System and method for retrieving a source element from a logging tool located in a well

A method for retrieving a source element from a well, the source element being located in a logging tool made of a first material that is deployed into the well for sampling at least one parameter in a formation, the logging tool comprising:

• a cylindrical housing having a central chamber comprising the source element and extending through a portion of the cylindrical housing along a central axis thereof, and a first communication device mounted on the cylindrical housing, the method comprising:
• determining whether the logging tool is stuck inside the well;
• when the logging tool is stuck inside the well, releasing the logging tool inside the well;
• deploying a milling tool made of a second material, the milling tool comprising:
• a drill bit head made of the second material, the drill bit head being configured for milling through the first material;
• milling the logging tool up to a predetermined depth using the milling tool, the predetermined depth exposing a source element;
• and
• retrieving the source element from the predetermined depth of the logging tool.

A logging tool of a first material configured to be milled through by a drill bit head made of a second material and disposed on a milling tool, the logging tool comprising:

• a cylindrical housing made of the first material and having a central chamber extending through a portion of the cylindrical housing along a central axis thereof,
• a source element disposed in the central chamber, and
• a communication device mounted on the cylindrical housing and operatively connected to a first sensor,
• wherein a top portion of the logging tool is configured to be milled by the milling tool to expose a top of the central chamber, and wherein the central chamber comprises a fish-neck profile that positions the source element for retrieval after the top portion of the logging tool is removed.