A Radioactive Method for Measuring Engine Deposits

THE RADIOACTIVE deposition plug technique is a rapid and sensitive method of measuring engine deposits. The authors report it eliminates hours of engine operation and extensive engine disassembly.

Deposits accumulate on the radioactive surface of a removable plug, and are measured by comparing the attenuation of the radiation by the deposits with that obtained from absorbers of known thickness. Sulfur-35 and cobalt-60, the authors say, have been found to be the most suitable radioisotopes.