Non-invaded formation density measurement and photoelectric evaluation using an x-ray source

Abstract

An x-ray based litho-density tool for measurement of simultaneous invaded and non-invaded formation surrounding a borehole is provided, the tool including at least an internal length comprising a sonde section, wherein sonde section further includes an x-ray source; at least one radiation measuring detector; at least one source monitoring detector; and a plurality of sonde-dependent electronics. In various embodiments, the tool uses x-rays to illuminate the formation surrounding a borehole, and a plurality of detectors are used to directly measure both invaded and non-invaded formation bulk densities. Detectors used to measure borehole standoff such that other detector responses may be compensated for tool standoff; long and ultra-long space detectors disposed in electromagnetic communication with a source located within a collimated tungsten radiation shield; and wear-pads disposed such that the source and detector assembly may be pressed against the side of the borehole to reduce borehole effects are also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.