Radiation Generator Acceleration Column Vacuum Pumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole radiation generators face damage due to deleterious collisions between ions and gas molecules in the acceleration column, leading to sputtering and potential electrical shorts, which reduces their operational efficiency and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum pump is used to evacuate ionizable gas from the acceleration column to the ion source region, creating a pressure differential that reduces the number of charge exchange reactions and maintains the gas pressure in the acceleration column at a lower level than in the ion source region, thereby minimizing collisions and potential damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gas is present in the acceleration column, then ionization can occur, but deleterious collisions between ions and gas molecules cause sputtering and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifespanVSAvoidcollisions and sputtering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two distinct regions: the ion source region where gas is maintained for ionization, and the acceleration column where gas is evacuated to minimize collisions. This spatial segmentation allows each region to have optimized gas pressure conditions for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful gas molecules are extracted from the acceleration column using a vacuum pump, removing the source of deleterious collisions and sputtering while preserving the gas in the ion source region where it is needed for ionization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If gas pressure is reduced in the acceleration column, then collisions are reduced, but ionization efficiency may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation outputVSAvoidgas pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Different gas pressure conditions are applied to different parts of the system: high gas pressure in the ion source region for efficient ionization, and low gas pressure in the acceleration column for minimal collisions. Each region has the quality it needs for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A vacuum pump serves as an intermediary device that selectively removes gas from the acceleration column while leaving the ion source region unaffected, enabling differential gas pressure control between the two regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If higher voltage is applied between extractor and target, then radiation output increases, but electrical shorts and sputtering damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation outputVSAvoidelectrical shorts and sputtering

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pump converts the harmful presence of gas molecules into a benefit by removing them from the acceleration column, thereby preventing sputtering and electrical shorts that would limit the application of high voltage for increased radiation output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 reduces the likelihood of charge exchange reactions, increases the operational life of the radiation generator, and allows for a higher voltage between the extractor and target, enhancing radiation output while preventing electrical shorts and material sputtering.

Implementation Method 1

A vacuum pump may pump the ionizable gas from the acceleration column to the ion source region such that a gas pressure in the acceleration column is less than a gas pressure in the ion source region.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum pumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9389334B2Radiation generator having an actively evacuated acceleration column

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A radiation generator includes an ion source region, and an acceleration column downstream of the extractor electrode and in fluid communication with the ion source region. The ion source region and the acceleration column contain an ionizable gas. A vacuum pump pumps the ionizable gas from the acceleration column to the ion source region such that a gas pressure in the acceleration column is less than a gas pressure in the ion source region.