Role of radio isotopes in dating the past
Radiotracers are used widely in industry to investigate processes and highlight the causes of inefficiency.
They are particularly useful where process optimization can bring material benefits, such as in the transport of sediments.
Instead of the bulky machine needed to produce X-rays, all that is needed to produce effective gamma rays is a small pellet of radioactive material in a sealed titanium capsule.
The capsule is placed on one side of the object being screened, and some photographic film is placed on the other side.
The process of gamma radiography, a type of non-destructive testing (NDT), is used to validate the integrity of poured concrete and welds on fluid vessels, pipelines, or critical structural elements.
The unique characteristics of gamma radiography have resulted in the technique becoming a crucial tool throughout many industries.
Density gauges are used where automatic control of a liquid, powder, or solid is important, for example as in detergent manufacture.
Radioisotope instruments have three advantages: There are two broad types of nucleonic gauges used in industry: fixed and portable.
Such level gauges are among the most common industrial uses of radioisotopes.Industrial gamma radiography exploits the ability of various types of radiation to penetrate materials to different extents.Gamma radiography works in much the same way as X-rays screen luggage at airports.Radiotracers are also used in the oil and gas industry to help determine the extent of oil fields.Radioactive materials are used to inspect metal parts and the integrity of welds across a range of industries.