SBIR PHASE I: Neutron/X-ray Measurement-While-Drilling Instrument

小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目的重点是在钻头上开发一种新的、创新的地层评价方法。随钻放射性测量（MWD）工具目前用于测量地层密度和中子孔隙度。然而，这些设备的能力有限，并且存在安全和环境风险。提出了一个项目，目的是开发一种电子中子/X射线（N/X）工具，以取代现有的两种放射性工具。这种新型仪器有望提供：(1)改进的测量能力；(2)降低了成本；(3)大大降低了安全和环境危害。第一阶段的目标是通过以下方式证明N/X MWD工具概念的原理验证：(1)设计和组装N/X源实验；(2)进行实验以证明高中子输出；(3)开发集成到17厘米钻铤中的N/X工具的概念设计；(4)进行计算机建模研究，以评估和最大化工具的性能。一家领先的随钻测井公司将参与一期项目，从而启动商业化进程。第一阶段的成功将为第二阶段实验室原型N/X测井系统的演示奠定坚实的基础。该项目将提供一种先进的无放射性随钻测井工具，与现有工具相比具有许多优点。它将提供以下测量：(1)密度和岩性；(2)热中子俘获截面；(3)通过对超热中子种群的时空测量得出中子孔隙度；(4)中子诱导谱射线。这对安全、经济地开发油气井和研究具有重要意义。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on a new and innovative approach for formation evaluation at the drill bit. Radioactive Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) tools are currently in use for measuring formation density and neutron porosity. However, these have limited capabilities and involve safety and environmental risks. A project is proposed with the objective of developing an electrical Neutron/X-ray (N/X) tool which will replace both of the existing radioactive tools. This novel instrument is expected to offer: (1) improved measurement capabilities; (2) lower costs and (3) greatly reduced safety and environmental hazards. The objective of Phase I is to demonstrate proof-of-principle for the N/X MWD tool concept by: (1) designing and assembling an N/X source experiment; (2) operating the experiment to demonstrate high neutron output; (3) developing the conceptual design for an N/X tool integrated into a 17 cm (6.75 inch) drill collar and (4) performing computer modeling studies to assess and maximize tool performance. A leading MWD company will participate in the Phase I project, thereby initiating the commercialization process. Success in Phase I will form a firm foundation for demonstration of a laboratory prototype N/X logging system in Phase II. This project will provide an advanced non-radioactive MWD logging tool with numerous advantages relative to existing tools. It will provide for measurement of: (1) density and lithology; (2) thermal neutron capture cross section; (3) neutron porosity through temporal and spatial measurements of the epithermal neutron population; and (4) neutron induced spectral gamma-rays. This will be valuable for safe and economical development of oil and gas wells, and for research.