IB Chemistry Presentation on Radioisotopes

Detecting cracks in structural material

Martin Choi James Pike Ambrose Tang

Introduction
many elements commonly found on earth occur in different atomic configurations identical electronically charged particles and identical chemical properties

Introduction
different atomic weights and physical properties some isotopes of elements were radioactive. The dense central portion (called the nucleus) of an atom of the element emits energy in several different forms

For example, Carbon

Radioisotopes
seeks a more stable nuclear configuration by emitting radiation more radioisotopes could be created by subjecting certain elements to radiation inside a nuclear reactor or bombarding them using a particle accelerator learned to harness these radioisotopes for use in our modern, high-tech world

Radioisotopes
Manmade radioactive sources are produced by introducing an extra neutron to atoms of the source material. energy is released in the form of gamma rays. common industrial gamma-ray sources

iridium-192 and cobalt-60

Industrial Radiography
used to inspect many metal parts and welds for defects A sealed radiation source, usually Ir-192 or Co-60, beams radiation at the object to be checked. Special photographic, or radiographic, film on the opposite side of the source is exposed when it is struck by radiation passing through like an x-ray.

Industrial Radiography(2)
structural problems can be detected by studying the film. Industrial radiography is similar to a medical X-ray. It uses gamma radiation to detect structural faults in materials such as metal and concrete.

Industrial Radiography (3)

Gamma radiation is also used to inspect welds and to detect cracks in pipelines by using a gamma source mounted on a remotecontrolled trolley that travels inside the length of the pipe. Neutron scattering is also used in industrial materials testing and remaining life assessments.

Co 60 (cobalt )
Sealed radiation source. used because it is an emitter of gamma rays which will penetrate metal parts. Co-60 has a half-life of 5.3 years and can be used in a chemically inert form held inside a sealed container.

Practical Use of Radioisotopes in detecting cracks ( a pipe )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peZjgx50jPg&feature=rela ted

How does it work?

generally an isotope material is a pellet that measures 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm. pellets are loaded into stainless steel capsules and sealed by welding The capsule is attached to short flexible cable called a pigtail.

How does it work?

The source capsule and the pigtail is housed in a shielding device referred to as a exposure device or camera

How does it work?

The exposure device for iridium-192 and cobalt-60 sources will contain 45 pounds and 500 pounds of shielding materials, respectively Cobalt cameras are often fixed to a trailer and transported to and from inspection sites. When the source is not being used to make an exposure, it is locked inside the exposure device.