Operation of a moisture meter with an epithermal neutron detector

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1970 · Tr. Vses. Nauch.-Issled. Inst. Gidrotekh. Melior., no. 48, pp. 70-76

OSTI ID:4369573

Rode, L G; Nechaev, O M

The use of epithermal neutrons instead of thermal neutrons to determine soil moisture was tested to eliminate the inference of other neutron absorbers, e.g., chlorine. The detector (LDNM) was a plastic cylinder with radial channels in which phosphors were pressed. Using a 0.1--Ci Pu-Be source in the laboratory, comparison of the LDNM with other counters (Cd and B) on moist sand, Al- K alums, and polyethylene showed that at least 65% of the radiation recorded by the LDNM is epithermal neutrons and that, by using two detectors,the free water and water of crystallization can both be determined. The LDNM was also shown to be much less sensitive to the presence of chlorine than were all other detectors tested. (TTT)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-29-007835
• OSTI ID: 4369573
• Journal Information: Tr. Vses. Nauch.-Issled. Inst. Gidrotekh. Melior., no. 48, pp. 70-76, Journal Name: Tr. Vses. Nauch.-Issled. Inst. Gidrotekh. Melior., no. 48, pp. 70-76; ISSN TNGDA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: Russian

Related Subjects

*MOISTURE GAGES-- OPERATION
*SOILS-- MOISTURE
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EPITHERMAL NEUTRONS
N46200* --Instrumentation--Radiometric Instruments
NEUTRON DETECTORS
PERFORMANCE
RADIOMETRIC GAGES
WATER