Abstract: A Kr-85 tracer gas is mixed with the carrier gas in a pressurized bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a radiation source, coincident positron emission detectors configured to detect coincident positron annihilation emissions originating within a coordinate system, and a controller coupled to the radiation source and the coincident positron emission detectors, the controller configured to identify coincident positron annihilation emission paths intersecting one or more volumes in the coordinate system and align the radiation source along an identified coincident positron annihilation emission path.

Abstract: The invention provides a calibrating method for use in a method of determining the quantity of an analyte labeled with an accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) isotope in a test sample. The samples can include, for example, urine, faeces, plasma or blood. The analyte can be, for example, a drug or metabolite of a drug.

Abstract: A method of analysing a plurality of biological entities using an imaging apparatus. The method comprises: providing a marker for said plurality of biological entities, said marker being capable of identifying objects within said plurality of biological entities when detected using the imaging apparatus, the method of provision being arranged such that said marker is capable of identifying said objects during a first time period, and said marker is less capable of identifying said objects during a second time period; during the first time period, recording a marked-up image in which spatial definitions of said objects are identifiable from said marker; during the second time period, recording a first image of said plurality of biological entities; and generating a spatial definition for an object in said first image using data derived from said marked-up image.

Abstract: A computerized system for locating a device including a sensor module and a processor. A radioactive source, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. The sensor module includes a radiation detector capable of receiving a signal from the source attached to the device. The sensor module produces an output signal. The processor receives output signal(s) and translates output into information relating to a position of source.

Abstract: A computerized system 40 for locating a device. System 40 includes a sensor module 20 and a CPU 42. A radioactive source 38, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. Module 20 includes a radiation detector 22 capable of receiving a signal from source 38 attached to the device. Module 20 produces an output signal 34. CPU 42 receives output signal(s) 34 and translates output 34 into directional information relating to a position of source 38.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the consumption of oil from an oil separation system (2) in the blow by gas recycling circuit of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic radioactivity analyzer of mixed liquid beta emitter which comprises: a sample preparation part (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) for extracting a liquid sample from liquid-phase radioactive nuclear wastes; a sample injection part (9 and 10), including a sample transportation part for transporting a bottled sample to a radioactivity detection part to perform measurement; the radioactivity detection part (11) including two photon multiplier tubes; an exterior gamma-ray source injection part (12) for compensating for measurement efficiency according to quenching effects; a signal processing part (13), including a pre-amplifier circuit (14), a high-voltage generator circuit (15), an analogue-to-digital converter circuit (21), and a digital signal processor (DSP) (24), for generating beta spectrums by the aid of a fast coincidence counter (20) and a multi-channel analyzer (22); a main control PC (25) and a graphic user interface (GUI) program (29) for remotely automatically me

Abstract: The present application describes a specific tracer delivery system that has been tested. The claimed system is composed of melamine formaldehyde resin (MFR) doped with various tracer materials. The MFR is used to slowly release tracer compounds into a liquid system. The MFR/tracer mixture is applied as part of a monitoring system where tracer is delivered from the MFR/tracer mixture at a specific location up-stream and detected at some location downstream, thereby verifying fluid flow from that specific location up-stream. The MFR can be doped with different types of tracers, thereby allowing placement of different tracers at several different positions upstream. Production from the various labelled zones can be verified through the analysis of one sample downstream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous determination of the damage to at least one system (7) used for the post-treatment of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine (2), caused by the lubricating oil, the fuel and/or at least one lubricating oil additive and/or fuel additive used.

Abstract: A stable isotopic identification comprising a mathematical array of concentrations of isotopes found in a product, said mathematical array being presented in a machine readable form and comparable to analytical results whereby the product can be distinguished from other similar products, said machine readable form also being indexed through stored product information. The stored product information may be displayed when desired. By the stable isotopic identification of the invention, a product may be securely traced through manufacturing of a product, marketing of a product and the use of a product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the continuous determination of the lubricating oil consumption of an internal combustion engine. The inventive method consists in: placing a determined quantity of at least one radioactive tracer in the lubricating oil of which the consumption is to be measured; and measuring the quantity of radioactive tracer(s) present in the gases released from the engine (2), said measurement being taken downstream of the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a radiation flood source by printing a radioactive solution, and a radioactive printing solution used in this method. The present invention also relates to a flood source for quality testing and assurance of radiation detecting devices obtained by said process.

