A neutron scattering soil moisture measurement system with a linear response. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balaghi, S.; Ghal–Eh, N.; Mohammadi, A.; Vega–Carrillo, H.R.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 142(2018:Dec.)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Soil moisture -- Neutron -- Scattering; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: A prototype moisture measurement system was designed and constructed, based on neutron scattering, for preforming measurements in the laboratory. The system consisted of a rectangular soil container, an 241 Am/Be neutron source and two parallel 10 BF3 detectors (one near the source and the other far from it). Neutrons from the source are moderated and backscattered within the soil sample before being detected by two parallel counters, whose count ratios are shown to be linearly related to the soil moisture even within short measurement times. The system's performance was demonstrated using the Monte Carlo simulations, and a series of measurements on soil samples made of clay (40 wt%) and sand (60 wt%), mixed with different percentages of water. The results showed that the detectors response ratio is linear, up to about 25% of water content. Highlights: A moisture measurement system was designed and constructed. The system was built with an 241 Am/Be neutron source and two BF3 detectors (one near and the other far from the source). Monte Carlo simulations and measurements showed the ratio of the near–to–far detector response was liberally proportional to the moisture up to 25% water content.