Simulation-based nuclear method for quality control of polyethylene pipes in production lines using GEANT4

Defect detection during pipeline production is essential to enhance efficiency, improve product quality, and ensure safety. One of the primary challenges in polyethylene pipe manufacturing is distinguishing between intact and defective pipes during the production process. In this study, nuclear techniques were employed for defect detection in polyethylene pipes using the GEometry ANd Tracking (GEANT4) simulation tool. The simulation was conducted in two detection configurations: a single NaI(Tl) scintillation detector setup and a NaI(Tl) scintillation quadruple-detector system. Three different pipe conditions-an intact pipe and two defective pipes with vertical and horizontal defects-were analyzed using Co-60 and Cs-137 radiation sources with activities of 15 mCi and 30 mCi, respectively. The simulation results indicated that defective pipes exhibited lower photon attenuation compared to intact pipes. Specifically, the photon detection percentages for Cs-137 and Co-60 sources at 15 mCi were: 76.21 % and 78.26 % (intact pipe), 77.16 % and 79.21 % (horizontal defect), and 77.35 % and 79.29 % (vertical defect). At 30 mCi, the values were: 84.32 % and 88.63 % (intact), 85.80 % and 89.74 % (horizontal defect), and 86.79 % and 90.42 % (vertical defect), respectively. Further analyses demonstrated that the Cs-137 source with an activity of 30 mCi and the quadruple cubic detector configuration were the most suitable choice for implementing this defect detection system. This system provides a cost-effective and efficient method for accurately assessing the quality of polyethylene pipe production in industrial settings.