Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration ISSN:1229-1064(Print) 2384-051X(Online) 지구물리와 물리탐사

Borehole elemental concentration logging, measuring neutron-induced gamma rays by inelastic scattering and neutron capture interactions between neutron and formation, delivers concentrations of the most common elements found in the minerals and fluids of subsurface formation. X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analysis from core samples are traditionally used to understand formation composition and mineralogy, but it represents only part of formations. Additionally, it is difficult to obtain elemental analysis over the whole intervals because of poor core recovery zones such as fractures or sand layers mainly responsible for groundwater flow. The development of borehole technique for in situ elemental analysis plays a key role in assessing subsurface environment. Although this technology has advanced consistently starting from conventional and unconventional resources evaluation, it has been considered as exclusive techniques of some major service company. As regards domestic research and development, it has still remained an unexplored field because of some barriers such as the deficiency of detailed information on tools and calibration facility for chemistry and mineralogy database. This article reviews the basic theory of spectroscopy measurements, system configuration, calibration facility, and current status. In addition, this article introduces the domestic researches and selfdevelopment status on borehole elemental concentration tools.