Ambe Neutron Source For Oil Well Logging

Americium-Beryllium (AmBe) Neutron Sources for Oil Well Logging.

We also offer Industrial AmBe Neutron Sources

QSA Global, Inc. has manufactured thousands of sealed Americium-Beryllium (AmBe) neutron sources for notable oilfield service companies worldwide for oil well logging (OWL) including Schlumberger®, Halliburton®, Weatherford®, and Baker Hughes® as well as numerous independent tool manufacturers for over 60 years.

QSA Global, Inc. blends ²⁴¹AmO₂ and beryllium powders to form cermet pellets using proprietary techniques that result in extremely high neutron output per Curie for fast, precise porosity measurements in Wireline, Measurement While Drilling (MWD), and Logging While Drilling (LWD) surveying applications.

OWL AmBe Key Specifications

Radiation Type	Neutron Source
Measurement	Porosity
Standard Activity	Up to 20 Ci (740 GBq)
Nominal Output	2.2 x 10⁶ neutrons/s per Ci
Average Energy	4.2 MeV
Half-Life	432 years
Neutron Dose Rate	2.2-2.7 mrem/hr at 1 m/Ci 0.59-0.73 µSv/hr at 1 m/GBq
Gamma Dose Rate	2.5 mrem/hr/ at 1 m/Ci 0.68 µSv/hr/ at 1 m/GBq
Recommended Working Life	15 Years

Your Experts in AmBe Neutron Source Design

QSA Global, Inc.'s technical experts excel at designing custom sealed AmBe neutron sources to integrate with your bull plugs and pressure vessels. We provide recommendations on superior materials better suited for high temperature, high pressure, or corrosive environments. We also offer technical guidance on capsule dimensions, interface, assembly, and specific handling features that work best for your requirements. The following are just a few examples of our most commonly requested sealed AmBe sources.

Capsule Code: X2173

US Model #: AMN.CY19

Standard Activity – Output	15 Ci (555 GBq) Max – 2.5E7 n/s
Maximum Activity	20 Ci Max
Double Encapsulated	MP35N
Special Form Certificate	USA/0740/S-96
ISO/ANSI Rating	E6X646 (X=60,000 psi)

Capsule Code: X2151

US Model #: AMN.CY1

Standard Activity – Output	15 Ci (555 GBq) Max – 3.3E7 n/s
Maximum Activity	20 Ci Max
Double Encapsulated	ARMCO 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Special Form Certificate	USA/0691/S-96
ISO/ANSI Rating	E6X646 (X=60,000 psi)

Capsule Code: X2065

US Model #: AMN.CY4

Standard Activity – Output	5 Ci (185 GBq) Max – 1.1E7 n/s
Maximum Activity	6 Ci Max
Double Encapsulated	ARMCO 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Special Form Certificate	USA/0635/S-96
ISO/ANSI Rating	E66545

Capsule Code: X2177

US Model #: AMN.CY20

Standard Activity – Output	15 Ci (555 GBq) Max – 2.4E7 n/s
Maximum Activity	20 Ci Max
Double Encapsulated	MP35N
Special Form Certificate	USA/0739/S-96
ISO/ANSI Rating	E66646

Capsule Code: X2064

US Model #: AMN.CY3

Standard Activity – Output	3 Ci (111 GBq) Max – 6.6E6 n/s, 5 Ci (185 GBq) Max – 1.2E7 n/s, 6 Ci (222 GBq) Max – 1.3E7 n/s
Maximum Activity	6 Ci Max
Double Encapsulated	ARMCO 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Special Form Certificate	USA/0635/S-96
ISO/ANSI Rating	E6X545 (X=50,000 psi)

Capsule Code: X2168

US Model #: AMN.CY18

Standard Activity – Output	15.5 Ci (573.5 GBq) Max – 3.2E7 n/s
Maximum Activity	20 Ci Max
Double Encapsulated	ARMCO 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Special Form Certificate	USA/0683/S-96
ISO/ANSI Rating	E6X646 (X=35,000 psi)

