NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN REMOTE ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF ROCK FORMATIONS.

The use of nuclear techniques to provide elemental analysis of borehole formations is described here. This procedure makes use of gamma ray spectrometry for use in open and cased boreholes. The successful introduction of cryogenic technology to the rigors of the borehole environment has made it possible to use solid-state germanium gamma ray detectors, which were previously limited to the laboratory environment or to shallow-hole probes. These detectors provide impressive energy resolution, about a factor of 20 better than conventional detectors. With neutron techniques and natural radioactivity, it is now possible to measure remotely at least 17 elements in sedimentary formations. It is anticipated that this capability will lead to several advancements in detailed understanding of hydrocarbon reservoirs that will improve the ability to produce complex reservoirs more effectively and efficiently.