Abstract
The development of a neutron moisture gauge, using Cf252 as a source of fast neutrons and muscovite as a detector of thermal-neutron-induced-fission in Pu239 target, is reported. The laboratory and the field calibrations of the instrument reveal a linear relation between track count rate and the moisture volume fraction.
Low cost, low weight, simplicity of operation, thermal stability and elimination of electronic gadgets and power supplies are the attractive features of this instrument. The main drawback is its poor detection efficiency for thermal neutrons and the consequent unsuitability as a routine logging instrument. Its special features make it particularly suited to deep bore hole logging such as in oil exploration.
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Nagpal, M.K., Mehta, P.P., Nagpaul, K.K. et al. Characteristics of a neutron moisture gauge with a solid state detector. Pramana - J. Phys. 1, 112–116 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02847186
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02847186