Abstract: A foam level in a delayed coking drum is detected by utilizing the varying density of the boiling mass in the coke drum which has larger bubbles and is less dense at the top and smaller bubbles and a higher density at the bottom. A plurality of radiation detectors are disposed on the drum and calibrated such that zero radiation is equivalent to 100 percent level. The percentage reading for each detector is multiplied by the fraction of height each detector is in relation to the total height of all the detectors to give a product and the products summed to give a level.

Abstract: A covert, gamma-ray “signature” is used as a “watermark” for property identification. This new watermarking technology is based on a unique steganographic or “hidden writing” digital signature, implemented in tiny quantities of gamma-ray-emitting radioisotopic material combinations, generally covertly emplaced on or within an object. This digital signature may be readily recovered at distant future times, by placing a sensitive, high energy-resolution gamma-ray detecting instrument reasonably precisely over the location of the watermark, which location may be known only to the object's owner; however, the signature is concealed from all ordinary detection means because its exceedingly low level of activity is obscured by the natural radiation background (including the gamma radiation naturally emanating from the object itself, from cosmic radiation and material surroundings, from human bodies, etc.).

Abstract: Detection of submicron scale cracks and other mechanical and chemical surface anomalies using PET. This surface technique has sufficient sensitivity to detect single voids or pits of sub-millimeter size and single cracks or fissures of millimeter size; and single cracks or fissures of millimeter-scale length, micrometer-scale depth, and nanometer-scale length, micrometer-scale depth, and nanometer-scale width. This technique can also be applied to detect surface regions of differing chemical reactivity. It may be utilized in a scanning or survey mode to simultaneously detect such mechanical or chemical features over large interior or exterior surface areas of parts as large as about 50 cm in diameter. The technique involves exposing a surface to short-lived radioactive gas for a time period, removing the excess gas to leave a partial monolayer, determining the location and shape of the cracks, voids, porous regions, etc., and calculating the width, depth, and length thereof. Detection of 0.

Abstract: An apparatus, methods, and systems for assaying materials are disclosed using a combination of detectors that scan for areas of material non-uniformity, and assay the type and amount of radioactivity present in the material. Scanning detectors are provided to scan for non-uniform levels of radiation emanating from the material. If any non-uniformity is detected by the scanning detectors, the material non-uniformity is removed and handled with radioactive material protocols. The remaining material may then be subject to assay. If the material shows no signs of non-uniform radiation emission, the assay detectors are used to assay the material. If the concentration of any one or more radionuclides exceeds a predetermined limit, the assayed material is handled with radioactive material protocols.

Abstract: Detection of submicron scale cracks and other mechanical and chemical surface anomalies using PET. This surface technique has sufficient sensitivity to detect single voids or pits of sub-millimeter size and single cracks or fissures of millimeter size; and single cracks or fissures of millimeter-scale length, micrometer-scale depth, and nanometer-scale length, micrometer-scale depth, and nanometer-scale width. This technique can also be applied to detect surface regions of differing chemical reactivity. It may be utilized in a scanning or survey mode to simultaneously detect such mechanical or chemical features over large interior or exterior surface areas of parts as large as about 50 cm in diameter. The technique involves exposing a surface to short-lived radioactive gas for a time period, removing the excess gas to leave a partial monolayer, determining the location and shape of the cracks, voids, porous regions, etc., and calculating the width, depth, and length thereof. Detection of 0.

Abstract: A method for introducing a radioactive leak trace material into an apparatus for inflating an inflatable device is disclosed in which a mixture containing a preselected quantity of the radioactive leak trace material and a quantity of at least one gas source material, which upon initiation results in an inflation fluid used to inflate the device, are loaded into a chamber of the apparatus.

