Radioactive Fluid Density

Tool
5.2 PLT Workshop Maintenance manual
Contents
Handling the radioactive tool ................................................................................ 1
General tool maintenance..................................................................................... 1
O-ring replacement ............................................................................................... 2
Getting to know the tool ........................................................................................ 3
Installing the radioactive source ........................................................................... 4
Reassembling the source to the fitting .................................................................. 6
Changing the o-rings ............................................................................................ 6
Storing the tool ..................................................................................................... 7
Radioactive Fluid Density Tool
RAFD 050-PL0169-RAFD
The Radioactive Fluid Density (RAFD) tool runs as a component of the Production Logging tool string. If a spinner is used, the RAFD
is normally run just above the spinner.

Handling the radioactive tool

This tool includes a small radioactive source that may be stored in the tool as long as the lead shield is kept in place over the source
containment sub.

Warning!
This tool is not configured for use in extreme conditions. Do not exceed the temperature rating of 350°F. To protect
electronic components, limit exposure at this temperature and allow the tool to cool between uses.

General tool maintenance

Every time you use this tool, wash it thoroughly, especially in the slots in the main body around the source holder.
Remove the source and wash out the source holder. Spray the source holder with lubricant; if you return the source to the source
holder, also spray the source.
If you have a transport shield (part number 035-PL169-F011), slide it over the source.

Caution!
You can store the tool with the source in place inside a transport shield; if you do not have a shield, check the tool for
radioactivity with a survey meter. If the level of radioactivity is safe in your location, you can store the tool with the source in it;
otherwise, remove the source and return it to the protective lead canister.

RAFD—rafd.maint.081512—Page 1
O-ring replacement
Use VitonTM (synthetic rubber/fluoropolymer elastomer) o-rings rated at 90 durometers or more, Probe part number 029-02090-0125.
Handle them carefully to avoid damage before or during installation.

Place wrenches on housings far enough from the end of the housing to avoid pinching the threads of the underlying sub but close
enough to avoid binding the housing.

Required
• Spanner wrench (part number 089-0471A-0000)*
• Open-end wrench (part number 089-20000-609A)*
• Internal snap-ring removal pliers
• Temperature-probe removal tool (part number 090-WRENCH-TEMP)
• High-performance silicon tape (such as DuPont Kapton)

Recommended
• Rolling tool cart with mounted chain vise
• Toothless, ratchet-action wrenches (such as Parmelee G2-type, part number 089PRMG2-168T7)

*Note: Use spanner wrenches and open-end wrenches only on designated places on the tool. We recommend using only toothless,
ratchet action wrenches on the tool body to avoid damage to the housings. Even minimal damage can compromise the integrity of the
housing and risk damage to sensors and electronics.

RAFD—rafd.maint.081512—Page 2
 Getting to know the tool
Top thread protector This tool ships with its radioactive source separate from the tool body. Save the shipping
Tandem sub materials for the source in case you have to ship the tool by commercial transport, or ship in
a container that is certified to meet US Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations 49
Source holder
CFR Part 173.465 and 173.466. 1
Main RAFD sub

Warning!
Always handle radioactive sources according to state and local regulations.
The radioactivity of this source is small, but long-term exposure can be
dangerous. The source in this tool is a barium source rated at 111 MBq
(3mCi), part number BA133-0003.
Electronics
housing

Bottom thread protector

1
You can locate the information for testing a container by searching for Title 49 CFR - Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Browse for Part 173.

RAFD—rafd.maint.081512—Page 3
Installing the radioactive source
Cut the box open between the top flaps.
Documentation
envelope Look between the outer box and the inner dividers for the envelope of
documentation. Remove and save the envelope.

Fig. 1. Open the box and remove the

documentation.

Lift the dividers out of the box, pulling them apart gently to reveal the metal
can containing the source.

2
Fig. 2. Lift the dividers to release the container.

Lift out the can and remove the top. Reach inside the bottle to remove the
top to the lead source holder. Reach inside the source holder and remove
the small plastic bag containing the source screw assembly.
Note: if the source has separated from the assembly, see the
3 instructions below for reassembling it.

Fig. 3. Remove the tops of the can and the source

container.

RAFD—rafd.maint.081512—Page 4
 Remove the source assembly from the bag and spray it liberally with a spray
lubricant (such as WD-40).
Also spray into the source holder inside the slotted area at the top of the
tool.

Fig. 4. Remove the source from the bag and spray

the source and source holder with lubricant.

Push the source assembly into the source holder and screw it in as far as
feels comfortable.

5
Fig. 5. Fit the source assembly into the source
holder and tighten to finger-tight.

Use a 3/16-in. round-head allen

wrench to tighten the source
assembly into the tool; it should seat
6 to about 1/16 in. (about 2 mm) inside
the source holder.
Fig. 6b. The source should fit
1
Fig. 6a. Tighten the source into the tool. about /16 in. (2 mm) inside the tool.

RAFD—rafd.maint.081512—Page 5
Reassembling the source to the fitting
If the source assembly has separated from its fitting, you can reassemble it with RTV (room temperature vulcanization silicone)
adhesive. Since the source is uniform on both ends, you should test it both ways before reassembling it.
One end of the source has a visible welded coating; this is normally the end
that goes first into the tool. To test that, put the source into the assembly
with the welded end pointed into the assembly.
• Assemble the tool for testing and screw the source assembly loosely
into the source holder.
Fig. 1. Insert the welded end of the source into the
• Power up the tool and check the bulk counts reading.
assembly. • Remove the source assembly and turn the source around so the
1 welded end points out of the assembly. Check the bulk counts
reading. Note the end that provides the higher bulk count.
• Remove the source and fill the assembly about 1/4 of its volume with
a small amount of RTV adhesive.
• Turn the source so the end that gave the higher bulk count points out
of the assembly. Push the source firmly into the assembly and screw
it into the source holder.

Changing the o-rings

The fluid density tool has only 4 o-rings that will need to be changed
regularly; they are all part number 029-02090-0125.
Check the o-ring inside the top thread protector; it may need to be changed
Fig. 1. Change the o-rings on the RAFD sub. periodically (also part number 029-02090-0125).
1 To change the two at the top of the RAFD sub, remove the electronics
housing.
To change the two on the bottom of the tool, remove the bottom thread
protector.

RAFD—rafd.maint.081512—Page 6
Storing the tool
The radioactive source can be left in this tool if the tool is stored in its protective housing.
Caution! The lead housing is heavy!
The base of the protective housing should have a
bolt screwed into the end to hold the housing onto
the fitting that attaches to the tool.
If the bolt is missing, the fitting may have slipped
out of the housing. You must have the fitting, the
housing, and the bolt to reassemble the housing to Fig. 1b. Fitting for lead
1 the tool. housing.

Fig. 1a. Check the base of the lead housing for its
security bolt.

You can attach the tool into the housing either of two ways:
• (Recommended) If the bolt is attached to the housing and the
fitting is inside the housing:
o Remove the bull plug from the tool.
o Slide the tool into the housing.
2 Fig. 2. Fit the tool into the housing. o Tighten in place.
• If the bolt is not attached to the housing:
o Replace the bull plug with the fitting.
o Slide the fitting into the housing and turn until the two pins
drop into place in the housing.
o Replace the bolt through the housing and into the fitting.

RAFD—rafd.maint.081512—Page 7