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Title: The Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis Facility at ICN-Pitesti

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2979079· OSTI ID:21152372
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Institute for Nuclear Research, Pitesti-Mioveni, 115400 (Romania)
  2. University Babes-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca(Romania)

PGNAA is a very widely applicable technique for determining the presence and amount of many elements simultaneously in samples ranging in size from micrograms to many grams. PGNAA is characterized by its capability for nondestructive multi-elemental analysis and its ability to analyse elements that cannot be determined by INAA. By means of this PGNAA method we are able to increase the performance of INAA method. A facility has been developed at Institute for Nuclear Research-Pitesti so that the unique features of prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis can be used to measure trace and major elements in samples. The facility is linked at the radial neutron beam tube at ACPR-TRIGA reactor. During the PGNAA-facility is in use the ACPR reactor will be operated in steady-state mode at 250 KW maximum power. The facility consists of a radial beam-port, external sample position with shielding, and induced prompt gamma-ray counting system.Thermal neutron flux with energy lower than cadmium cut-off at the sample position was measured using thin gold foil is: {phi}{sub scd} = 1.10{sup 6} n/cm{sup 2}/s with a cadmium ratio of:80.The gamma-ray detection system consist of an HpGe detector of 16% efficiency (detector model GC1518) with 1.85 keV resolution capability. The HpGe is mounted with its axis at 90 deg. with respect to the incident neutron beam at distance about 200mm from the sample position. To establish the performance capabilities of the facility, irradiation of pure element or sample compound standards were performed to identify the gama-ray energies from each element and their count rates.

OSTI ID:
21152372
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1036, Issue 1; Conference: 1. international workshop on proficiency testing in applications of the ionizing radiation and nuclear analytical techniques in industry, medicine and environment, Bucharest (Romania), 6-9 Oct 2008; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2979079; (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English