Abstract: Leakage of engine coolant into the engine lubricating oil can be detected to high sensitivity levels by dissolving a glycol-soluble salt of 86Rb as a tracer in the coolant and detecting the beta or gamma ray radiation from the tracer containing coolant in a suspected leakage path or in the lubricating oil. A useful application of this detection method is in the region of the head gasket (i.e., between the cylinder block and cylinder head) of a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting beta particles in the presence of high gamma background using secondary electron emission (SEE) as the primary beta particle detector. Diamond-like thin films having coefficients for SEE as high as 50 are preferably used in a small hand-held probe whereby radiolabeled malignancies as small as 3 mm in diameter can be detected. An electron multiplier amplifies the secondary electron signal for generation of an audible signal or a display indicative of the level of beta radiation passing through the air-vacuum interface of the hand-held probe.

Abstract: An intraoperative probe system for preferentially detecting beta radiation over gamma radiation emitted from a radiopharmaceutical is described. In one embodiment, the probe system of the present invention is a probe having an ion-implanted silicon charged-particle detector for generating an electrical signal in response to received beta particles. In such an embodiment, a preamplifier may be located in close proximity to the detector filters and amplifies the electrical signal. Furthermore, a wire may be used to couple the probe to a processing unit for amplifying and filtering the electrical signal, and a counter may be utilized to analyze the resulting electrical signal to determine the number of beta particles being received by the detector. Alternatively, the wire can be replaced with an infrared or radio transmitter and receiver for wireless operation of the probe.

Abstract: A concentration measurement device is calibrated for a target element by performing a concentration measurement on a reference standard sample which includes a number of atoms of a radioactive marker element in known ratio to a number of atoms of the target element. Both the ratio of atoms of the target element to those of the radioactive marker element and a count of decay products of the radioactive marker element are analytically quantified. Because the count of decay products is correlated with the number of atoms of the radioactive marker element, the ratio and the count of decay products are used to accurately calculate the otherwise unknown number of impurity atoms and to calibrate a concentration measurement signal from the concentration measurement device.

Abstract: Radioactive particles are provided for use in tracing the flow path in or near a well of fluids injected into the well. The particles include an element which can be made radioactive by bombardment with neutrons and a material to encapsulate the element. The encapsulant is preferably an organic polymer having a high softening temperature. The particles may be injected into a well in treating fluids and their location may be later determined by gamma ray logging of the well.

Abstract: A process for implanting radioisotope ions into a substrate to create a radioisotope source, utilizing the chemical binding of selected ions to the surface of the substrate. Extraneous material not chemically bound to the substrate is removed and the chemically bound ions are diffused below the surface of the substrate in a non-oxidizing environment.

Abstract: Fluid flow rates are determined with a nonradioactive tracer agent in the operation of a water cooled nuclear fission reactor employed for driving electrical power generators. The technique is proposed for use to routinely calibrate other flow measuring means such as restricted flow nozzles.

Abstract: A system for tagging products or substances for retrospective identification using controlled abundance ratios of multiple isotopes in each of one or more elements in the tagged substance. The abundance ratios of the isotopes of the tagging elements are measured by suitable means to determine the identification code of the tagged product of substance.

Abstract: A method of measuring flow velocities in flowing fluids includes injecting into the flow a non-radioactive tracer having a neutron capture cross section higher than that of the flowing fluids, for example a gadolinium compound, and measuring the neutron capture cross section in the fluid downstream of the injection point to detect the passage of the tracer and hence determine the time of flight. By making the tracer miscible with only one phase (typically the continuous phase) of a multi-phase fluid, it is possible to measure the flow velocity of that phase. The neutron capture cross section can be measured by irradiating with neutrons from a pulsed neutron generator and measuring capture .gamma. rays with a scintillation detector.

