Monitoring the yield of a borehole neutron generator

Abstract

In mining, it is important to improve the precision of geophysical instruments in mineral prospecting, especially in the exploration of oil and gas fields. The possibility of creating instruments for monitoring the neutron yield of a borehole neutron generator in neutron–neutron logging systems is considered. One possibility is to employ detectors based on natural diamonds, which are a valuable resource. Their use in hightech geophysical instruments for prospecting may be regarded as a valuable step in the efficient utilization of natural resources, which is an important goal at this time. Experience shows that Russian-made diamond detectors of the proposed design are satisfactory replacements for the instruments currently used to monitor the yield of a borehole neutron generator in neutron–neutron logging systems. Tests of the detectors in the AINK-43M pulsed neutron–neutron logging system demonstrate the improved productivity and precision of the measurement system.