5.2 Industrial Applications

Beyond medicine and energy, radiation is a powerful tool in many industrial processes, improving product quality, efficiency, and safety.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

**Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)** is a method of inspecting materials, components, or systems for defects without causing any damage.

Industrial Radiography: Similar to a medical X-ray, this technique uses gamma rays or high-energy X-rays to inspect objects like welds in pipelines, aircraft parts, and pressure vessels for internal flaws. This allows engineers to detect cracks or voids that could compromise safety.

Sterilization

Radiation is highly effective at sterilizing medical equipment, food, and other consumer products by destroying microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Medical Sterilization: Disposable medical devices, such as syringes, gloves, and surgical instruments, are sterilized using gamma radiation (typically from a Cobalt-60 source) to ensure they are free of contamination.
Food Irradiation: This process uses ionizing radiation to extend the shelf life of food by killing bacteria and insects, and preventing sprouting in vegetables. This technology is a safe and regulated method for ensuring food safety.

Gauging and Measurement

Radiation sources can be used to measure the thickness or density of materials in industrial settings.

Thickness Gauges: By placing a radiation source on one side of a material and a detector on the other, the amount of transmitted radiation can be used to precisely measure the material's thickness. This is used for quality control in manufacturing processes for paper, sheet metal, and plastic films.
Level Gauges: A radiation source and a detector can be used to monitor the level of a liquid or solid in a container without making physical contact. When the level rises, more radiation is attenuated, and the detector signal drops, indicating the fill level.