Prompt gamma-ray methods for industrial process evaluation: A simulation study

Radioisotope applications in industrial process inspection and evaluation using gamma-ray emitters provide otherwise unavailable information. Offering alternative gamma-ray sources can support the technology by complementing sources’ availability and radiation safety. This work proposes to replace gamma-ray from radioisotopes with prompt gamma-ray from the interaction of neutrons with stable isotopes injected into the industrial process or with the structural material of the industrial process equipment. Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNP5) was used to simulate the irradiation of two-phase flow pipes by ²⁵²Cf neutron source. Two simulations were run for each pipe, with and without mixing the liquid phase with the stable isotope ¹⁵⁷Gd. The detected gamma-ray spectra were analysed, and images of the two phases inside the pipes were produced. The images were compared to images obtained from simulations of gamma transmission measurement using ⁶⁰Co. Furthermore, results for prompt gamma computed tomography (CT) were presented and discussed. The studies’ outcomes indicate the potential of prompt gamma-ray to carry out the sealed sources applications of gamma transmission measurements and imaging.