Compact Scintillation Detector Using Nested Photon Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scintillation detectors have a significant dead space due to the additional length required for the photon detector, which limits their compactness and prevents multiple detectors from being placed in close proximity, especially in applications like oilfield well logging where space is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A compact scintillation detector design where the photon detector is partially or entirely enclosed within the scintillator, and reflectors are used to direct photons emitted by the scintillator to the photon detector, reducing the overall length and allowing for closer placement of multiple detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the photon detector is placed outside the scintillator, then the detector structure is simple, but the overall length increases and multiple detectors cannot be placed in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the photon detector inside the scintillator, with the photon detector positioned in a cavity formed within the scintillator material. This nested configuration allows the photon detector to be enclosed by the scintillator while maintaining functional separation, thereby reducing the overall detector length and enabling closer placement of multiple detectors without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear arrangement where the photon detector is positioned outside the scintillator to a three-dimensional configuration where the photon detector is embedded within the scintillator volume. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization, reducing the axial length of the detector assembly while maintaining all necessary functional interfaces
2Volume of moving object
If the photon detector is enclosed by the scintillator, then the detector becomes compact, but photons must be directed to the detector through reflectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the photon detector within the scintillator and surrounds it with reflectors positioned in the annular space between the scintillator outer surface and the detector housing. This nested reflector configuration efficiently directs photons toward the photon detector while maintaining a compact overall volume and minimizing the need for complex external reflector assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflectors as intermediary elements that mediate between the scintillator and the photon detector. These reflectors are strategically positioned to intercept photons emitted by the scintillator and redirect them toward the photon detector, enabling efficient light collection in the compact nested configuration without requiring direct line-of-sight between the scintillator and detector
3Productivity
If multiple detectors are placed in close proximity, then the space efficiency increases, but the dead space in conventional detectors prevents this
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the photon detector within the scintillator, the patent eliminates the dead space that would otherwise exist between the scintillator and detector in conventional configurations. This allows multiple detectors to be placed in close proximity along the wellbore, maximizing space efficiency and enabling higher detector density without the penalty of excessive dead space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space more efficiently by embedding the photon detector within the scintillator volume rather than positioning it externally. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the axial footprint of each detector, allowing multiple detectors to be closely spaced along the wellbore and improving overall space efficiency in the measurement-while-drilling or logging-while-drilling tool
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 design achieves a more compact detector size, reducing dead space and enabling multiple detectors to be placed in close proximity, enhancing efficiency and usability in applications such as oilfield well logging by minimizing the footprint and optimizing design space.
Implementation Method 1
One type of radiation detector, known as a scintillation detector, uses a scintillator to convert impinging radiation into one or more photons of light
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflector at least partially enclosing the scintillator and configured to direct photons emitted by the scintillator to the photon detector
Implementation Method 3
These photons are then detected by a photon detector
Data Source
AI summary
Devices may include a scintillation detection device including a scintillator, a photon detector at least partially enclosed by the scintillator, and at least one reflector at least partially enclosing the scintillator. In another aspect, an oilfield wellbore device may include an oilfield string with at least one scintillation detection device on the string and a pressure housing enclosing the one or more scintillation detection devices. In another aspect, a method of measuring radiation in an oil and gas well may include conveying at least one scintillation detection device to at least one zone of interest in the oil and gas well and recording data from at least one scintillation detection device as a function of location in the well.