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The use of neutrons and monochromatic X-rays for non-destructive testing in geological materials

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

In the paper we present our results for element sensitive high-energy X-ray tomography and high-speed thermal neutron tomography applied to geological samples. The tuneable monochromatic X-ray beam was used for element sensitive tomography of geological samples containing heavy elements using the K-edge dichromatic scanning technique. This type of NDT (non-destructive testing) allowed us to reveal the quantity and location of uranium, lead and mercury in Oklo samples (natural nuclear reactor) and Cinnabar stones. Fast 3-D thermal neutron imaging of dynamical processes was successfully tested at the high flux neutron tomography station of the ILL. The qualitative investigation of water repellents and consolidants applied on sandstones of Bray and limestones of Maastricht were the first samples to be studied with the new imaging technique.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Subatomic and Radiation Physics, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Gent, Belgium

    B. Masschaele, M. Dierick & L. Van Hoorebeke

  2. Department of Geology and Soil Science, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000 Gent, Belgium

    V. Cnudde & P. Jacobs

Authors
  1. B. Masschaele
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  2. M. Dierick
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  3. L. Van Hoorebeke
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  4. V. Cnudde
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  5. P. Jacobs
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Correspondence to B. Masschaele.

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Masschaele, B., Dierick, M., Van Hoorebeke, L. et al. The use of neutrons and monochromatic X-rays for non-destructive testing in geological materials. Env Geol 46, 486–492 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-004-1050-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-004-1050-z

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