Balancing chemical elements in metallurgical processes

The principles of the isotopic method of balancing chemical elements in manufacturing processes are discussed. The experimental implementation of the method requires both a physico-chemically representative labelling of sources of the chemical element under test and radiometric measurements of the products obtained in the process. The method of interpretation of the results obtained during radiometric measurements and of the technological data is based on the physico-chemical models of processes being tested. The examples of application of the said method in metallurgical engineering for solving certain practical problems are given. (author)