Development and applications of an on-line thermal neutron prompt-gamma element analysis system

This paper introduces the principles, instrumentation, implementation, and industrial applications of an on-line thermal neutron prompt-gamma element analysis system (using a²⁵²Cf neutron source, Am–Be neutron source, or neutron generator). The energy resolution of the system at the H prompt-gamma full-energy photopeak (2.22325 MeV) is 3.6 keV. The concentration measurement error of Al₂O₃, FeO₃, CaO, and SiO₂ is ±0.3%, ±0.1%, ±0.4%, and ±0.4%, respectively. The system has been tested on-site at both the Shandong and the Zhengzhou Aluminium Works. Our preliminary on-site measurements confirm that the stability, reliability, measurement range, and accuracy of the system can meet the requirements of the aluminium production process. Facilitation of this measurement at aluminium plants is expected to reduce plant costs by over 3 million dollars annually through reduced energy consumption, more rapid qualification of pulps being mixed during the production process, and in reduced labor costs.Other participants of Shandong and Zhenghou Aluminium Works are: Wang Aili, Zengshen, Dei Jianguo and Lu Jinnan, Wang Deyu, Jin Hequan.