Detection of water content in aluminum scrap with a fast neutron source (Cf-252)

Miting Du, Qingyou Han, Ray D. Peterson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aluminum scrap and remelt secondary ingot (RSI) may contain water in their internal voids. The presence of water can be a serious safety issue for the aluminum remelting industries. This article describes a method that utilizes neutrons for the rapid detection of water in solid aluminum materials based on the fact that neutrons interact with hydrogen atoms in the water molecules. A fast neutron source ( 252Cf) and a portable "slow-down" (backscattering) neutron detector are used for moisture detection. Initial experiments carried out with aluminum turnings indicate the detected slow neutron counts can be correlated to the hydrogen or water levels in aluminum scrap. The method has the potential of being used by the aluminum remelting industries for rapid, non-destructive detection of water in aluminum scrap or RSI.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLight Metals 2005 - Proceedings of the Technical Sessions Presented by the TMS Aluminium Committee
EditorsH. Kvande
Pages855-859
Number of pages5
StatePublished - 2005
Event134th TMS Annual Meeting - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 13 2005Feb 17 2005

Publication series

NameTMS Light Metals
ISSN (Print)0147-0809

Conference

Conference134th TMS Annual Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period02/13/0502/17/05

Keywords

  • Aluminum recycling
  • Fast neutron source
  • Moisture detection
  • Thermal neutron sensor

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