Nuclear logging techniques for hydrocarbon, mineral, and geological applications

An overview is provided of the role of nuclear-based well-logging techniques, principally in the petroleum industry. The nuclear processes that provide the physical basis for logging tools are summarized together with information on the fluid/rock system that these interactions provide. Log interpretation strategy is briefly traced from its beginnings in the late 1920s to the present to demonstrate the motivation behind these measurements. The future prospects for this developing technology, especially in the area of spectroscopy, are assessed.<>