Capsule Code: X9089

US Model #: N/A

Standard Activity – Output	16 Ci (592 GBq) Max – 3.2E7 n/s, 18 Ci (666 GBq) Max – 3.6E7 n/s, 20 Ci (740 GBq) Max – 4.0E7 n/s
Maximum Activity	20 Ci Max
Double Encapsulated	MP35N
Special Form Certificate	USA/0683/S-96
ISO/ANSI Rating	E6X646 (X=30,000 psi)

Capsule Code: X2150

US Model #: AMN.CY6

Standard Activity – Output	10 Ci (370 GBq) Max – 2.0E7 n/s, 16 Ci (592 GBq) Max – 3.5E7 n/s, 20 Ci (740 GBq) Max – 3.8E7 n/s
Maximum Activity	20 Ci Max
Double Encapsulated	ARMCO 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Special Form Certificate	USA/0649/S-96
ISO/ANSI Rating	E66546

AmBe Neutron Source Integrity Testing

QSA Global, Inc.'s sealed AmBe neutron sources are manufactured with high-performance materials, such as MP35N and 17-4 PH stainless steel for outstanding durability, corrosion resistance, and extremely high tensile strength. 17-4 PH stainless steel provides magnetic properties to facilitate source retrieval. All of our AmBe sources are tested according to ISO 2919/ANSI N43.6 standards. We can perform high-pressure testing up to 60,000 PSI (414 MPa), which is well beyond the class 6 pressure requirement of 24,656 PSI (170 MPa). We can also perform temperature testing to the maximum class 6 requirement of 800°C for 1 hour. The following are just a few of the tests we perform:

ISO 2919 Class 6 Puncture Test: 2.2 lbs (1 kg) from 3.3 ft (1 m) or equivalent imparted energy

ISO 2919 low-temperature test with liquid nitrogen (-196°C)

Post low-temperature test with liquid nitrogen

ISO 2919 Class 6 High Temperature test to 800°C for 1 hour

Source being shocked from 800°C to 20°C (in water)

ISO 2919 Class 6 Temperature Test: Thermal shock from 800°C to 20°C (in water)

Post ISO 2919 Class 6 thermal shock test

AmBe Neutron Source FAQs

Does QSA Global, Inc. manufacture bull plugs and pressure vessels for a turnkey product?

Yes. We offer turnkey services and manufacture AmBe sealed sources to your unique specifications. We can also load your bull plugs, and pressure vessels with AmBe sealed sources and dropship them to the end-user.
Does QSA Global, Inc offer help with custom bull plugs or pressure vessels?
Yes. QSA Global, Inc.'s technical experts excel at designing custom sealed AmBe neutron sources for custom bull plugs and pressure vessels.

We provide recommendations on superior materials better suited for high temperature, high pressure, or corrosive environments. Our technicians also offer guidance on capsule dimensions, interface, assembly, and specific handling features that work best for your requirements.
Are your AmBe neutron sources Special Form or Normal Form?
QSA Global, Inc.’s AmBe neutron sources are Special Form and we offer exceptional regulatory support.
What container options are available for AmBe neutron source transport?
QSA Global, Inc. uses Type A source transport containers to ship AmBe sealed sources to your desired destination. There are two options for using our transport containers.
1. You can return the transport container to us after we ship your AmBe sources to you.
2. You can purchase the container for continual use.
QSA Global, Inc. also offers rugged field transport containers when you need your AmBe sealed sources close to your job site, such as with wireline applications. Field transport containers are available for purchase only.
Can you help me dispose of old AmBe neutron sources?

Yes. QSA Global, Inc. offers disposition services for old or unwanted AmBe neutron sources.

Ready to Order Sources?

Our multi-disciplined technical experts are here to help you find and design the right AmBe neutron source to achieve fast, precise measurements in your Wireline and Measurement While Drilling (MWD or LWD) applications.

Disposition Services.

AmBe neutron sources that are no longer required must be transferred to a licensed recipient for final disposition. QSA Global, Inc. can provide all the services needed for the disposition of your AmBe neutron sources.