Small accelerators as neutron generators for the borehole environment

TiZrNi quasicrystal film prepared by magnetron sputtering

“…In the process of application, the accelerated deuterons bombard the solid-state target film saturated with tritium continuously in the neutron generators and the temperature of the tritium target surface could be more than 150 C [5,6]. In such condition, the tritium target film needs to have relatively low hydrogen absorption/desorption equilibrium pressure, good thermal stability and helium fixation.…”

Production and applications of neutrons using particle accelerators

“…General descriptions of technology related to W-ENGs is well documented in the literature in both nuclear science journals and journals dealing with wireline data analysis but detailed descriptions remain elusive for the same reasons as with the LWD-ENGs. [92][93][94] These instruments are highly-engineered devices capable of operating in pulsed modes under extremes of shock and vibration, and at elevated temperatures often exceeding 250 °C. Maximum neutron yields from these devices are found from 1 to 3 × 10 8 neutron per second (DT) and typical operational lifetimes range from 500 to 1500 hours.…”

“…and Ridgefield, Conn. [72,73,148] Since that time scores of other patents and research papers have been published on improvements and advances in the underlying technology and the oilfield applications that use neutron generators. [93,[149][150][151][152][153] Common characteristics of these devices are their small size (in order to fit within small diameter well holes ranging from 5 cm or less up to 20 cm), simplicity of use and low power consumption (in order to allow operation up to several kilometers below the Earth's surface, far from external control systems or power supplies), and extreme ruggedness and durability (to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures and pressures, shock, vibration, and corrosive environments). Functionally they generally use the DT fusion reaction, are capable of generating O(10 8 ) n/s, and pulse from 1,000 Hz to 20,000 Hz with duty cycles of about 10%.…”

Hydrogen and Deuterium Ion Extraction From a Piezoelectric Transformer Plasma Source

“…Neutron sources have many applications including well logging and active interrogation systems [2]- [7]. In well logging, a neutron source is used to locate and monitor rock density and porosity in geological formations [2], [3]. In neutron active interrogation systems, neutrons are used to cause measurable radioactive disintegration products [3]- [7].…”

“…Neutron sources have many applications including well logging and active interrogation systems [2]- [7]. In well logging, a neutron source is used to locate and monitor rock density and porosity in geological formations [2], [3].…”