THE VALUE OF NUCLEAR MEASUREMENT: A TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF INDUSTRIAL DENSITY GAUGES

a techno-economic analysis of industrial density gauges

Resumo

This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of nuclear density gauges, addressing the factors that influence their industrial implementation. Although established for their ability to perform precise, non-invasive measurements under adverse conditions, the adoption of these gauges faces regulatory and financial barriers. The objective of this study is to detail and quantify these barriers by analyzing the licensing process in Brazil, acquisition costs, and the global market landscape. The analysis demonstrates that the initial investment to acquire a nuclear density gauge is high, compounded by the costs and procedures for licensing and regulatory compliance conducted by the Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN). Conversely, the global market for these devices shows a growth outlook, driven by the demand for process optimization and quality control in strategic sectors such as civil construction and mining. It is concluded that, despite the high entry cost and the radiological safety requirements, nuclear density gauges possess an added value that sustains their market demand, making the analysis of their economic viability a critical factor in investment decisions.