Nuclear Methods in Mineral Exploration and Production

Developments in Economic Geology, 7: Nuclear Methods in Mineral Exploration and Production elaborates on the status of applicable nuclear techniques used in mineral exploration and production. The selection first offers information on radiometric methods and X-ray analysis in mineral exploration. Discussions focus on gamma-ray spectrometry, radon detection, autoradiography of uranium and thorium, X-ray diffraction, and application of X-ray analysis. The text then examines X-ray fluorescence geochemical analysis on the surface of Mars and radioactivation methods, as well as nuclear geochemical measurements of planetary surface; radioactivation methods for mineral exploration; and radioactivation sources. The publication takes a look at nuclear well logging for petroleum and the potential of plowshare for resource development. Topics include natural radiation, induced logs, description of potential applications related to energy resources, and obstacles to the development of a commercial plowshare program in the U.S. The selection is a dependable source of data for readers interested in the use of nuclear techniques in mineral production and exploration.

PrefaceList of ContributorsChapter 1. Introduction Summary ReferencesChapter 2. Radiometric Methods Introduction Gamma-Ray Spectrometry The Gamma-Ray Spectrum Data Reduction Detector Systems Field Applications Autoradiography of Uranium and Thorium Alpha Autoradiography The Fission-Track Method Radon Detection Physical Parameters Sampling and Analysis Conclusions ReferencesChapter 3. X-Ray Analysis in Mineral Exploration Introduction X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis Generation of X-Rays Absorption and Secondary Fluorescence Qualitative Fluorescence Analysis Quantitative Fluorescence Analysis Sample Preparation (Quantitative Analysis) X-Ray Diffraction Analysis X-Ray Diffraction Theory Qualitative Analysis Quantitative Analysis Sample Preparation Accuracy and Sensitivity Instrumentation X-Ray Fluorescence X-Ray Diffractometry Special Instrumentation Future Trends Application of X-Ray Analysis Non-Metallic Minerals Energy Materials Metals Conclusions ReferencesChapter 4. X-Ray Fluorescence Geochemical Analysis on the Surface of Mars Introduction The Viking Mission to Mars Designing an Instrument for Space Previous Nuclear Geochemical Measurements of Planetary Surface Instrument Description Methods of Data Interpretation Mars Results Acknowledgments ReferencesChapter 5. Radioactivation Methods Introduction Theoretical Considerations Gamma Group Neutron Group Neutron-Gamma Transport Radioactivation Sources Radioisotopic Neutron Sources Accelerator Neutron Sources Gamma-Ray Sources Radioactivation Methods for Mineral Exploration Introduction Significance of Borehole Analysis for Deposit Evaluation Application of Radioactivation Methods Ongoing and Future Developments ReferencesChapter 6. Nuclear Well Logging for Petroleum Introduction Natural Radiation Natural Gamma-Ray Log Induced Logs Induced Gamma-Ray Logs Neutron LogsChapter 7. The Potential of Plowshare for Resource Development Introduction Phenomenology Cavity and Chimney Formation Seismic Effects Radioactivity Production, Distribution, and Transport Summary of PNE Contained Underground Experiments Conducted through 1975 Description of Potential Applications Related to Energy Resources Storage Oil Shale Gas Stimulation U.S.S.R. Program Excavation Experiments and Applications Contained Experiments and Applications Obstacles To The Development of a Commercial Plowshare Program in the U.S Economic Obstacles Political Obstacles Social Obstacles ReferencesAppendix. Fundamentals of Atomic and Nuclear Physics Atomic Structure The Nucleus Electrons Isotopes and Radioactivity Radioactivity Half-Life Properties Of Rays and Particles Emitted by Radionuclides Alpha Radiation (A) Beta Radiation Gamma Rays (7) Units of Radioactivity The Curie Decay Series The Neutron Compound Nucleus Cross-Section Artificial Radioactivity Statistical Considerations in Measurement of Radioactivity ReferencesSubject Index