US 12,554,038 B2 · Methods and means for simultaneous casing integrity evaluation and cement inspection in a multiple-casing wellbore environment

Abstract

An x-ray based cement evaluation tool for measurement of the density of material volumes within single, dual and multiple-casing wellbore environments is provided, wherein the tool uses x-rays to illuminate the formation surrounding a borehole, and a plurality of detectors are used to directly measure the density of the cement annuli and any variations in density within The tool uses x-rays to illuminate the casing surrounding a borehole and a plurality of multi-pixel imaging detectors directly measure the thickness of the casing The tool includes an internal length having a sonde section, wherein the sonde section further includes an x-ray source; a radiation shield for radiation measuring detectors; sonde-dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and PSUs. Other systems and subsystems appropriate for carrying out the foregoing are also disclosed, as are a plurality of example methods of use therefor.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An x-ray based borehole evaluation tool comprising:

an x-ray source;
a plurality of detectors that is offset from the x-ray source in an axial direction, the plurality of detectors to measure radial density variations within a region surrounding the tool using radiant energy emitted by the x-ray source positioned within a borehole, the plurality of detectors including a first detector and a second detector positioned between the first detector and the x-ray source in the axial direction, the first detector to measure density of an annular material surrounding the borehole using the radiant energy, and the second detector to measure a thickness of a casing defining the borehole using the radiant energy;
and
an actuated combination of collimators with a first collimator and a second collimator that interacts with the first collimator to control an operating mode of the tool.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and means for simultaneous casing integrity evaluation and cement inspection in a multiple-casing wellbore environment

Life of this patent

Methods and means for simultaneous casing integrity evaluation and cement inspection in a multiple-casing wellbore environment

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18