Vistas in the development of nuclear instruments for the industry

Various quantitative features (level height, limits, addition control, counting of pieces, thickness, layer-thickness, surface weight, surface area) and qualitative properties (density, moisture content, porosity, grain structure, elemental composition, concentration, ash content, environmental radioactivity) of samples of different physical conditions are determined by nuclear instruments for industrial purposes. Because solving all theses problems by one universal type of device is not economical at present, instruments having common units are to be planned. The principal scheme of nuclear instruments for industry is presented. Four device families are applied in Hungary: universal industrial ratemeter, multichannel dosemeter, mains operated and portable counters for detectors in pulsed operation, electrometer type instrument for ionization chambers. The directions of future developments are summarized, especially the application of microprocessors and control instruments are emphasized. (V.N.)