Accelerators for Inspection
Accelerators are used for non-destructive testing and inspections to examine materials, find defects, assess hazards and identify contraband. They enable high-resolution imaging and analysis which is vital for industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction.
Applications:
Airport Security
Accelerators are used in X-ray scanners at airports to provide detailed images of luggage and cargo. These high-resolution scans strengthen security measures by detecting hidden explosives, weapons, and banned substances.
Industrial Quality Control
In manufacturing, accelerators are employed for non-destructive testing to detect internal defects in products, materials, and welds. This improves the safety and quality of critical components without damaging the items under inspection.
Aerospace Component Testing
A specific application of the above, the aerospace sector relies heavily on accelerators to inspect critical components such as turbine blades, engine parts, and fuselage structures. Non-destructive imaging helps detect internal flaws that could lead to catastrophic failure, greatly improving the safety of airplane parts.
Civil Infrastructure Inspection
Accelerators provide non-destructive testing solutions for large-scale civil infrastructure, such as bridges, buildings, and pipelines. High-energy X-rays penetrate thick materials like concrete and steel, allowing inspectors to detect internal damage, corrosion, or structural weaknesses.
Archaeological Artifact Analysis
In archaeology, accelerators are used for non-destructive testing of ancient artifacts. Techniques like X-ray imaging allow researchers to study the internal structures of artifacts, such as tools, pottery, and mummies, without damaging them.
Nitrogen Detection for Security
Accelerators are utilized to detect nitrogen-rich materials, such as explosives, using nuclear resonance absorption techniques. Generating mono-energetic gamma rays that are specifically absorbed by nitrogen nuclei enable safe and non-destructive identification of explosive substances during security inspections.
Articles
Electron Accelerators for Novel Cargo Inspection Methods – S. Kutsaev
Accelerators for nondestructive testing – V. Kovalev
Portable linear accelerators for X-ray and electron-beam applications in civil engineering – R. Owen
Low Energy Accelerators for Cargo Inspection – C. Tang
Nondestructive Testing and Inspection Using Electron Linacs – W. Reed
Radio frequency linear accelerators for NDT applications: Basic overview of RF linacs – H. Hansen
Presentations
Rapiscan Systems: The Why, What and How of Particle Accelerators for Security
Podcasts/Videos
High Energy X-ray Solution for NDT(Large-scale inspection of engines, air parts, blades)
Additional Resources
Stasuk Testing & Inspections: Heavy Wall & Casting Radiography
Security and Cargo Inspection use High-Energy X-ray Linear Accelerators (LINACs) – S. Hanna
Accelerators for Society: Accelerators for Material Characterisation