SOME RECENT APPLICATIONS OF ISOTOPES IN RESEARCH AND CONTROL IN INDUSTRY

Author:: Spinks, J. W. T.
Published:: [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], 1959.
[Oak Ridge, Tennessee] : [U.S. Atomic Energy Commission], 1959.
Physical Description:: microopaque : positive ; 8 x 13 cm

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Summary:

The application of radioisotopes in research and control in industry depends on the detection of the radiations emitted when the isotope decays. The radiations can be used for analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, and in the unique analytical method of isotope dilution. They can also be used to trace materials or things of interest to industry and for the control of industrial processes. Quantitative analytical applications are illustrated by the use of Fe- 59, in engine wear studies, to evaluate lubricating oil additives. Tracer studies are illustrated by a description of the use of radioactive fibres to study diffusion and mixing in high-speed paper machines. The use of the isotope- dilution method as a routine analytical procedure for the control of quality of a product such as pentaerythritol in a chemical manufacturing industry will be described, together with its use as a means for controlling the ratio of reactants entering into a chemical process and for measuring the total daily output of a given material. Its application to the study of phase-rule problems of interest to the cement industry will be discussed. An indirect but very important field of application of isotopes in industry depends on the interaction of radiations with matter. Of particular value in the non-destructive testing of matter is the neutron, which can be regarded either as the product of the interaction of radiations from radioisotopes with matter (Ra-- alpha --Be, etc.) or as a radionuclide of atomic number zero. The effectiveness of a medium in producing slow neutrons by the scattering of fast neutrons can be made use of in a variety of instruments for the non-destructive determination of moisture in numerous different materiais, such as concrete, moist soil, and mineral pulps. The fractional loss in energy when a neutron collides with an atom is at a maximum for hydrogen, and thus materials with a high moisture content are particularly effective in slowing down neutrons. The activity induced in a slow- neutron detector, such as indium foil or a BF/sub 3/ chamber, is independent on the moisture content of the material and can, in fact, be used to measure the moisture content. The scattering of neutrons by matter can also be used to determine liquid levels, in closed vessels, using an instrument located outside the vessel. The application of radiation to automation in industry is discussed. Reference is made to radiation hazards and the precautions to be taken in using isotopes in industry. (auth)

Report Numbers:

A/CONF.15/P/216

Other Subject(s):

Collection:

U.S. Atomic Energy Commission depository collection.

Note:

NSA number: NSA-13-006708
OSTI Identifier 4287685
Research organization: Univ. of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Can.

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