Detection and depth profiling of hazardous elements using N-SCAN prompt gamma neutron activation analysis

Journal Article · Sun Dec 31 00:00:00 EST 1995 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:186515

Ruddy, F H; Congedo, T V; Dulloo, A R ^[1]

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1. Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (United States); and others

A low-background method of prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) has been developed and demonstrated. This method employs a pulsed electronic neutron generator, a high resolution, high purity germanium detector, and microsecond coordination of neutron pulsing and gamma detection through a computer-controlled acquisition interface module. The system has been used to detect trace amounts of hazardous elements in concretes and soils to provide depth profiles of contaminant burden down to nearly 1 ft in packed soil, and also to perform rapid identification of the contents of munitions bearing simulants of chemical weapons agents.

• OSTI ID: 186515
• Report Number(s): CONF-950601-; ISSN 0003-018X; TRN: 96:006949
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 72; Conference: Annual meeting of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), Philadelphia, PA (United States), 25-29 Jun 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
35 ARMS CONTROL
MERCURY
NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
CADMIUM
CHLORINE
CONCRETES
DEPTH
DETECTION
RESOLUTION
SOILS
TRACE AMOUNTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HIGH-PURITY GE DETECTORS
WEAPONS