Current situation and development trends of through-casing pulsed neutron saturation logging technology

QiFeng LENG, ZhongYuan TIAN, WenHuan LI, LiPing YI, ZhenYong XU

Prog Geophy ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (3) : 1190-1211.

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Prog Geophy ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (3) : 1190-1211. DOI: 10.6038/pg2026JJ0244

Current situation and development trends of through-casing pulsed neutron saturation logging technology

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Abstract

The casing pulse neutron logging technology has demonstrated significant effectiveness in the dynamic monitoring of water-flooded layers,supplementing logging data from open-hole wells,and evaluating remaining oil,among other aspects of reservoir development and dynamic monitoring. It serves as a core method for evaluating remaining oil during the middle and later stages of oilfield development. This paper systematically reviews the principles and main interpretation methods of pulsed neutron logging and provides a comparative table of parameters and applications of nine mainstream domestic and international instruments (PNST,PSSL,PNN,RMT,RST,RPM,PNX,CRE,PND-S). The appendix summarizes their technical principles,structural characteristics,advantages,and limitations. Currently,mainstream foreign instruments have improved resolution through multi-probe integration and the adoption of new detector technologies,while domestic developments have achieved breakthroughs in independently developed instruments and dynamic correction algorithms. Although existing technologies are widely applied in the evaluation of remaining oil,identification of water-flooded layers,and monitoring of complex well completions,they still face challenges such as insufficient accuracy in low-permeability formations and interference from multiple factors during data acquisition and transmission. Future development trends focus on the integration of fiber optic technology and artificial intelligence with big data analytics to enhance data accuracy,timeliness,and the precision of interpretation models. Additionally,the application of this technology in unconventional oil and gas resources (e.g.,shale oil,tight gas) has contributed to more accurate exploration and development outcomes.

Key words

Casing well / Pulse neutron logging / Logging principle / Interpretation method / Optical fiber cables / Artificial intelligence and big data

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QiFeng LENG , ZhongYuan TIAN , WenHuan LI , et al . Current situation and development trends of through-casing pulsed neutron saturation logging technology[J]. Progress in Geophysics. 2026, 41(3): 1190-1211 https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2026JJ0244

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