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US 9,541,670 B2Granted
In-situ downhole X-ray core analysis system
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsJoel L. Groves, Christian Stoller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure includes an arrangement of X-ray generator(s) (210), X-ray detector(s) (214), and/or X-ray calibration device(s) for performing X-ray measurements, such as attenuation and/or photo electric factor measurements, on formation core samples (204) in a downhole environment under conditions including limited space and operations at high pressure and temperature.
Claims23
An apparatus, comprising:
- a coring tool to obtain a core sample from a geological formation;
- an X-ray generator to emit an X-ray beam substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the core sample;
- an X-ray detector to detect the X-ray beam through the core sample to determine a characteristic of the core sample, wherein the X-ray generator, the X-ray detector, or both are configured to be moved to different angular positions with respect to the longitudinal axis, azimuthally, or laterally to generate an image of the core sample in three dimensions;
- a piston to convey the core sample through a passageway within the coring tool;
- and
- a calibration plug affixed to a face of the piston to move through the passageway between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector as the piston advances, wherein the calibration plug does not comprise core samples from the geological formation.
3 more elements
A method of operating a coring tool, comprising:
- obtaining a core sample from a geological formation;
- advancing a piston to convey the core sample and a calibration plug affixed to a face of the piston through a passageway within the coring tool, wherein the calibration plug does not comprise core samples from the geological formation;
- emitting an X-ray beam substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the core sample using a X-ray generator disposed on a first side of the passageway;
- detecting the X-ray beam through the core sample to determine a characteristic of the core sample using an X-ray detector disposed on a second side of the passageway:
- and
- moving the X-ray generator, the X-ray detector, or both to different angular positions with respect to the longitudinal axis, azimuthally, or laterally to generate an image of the core sample in three dimensions.
3 more elements
An apparatus, comprising:
- a coring tool to obtain a core sample from a geological formation;
- a protective canister configured to enclose the core sample;
- an X-ray generator to emit an X-ray beam substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the core sample enclosed in the protective canister;
- an X-ray detector to detect the X-ray beam through the core sample to determine a characteristic of the core sample, wherein the X-ray generator, the X-ray detector, or both are configured to be moved to different angular positions with respect to the longitudinal axis, azimuthally, or laterally to generate an image of the core sample in three dimensions;
- a piston to convey the core sample enclosed in the protective canister through a passageway within the coring tool;
- and
- a calibration plug affixed to a bottom of the protective canister to move through the passageway between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector as the piston advances, wherein the calibration plug does not comprise core samples from the geological formation.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.