Azimuthal Associated Particle Imaging Neutron Generator for Wellbore Inspection
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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 aquifers, due to limitations in detecting cracks, corrosion, and dis-bonding in multi-layered casing structures, leading to potential gas leaks and environmental risks.
Innovation Solution
A down-hole wellbore inspection apparatus utilizing a high-output neutron generator for D-T fusion reactions, combined with associated particle imaging (API) and collimated gamma-ray detection, enables detailed imaging and integrity assessment of cement and casing structures beyond the innermost production casing, providing spatial, temporal, and material information to ensure wellbore integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional neutron and gamma detection methods are used, then the inspection system can detect wellbore structures, but the measurement precision is insufficient for detecting cracks, corrosion, and dis-bonding in multi-layered casing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detector assemblies arranged azimuthally around the wellbore. Each assembly contains both neutron and gamma detectors, allowing independent optimization of each detector type while maintaining a modular system architecture that improves precision without proportionally increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional single-point or limited-angle detection to three-dimensional azimuthal detection by arranging detector assemblies around the wellbore circumference. This dimensional expansion enables precise localization of defects in multi-layered casing structures by providing spatial information from multiple angles simultaneously
2Reliability
If multiple detectors are used to improve detection accuracy, then the reliability of wellbore integrity assessment improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: neutron detection for hydrogenous material identification, gamma detection for density measurement, and azimuthal positioning for spatial mapping. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high reliability through diverse detection capabilities while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems for each measurement type
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges neutron detection and gamma detection capabilities into integrated detector assemblies that operate simultaneously. By combining these detection modalities in unified assemblies rather than separate systems, the patent achieves improved reliability through complementary measurement techniques while reducing the overall system complexity that would result from multiple independent detection systems
3Productivity
If high-output neutron generator is used for detailed imaging, then the productivity of wellbore inspection improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neutron generator operates in pulsed mode rather than continuously, generating neutrons in periodic bursts during the inspection process. This periodic operation provides sufficient neutron flux for detailed imaging during active measurement intervals while reducing overall energy consumption during idle periods, thereby improving inspection productivity without proportionally increasing energy usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts neutron generator output parameters based on inspection requirements and detected signal levels. By modulating the neutron flux intensity and pulse duration according to real-time measurement needs, the system achieves high productivity when detailed imaging is required while minimizing energy consumption during lower-demand measurement phases
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
This approach enhances the ability to detect defects and ensure long-term wellbore integrity, reduces false positives, and improves the fidelity of wellbore casing structure imaging, addressing the limitations of existing methods and minimizing environmental impact by providing comprehensive and accurate assessments across the well lifecycle.
Implementation Method 1
A down-hole wellbore inspection apparatus utilizing a high-output neutron generator for D-T fusion reactions
Implementation Method 2
a set of collimating structures, where adjacent pairs of the set of collimating structures define a gamma-ray path for a gamma-ray arising from an inelastic collision of the neutron
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore inspection apparatus and a corresponding method of operation are described. The wellbore inspection apparatus comprises a neutron generator that produces, by a fusion reaction, a neutron and a corresponding charged particle. An associated particle imaging (API) detector comprises a particle detector array that detects the corresponding charged particle. The particle detector array comprises a plurality of particle detector elements that facilitate determining a trajectory of the neutron based upon a detection, by a particular one of the plurality of particle detector elements, of the corresponding charged particle. A gamma-ray detector assembly comprises a set of gamma-ray detector elements, and a set of collimating structures, where adjacent pairs of the set of collimating structures define a gamma-ray path for a gamma-ray arising from an inelastic collision of the neutron.