DIANE neutron radiography device performance: comparison with reactor beam

Abstract Neutron radiography is an effective nondestructive inspection method; however its use has been limited by the lack of equipment small enough for in-plant industrial applications in facilities with limited radioprotection. Attempts have been made with prototypes using accelerators, but these specific tools are not easily accepted by industrial users. New stationary or maneuverable equipment using recently available high-output long-lifetime neutron generators basically changes this situation. This on-off equipment gives near-reactor image quality with simple and safe operating conditions which are practically the same as are those currently used with industrial X-ray. The equipment is described, and some application examples are given.