Radioactive Content Measurement Using Gamma Radiation Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing radioactive content in earth samples are time-consuming, typically taking twenty-one days, which delays development activities and requires heavy equipment to sit idle for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a shielded radioisotope identifier with a radiation detector and controller to rapidly detect gamma radiation from earth samples, allowing for on-site testing within minutes to hours, reducing the testing period and providing accurate results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional laboratory analysis methods are used to test radioactive content in earth samples, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens (21 days testing period)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradioactive content measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting period duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical laboratory analysis methods with a radiation detection system that uses a detector to directly measure gamma radiation from earth samples. This substitution of detection methodology enables rapid on-site analysis within minutes to hours while maintaining measurement accuracy through calibrated detection of radioactive decay signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a radiation detector as an intermediary device between the earth sample and the measurement process. The detector acts as a mediator that converts radioactive decay events into measurable electrical signals, enabling rapid quantification of radioactive content without requiring lengthy laboratory processing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity worsens (equipment idle time)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradioactive content measurement accuracyVSAvoidproject development speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical laboratory analysis methods with a radiation detection system that uses a detector to directly measure gamma radiation from earth samples. This substitution of detection methodology enables rapid on-site analysis within minutes to hours while maintaining measurement accuracy through calibrated detection of radioactive decay signals, thereby eliminating equipment idle time and accelerating project productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If rapid detection methods are used, then loss of time is improved, but measurement precision worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting period durationVSAvoidradioactive content measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration of the radiation detector using known radioactive sources before actual measurement. This preliminary action establishes accurate detection thresholds and signal characteristics, ensuring that rapid on-site measurements maintain the same precision as traditional laboratory methods while completing analysis in minutes rather than weeks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical laboratory analysis methods with a radiation detection system that uses a detector to directly measure gamma radiation from earth samples. This substitution of detection methodology enables rapid on-site analysis within minutes to hours while maintaining measurement accuracy through calibrated detection of radioactive decay signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method significantly reduces the time required for radioactive testing, enabling on-site completion in under twenty-four hours with high certainty, allowing for timely project progression without the need for extensive equipment downtime.

Implementation Method 1

detecting one or more counts of decay from the at least one earth sample. The detected count is at at least one level of radiation decay energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9068961B2Method and apparatus for measuring the radioactive content of materials

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 SHALE TESTING SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A method of testing an earth sample and an apparatus for executing the method are disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of obtaining at least one earth sample. The method also includes the steps of detecting one or more counts of decay from the at least one earth sample. The detected count is at at least one level of radiation decay energy from among a plurality of possible levels of radiation decay energy associated with decay daughters of Radium 226 and/or 228. The method also includes the steps of deriving a level of radiation emission activity of the at least one earth sample based on the one or more counts of decay detected in said detecting step.