Element analyzer utilizing neutron activation. [nuclear reactor not required because only low neutron fluxes are needed]

Patent · Tue Dec 02 04:00:00 EST 1975

OSTI ID:7356611

Koslow, E E

Apparatus is provided utilizing neutron activation to nondestructively analyze the elemental composition within a sample comprising a specimen and a dielectric medium. The apparatus comprises a base having an opening defining a double elliptical cavity therein. The inner walls of the cavity are coated with a reflective surface to enhance the focusing properties of the cavity. Means are provided for transporting the sample into the cavity, wherein a neutron source is utilized to irradiate the sample causing the emission of particles. The particles travel through the medium and emit a pulse of light. Detector means are provided for detecting the pulses and for generating a signal in accordance therewith. The shape of the cavity ensures that neutrons from the source will pass through a boron hydrocarbon liquid present in the cavity prior to entrance into the detector means. The boron hydrocarbon absorbs these neutrons preventing the neutrons from activating the detectors giving rise to excessive background signal which reduces the accuracy of the analyses. The appropriate processing circuitry for counting and analyzing the signals generated by detecting means is also provided. The apparatus requires only relatively low neutron fluxes to operate and yield analytically sensitive and accurate results thereby eliminating the necessity for the use of a nuclear reactor in conjunction therewith. 38 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures.

• Assignee: TIC; EDB-76-082378; ERA-02-001401
• Patent Number(s): US 3924132
• OSTI ID: 7356611
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400101 -- Activation
Nuclear Reaction
Radiometric & Radiochemical Procedures
440103* -- Radiation Instrumentation-- Nuclear Spectroscopic Instrumentation
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DESIGN
DIELECTRIC MATERIALS
HALF-LIFE
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MODIFICATIONS
MULTI-ELEMENT ANALYSIS
NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYZERS
NEUTRON FLUX
NEUTRON SOURCES
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
PARTICLE SOURCES
RADIATION FLUX
RADIATION SOURCES
SAMPLE PREPARATION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TRACE AMOUNTS