of radio frequency power supply, ensures the stability of neutron output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of oil well logging technology, and in particular to a neutron tube system and a detection and control device applied to a neutron generator. Background Technology

[0002] Neutron generators, as compact neutron sources, have wide applications in fields such as oil well logging. Their principle involves producing neutrons through DD (deuterium-deuterium) or DT (deuterium-tritium) reactions, which require accelerating deuterium or tritium ions to a high-energy state and bombarding a target material. Therefore, generating and stably controlling a high-intensity ion beam is crucial to the performance of a neutron generator.

[0003] Current neutron generators generally employ radio frequency (RF) ion source technology, which uses RF energy to excite the working gas to generate plasma. Compared with traditional thermionic direct current (DC) ion sources, RF ion sources have significant advantages such as longer lifespan, higher reliability, and avoidance of cathode losses.

[0004] However, stable control of radio frequency ion sources remains a significant technical challenge. The plasma density directly determines the intensity of the extractable ion beam, thus affecting the neutron yield. In practical applications, factors such as the pressure and temperature of the working gas can fluctuate, leading to plasma instability. If the plasma density cannot be monitored and controlled accurately in real time, neutron output fluctuations will occur, affecting the accuracy of measurement data. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a neutron tube system and a detection and control device for a neutron generator, which can acquire the plasma density in the neutron generator in real time, providing a stable and reliable feedback signal for the output power control of the radio frequency power supply, and ensuring the stability of the neutron output.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a detection and control device for a neutron generator is provided, the detection and control device comprising: a radio frequency power supply, an impedance matching module, a filtering module, a voltage detection module, and a control module;

[0007] The output terminal of the radio frequency power supply is electrically connected to the ion source radio frequency electrode of the neutron generator through the impedance matching module and the filtering module, and is used to provide radio frequency energy to the radio frequency electrode so that the working gas in the ion source generates plasma;

[0008] The voltage detection module includes a voltage detection unit and a voltage divider unit;

[0009] The first end of the voltage divider unit is electrically connected to the radio frequency electrode through the filter module, and the second end of the voltage divider unit is grounded.

[0010] The voltage detection unit is used to detect the voltage information across the voltage divider unit;

[0011] The filtering module is used to prevent radio frequency energy from entering the voltage detection module and to prevent DC current from entering the radio frequency power supply.

[0012] The control module is connected to the voltage detection module and the radio frequency power supply, and is used to control the output power of the radio frequency power supply according to the voltage information.

[0013] Optionally, the filtering module includes a first filtering unit and a second filtering unit;

[0014] The first filter unit is connected in series between the impedance matching module and the radio frequency electrode to block the DC current and conduct the radio frequency energy;

[0015] The second filtering unit is connected between the voltage detection module and the radio frequency electrode to block the radio frequency energy.

[0016] Optionally, the first filtering unit includes a first capacitor; the second filtering unit includes a first inductor and a second capacitor.

[0017] The first terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the impedance matching module, and the second terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the radio frequency electrode.

[0018] The first end of the first inductor is connected to the voltage detection module, and the second end of the first inductor is electrically connected to the radio frequency electrode.

[0019] The first terminal of the second capacitor is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first inductor, and the second terminal of the second capacitor is grounded.

[0020] Optionally, the voltage detection module further includes a current limiting unit;

[0021] The first end of the current limiting unit is electrically connected to the filter module, and the second end of the current limiting unit is electrically connected to the first end of the voltage divider unit and the voltage detection unit.

[0022] Optionally, the voltage detection unit is a voltage sensor.

[0023] Optionally, the impedance matching module includes an adjustable capacitor and an impedance matching unit;

[0024] The first terminal of the adjustable capacitor is electrically connected to the output terminal of the radio frequency power supply, the second terminal of the adjustable capacitor is grounded, and the control terminal of the adjustable capacitor is electrically connected to the control module.

[0025] The first end of the impedance matching unit is electrically connected to the first end of the adjustable capacitor, and the second end of the impedance matching unit is electrically connected to the filter module.

