Flex-Sleeve Mounting for Radiation Detector Repairability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation detectors in harsh well drilling environments face challenges with existing mounting systems that are difficult to disassemble for inspection and repair without damaging components, due to their sensitivity and exposure to extreme temperatures, pressures, shock, and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A flexible support mechanism, known as a flex-sleeve, is used within a tubular tool housing to securely mount and support radiation sensors and photomultiplier tubes, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly with minimal risk of damage, featuring a cylindrical portion and a coaxially extending polygonal portion for engagement and supportive interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid mounting systems are used to secure radiation detector components in harsh environments, then the components can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, but the components become difficult to disassemble for inspection and repair without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a polygonal support structure within the housing, and a corresponding polygonal sleeve on the detector assembly. These segmented parts can be independently assembled and disassembled through rotational movement, allowing easy inspection and repair while maintaining secure mounting during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The polygonal sleeve can rotate relative to the polygonal support structure, enabling controlled disassembly and reassembly. This dynamic capability allows the system to be secure during operation but easily configurable for maintenance
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid mounting systems are used to secure radiation detector components, then the components remain fixed and stable during operation, but disassembly can damage the components, housing, and mounting system
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system separates the detector assembly from the housing through modular polygonal components that interface through controlled rotational movement. This segmentation allows the detector to be extracted as a complete unit without forcing or damaging fragile components like the scintillator crystal or photomultiplier tube
Solution Approach 2:
The polygonal sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the detector assembly and the housing's polygonal support structure. This intermediate component absorbs the mechanical interface stresses and provides a controlled disengagement mechanism that protects the fragile detector components from damage during assembly and disassembly operations
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 flex-sleeve enables the radiation detector to withstand harsh environments while facilitating easy inspection and repair of components without damaging the tool housing or its components, ensuring continued functionality and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Radiation, such as gamma rays emitted by geologic formations adjacent to the well, is converted to light by the scintillator
Implementation Method 2
The photomultiplier tube converts the light into an amplified electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation detector comprises a tool housing. The tool housing has a substantially cylindrical tubular shape. A radiation sensor generates a signal in response to detecting radiation. The radiation sensor is locatable within the tool housing. A signal processor is operably connectable with the radiation sensor. The signal processor receives the signal from the radiation sensor and generates an electrical signal as a function of the signal received. The signal processor is locatable within the tool housing. A flex-sleeve supports at least one of the radiation sensor and signal processor within the tool housing. The flex-sleeve comprises a substantially cylindrical portion and a coaxially extending polygonal portion for engagement and supportive interaction with the cylindrical portion.