Applications of Radiotracers and sealed sources in industries for Troubleshooting and Process Optimization

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Questions and Answers

What are the main applications of radiotracers in industry?

Chemical composition analysis and material testing

Leak detection, flow rate measurement, and wear monitoring (correct)

Temperature control and pressure measurement

Radiographic testing and gamma scanning

Which of the following is not an advantage of using radiotracers?

Quick analysis

Limited range of radiotracers available (correct)

High detection sensitivity

On-line detection

Which isotope is commonly used in aqueous tracing and has a half-life of 15 hours?

Sodium-24 (correct)

Lanthanum-140

Gold-198

Tritium-3

What is one of the primary uses of sealed sources in industry?

Gamma scanning of process columns Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following isotopes is utilized in the radiation processing of materials?

Gold-198 Signup and view all the answers

Which of these functions is related to the use of radiotracers for effective management of oil fields?

Sediment transport and effluent dispersion Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of Tritium-3?

12.6 years Signup and view all the answers

Which application is not typically associated with sealed sources?

Mean residence time measurement Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential requirement for selecting a proper radiotracer?

Same physical/chemical properties as the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an instantaneous injection in radiotracer experiments?

Provides a clearer measurement of flow dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the classification of flow types in chemical reactors?

Perfect mixing cells and plug flow Signup and view all the answers

Why is the mean residence time (MRT) significant in radiotracer experiments?

It provides insight into reactants' time spent in the system Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of residence time distribution (RTD) in continuous flow systems?

It can provide data for flow optimization. Signup and view all the answers

How accurately are flow rates of product streams measured when traditional flow-meters fail?

With an accuracy of 1-2% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required property for a proper radiotracer?

High reactivity and volatility Signup and view all the answers

What method is commonly used for measurement after the radiotracer injection?

In-situ measurement approaches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of sealed source applications in radiation technology?

To analyze the internals of process vessels without contact Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radiation source is most commonly used in sealed source applications for its penetrating power?

Gamma and neutron sources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the categories of sealed source applications?

Ultrasound Testing Signup and view all the answers

What does radiography testing primarily reveal about the object being tested?

Flaws and internal structures Signup and view all the answers

What technique is used to record the intensity of transmitted radiation in radiography testing?

Recording media like film or digital detectors Signup and view all the answers

What fraction of the radiography testing industry is represented by the registered radiography testing equipment as per AERB data from June 2021?

There are 3176 registered items Signup and view all the answers

Which process is mandated to certify the quality of welds in pressure vessels and chemical reactors?

Radiography Testing Signup and view all the answers

What type of data can radiographic examination conveniently provide about a plant's parameters?

Corrosion and other structural parameters Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of radiation processing of materials?

To intentionally expose materials to high energy ionizing radiation Signup and view all the answers

In the cross-linking type of polymers, what happens to the gas permeability?

Gas permeability decreases Signup and view all the answers

What key benefit does food irradiation provide compared to traditional preservation methods?

It reduces the number of pathogens in food Signup and view all the answers

What type of gauge is primarily used to show whether a bin is over or under filled in harsh conditions?

Nucleonic level gauge Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the effects of cross-linking on the tensile strength of polymers?

Tensile strength and wear resistance can be enhanced Signup and view all the answers

Food irradiation extends the shelf life of food by achieving which of the following?

Delaying maturation and sprouting Signup and view all the answers

What technique do radiometric density gauges use to measure densities of slurries?

Gamma ray transmission technique Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following industries would most likely utilize a radiometric belt weigher?

Steel and cement production Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of degradation in polymers during radiation processing?

Solubility kinetics can increase Signup and view all the answers

In which application is the thickness gauge NOT commonly used?

Thermal power generation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding food irradiation?

It does not affect the nutritional value of food Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of the cross-linking type transformation in polymers?

Formation of single monolith structures Signup and view all the answers

What radioactive isotopes are commonly used for measurement in steel applications?

Am-241 and Cs-137 Signup and view all the answers

How many nucleonic control systems are reported to be in operation in India today?

5,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is one key feature of the measuring head of a thickness gauge?

It employs a pneumatic drive mechanism. Signup and view all the answers

Nucleonic gauges have been used in the Indian industry for how many years?

Over three decades Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a nucleonic moisture gauge?

To measure moisture content in bulk materials Signup and view all the answers

Which element is used as a source in nucleonic moisture gauges?

Am-241-Be Signup and view all the answers

How does an on-line coal ash monitor determine the amount of ash in coal?

By assessing the absorption of gamma radiation based on atomic number Signup and view all the answers

In gamma ray interlock systems for coke oven batteries, what is the primary purpose of the system?

To ensure safe operation of coke discharge equipment Signup and view all the answers

What technology is utilized in computed tomography for image reconstruction?

Mathematical reconstruction of transmission data Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Cs-137 source in the computed tomography system developed by BARC?

