Continuous Neutron Activation Analysis for Multielement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multielement analysis methods using neutron activation face challenges in achieving flexible, nondestructive, and reliable measurements, particularly for samples with complex geometries or compositions, due to the need for pulsed irradiation and time windows that limit measurement flexibility and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for continuous non-pulsed neutron irradiation, allowing simultaneous measurement of gamma radiation during irradiation without time windows, enabling the detection of both prompt and delayed gamma radiation for more accurate elemental analysis, regardless of sample type or size, using a neutron generator that produces fast neutrons in the range of 10 keV to 20 MeV.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pulsed neutron irradiation is used with time windows, then measurement precision can be maintained by avoiding prompt gamma radiation interference, but measurement flexibility and productivity are reduced due to waiting times and temporal coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegamma radiation measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic pulsed neutron irradiation where neutrons are emitted in regular pulses with specific timing. By synchronizing the detection system to operate during specific phases of the pulse cycle (during irradiation and immediately after), the method captures both prompt and delayed gamma radiation without interference, eliminating the need for waiting periods while maintaining measurement accuracy through the periodic structure of the irradiation cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If pulsed irradiation with time windows is implemented, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved by filtering out prompt gamma radiation, but device complexity and operational complexity increase due to temporal coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidtemporal coordination system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection of prompt gamma radiation and delayed gamma radiation into a single unified detection process. By removing the temporal separation between detecting different radiation types and using a single detector system that operates continuously during and after pulse emission, the method maintains high signal-to-noise ratio while eliminating complex temporal coordination requirements between multiple detection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If continuous non-pulsed neutron irradiation is used, then measurement flexibility and productivity are improved by allowing simultaneous measurement without time windows, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to prompt gamma radiation interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidgamma radiation measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous neutron irradiation where the neutron source operates without interruption, continuously emitting neutrons that induce both prompt and delayed gamma radiation in the sample. The detection system operates continuously throughout the irradiation period, capturing all gamma radiation events in real-time without gaps or time windows, thereby maintaining high measurement precision through continuous data acquisition while maximizing productivity through uninterrupted irradiation and measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides a flexible, robust, and reproducible method for multielement analysis, reducing measurement time and improving signal-to-noise ratio, enabling accurate elemental composition determination without the need for destructive sampling or complex temporal coordination, and allowing for the analysis of various sample types, including hazardous materials.

Implementation Method 1

generating fast neutrons with an energy in the range of 10 keV to 20 MeV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear fusion: Nuclear Fusion

Implementation Method 2

multielement analysis on the basis of neutron activation by irradiating a sample with neutrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron activation: Nuclear Fission

Data Source

PatentUS11408838B2Method and device for multielement analysis on the basis of neutron activation, and use

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 AACHEN INST FOR NUCLEAR TRAINING GMBH

AI summary

A method for a multielement analysis via neutron activation. The method includes generating fast neutrons with an energy in the range of 10 keV to 20 MeV and moderating the neutrons, irradiating the sample with the neutrons, and measuring the gamma radiation emitted by the irradiated sample using a detector to determine at least one element of the sample. The sample continuously irradiated in a non-pulsed fashion. The measurement is implemented during the irradiation. The determination of the at least one element includes an evaluation of the measured gamma radiation. The sample is subdivided into individual partitions and the measurement is implemented using a collimator. The evaluation includes a spatially resolved and energy-resolved determination of the neutron flux within the respective partition of the sample and calculation of energy-dependent photopeak efficiencies and neutron flux and neutron spectrum within a single partition of the sample by an approximation method.