Abstract: For isotopes decaying by capture of an inner shell electron by the nucleus, coincident emission of X-ray and gamma photons may occur. The X-ray results from the drop of an outer shell electron to fill the S shell. The gamma results from the transition of the excited daughter nucleus to a lower energy state. The invention disclosed is a Coincident Gamma and X-ray Detector (CGXD) which achieves extraordinary background rejection by a synergistic combination of coincident counting and other background suppression measures. Whereas the background registered by single gamma counters is of the order of 20-40 counts per minute, a CGXD optimized for the electron capture radioisotope I.sup.125 has a background of about one count per day.

Abstract: A new, improved method for estimating doses to body organs in the digestive system due to the passage of a solid radioactive particle through the digestive system. Normally, in this instance, doses to internal body organs are estimated (calculated) using mathematical models, because such doses cannot be measured routinely, if at all. Such models are used internationally as a basis for radiation protection standards. This new method applies to low penetrating emissions of a radionuclide, typically beta and/or alpha particles, low energy (soft) x-rays and/or gamma rays, and Auger electrons. The new method is physically correct in principle, in that it explicitly incorporates the location and velocity of a solid particle in the gastro-intestinal tract, whereas current and previously applied methods are incorrect, in this application. Moreover, this new method will provide estimates of the probability of dose, which is not considered in current methods of estimating such doses.

Abstract: A method for determining the corrosion behavior of a material with respect to a medium in contact with the material by: implanting a substantially chemically inert gas in a matrix so that corrosion experienced by the material causes the inert gas to enter the medium; placing the medium in contact with the material; and measuring the amount of inert gas which enters the medium.A test sample of a material whose resistance to corrosion by a medium is to be tested, composed of: a body of the material, which body has a surface to be contacted by the medium; and a substantially chemically inert gas implanted into the body to a depth below the surface.

Abstract: An improved system for detection and analysis of microscopic flaws in objects such as high-speed turbine blades collimates the gamma radiation emanating from flaws in an object treated with a radioactive gas, preferably xenon-133, to form a gamma-photon virtual image of a surface of the object showing flaws therein. A scintillation plate transforms the gamma-photon virtual image into a photoelectron virtual image. A chevron microchannel plate pair (MCP) multiplies the number of electrons comprising the photoelectron virtual image by a factor of at least 10.sup.5. The multiplied photoelectron virtual image can be converted to visible output information relatable to the flaws in the object by directing it onto a phosphor-coated plate. The scintillator, microchannel plate multiplier, and phosphor plate are contained in a housing shielded with lead to screen out signal noise from cosmic radiation. The housing is subjected to a pressure of about 10.sup.-7 Torr.

Abstract: Using storage phosphor recording media, two exposures are made of a sample containing two target substances tagged with different radiative emitters, for example 32-P and 35-S. The first exposure, image 1, is of the sample directly on the phosphor screen. The second exposure, image 2, is made with the appropriate absorption material between the sample and screen. Both images are captured. By using simultaneous equations isotope contributions of each label can be determined. Quantitative assessment of the contributions of the isotopes, and hence the target substances, are made by calculating isotope efficiencies both with and without the absorption filter.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one dynamic flow characteristic of a multiphase flow circulating in a pipe, said flow being composed of an aqueous phase and a hydrocarbon (oil) phase. Oxygen atoms in the aqueous phase are activated by irradiation with neutrons at a chosen first location in the pipe. The concentration of activated oxygen at a chosen second location in the pipe is measured with a detector as a function of time t, so as to obtain at least one signal S(t). Then a relationship is fitted to the signal S(t) so as to derive the values of the velocity U of the aqueous phase. The slip velocity v.sub.s of a dispersed phase relative to the velocity of a continuous phase is also advantageously determined. From the values of velocities U and v.sub.s and from the volume fraction y.sub.1 of the continuous phase in the pipe (obtained by an ancillary measurement), the volumetric flow rates of the phases are determined.

