Trends in X-, gamma and neutron radiographic imaging at IGCAR Kalpakkam

In the nuclear fuel cycle, right from raw material stage through fabrication and in service inspection upto the retirement of the component, NDE is an indispensable tool. While X- and gamma radiography is quite common, neutron radiography is a very efficient and complementary tool which can enhance investigations in the field of non-destructive testing as well as in many fundamental research applications. The main advantage of neutrons compared to X-rays is its ability to penetrate heavy elements and also image light elements (i.e. with low atomic numbers) such as hydrogen, water, carbon etc. This is because, neutrons interact with the nucleus rather than with the outer electron in the shell. This also makes it possible to distinguish between different isotopes of the same element by neutron radiography. The KAMINI reactor at IGCAR is a versatile and unique facility wherein extensive work has been undertaken on neutron radiography and activation analysis. Apart from conventional neutron radiography using transfer technique, real time neutron imaging of fuel pins and other objects have also been carried out. Using Beam purity indicator and sensitivity indicator, the neutron beam from KAMINI has also been characterized. This paper focuses on the developments and applications of digital imaging NDE using X-, gamma and neutrons at IGCAR. Both 2-dimensional imaging and -D tomography has been undertaken. Case studies undertaken for strategic and core industries including societal applications such as in cultural heritage is also highlighted. Advanced image processing and analysis has also been applied for enhancing the sensitivity and better defect quantification