Density measurement method and apparatus therefor
AssigneeImperial Chemical Industries PLC
InventorLee M. Robins
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The density of a mass of material is determined by passing radiation from a source, such as Co-60, whose radiation spectrum has a characteristic energy level above 700 keV through the mass of material to a detector that can detect radiation at a energy level, or range of energy levels, within the range 80 to 700 keV. By determining the density of the mass of material at different locations, the density profile of the mass of material can be assessed.
Claims18
A method of determining the density profile of material within a vessel comprising positioning a source of penetrating radiation having its characteristic energy level, or levels at above 700 keV adjacent said vessel at a first location, positioning a radiation detector adjacent said vessel in alignment with said source to detect radiation at at least one energy level in the range 80 keV to 700 keV that has passed through a portion of said material at said first location, determining the intensity and/or energy level of said radiation at said energy level within said range, moving said source and detector to a second location displaced, from said first location and determining the intensity and/or energy level of said radiation at said at least one energy level in said range at said second location, and comparing the determined intensities and/or energy levels and thereby determining the density of said material at said second location relative to its density at the first location.
A method of measuring the change in density of a material comprising the steps of:
- a) positioning a source of penetrating radiation having its characteristic energy level, or levels, at above 700 keV such that the radiation is directed through a portion of the material;
- b) positioning a radiation detector in alignment with said source, thereby to detect the radiation which has passed through said portion of the material;
- c) passing the signal from said radiation detector to a spectrum analyser which is capable of providing a measurement of the radiation intensity over at least part of the energy spectrum from 80 keV to 700 keV, and
- d) detecting changes in the intensity and/or energy of detected radiation at at least one relatively low energy portion of the spectrum in the range 80 keV and 700 keV.
An apparatus for measuring the density of a material comprising a source of penetrating radiation having its characteristic energy level or levels at above 700 keV, adapted to enable a beam of radiation to be directed into and through said material;
- a radiation detector which is capable of detecting radiation in at least one range of energy levels within the range 80 to 700 keV and a spectrum analyser which is arranged to receive a signal from said radiation detector and which is capable of providing measurements of radiation intensity over said at least part one range.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.