Radiation detectors for nuclear well-logging application: A review

Abstract

The oil and gas industry uses nuclear logging method to survey for the presence of hydrocarbons in a given region of interest. Nuclear logging tools are used to achieve this aim. These tools consist of radiation sources and radiation detectors. ³He thermal neutron detector and NaI:Tl for gamma-ray measurements are the conventional detectors used for this application. However, the shortage of ³He gas used in ³He tube and the high demand for both detectors in many other societal applications has mandated the search for alternative radiation detectors. This paper reviewed other alternatives that are commercially available. Light output, temperature sensitivity, tolerance to vibration and shock are important parameters to consider when selecting a detector for this application. Among the reviewed alternatives, GS20 crystal for neutron and gamma ray measurements, LaBr:Ce and LuYAP:Ce for gamma ray measurement have been reported to have comparable performance to the conventional detectors.