Applied Systems Research and Development

Cenozoic Resources develops methods, protocols, and custom instruments for hydrogeologic, environmental, and geophysical problems that standard tools cannot solve. When a detector saturates, field conditions degrade data quality, or laboratory turnaround holds up operations, we design a solution for that site, validate it, and deploy it.

We support DOE prime contractors, federal agencies, and teaming partners on characterization and remediation programs, from one-off bench prototypes to slim-hole logging systems in contract service at DOE sites.

Engineer checking a detector signal on an oscilloscope

Problems We Solve

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Standard spectral gamma tools saturate in extreme radiation fields. Our high-dynamic-range detectors report spectral data in lower-activity zones and switch to an integration mode in the high-activity core, so measurements continue where standard tools fail.

Measurement Stability in Deep Boreholes

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Temperature and spectral data are unreliable until a tool reaches thermal equilibrium with the borehole. We set soak times scaled to the tool-to-borehole temperature difference, repeat-log acceptance limits, and gain matching for spectral data.

Field Data Without Laboratory Delays

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Field Data Without Laboratory Delays

We build portable test equipment that produces results on site, such as a hydraulic field Proctor system for moisture-density testing during earthwork, and field deployed testing systems so decisions are not held up by laboratory turnaround.

Featured Project

Design Study: Detector Systems for a High-Activity Legacy Waste Facility

Problem: Extreme mixed radiation fields at a legacy waste facility at a major DOE cleanup site would saturate standard logging tools.

Solution: A high-dynamic-range borehole detector for direct push deployment, and an excavator-mounted gross gamma and gross beta detector for real-time waste segregation. The borehole detector isolates the cesium-137 peak in lower-activity zones, then switches to an integration mode to estimate cesium concentration in the core.

Radiation Detection System Design

Detectors, Modes, and Configurations

We design borehole and waste segregation systems for radiation fields beyond the range of commercial tools. Detector material is chosen for the target radionuclides, expected count rate, and required energy resolution, and paired with a multichannel analyzer configured for the application.

Cerium bromide (CeBr3): better energy resolution than NaI and low background; radionuclide-specific spectral logging
Bismuth germanate (BGO): high efficiency in a compact crystal; paired with CeBr3 in our gamma combination tool
Sodium iodide (NaI): dedicated high-count-rate gamma tool
Geiger-Müller: count rates beyond the range of scintillation detectors

Modes: spectral (potassium, uranium, thorium, cesium-137, cobalt-60); high-activity integration; gross gamma and gross beta; passive neutron.

Configurations: slim-hole probes for 2 5/8-inch OD direct push tubing and monitoring casing; cart-mounted winch, no logging truck required; excavator-mounted gross gamma and beta detectors for waste segregation; Gamma Drone for non-contact aerial surveys (in development). CR-HE/HR tool specifications are on the Borehole Geophysics page.

CR-HE/HR slim-hole spectral gamma logging tool

Field Test Equipment and Methods

We also build field testing equipment and the procedures that make custom hardware produce defensible data.

Hydraulic field Proctor compaction system for moisture-density results during earthwork, and a bench-scale static force compaction device for 500-gram samples
Direct push rig instrumentation (CR-DAQ) recording push and pull-back force, penetration rate, depth, hydraulic temperature, and mast angle, with automated shift reports
Filtration media sizing calculators for MetalZorb beds, from site water chemistry
Drilling-effects analysis: sonic drilling can heat near-borehole soil above 225 °F, with about 70 hours to recover moisture, so we specify wait times and casing tolerances before logging
In-house software for spectral processing, gain matching, log merging, and plotting

In-place soil density test during earthwork

Development Process

1. Project Design

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

Define the measurement problem, site constraints, and data quality objectives with the client.

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

Select detectors or sensors, design shielding and housings, and test components on the bench.

3. Field Prototyping

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

4. Validation and QA/QC

Deploy a prototype under site conditions and record its performance against the objectives.

4. Validation and QA/QC

5. Full Field Deployment

4. Validation and QA/QC

Verify calibration, processing, and acceptance criteria against known standards and field results.

5. Full Field Deployment

Deploy the validated system, operated by Cenozoic Resources staff or by client staff we have trained.

Representative Work

CR-HE/HR Slim-Hole Logging Tools

Borehole Temperature Logging Evaluation

Spectral gamma (CeBr3 and BGO), neutron moisture, high-rate gamma, beta, and infrared temperature tools sized for 2 5/8-inch OD direct push tubing, in contract service at DOE tank farms.

Borehole Geophysics

Borehole Temperature Logging Evaluation

We used 69 logging events and 2,272 measurements to set stabilization and repeatability criteria, and a 0.50 °F detection limit, for infrared temperature logging.

Applied Systems Research and Development

Problems We Solve

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Measurement Stability in Deep Boreholes

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Field Data Without Laboratory Delays

Detector Saturation in High-Activity Fields

Field Data Without Laboratory Delays

Featured Project

Design Study: Detector Systems for a High-Activity Legacy Waste Facility

Radiation Detection System Design

Detectors, Modes, and Configurations

Field Test Equipment and Methods

Development Process

1. Project Design

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

3. Field Prototyping

2. Bench Testing and Engineering

4. Validation and QA/QC

4. Validation and QA/QC

5. Full Field Deployment

4. Validation and QA/QC

5. Full Field Deployment

5. Full Field Deployment

5. Full Field Deployment

Representative Work

CR-HE/HR Slim-Hole Logging Tools

Borehole Temperature Logging Evaluation

Borehole Temperature Logging Evaluation

Borehole Temperature Logging Evaluation

Borehole Temperature Logging Evaluation

Borehole Temperature Logging Evaluation

Have a problem standard tools cannot solve?

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