Feasibility of UXO detection via pulsed neutron-neutron logging

The technique of pulsed neutron-neutron logging (PNNL) is applied in geosciences and petrol chemistry in order to measure hydrogen sources in downhole oil exploration. 14.1MeV neutrons from a deuterium-tritium fusion source provide also the capabilities for a time-of-flight based approach to identif...

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Main Authors: Köhli, Markus (Author) , Schmoldt, Jan-Philipp (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 17. August 2022
In: Applied radiation and isotopes
Year: 2022, Volume: 188, Pages: 1-6
ISSN:1872-9800
DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110403
Online Access:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110403
Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969804322002895
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Author Notes:Markus Köhli, Jan-Philipp Schmoldt
Description
Summary:The technique of pulsed neutron-neutron logging (PNNL) is applied in geosciences and petrol chemistry in order to measure hydrogen sources in downhole oil exploration. 14.1MeV neutrons from a deuterium-tritium fusion source provide also the capabilities for a time-of-flight based approach to identify the fillers of unexploded ordnances (UXO) by characterizing their hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen contents. Using the Monte-Carlo tool URANOS we find that soil moisture is the key variable for the penetration depth of neutrons into the ground. Later detection windows after the initial pulse are to be preferred over earlier thresholds. Taking exemplarily a 100lb and a 1000lb bomb the range in a typical soil configuration is found to lie between 10cm and 50cm at a soil bulk density of 1.4g/cm3. Yet, other objects like a steel bar can cause similar signatures of signal dampening.
Item Description:Gesehen am 12.10.2023
Online verfügbar: 6. August 2022, Artikelversion: 17. August 2022
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1872-9800
DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110403