A new Am–Be PGNAA setup for element determination in aqueous solution. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yongsheng, Ling; Wenbao, Jia; Daqian, Hei; Qing, Shan; Can, Cheng; Haojia, Zhang; Wenyu, Hou; Yanquan, He; Da, Chen
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 95(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 233
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis -- MOCA code -- Detection limit; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.11.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: A new prompt-gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) setup has been designed for element determination in aqueous solution with a 300 mCi 241 Am–Be neutron source and a 4 in.×3 in. (diameter×height) BGO detector, uncooled. A polyethylene cylindrical sample container approximately 40 cm in outer radius and 80 cm in height was used. To reduce the neutron dose in the detector, a block of 5 cm thickness Li2 CO3 was placed between the source and the detector for separation, but no gamma-blocker was used. By adjusting the position of the detector and optimizing the geometrical conditions of the setup, the element detection limit with a low activity neutron source was further improved. This methodology was checked by simulations with chlorine, mercury and cadmium determination and by experiments with chlorine determination in aqueous samples. The results show a good linear relationship between chlorine concentration and the count of its characteristic peak, and the detection limit of chlorine can reach 41.7 mg/L with a collection time of 3600 s for each spectrum. Additionally, a linear relationship was identified between mercury concentration and the count of its characteristic peak, but for cadmium, a non-linear relationship was observed in the simulations. Highlights: A new Am–Be PGNAA setup developed for element determination in aqueous solution. A 300 mCi 241 Am–Be neutron source and a 4-inch BGO detector (4×3 in. 2 diameter×height) used. To make further improvement in element detection limit with a low activity neutron source, by adjusting the position of the detector and optimization of the geometrical conditions of the setup. A good linear relationship between the chlorine concentration and the count of its characteristic peak in experiments. A low detection limit of chlorine using this setup.