High-energy x-ray source and detector for wellbore inspection
AssigneeFermi Research Alliance, LLC
InventorsThomas K. Kroc, Robert Kephart
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system, method, and apparatus for wellbore inspection comprise an electron accelerator to generate X-rays, a rotating collimator assembly configured to produce a cone of X-rays, and at least one detector assembly configured to collect backscattered X-rays. A position assembly can be provided to move the electron accelerator, rotating collimator assembly, and detector through a wellbore. A computer system is configured to receive data from the detector and generate an image of the wellbore.
Claims20
A wellbore inspection system comprising:
- an electron accelerator to generate X-rays, said electron accelerator further comprising:
- a housing;
- an RF accelerating cavity;
- an electron gun;
- and
- vacuum equipment for drawing a vacuum in the RF accelerating cavity, wherein the electron accelerator is configured to fit down a borehole;
- a rotating beam collimator assembly configured to produce a cone of X-rays;
- and
- at least one detector assembly configured to collect backscattered X-rays, the at least one detector assembly comprising a plurality of longitudinally arranged X-ray detectors.
A wellbore inspection apparatus comprising:
- an electron accelerator to generate X-rays;
- a rotating collimator assembly configured to produce a cone of X-rays;
- at least one detector assembly configured to collect backscattered X-rays;
- and
- a diagnostic area.
A wellbore inspection method comprising:
- generating an electron beam with an electron accelerator, wherein the electron accelerator is configured to generate an electron beam of between 5 MeV-40 MeV and fit down a wellbore;
- producing a cone of X-rays from said electron beam with a rotating collimator assembly;
- and
- collecting backscattered X-rays with at least one detector assembly wherein said at least one detector assembly further comprises a plurality of x-ray detectors and a plurality of detector collimation channels, configured between at least one of said plurality of collimation channels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.