Nuclear Research Institute "Non-Destructive Testing Using Accelerators... Opened and Utilized for Industries"

by Jeong Ilwoong

Published 23 Apr.2024 09:42(KST)

A neutron imaging inspection device using an accelerator (non-destructive testing technology) has been developed. This device is expected to be widely utilized on-site in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors in the future.

Conceptual diagram of a cyclotron-based neutron imaging inspection device (above) and actual appearance (below). Provided by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced on the 23rd that it has succeeded in developing a neutron imaging inspection device capable of producing clear images by generating neutrons with a particle accelerator called a ‘cyclotron’ and conducting non-destructive testing.

In industrial sites, non-destructive testing is mainly used for quality control of products. This is because X-ray transmission has limitations when analyzing metal products. However, in such cases, inspection using neutrons is necessary, and domestically, neutron inspection was only possible through the research reactor Hanaro, which imposed restrictions.

This created an environment where the industry found it difficult to utilize neutron imaging inspection in a timely manner, which was quite different from overseas cases where neutron non-destructive testing using not only research reactors but also small accelerators has been developed and utilized.

To overcome these limitations, Dr. Jeong Bong-gi’s research team from the Nuclear Physics Application Research Division developed a neutron imaging inspection device using a cyclotron accelerator operated at the Advanced Radiation Research Institute located in Jeongeup.

The developed device is significant in that it provides a breakthrough to overcome existing constraints. This device demonstrates a resolution capable of detecting minute defects as small as 0.3 mm, comparable to accelerator-based imaging inspection devices overseas such as those in the United States and Japan. Additionally, it has completed final approval, making it immediately available for use, raising expectations for its application.

Neutrons have the characteristic of reacting with light materials such as hydrogen and lithium, while being able to penetrate heavy materials like metals. This means it is possible to detect defects that were difficult to identify with conventional X-rays or to conduct non-destructive inspections inside metals.

(From left) Researcher Mungmyeong-guk, Head of Nuclear Physics Application Research Department Dongwon Lee, Senior Researcher Bongki Jeong, Head of Cyclotron Application Research Office Junghoon Park, Senior Researcher Jongcheol Lee, and other researchers who led the development of the cyclotron-based neutron imaging inspection device are gathered for a commemorative photo. Provided by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute

The device developed by the research team operates on the principle of irradiating protons generated by the cyclotron onto a beryllium (Be) target to produce neutrons. Even at partial output of the cyclotron, one trillion neutrons are generated per second, with a maximum output of up to 50 trillion neutrons per second.

In this process, the neutrons pass through an object and react with a detector, producing light that creates image visuals?this is the main function of the cyclotron-based neutron imaging inspection device developed by the research team.

The Atomic Energy Research Institute plans to open the developed device for active use in non-destructive testing by industries in the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors. In the long term, it intends to assist in installing and utilizing the device directly at industrial sites.

The research team’s achievements are the result of collaboration among researchers from three departments?the Nuclear Physics Application Research Division, Neutron Science Division, and Cyclotron Application Research Laboratory?at the Atomic Energy Research Institute, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Nuclear Convergence Technology Development Project over four years since 2020.

Lee Dong-won, head of the Nuclear Physics Application Research Division, said, “We hope that accelerator-based neutron imaging inspection technology will be widely utilized in the industrial and defense sectors in the future,” and added, “The Atomic Energy Research Institute will strive to meet industry demands by developing large-capacity, high-speed neutron generation devices.”