Scintillator-based neutron detector for oilfield applications

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A borehole logging tool comprising:
a neutron source; a scintillator positioned to interact with scattered source neutrons received from a target formation, the scintillator configured to emit luminescence in response to interaction with the scattered neutrons, wherein the scintillator comprises an aluminofluoride host material doped with europium; and a luminescence detector configured to provide an output signal indicative of detected luminescence of the scintillator.