The idea of using tracers (chemical tracers, dyes, etc.) in the investigation of complex physical phenomena has always attracted the attention of scientists and engineers. When radioactive isotopes became available it was immediately recognized that they offered an almost ideal solution to tracer selection. Extensive experience has been gathered all over the world in the application of radioactive tracers in industry. This guide is devoted to reviewing the present status of the tracer method as such and to its applications to those branches of industry which have derived large benefits from the use of this technology.
In order to fully utilise nucleonic measurement principles and their applications, it is important to have an understanding of the underlying physics. Radioisotope Gauges for Industrial Process Measurements combines theoretical background with practical experience in order to present an accessible overview of the use of radioisotopes in industry. This unique book explains the modes of operation of installed gauges and presents nucleonic methods relevant to measurement problems. The first part of the book deals with radiation sources, the interaction of radiation with matter and radiation detectors. The second part explains the different measurement principles used for industrial gauges and the last part of the book covers industrial applications. This book also: Features a concise introduction to atomic and nuclear physics. Presents a range of nucleonic measurement methods and highlights their application to a variety of problems. Contains an overview of electronics, measurement accuracy, safety and standards. Considers processes and demands, design strategies and practical realisation of measurement systems. Provides many practical engineering examples. Offering a comprehensive coverage of engineering applications, this book is an essential tool for electrical, electronic and instrument engineers in the oil and chemicals processing sectors. It is also a valuable reference to graduate students and physicists involved in nuclear radiation measurement, medical applications, radiochemical research, environmental monitoring and chemical engineering.
Over the past decade significant progress has been achieved in the development of waste characterization and control procedures and equipment as a direct response to ever-increasing requirements for quality and reliability of information on waste characteristics. Failure in control procedures at any step can have important, adverse consequences and may result in producing waste packages which are not compliant with the waste acceptance criteria for disposal, thereby adversely impacting the repository. The information and guidance included in this publication corresponds to recent achievements and reflects the optimum approaches, thereby reducing the potential for error and enhancing the quality of the end product. -- Publisher's description.
NDE Handbook: Non-Destructive Examination Methods for Condition Monitoring deals with monitoring of equipment, structures, and pipes in mechanical engineering, in the processing industry, in construction, and in electrotechnical fields. The book explains acoustic cross correlation involving leak detection in buried main water pipes or heating pipes by using special instruments to detect the flow noise generated at the point of fracture. The acoustic emission method, based on collection of vibrations or sound waves from the suspected material, can detect changes occurring in the material. Magnetic methods and eddy currents can measure the thickness of the coating on specific materials; dye penetrants can expose cracks or cleavages in surface materials; and emission spectroscopy can identify or sort the chemical composition of steel. The book also describes an endoscope used to visualize the interior of objects and the electrical resistance probe that can measure the loss of material based on changes in the electrical resistance. Other NDE methods that are used by investigators include stress pattern analysis by thermal emission, pulsed video thermography, Moire contour mapping, holographic interferometry, computerized tomography, and positron annihilation. The book will prove valuable for engineers, physicists, technicians, operators involved in material research, risk prevention, or accident control, and for general readers interested in materials quality and specifications.
Provides a unique source of information pertaining to the development of radiotracer generators and their use in troubleshooting and optimizing industrial processes. The publication describes the results of research undertaken on the characterization of 68Ge/68Ga, 137Cs/137mBa, 99Mo/99mTc and 113Sn/113mIn radiotracer generators.
This book is aimed at scientists and engineers wanting to use radioisotopes and the emitted ionising radiations competently but without seeking expertise. It describes decay and stability criteria, necessary precautions to ensure radiation protection and the detection of alpha, beta and gamma rays including spectrometry. There are comments on calorimetry, liquid scintillation counting, how to use secondary standard instruments, high resolution detectors and how to calculate counting results estimating uncertainties and allowing for the statistics of radionuclide decays. The book's principal purpose is to encourage radionuclide applications which can be done safely, reliably and accurately. It describes industrial and scientific applications of alpha, beta, and gamma rays, neutrons and high energy radiations. This book will be of particular interest to scientists and technologists, teachers and students, helping them to work with radioisotopes safely, efficiently and reliably.
The decay product of the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), technetium-99m (Tc-99m), and associated medical isotopes iodine-131 (I-131) and xenon-133 (Xe-133) are used worldwide for medical diagnostic imaging or therapy. The United States consumes about half of the world's supply of Mo-99, but there has been no domestic (i.e., U.S.-based) production of this isotope since the late 1980s. The United States imports Mo-99 for domestic use from Australia, Canada, Europe, and South Africa. Mo-99 and Tc-99m cannot be stockpiled for use because of their short half-lives. Consequently, they must be routinely produced and delivered to medical imaging centers. Almost all Mo-99 for medical use is produced by irradiating highly enriched uranium (HEU) targets in research reactors, several of which are over 50 years old and are approaching the end of their operating lives. Unanticipated and extended shutdowns of some of these old reactors have resulted in severe Mo-99 supply shortages in the United States and other countries. Some of these shortages have disrupted the delivery of medical care. Molybdenum-99 for Medical Imaging examines the production and utilization of Mo-99 and associated medical isotopes, and provides recommendations for medical use.
