Inspection system of wellbores and surrounding rock using penetrating X-rays
A system, method, and apparatus for wellbore inspection comprise an electron accelerator to generate X-rays, a rotating collimator assembly configured to produce a cone of X-rays, and at least one detector assembly configured to collect backscattered X-rays. A position assembly can be provided to move the electron accelerator, rotating collimator assembly, and detector through a wellbore. A computer system is configured to receive data from the detector and generate an image of the wellbore.
1. A wellbore inspection system comprising:
an electron accelerator to generate X-rays, said electron accelerator further comprising:
a housing;
an RF accelerating cavity;
an electron gun; and
vacuum equipment for drawing a vacuum in the RF accelerating cavity, wherein the electron accelerator is configured to fit down a borehole;
a rotating beam collimator assembly configured to produce a cone of X-rays;
a diagnostics area comprising:
at least one reference insert;
an energy measuring unit; and
a current measuring unit; and
at least one detector assembly configured to collect backscattered X-rays, the at least one detector assembly comprising a plurality of longitudinally arranged X-ray detectors.
2. The wellbore inspection system of claim 1 wherein said diagnostic area is configured for extracting parameters comprising at least one of:
porosity;
water content;
hydrocarbon content; and
hydrogen content.
3. The wellbore inspection system of claim 1 wherein said at least one detector assembly further comprises:
a plurality of longitudinally arranged X-ray detectors configured between a plurality of collimation channels.
4. The wellbore inspection system of claim 1 further comprising:
an assembly configured to move said electron accelerator, said rotating collimator assembly, and said at least one detector assembly through a wellbore.
5. The wellbore inspection system of claim 1 further comprising:
a computer system configured to receive data from said detector and generate an image of a wellbore.
6. A wellbore inspection apparatus comprising:
an electron accelerator to generate X-rays;
a rotating collimator assembly configured to produce a cone of X-rays;
at least one detector assembly configured to collect backscattered X-rays; and
a diagnostic area comprising:
at least one reference insert;
an energy measuring unit; and
a current measuring unit.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said electron accelerator further comprises:
an RF accelerating cavity; and
an electron gun.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said rotating collimator assembly further comprises:
a rotating magnet;
an X-ray target; and
a beam collimator.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said beam collimator further comprises a pencil beam collimator.
10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said at least one detector assembly further comprises:
a plurality of longitudinally arranged X-ray detectors configured between a plurality of collimation channels.
11. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:
an assembly configured to move said electron accelerator, said rotating collimator assembly, and said at least one detector assembly through a wellbore.
12. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:
a computer system configured to receive data from said detector and generate an image of a wellbore.
13. A wellbore inspection method comprising:
generating an electron beam with an electron accelerator, wherein the electron accelerator is configured to generate an electron beam of between 5 MeV-40 MeV and fit down a wellbore;
producing a cone of X-rays from said electron beam with a rotating collimator assembly;
measuring beam energy and current after the electron beam passes through a reference insert;
extracting parameters indicative of porosity content, water content, hydrocarbon content, and/or hydrogen content; and
collecting backscattered X-rays with at least one detector assembly wherein said at least one detector assembly further comprises a plurality of x-ray detectors and a plurality of detector collimation channels.
14. The wellbore inspection method of claim 13 further comprising:
rotating a magnet by which said electron beam passes;
directing said electron beam on an X-ray target; and
collimating resulting X-rays with a beam collimator.
15. The wellbore inspection method of claim 13 wherein said at least one detector assembly further comprises:
a plurality of longitudinally arranged X-ray detectors configured between a plurality of collimation channels.
16. The wellbore inspection method of claim 13 further comprising:
positioning said electron accelerator, said rotating collimator assembly, and said at least one detector assembly in a wellbore with a positioning assembly.
17. The wellbore inspection method of claim 13 further comprising:
analyzing said collected backscattered X-rays with a computer system;
creating an image of a wellbore according to said analysis with said computer system; and
identifying defects in said wellbore with a computer system.