Scintillator-based neutron detector for oilfield applications
US9304226B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V5/107
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Borehole logging tools and systems that include a scintillator positioned to interact with scattered source neutrons that are received from a target formation. The scintillator emits luminescence in response to interaction with the scattered neutrons. The scintillator includes an aluminofluoride host material (e.g., LiCAF). In a specific embodiment, the aluminofluoride host material is doped with europium. In a further specific embodiment, a processor distinguishes scattered neutrons from gamma rays based upon identifying a peak within an output signal from the scintillator. In yet another specific embodiment, a system includes a first scintillator and a second scintillator. The processor subtracts luminescence generated by the second scintillator from luminescence generated by the first scintillator to identify a neutron response of the first scintillator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.