Sourceless X-ray Downhole Tool Gain Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole well-logging tools rely on radioisotopic sources for radiation emissions, which pose handling, shielding, and regulatory challenges due to their radioactive nature, and require additional reference sources for detector sensitivity stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A sourceless X-ray downhole tool system that employs an X-ray generator and internal X-ray shielding to direct X-rays both into the subterranean formation and to detectors for gain stabilization, eliminating the need for external radioisotopic sources by using internally generated X-rays for detector calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radioisotopic sources are used for radiation emissions, then detector sensitivity stabilization can be achieved, but handling complexity and regulatory burdens increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference source function from external radioisotopic sources and relocates it to an internal X-ray generator within the tool body. This eliminates the need for separate reference sources while maintaining the stabilization function, thereby reducing handling and regulatory complexity associated with multiple radioisotopic sources
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray generator serves dual functions: it acts as both the primary radiation source for formation measurement and the reference source for detector stabilization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reference sources and reduces the overall complexity of managing multiple radioisotopic sources
2Measurement precision
If radioisotopic sources are used for radiation emissions, then formation property measurement can be performed, but additional shielding and security requirements are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation source from radioisotopic emission to controlled X-ray generation. This parameter change allows for on-demand activation and deactivation of the radiation source, eliminating the need for continuous shielding and security measures required by permanent radioisotopic sources while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If reference sources are added for detector stabilization, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray generator is designed to perform both measurement and reference functions. By adjusting operational parameters, the same device serves as the primary radiation source for formation analysis and as the reference source for detector stabilization, thereby improving measurement accuracy without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the primary radiation source and reference source into a single integrated X-ray generator system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate reference sources while maintaining detector gain stabilization, thus improving measurement precision without adding device complexity
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 stabilizes detector sensitivity and reduces regulatory burdens by using internally generated X-rays for calibration, ensuring consistent data collection without the need for external radioisotopic sources, while maintaining accurate determination of formation properties like density and lithology.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray generator may emit some X-rays out of the downhole tool and some X-rays internally through the downhole tool
Implementation Method 2
The X-ray detector may detect some of the X-rays that return to the downhole tool, as well as some of the X-rays that pass internally through the downhole tool
Implementation Method 3
The data processing circuitry may gain-stabilize the X-ray detector based at least in part on the X-rays that passed internally through the downhole tool and were detected by the X-ray detector
Implementation Method 4
Once emitted into the formation, the gamma-rays may interact with the formation through Compton scattering, which may attenuate the gamma-rays
Implementation Method 5
the photoelectric effect, which may absorb the gamma-rays. The degree to which the formation causes the gamma-rays to be Compton scattered and/or to be absorbed via the photoelectric effect
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices relating to a sourceless X-ray downhole tool are provided. By way of example, such a downhole tool may include an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector, and data processing circuitry. The X-ray generator may emit some X-rays out of the downhole tool and some X-rays internally through the downhole tool. The X-ray detector may detect some of the X-rays that return to the downhole tool, as well as some of the X-rays that pass internally through the downhole tool. The data processing circuitry may gain-stabilize the X-ray detector based at least in part on the X-rays that passed internally through the downhole tool and were detected by the X-ray detector.