Title : Embracing alternative technologies in well logging: A collaborative path
Abstract:
As the oil and gas industry addresses escalating safety, environmental, and operational challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability. Traditional well logging methods, which depend heavily on radioactive sources such as Cs-137 and Am-241, not only pose health and regulatory complications but also hinder operational effectiveness with their complex handling and transportation requirements. This presentation invites industry stakeholders to collaborate with the Office of Radiological Security (ORS) within the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Nuclear Security Administrations (NNSA) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to advance alternative technologies in well logging that can enhance operational benefits.
The longstanding reliance on radioactive instruments for data acquisition has significant drawbacks, including health risks to personnel and regulatory hurdles that can slow operations. However, emerging alternative and source-less technologies are proving effective for data collection, potentially providing broader insight into the makeup of potential and existing wells, eliminating the associated hazards and complexities of radiation, and presenting a transformative opportunity for industry advancement.
In this poster session, we will engage the industry in a dialogue about promising alternative technologies and discuss challenges, needs, and gaps in current practices. By reducing reliance on radioactive sources, we can improve operational safety and security, streamline compliance processes, and foster a more efficient working environment. The resulting discussions can also aid in aligning the requirements for adoption of alternative technologies, including new research and development opportunities.
We welcome professionals, researchers, and innovators from various sectors to share their insights and experiences related to alternative technologies in well logging during the poster sessions and invite them to inquire about the Well Logging Working Group currently under development. This session aims to facilitate an open discussion about the benefits and challenges of these innovations and highlight the collective needs that could shape future efforts.
Join us as we explore the transformative potential of alternative technologies in the well logging sector. We will address the critical need for innovation, enjoy the advantages of collaboration, and forge pathways for effectively implementing these advanced methodologies across diverse operational settings. Your expertise and engagement are crucial as we work together to redefine the future of well logging, emphasizing key factors such as safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
We look forward to your participation in this important conversation following a brief overview of the activities of ORS and ORNL as we strive to support the industry in achieving a new era of efficient, safe, and sustainable resource management.
