Laboratory and Field Evaluation of an Inelastic Neutron Scattering and Capture Gamma Ray Spectrometry Tool

Abstract

Abstract An experimental system for gamma ray spectroscopy logging has been developed which uses prompt and capture gamma radiation induced in formations by 14-MeV neutrons from a pulsed-neutron generator to determine relative concentrations of various elements in the formation. The logging system uses computer-processing techniques based on spectral modeling that has been developed to analyze the inelastic and capture gamma ray data obtained with a borehole spectrometer. The physics of the production of gamma rays from fast-neutron interactions with elemental nuclei in formations is discussed, leading to a simple but realistic interpretation model for the tool's response. This model is confirmed by laboratory and field tests. The relative spectroscopic contributions from carbon, oxygen, silicon, calcium, iron, chlorine, and hydrogen are used for various cased-hole and openhole logging applications. Particular emphasis is placed on the carbon/oxygen ratio used to obtain oil saturation independent of formation-water salinity. Carbon/oxygen ratio determinations made in the laboratory are compared with values predicted on the basis of known lithologies, porosities, and oil-saturation changes. In addition, the spectral contributions from iron, silicon, and calcium are used to interpret lithology; hydrogen, silicon, and calcium contributions are used to determine the effects of porosity; and chlorine and hydrogen contributions are used to investigate salinity changes. Field-test log examples of these elemental determinations are shown.