Isotope probe
An isotope probe or Troxler probe (after the manufacturer Troxler Electronic Laboratories ) is used for the non-destructive density and / or moisture measurement with the aid of radioisotopes . It is used in building construction , road construction and civil engineering .
Depending on the model, measurements of the density and water content can be made to a depth of 30 cm . An evaluation of the data also allows the ( Proctor ) degree of compaction and the void content to be determined .
functionality
Depending on the area of application, the probe is equipped with a gamma emitter , a neutron emitter or as a combination device with both components.
For measuring the density of a soil or asphalt is gamma emitters required. The probe is placed on the material to be examined. The radiation source emits radiation that is weakened and scattered by the material. With the help of the integrated counter tube , these differences can be determined and conclusions can be drawn about the density of the material. This evaluation runs fully automatically in the device.
The neutron emitter is used to measure the moisture of a substance (e.g. a building site or thermal insulation ) . The emitted neutrons penetrate the material and are slowed down by hydrogen atoms. The stronger the deceleration, the higher the humidity.
The Troxler company uses the cesium isotope 137 Cs as a gamma ray source . The americium isotope 241 Am / Be serves as the neutron source .
Approval
Since radioactive substances are built into isotope probes, strict regulations apply to the acquisition and possession of the devices as well as to their handling and transport. Among other things, official handling and transport permits are required. Furthermore, warning signs must be used to indicate the radioactive hazard in a vehicle in which an isotope probe is being transported.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d Description of the Troxler models. Frutiger AG, accessed on June 20, 2013 .
- ↑ Soil investigation. (PDF, ~ 1 MB) (No longer available online.) Röhrenwerk Kupferdreh Carl Hamm GmbH, archived from the original on February 22, 2014 ; Retrieved June 20, 2013 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Data sheet of a combined density / humidity measuring device. Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc., accessed June 20, 2013 .