[0026] Optionally, the control module is also used to control the amount of gas released from the filament in the neutron generator into the ion source based on the voltage information.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, an oil well logging neutron tube system is provided, which includes a neutron generator and a detection and control device for the neutron generator provided in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] This invention provides a detection and control device for a neutron generator. It provides radio frequency (RF) energy to the RF electrodes in the neutron generator via an RF power supply to ionize the working gas and generate plasma. The plasma acts as a conductor, forming a conductive loop between the RF electrodes and a voltage detection module. The voltage detection module detects the voltage across a voltage divider unit and transmits this information to a control module. The control module determines the plasma density in the neutron generator based on the voltage information and uses this information to control the output power of the RF power supply, thereby ensuring the stability of the plasma density. This detection and control device detects and controls the plasma density of the neutron generator simply by connecting it to the RF electrodes, eliminating the need for a detection module inside the generator and providing a simple and reliable connection. Furthermore, this invention includes a filter module between the RF power supply and the voltage detection module. This filter effectively isolates the mutual interference between the two, improving the reliability and lifespan of the device. In summary, the detection and control device provided by this utility model embodiment can acquire the plasma density in the neutron generator in real time, providing a stable and reliable feedback signal for the output power control of the radio frequency power supply, and ensuring the stability of the neutron output.

[0029] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this utility model, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Other features of this utility model will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a detection and control device for a neutron generator connected to a neutron generator, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between a detection and control device for a neutron generator and a neutron generator, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between a detection and control device for a neutron generator and a neutron generator, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a neutron tube system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a detection and control device applied to a neutron generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 1The neutron generator 200 includes a sealed tube 210, a radio frequency electrode 211, and a filament 220. The sealed tube 210 can be made of high-purity quartz glass. The radio frequency electrode 211 is fitted onto the outer surface of the sealed tube 210 and can extend into the interior of the sealed tube 210, or a conductive structure electrically connected to the radio frequency electrode 211 can be provided inside the cavity of the sealed tube 210. The filament 220 is located at the top of the sealed tube 210. The radio frequency electrode 211 can be a structure of two copper rings spaced a certain distance apart, or an inductor coil fitted onto the outer wall of the sealed tube 210. When energized, the filament 220 releases a working gas (such as deuterium) into the ion source in the sealed tube 210. When the power supply is stopped, it absorbs and stores the working gas in the sealed tube 210. The ion source in the sealed tube 210 can contain the working gas. After the radio frequency electrode 211 receives radio frequency energy, the working gas in the ion source is ionized to form plasma.

[0038] To address the technical challenge of real-time monitoring of plasma density in current neutron generators, this embodiment proposes a detection and control device 100 that enables online detection and closed-loop control of plasma density.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The detection and control device 100 for a neutron generator provided in this embodiment includes: a radio frequency (RF) power supply 110, an impedance matching module 120, a filtering module 130, a voltage detection module 140, and a control module 150. The output terminal of the RF power supply 110 is electrically connected to the ion source RF electrode 211 of the neutron generator 200 through the impedance matching module 120 and the filtering module 130, and is used to provide RF energy to the RF electrode 211 so that the working gas in the ion source generates plasma. The voltage detection module 140 includes a voltage detection unit 142 and a voltage divider unit 141. The first terminal of the voltage divider unit 141 is electrically connected to the RF electrode 211 through the filtering module 130, and the second terminal of the voltage divider unit 141 is grounded. The voltage detection unit 142 is used to detect the voltage information at both ends of the voltage divider unit 141. The filtering module 130 is used to prevent RF energy from entering the voltage detection module 140 and to prevent DC current from entering the RF power supply 110. The control module 150 is connected to the voltage detection module 140 and the RF power supply 110, and is used to control the output power of the RF power supply 110 according to the voltage information.

[0040] Specifically, when the RF electrode 211 is two copper rings, the filter module 130 is electrically connected to one of the copper rings, and the other copper ring is grounded. When the RF electrode 211 is an inductor, the filter module 130 is electrically connected to the first end of the inductor, and the second end of the inductor is grounded.

[0041] The radio frequency energy output by the radio frequency power supply 110 is transmitted to the radio frequency electrode 211 through the impedance matching module 120 and the filter module 130. After receiving the radio frequency energy, the radio frequency electrode 211 ionizes the working gas in the ion source of the neutron generator 200, thereby generating positively charged plasma.

[0042] The plasma generated within the ion source of the neutron generator is conductive, forming a conductive bridge between the two copper rings of the radio frequency electrode 211. This creates a conductive loop between the voltage divider unit 141, the filter module 130, and the two copper rings. Direct current flows through the voltage divider unit 141, and the voltage detection unit 142 detects the voltage across the voltage divider unit 141. The control module 150 determines the current flowing through the voltage divider unit 141 based on the voltage information and the resistance of the voltage divider unit 141. The absolute value of the current is positively correlated with the plasma density and can serve as a direct indicator for plasma density monitoring. As can be seen, with the resistance value of the voltage divider unit 141 remaining constant, the control module 150 can determine the plasma density based on the absolute value of the voltage information, and thus adjust the output power of the RF power supply 110 in real time according to the plasma density. For example, when the absolute value of the voltage in the voltage information is detected to be low, it indicates that the plasma density is insufficient, and the control module 150 will increase the output power of the RF power supply 110 to enhance the ionization efficiency; otherwise, it will reduce the output power, thereby accurately controlling the plasma density in the sealed tube 210, and thus ensuring the stability of the neutron output by the neutron generator 200.

