Validation and calibration apparatus and method for nuclear density gauge
First Claim
1. A field block for use with a nuclear density gauge comprising an absorption element, wherein said absorption element is capable of simulating at least one known density when subjected to analysis using the nuclear density gauge, and, wherein the nuclear density gauge comprises a source rod and detector and said field block is configured to receive said source rod therein, and wherein in operation when subject to analysis using the nuclear density gauge, said source rod and said detector define a detection radiation path having an associated spatial volume therebetween, and wherein said absorption element is configured to extend about a portion of the radiation path to thereby leave a remaining portion of the radiation path free.
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Abstract
A cost effective, field-usable validation and calibration apparatus and method for nuclear density gauges comprises an absorption element, where the absorption element is capable of simulating at least one known density when subjected to analysis using the nuclear density gauge. The absorption element may be positioned inside an enclosure, which also may include an insertion hole capable of receiving a source rod from a nuclear density gauge. The absorption element also can be capable of simulating a plurality of densities, both in backscatter and direct transmission modes. A method of validating and re-calibrating a nuclear density test gauge is also provided, where only a single block of a known density, either a reference block or a field block with a simulated density, is required.
25 Citations
46 Claims
- 1. A field block for use with a nuclear density gauge comprising an absorption element, wherein said absorption element is capable of simulating at least one known density when subjected to analysis using the nuclear density gauge, and, wherein the nuclear density gauge comprises a source rod and detector and said field block is configured to receive said source rod therein, and wherein in operation when subject to analysis using the nuclear density gauge, said source rod and said detector define a detection radiation path having an associated spatial volume therebetween, and wherein said absorption element is configured to extend about a portion of the radiation path to thereby leave a remaining portion of the radiation path free.
- 13. A field block for use with a nuclear density gauge comprising an absorption element, wherein said absorption element is capable of simulating at least one known density when subjected to analysis using the nuclear density gauge, wherein said field block further comprises an enclosure, and wherein said absorption element has an outer surface contour, and wherein said enclosure is substantially hollow and has an inner surface contour, and wherein said enclosure inner surface contour is dissimilar to said absorption element outer surface contour.
- 28. A field block for use with a nuclear density gauge having a source rod and a detector, said field block comprising an absorption element and an upper support platform having opposing outer and inner surfaces defining a thickness therebetween, wherein said absorption element is capable of simulating at least one known density when subjected to analysis using the nuclear density gauge, and wherein, in position for operation, the nuclear density gauge is supported by said field block upper support platform surface, and the source rod and detector define a detection radiation path having an associated spatial volume therebetween, and wherein said absorption element is configured to extend about a portion of the radiation path to thereby leave a major portion of the radiation path free.
- 43. A field block for use with a nuclear density gauge comprising an absorption element, wherein said absorption element is capable of simulating at least one known density when subjected to analysis using the nuclear density gauge, wherein said field block further comprises an enclosure, and wherein said absorption element is translatable from a first operative position to a second operative position, and wherein said enclosure includes a substantially hollow region configured to allow said absorption element to translate in one or more of a linear or rotatable manner within said enclosure.
Specification