Advantages and disadvantages of artificial radioactive sources

Advantages

1. require no electric power supply; easy to use in the field

2. can be obtained in a range of source diameters, so that if necessary a very short source-to-film distance with a small diameter source can be used, for example, for pipes of small diameter

3. a wide variety of radiation hardnesses

4. higher radiation hardness (more penetration power) than those of conventional X-ray equipment can be selected

Disadvantages

1. cannot be switched off

2. the energy level (radiation hardness) cannot be adjusted

3. the intensity cannot be adjusted

4. limited service life due to source deterioration (half-life)

5. less contrast than X-ray equipment