Methods of preparation of microparticles for radioactive particle tracking experiments

Radioactive particle tracking (RPT) technique is a relatively newer technique for the characterization of flow of process materials (liquids, solids) in laboratory- and pilot-scale industrial systems. The technique uses a single particle labelled with a suitable radioisotope having similar physical properties to that of the bulk of the process material. The preparation of a representative radioactive microparticle is a challenging task in the implementation of the technique. There are no standard methods available for the preparation of radioactive microparticles. This paper discusses some of the methods of preparation of radioactive microparticles for RPT studies. A few examples of RPT applications using the prepared microparticles are also discussed. •Various methods of preparation of microparticles used in RPT are discussed.•The sol–gel and and melt quench methods are most promising methods.•Potential radioisotopes used in RPT studies are discussed.•Prepared microparticles were used in RPT studies in fluidized bed and bubble column.