Abstract:
Logging-while-drilling tools incorporating an electronic radiation generator, such as an electronic X-ray generator, and a method for using the same are provided. One example of such a logging-while-drilling tool may include a circumferential drill collar, a chassis disposed radially interior to the drill collar, and an electronic X-ray generator and an X-ray detector disposed within the chassis. The electronic X-ray generator may emit X-rays out of the logging-while-drilling tool into a subterranean formation. The X-ray detector may detect X-rays that return to the logging-while-drilling tool after scattering in the subterranean formation, which may be used to determine a density and/or a lithology of the subterranean formation.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and apparatuses to determine an operation gas pressure in a neutron radiation generator are described. In certain aspects, a method to determine the operation gas pressure includes receiving an operation radiation signal from a radiation generated by electrons backstreaming in a radiation generator, and determining from the operation radiation signal an operation gas pressure in a chamber of the radiation generator. An operation radiation signal may be received from a radiation detector associated with a neutron radiation generator. A radiation detector may detect radiation produced by particles (e.g., electrons) striking a portion (e.g., a cathode) of the neutron radiation generator.
Abstract:
A method of generating ions in a radiation generator includes emitting electrons from an active cathode and on a trajectory away from the active cathode, at least some of the electrons as they travel interacting with an ionizable gas to produce ions. The method also includes setting a potential of at least one extractor downstream of the active cathode such that the ions are attracted toward the at least one extractor.
Abstract:
A radiation generator includes an insulator, with an ion source carried within the insulator and configured to generate ions and indirectly generate undesirable particles. An extractor electrode is carried within the insulator downstream of the ion source and has a first potential. An intermediate electrode is carried within the insulator downstream of the extractor electrode at a ground potential and is shaped to capture the undesirable conductive particles. In addition, a suppressor electrode is carried within the insulator downstream of the intermediate electrode and has a second potential opposite in sign to the first potential. A target is carried within the insulator downstream of the suppressor electrode. The extractor electrode and the suppressor electrode have a voltage therebetween such that an electric field generated in the insulator accelerates the ions generated by the ion source toward the target.
Abstract:
A method of generating ions in a radiation generator includes emitting electrons from an active cathode and on a trajectory away from the active cathode, at least some of the electrons as they travel interacting with an ionizable gas to produce ions. The method also includes setting a potential of at least one extractor downstream of the active cathode such that the ions are attracted toward the at least one extractor.
Abstract:
A radiation generator includes an insulator, with an ion source carried within the insulator and configured to generate ions and indirectly generate undesirable particles. An extractor electrode is carried within the insulator downstream of the ion source and has a first potential. An intermediate electrode is carried within the insulator downstream of the extractor electrode at a ground potential and is shaped to capture the undesirable conductive particles. In addition, a suppressor electrode is carried within the insulator downstream of the intermediate electrode and has a second potential opposite in sign to the first potential. A target is carried within the insulator downstream of the suppressor electrode. The extractor electrode and the suppressor electrode have a voltage therebetween such that an electric field generated in the insulator accelerates the ions generated by the ion source toward the target.
Abstract:
An ion source for use in a radiation generator includes a sealed envelope containing an ionizable gas therein. The ion source also includes a RF antenna external to the sealed envelope, the RF antenna to transmit time-varying electromagnetic fields within the sealed envelope for producing ions from the ionizable gas. There is at least one extractor within the sealed envelope having a potential such that the ions are attracted toward the at least one extractor.