Method and installation for the analysis by neutron activation of a flow of material in bulk
US5162095A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 1992 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2223/635
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method for analysis of the content of certain elements in a continuous flow of bulk materials by neutron bombardment and measurement of the gamma radiation emitted by such elements, which makes it possible to distinguish between the capture radiation and the activation radiation. The neutron source is a neutron-generating tube which is activated periodically. The signals from a single gamma radiation detector are considered only after neutron emission has ceased, during distinct intervals corresponding to the phenomena of capture and radiation of the activated elements, respectively. The respective signals are treated in two distinct measurement routes, and the measurements are then combined automatically. A third measurements route can be provided for gamma radiation resulting from inelastic collisions. The source and the detector are positioned in a probe lodged in a polyethylene protective tube within the flow of the materials. The installation is used to analyze large flows of minerals without taking samples, in the mining, cement, and aluminum industries.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.