[0043] The filter module 130 effectively isolates the interference of the DC current output from the ion source to the radio frequency power supply 110, and isolates the radio frequency energy from damaging the voltage detection module 140, thereby improving the reliability and lifespan of the detection control device 100.

[0044] Impedance matching module 120 is used to achieve impedance matching between RF power supply 110 and neutron generator 200, ensuring that as much RF energy as possible is transferred to RF electrode 211.

[0045] This embodiment provides a detection and control device for a neutron generator. It provides radio frequency (RF) energy to the RF electrodes in the neutron generator via an RF power supply to ionize the working gas and generate plasma. The plasma acts as a conductor, forming a conductive loop between the RF electrodes and a voltage detection module. The voltage detection module detects the voltage information across a voltage divider unit and transmits this information to a control module. The control module determines the plasma density in the neutron generator based on the voltage information, thereby controlling the output power of the RF power supply and ensuring the stability of the plasma density. The detection and control device provided in this embodiment can detect and control the plasma density of the neutron generator simply by electrically connecting to the RF electrodes, eliminating the need for a detection module inside the neutron generator, making the connection simple and reliable. Furthermore, this embodiment includes a filter module between the RF power supply and the voltage detection module. This filter effectively isolates the mutual interference between the RF power supply and the voltage detection module, improving the reliability and lifespan of the device. In summary, the detection and control device provided in this embodiment can acquire the plasma density in the neutron generator in real time, providing a stable and reliable feedback signal for controlling the output power of the RF power supply and ensuring the stability of the neutron output.

[0046] Optional, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between a detection and control device for a neutron generator and the neutron generator, according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The filtering module includes a first filtering unit 131 and a second filtering unit 132. The first filtering unit 131 is connected in series between the impedance matching module 120 and the RF electrode 211 to block DC current and conduct RF energy. The second filtering unit 132 is connected between the voltage detection module 140 and the RF electrode 211 to block RF energy.

[0047] Specifically, the first filter unit 131 ensures that radio frequency energy passes through and is transmitted to the radio frequency electrode 211, and also blocks direct current to prevent direct current from damaging the radio frequency power supply 110. The second filter unit 132 blocks radio frequency energy to prevent radio frequency energy from being transmitted to the voltage detection module 140 and damaging the voltage detection module 140. The second filter unit 132 also ensures that direct current passes through the voltage divider unit 141.

[0048] Optional, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between a detection and control device for a neutron generator and the neutron generator, according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 3The first filter unit 131 includes a first capacitor C1; the second filter unit 132 includes a first inductor L1 and a second capacitor C2; the first end of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the impedance matching module 120, and the second end of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the radio frequency electrode 211; the first end of the first inductor L1 is connected to the voltage detection module 140, and the second end of the first inductor L1 is electrically connected to the radio frequency electrode 211; the first end of the second capacitor C2 is electrically connected to the first end of the first inductor L1, and the second end of the second capacitor C2 is grounded.

[0049] Specifically, the first filtering unit 131 and the second filtering unit 132 provided in this embodiment can achieve the filtering function with fewer components. They have a simple structure, are easy to install, can reduce the size of the detection and control device 100, make the detection and control device 100 suitable for the confined environment downhole, and can also reduce the manufacturing cost of the detection and control device 100.

[0050] In the second filter unit 132, the second capacitor C2 is grounded, which can provide a grounding path for radio frequency energy and enhance the radio frequency isolation effect.

[0051] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 3 The voltage detection module 140 also includes a current limiting unit R1; the first end of the current limiting unit R1 is electrically connected to the filter module, and the second end of the current limiting unit R1 is electrically connected to the first end of the voltage divider unit 141 and the voltage detection unit 142.

[0052] Specifically, by adding a current limiting unit R1, this embodiment can limit the flow of possible instantaneous excessive current into the voltage detection unit 142 and the voltage divider unit 141, thereby playing the role of overcurrent protection and enhancing the safety and service life of the voltage detection module 140.

[0053] Optionally, the voltage detection unit is a voltage sensor.

