Optimization of parameters of a system for continuous activation analysis of liquids

Mathematical considerations on the optimization of the flow and mechanical parameters of a system for continuous analysis of liquids are presented. The system in question contains a pump, an activation vessel placed in the vicinity of a neutron generator target, a pipeline and a vessel for the measurement of the induced activity. The following parameters of the system were taken into consideration: volumes of the activation and measurement vessels, position of the activation vessel with respect to the neutron generator target, shape of the activation vessel, and flow rate of the pumped fluid. The system is adapted for continuous and interrupted mode of operation of the neutron generator. The results of the theoretical considerations were verified in practice with the use of the above system and the reaction¹⁶O (n, p)¹⁶N. The agreement of theory and experiment was proved.