Associated Particle Imaging for Wellbore Integrity Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore inspection technologies are inadequate for accurately assessing the integrity of multiple well casing and cement annuli, particularly at intermediate-to-surface depths and near lateral perforation zones, due to limitations in detecting cracks, corrosion, and dis-bonding in multi-layered casing structures, which can lead to gas leakage and environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
An associated particle-based inspection apparatus using a grounded target and neutron generator that produces neutrons and corresponding charged particles, combined with an API detector to determine neutron trajectory, origination time, and velocity, enabling high-fidelity imaging and integrity assessment of wellbore structures beyond the innermost production casing through spatial, temporal, and material imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wellbore inspection technologies are used, then the inspection process is simple, but the detection precision of cracks, corrosion, and dis-bonding in multi-layered casing structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus is divided into multiple functional modules: neutron source module, detector module, data processing module, and power module. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex system to be managed and optimized independently while achieving high detection precision through coordinated operation of all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection apparatus employs a nested structure where detectors are positioned within or around the neutron source housing, and multiple detection layers are arranged concentrically. This nesting allows compact integration of complex components while maintaining their individual functional performance for high-precision detection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to improve detection accuracy, then the measurement precision increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector types (neutron detectors, gamma ray detectors, and associated particle detectors) are merged into a single integrated detector array. This combination allows simultaneous detection of multiple radiation types and particles, improving measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate detector systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting neutrons, gamma rays, and associated charged particles simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single detector system to provide comprehensive wellbore integrity assessment, reducing the need for multiple specialized detector systems.
3Reliability
If a hermetically-sealed vacuum vessel is used to house the neutron generator, then the reliability and safety improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hermetically-sealed vacuum vessel with thin-walled construction is used to house the neutron generator and detector array. The vacuum vessel provides reliable containment and safety while maintaining a compact form factor. The thin-walled design reduces material usage and system complexity while maintaining structural integrity and hermetic sealing.
4Measurement precision
If associated particle detection is implemented for neutron flux calibration, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration using associated particle detection. The neutron generator produces neutrons that interact with a target to produce associated charged particles, which are detected and used to automatically calibrate the neutron flux measurement. This self-service calibration mechanism improves measurement precision without requiring external calibration equipment or complex manual procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides enhanced wellbore integrity assurance by improving the detection of cracks, corrosion, and fluid ingress/egress, reducing false positives, and ensuring long-term integrity of wellbores, while minimizing environmental impact and the need for radioactive sources.
Implementation Method 1
a neutron generator that produces a neutron and one or more corresponding charged particles
Implementation Method 2
an associated particle imaging (API) detector comprising a particle detector that detects the one or more corresponding charged particles, wherein the particle detector comprises at least one particle detector element that facilitates determining a trajectory, origination time, and a velocity of the neutron based upon a detection
Implementation Method 3
the vacuum tube assembly comprises a hermetically-sealed vacuum vessel that couples the positively-biased ion source and the grounded target region
Data Source
AI summary
An associated particle-based inspection apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a grounded target region and a neutron generator that produces a neutron and one or more corresponding charged particles. The apparatus further includes an associated particle imaging (API) detector comprising a particle detector that detects the one or more corresponding charged particles, wherein the particle detector comprises at least one particle detector element that facilitates determining a trajectory, origination time, and a velocity of the neutron based upon a detection, by a particular one of the at least one particle detector element, of the corresponding charged particles.