Well Logging
Well logging is a technique for finding hydrocarbon zones in the geological
formations below the Earth's crust. As the well is being drilled, a probe
that contains both an energy source (neutron or gamma ray) and a detector
(photomultiplier with scintillator) is lowered into the well. The detector
measures the amount of radiation that scatters back from the well's
surroundings. This will indicate the porosity and permeability of the rock,
and help determine whether oil can be removed. In addition to this task, the
photomultiplier tube can also detect gamma rays that naturally occur in
shale deposits, which in turn indicate the presence of oil or gas.
The depth of a well can range from 300 to over 7,000 meters. At these
depths, temperatures may reach up to 200 degrees Celsius, which means that
the detector in the probe must be able to withstand high heat. The detector
must also be very robust because the probe is lowered into the well as it is
being drilled, so there are extreme levels of vibration to contend with.
TPC uses latest technologies and we keep reviewing our resources by regular
audit and conference. Dozens of ruggedized photomultiplier tubes that can
handle such harsh operating conditions. These special-purpose PMTs include
special heat-resistant photocathodes and dynodes, and an electrode structure
that is fortified against the effects of thermal expansion, shock, and
vibration. Some models are further reinforced to withstand the higher levels
of shock and vibration associated with measurement-while-drilling
applications.
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