Granulometric Analysis: Radionuclide Activity, Uranium, Thorium & Potassium

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In summary: There does not appear to be a specific or unique relationship, but rather, it is geologically or geographically dependent.
  • #1
hariprasath
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why do we need to determine the particle size while estimating the activity of radionuclides?
is there any relation between the particle size (sand, silt and clay) and primordial radionuclide?
will the content of uranium, thorium and potassium rely on particle sizes?
 
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  • #2
hariprasath said:
why do we need to determine the particle size while estimating the activity of radionuclides?
is there any relation between the particle size (sand, silt and clay) and primordial radionuclide?
will the content of uranium, thorium and potassium rely on particle sizes?
Is one referring to ores? Particle size and composition are important with respect to shielding of alpha and beta activity, and alpha more so than beta. The composition, i.e., the proportion that is U or Th in the mineral is also important with respect to obtaining a correct assay. U and Th ores represent a variety of compositions with varying levels of U or Th compounds.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium_ore

With respect to economics, one wishes to identify deposits that have the highest concentration of U or Th. This is also the motivation for any of the economically important elements, e.g., Au, Ag, REE, Pt, Rh, Co, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zr, . . . . .
 
  • #3
thanks for the reply,
do there exists any relation between the minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) that is found in the sediments with that of radionuclides (U, Th, K)?
 
  • #4
hariprasath said:
thanks for the reply,
do there exists any relation between the minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) that is found in the sediments with that of radionuclides (U, Th, K)?
There does not appear to be a specific or unique relationship, but rather, it is geologically or geographically dependent. For example, vanadium occurs in about 152 minerals, which could include various iron ores, but it is also a byproduct of certain uranium ores.

There is an example of uranium with Fe and Mn minerals, "The Ningyo-Toge uranium deposit is one of the typical sedimentary uranium deposits in Japan. In general, during weathering, U is removed from the basal granite through underground water. The underground water in this area is rich in U, and has a comparatively high concentration of Fe and Mn." http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0009254187901367

See page 275 in http://www.minsocam.org/msa/OpenAccess_publications/Craig_Vaughan/Craig_Vaughan_Chptr_10.pdf
The text discusses URANIUM-VANADIUM-COPPER ORES ASSOCIATED WITH SANDSTONES AND UNCONFORMITY-TYPE URANIUM DEPOSITS

One can also research Monazite and its distribution.
 
  • #5
thank you for the answer sir, the link i went through is also useful in clarifying the doubts.
 

1. What is granulometric analysis?

Granulometric analysis is a scientific method used to determine the size distribution of particles in a given sample. This can be done through various techniques, such as sieving, sedimentation, or laser diffraction. It is commonly used in fields such as geology, environmental science, and material science.

2. How is radionuclide activity measured in granulometric analysis?

In granulometric analysis, radionuclide activity is typically measured using gamma spectroscopy. This involves using a gamma-ray detector to measure the energy and intensity of gamma rays emitted by the radioactive particles in the sample. The activity is then calculated based on the detected gamma rays.

3. Why is uranium, thorium, and potassium often analyzed in granulometric studies?

Uranium, thorium, and potassium are naturally occurring radioactive elements that are commonly found in rocks and soils. They have long half-lives and can provide valuable information about the age and composition of a sample. These elements are also important in environmental studies, as they can indicate potential health risks in areas with high levels of radioactivity.

4. What are the potential applications of granulometric analysis?

Granulometric analysis has a wide range of applications, including mineral exploration, soil analysis, pharmaceutical development, and environmental monitoring. It can also be used in industrial processes to determine the particle size of raw materials or to monitor the quality of finished products.

5. What are the limitations of using granulometric analysis for radionuclide activity?

While granulometric analysis can provide valuable information about radionuclide activity, it does have some limitations. For example, it may not be able to accurately measure very small particles or particles that are not uniformly distributed in the sample. Additionally, the presence of other radioactive elements or non-radioactive particles in the sample can affect the accuracy of the results.

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