Feasibility study of a novel level meter using cosmic-ray muons

Abstract

Conventional non-radioactive industrial level meters have limitations in large container monitoring, including limited measurement approaches and poor adaptability in severe working conditions. In addition, techniques based on artificial radiation sources pose challenges, such as safety risks and higher management costs. This study proposes a novel non-contact level detection method based on cosmic-ray muons, which takes advantage of their strong penetration capability and natural abundance while obviating the need for artificial radiation sources, thereby overcoming monitoring limitations in complex industrial scenarios with high dust and strong corrosion conditions. Two innovative detection schemes were developed: the flux measurement system enabling full-scale continuous monitoring through double-layer scintillator detector plates and the track reconstruction system achieving spatial resolution via orthogonal scintillator strip arrays to determine directional muon flux variations. Monte Carlo simulation studies verified the quantitative relationship between material-level height and muon flux attenuation. The simulation results show that the flux measurement scheme detects a material-level change of 0.2 m in 5 min, while the track reconstruction scheme resolves the level distribution features through track reconstruction. Experimental verification under equivalent material conditions demonstrated a 40–60 cm height resolution within 15-min measurements. The research establishes a safe, low-cost monitoring solution for industrial material-level detection, particularly suitable for high-risk scenarios, such as chemical storage containers.