Abstract: A noninvasive method of determining function of a target organ using a pre-calibrated imaging system is described. The method contains the steps of introducing an indicator/tracer bolus into the subject's circulatory system and thereafter monitoring simultaneously the responses recorded from the heart/great vessels, and from the target organ. The absolute activity per unit volume of blood withdrawn at a known time(s) is measured, and the observed data from the heart or great vessels is converted into absolute units. These data serve as B(t), the input function. Precalibration of the detector/measuring system allows the observed dynamic indicator/tracer data recorded from the target organ to be expressed in units of absolute activity. These data serve as A(t). A(t) and B(t) are deconvolved in order to obtain the linear response function (LRF, h(t)) for an image element. A preferred method of deconvolution, the DOP method is introduced. Functional images of the target organ's LRF are created.

Abstract: A natural gamma tag marking materials for sub or permanent markers used in gamma logging operations, such natural gamma materials having a gamma count of between 200 and 1000 counts per second. The instant invention further discloses a typical Sub, for insertion in a drilling operation, utilizing natural gamma element compounds which are considered to be non-hazardous and effective as tag markers when used in wireline logging operations.

Abstract: A method of measuring or detecting an unknown distribution and content of solid material in a flow of liquid and gas is achieved without any calibration. One or several activated probes or specimens emitting radiation are used. The radiation is measured by a detector on the outside of the flow pipe. Each probe emits radiation only to one detector. The probes are mounted apart both lengthwise and across the pipe section. The probes are mounted at an angle .alpha. to the fluid flow, 20.degree.<.alpha.60.degree.. Without any signal analyses, the probes will register whether the fluid flow contains solid material if the thickness of the probes is reduced 0.1 %. The particle content is calculated with a 0.25% thickness reduction. The amount of the particles impinging the probes can be calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly for monitoring leakage of a fluid contained within a double-walled tank into its interstitial space is disclosed. The sensor includes an element which is subject to physical change upon exposure to the material contained in the tank. The condition of the element is remotely monitored to determine leakage. In the case of an underground tank or oceangoing vessel, a second similar sensor sensitive to water may be employed to differentiate leakage into the interstitial space of the material in the tank from ground or sea water.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the flow of steam in a production well has a sonde with a pair of gamma ray detectors and a source of gaseous radioactive material therein. The sonde is lowered into the well and measured amounts of the gas are released and detected by the gamma detectors to thereby determine the volume and velocity of steam flowing in the production well as well as its depth of entry.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting leakage of a particular fluid into an area to be monitored, such as an interstitial space of a double-walled tank or pipeline, comprises first and second fiber optics. A first end of the first fiber optic is disposed to a source of light and a first end of the second fiber optic is disposed to a detector of light. The second ends of the fiber optics are axially aligned with one another. Under normal circumstances light is transmitted from the source to the first fiber optic across the gap into the second fiber optic, and is detected by the detector. The fiber optics are arranged such that when the sensor is exposed to a material to be monitored, effective light-transmission between the second ends of the fiber optics is prevented, preventing light from being transmitted from the source to the detector. This provides a simple and fool-proof method of detecting leakage of the fluid to be monitored into the area to be monitored.

Abstract: Art objects are authenticated by using a pair of sealed radioactive sources emitting identical gamma ray spectra unique to that pair. One of the sources is attached to a particular, assigned art object. The surface of the other source is engraved with information relevant to the identity of the particular art object. At a late date, the gamma ray spectra of both sources are obtained and compared, and if they are identical, the art object is authenticated.

Abstract: A method and system for quantitation of blood flow rates by using digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) images, wherein the spatial shift of the distribution of contrast material injected into an opacified vessel in the acquired angiographic images is analyzed as a bolus of the contrast material proceeds through the vessel. In order to determine the distance that the bolus travels between image acquisitions, there is obtained from the DSA images the distribution of vessel contrast along the length of the vessel, called and "distance-density" curve. The distance that the contrast material travels during the time between two images acquisitions is determined by means of cross correlation of the two respective distance-density curves. The flow rate between the image acquisitions is calculated by multiplying this distance by the frame rate and the vessel cross-sectional area which is estimated from the vessel size assuming a circular cross section.