[0054] Specifically, using voltage sensors for detection has the advantages of fast response speed, high accuracy, and easy integration with the control system, which is conducive to achieving fast and accurate feedback control.

[0055] Optionally, the impedance matching module includes an adjustable capacitor and an impedance matching unit; the first end of the adjustable capacitor is electrically connected to the output terminal of the RF power supply, the second end of the adjustable capacitor is grounded, and the control terminal of the adjustable capacitor is electrically connected to the control module; the first end of the impedance matching unit is electrically connected to the first end of the adjustable capacitor, and the second end of the impedance matching unit is electrically connected to the filter module.

[0056] Specifically, the impedance matching unit includes a fixed inductor and a fixed capacitor connected in series. The control module can also adjust the capacitance value of the adjustable capacitor to reduce the reflected power based on the reflected power in the device.

[0057] Optionally, the control module is also used to control the amount of gas released from the filament in the neutron generator into the ion source based on voltage information.

[0058] Specifically, the control module can determine the gas pressure inside the ion source based on the voltage information. For example, when the absolute value of the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit is low, it indicates that the working gas pressure inside the ion source is low. The control module can control the filament to release working gas into the neutron generator to increase the gas pressure, and vice versa, reduce the amount of working gas released.

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a neutron tube system according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 4 The neutron tube system 300 provided in this embodiment includes a neutron generator 200 and a detection and control device 100 applied to the neutron generator provided in any embodiment of this utility model.

[0060] Specifically, Figures 1-3 The schematic diagram shown can also be understood as a schematic diagram of the neutron tube system 300 provided in this embodiment of the present invention. The neutron tube system 300 provided in this embodiment can be used in oil well logging.

[0061] The neutron tube system 300 provided in this embodiment includes the detection and control device 100 provided in any embodiment of this utility model. Therefore, the neutron tube system 300 provided in this embodiment includes the beneficial effects of the detection and control device 100 provided in any embodiment of this utility model.

[0062] It should be understood that the various forms of the process shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this utility model can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this utility model can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0063] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A detection and control device applied to a neutron generator, characterized in that, include: RF power supply, impedance matching module, filtering module, voltage detection module, and control module; The output terminal of the radio frequency power supply is electrically connected to the ion source radio frequency electrode of the neutron generator through the impedance matching module and the filtering module, and is used to provide radio frequency energy to the radio frequency electrode so that the working gas in the ion source generates plasma; The voltage detection module includes a voltage detection unit and a voltage divider unit; The first end of the voltage divider unit is electrically connected to the radio frequency electrode through the filter module, and the second end of the voltage divider unit is grounded. The voltage detection unit is used to detect the voltage information across the voltage divider unit; The filtering module is used to prevent radio frequency energy from entering the voltage detection module and to prevent DC current from entering the radio frequency power supply. The control module is connected to the voltage detection module and the radio frequency power supply, and is used to control the output power of the radio frequency power supply according to the voltage information.

2. The detection and control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filtering module includes a first filtering unit and a second filtering unit; The first filter unit is connected in series between the impedance matching module and the radio frequency electrode to block the DC current and conduct the radio frequency energy; The second filtering unit is connected between the voltage detection module and the radio frequency electrode to block the radio frequency energy.

3. The detection and control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first filtering unit includes a first capacitor; the second filtering unit includes a first inductor and a second capacitor. The first terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the impedance matching module, and the second terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the radio frequency electrode. The first end of the first inductor is connected to the voltage detection module, and the second end of the first inductor is electrically connected to the radio frequency electrode. The first terminal of the second capacitor is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first inductor, and the second terminal of the second capacitor is grounded.

4. The detection and control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage detection module also includes a current limiting unit; The first end of the current limiting unit is electrically connected to the filter module, and the second end of the current limiting unit is electrically connected to the first end of the voltage divider unit and the voltage detection unit.

5. The detection and control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage detection unit is a voltage sensor.

6. The detection and control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impedance matching module includes an adjustable capacitor and an impedance matching unit; The first terminal of the adjustable capacitor is electrically connected to the output terminal of the radio frequency power supply, the second terminal of the adjustable capacitor is grounded, and the control terminal of the adjustable capacitor is electrically connected to the control module. The first end of the impedance matching unit is electrically connected to the first end of the adjustable capacitor, and the second end of the impedance matching unit is electrically connected to the filter module.

7. The detection and control device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The control module is also used to control the amount of gas released from the filament in the neutron generator into the ion source based on the voltage information.

8. A neutron tube system, characterized in that, It includes a neutron generator and a detection and control device applied to the neutron generator as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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