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Title: Acoustic--nuclear permeability logging system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6371508

A down hole logging tool featuring a neutron generator, an acoustic disturbance generator, and a radiation detection system is described. An array of acoustic magnetostriction transducers is arranged about the target of a neutron accelerator. Two gamma ray sensors are separated from the accelerator target by shielding. According to the method of the invention, the underground fluid at the level of a formation is bombarded by neutrons which react with oxygen in the fluid to produce unstable nitrogen 16 particles according to the reaction /sup 16/O(n,p)/sup 16/N. Acoustic pulses are communicated to the fluid, and are incident on the boundary of the borehole at the formation. The resulting net flow of fluid across the boundary is determined from radiation detection measurements of the decaying /sup 16/N particles in the fluid. A measure of the permeability of the formation is obtained from the determination of net fluid flow across the boundary.

Assignee:
Texaco Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 4102185
Application Number:
TRN: 79-005667
OSTI ID:
6371508
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 9 Dec 1976
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English