Abstract: Radioactively contaminated objects are placed into a borofluoric acid bath following a rough spot test and are precipitated in a measurable geometry on the cathode plates in the course of an electrolytic process, for example. In the course of the subsequent testing, the metals lying below a pre-determined maximum value of radioactive emissions are separated and supplied to the waste reclamation. The materials lying above this threshold value during the spot testing are first decontaminated and then placed in the acid bath. The borofluoric acid is not used up in this process and remains in the system. It is possible to use already radioactively contaminated boric acid from pressurized water reactors, to which it is merely required to add fluoric acid and to distill, for generating borofluoric acid. The method in accordance with the invention reduces the radioactive waste and reduces the testing and administrative effort required for the release of the non-radioactive materials.

Abstract: Marking tape adapted for use in autography, comprising: a substrate having an upper surface, a phosphorescent coating applied to the upper surface, the coating including phosphor powder grains, the grains phosphorescing with light at a wavelength between 400 and 600 nm upon exposure to UV or visible light, the phosphorescing occurring for a period of at least 5 minutes after the exposure, the concentration of the grains being sufficient to emit sufficient photons and thereby cause X-ray film having a sensitivity of 2000 EI to darken to an optical density of between 0.2 and 3.0.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for controllably injection a radioactive isotope tracer fluid into a fracture fluid, a manifold or mud flow line connected to a well. It is best used in measuring well stimulation procedures based on injection of tracer isotopes so that stimulation performance data can be obtained by gamma ray spectroscopic measuring instruments lowered in the well borehole after fracture. The present apparatus utilizes a tank supply of tracer fluid connected through a pump into the mud line wherein the pump drives a tachometer, and utilizes a CPU to respond to pumping rate measurements and adjust the pumped rate of the tracer fluid.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one dynamic flow characteristic of a multiphase flow circulating in a pipe, the flow being composed of a lighter dispersed-phase and a heavier continuous-phase. A tracer is discharged (or activated) into the flow at a chosen first location in the pipe by mixing (or activating) a portion of the tracer with the continuous-phase therein. The tracer concentration at a chosen second location in the pipe is measured with a detector as a function of time t, so as to obtain a signal S(t). Then a relationship is fitted to the signal S(t) so as to derive the values of the velocity U of the continuous phase and/or of a dispersion coefficient k. The slip velocity v.sub.s of the dispersed phase relative to the velocity of the continuous phase is also advantageously determined. From the values of velocities U and v.sub.s and from the volume fraction y.sub.

Abstract: A process for testing leaks of a package (20) comprises the steps of introducing the package (20) into a chamber (30) and pressurizing the chamber (30) with a radioisotopic gas (14). After the package (20) has been removed from the chamber (30), a plurality of detectors (46) sense the gamma-ray emission from the individual packages (29). A conveyor system (44) can be employed to move the packages (20) during high volume production.

Abstract: A process for measuring the thickness of the cement surrounding a casing in a borehole wherein a radioactive tracer is mixed with the cement and the response is monitored to determine the cement thickness. An alternate method is the mixing of a material with the cement that can be activated by a neutron source with the resulting activity being measured to determine the cement thickness.

Abstract: A method for quantifying transcytosis through the blood-brain barier by infusing a perfusate into the brain of a living mammal. The perfusate includes a radio-labelled test compound and a radio-labelled marker compound. The perfused brain is removed from the animal and homogenized. The homogenized brain is separated into a microvasculature fraction and a supernatant fraction. The net volume of distribution of the test compound in the supernatant is calculated and corrected to provide an accurate measure of transcytosis through the blood brain barrier.

Abstract: Residual core material can be detected inside hollow cast articles using positron emission tomography. Positron radio-isotope material is inducted into any residual core material present by immersing a cast article in an aqueous solution of radio-isotope emitter, for example gallium. Absorbed gallium subsequently emits positrons which are annihilated in collisions with electrons emitting two 511 KeV gamma rays in diametrically opposite directions. The emissions are detected and tracked by a PET camera and the resulting images correlated with a sectioned image of the article as a check on the location of detected core material. Initially a low-dose-rate solution for the purpose of merely establishing the presence of core material is used but a second optional process step introduces a more active solution allowing a PET camera to collect sufficient data to image absorbed isotope.