It enables scanning of various materials with varying densities Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of the x-ray based computerized tomography system developed by BARC?

Flat panel detector Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements significantly contributes to higher gamma absorption in an on-line coal ash monitor?

Aluminum Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Radioisotope utilization in modern society is a success story.
Applications have increased rapidly over decades.
Radioisotope techniques are better, easier, quicker, simpler and cost-effective than alternative methods.
Used extensively in many areas of industry, science, medicine, and research.
Important for process development, measurement, automation, operations research, quality control, and cost reduction.

Radiotracer Applications

Leak detection and location in buried pipelines and industrial systems.
Mean residence time and residence time distribution measurement.
Flow rate measurement.
Sediment transport and effluent dispersion monitoring.
Mixing/blending time measurement.
Wear and corrosion rate monitoring in various industrial systems.
Effective management of oil fields.

Sealed Source Applications

Industrial radiography.
Gamma scanning of process columns.
Nucleonic control systems.
Computed tomography.
Radiation processing of materials.

Advantages of Radiotracers

High detection sensitivity.
On-line detection.
Physico-chemical compatibility.
Wide range of compatible radiotracers.
Quick analysis.

Commonly Used Tracers in Industry

Table 1 lists isotopes commonly used for tracing in various industrial applications.
Includes isotope, half-life, radiation energy and chemical form.
Provides the phase being traced in each example.

Leak Detection in Heat Exchangers & Pipes

Radiotracer techniques are highly sensitive for leak detection in heat exchangers and buried pipelines.
Measurements are conducted on-line without process interference.
Estimation of leak size, from 0.1 litres per minute can be measured.
Over 50 leakage detection tests have had successful outcomes in various systems.

New Development: PIG for Leak Detection

A radioisotope-based pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) was developed for leak detection in underground pipelines.
This system includes a scintillation detector, high voltage supply, pulse processing, data acquisition, readout, and software to transfer data to the computer.
This system offers portability with data storage capacity up to 20 hours.
Field trials were conducted using simulated leak conditions.

Leak Detection in High-Pressure Heat Exchangers

BARC developed a technique for leak detection in high-pressure heat exchangers.
This technique was applied to over 100 exchangers in various Indian refineries.
Significant cost savings were realized for the industry.

Economic Benefits of Leak Detection Studies

Radiotracer applications have greatly benefited many industries, especially the chemical industry.
Cost-benefit ratios consider direct cost comparison, production efficiency gains, improved product quality, and avoided downtime.

Process Investigation: Residence Time Distribution (RTD) Studies

This technique is used to determine process parameters for plant optimization and modeling.
Tracer experiments can identify deviations from optimal conditions.
Troubleshooting malfunctions and assessing the need for plant shutdowns.

Radiotracer Injection

Instantaneous injection (Dirac pulse) is a practical approach for tracer experiments.
The injection duration is typically less than 3% of the mean residence time.

Post Injection Measurements

Residence time distribution (RTD) is a crucial characteristic of continuous flow systems.
It provides valuable information such as mean residence time (MRT) and flow behavior.
Industrial processes can be improved through analysis of RTD data.
Measured RTD data can be analyzed using various mathematical models.

Flow Rate Measurements

Flow rates of various process streams (liquids, solids, or slurries) can be accurately measured (within 1-2%) using tracer techniques.
This method is well recognized within ISO 4053 standards and does not require interrupting the process.

Transit Time Method

This method measures flow rates by monitoring the passage of a gamma-emitting tracer at two downstream points.
The method is suitable for applications in close conduits like pipelines and enclosed channels.

Constant Rate Injection Method

A constant rate of tracer solution is injected into the process stream.

Industrial Radiography Testing

An important non-destructive testing method widely used in India.
Involves exposing an object to gamma or X-rays and recording variations in transmitted radiation intensity.
Identifies flaws, defects, voids, and internal structure of materials.

Gamma Scanning of Industrial Process Columns

A technique for troubleshooting and optimizing process columns (e.g., distillation, fractionation, extraction).
Detects issues such as tray flooding, liquid distribution, weeping, foaming, and others.
Scanning results are analyzed and compared to simulations for diagnostic purposes.

Nucleonic Control Systems

Used for online measurements (e.g., level, density) in industrial processes.
A range of applications, including cement, steel, coal, and chemical industries.
Various types of gauges such as level gauges, belt weighers, density gauges used to measure various process parameters.

Radiation Processing of Materials

Materials are intentionally exposed to high-energy ionizing radiation (e.g., cobalt-60, cesium-137, electron beams).
Applications include cross-linking and degradation of polymers.

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Description

Explore the various applications of radioisotopes in modern society, highlighting their effectiveness in industry, science, and medicine. This quiz covers key uses such as leak detection, flow rate measurement, and industrial radiography among others. Test your knowledge on how these techniques have transformed processes and operations.