MCNP simulation and experimental study in situ low-grade copper analysis based on PGNAA

Cao Jie; Wang Reng-Bo; Zhang Yan; Jia Wen-Bao; Zhong Chong-Gui; Chen Rui; Qu Jin-Hui; Feng Yang-Yang; Hao Jun

doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111224

MCNP simulation and experimental study in situ low-grade copper analysis based on PGNAA

Appl Radiat Isot. 2024 Apr:206:111224. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111224. Epub 2024 Feb 1.

Authors

Cao Jie¹, Wang Reng-Bo², Zhang Yan³, Jia Wen-Bao⁴, Zhong Chong-Gui⁵, Chen Rui⁶, Qu Jin-Hui⁷, Feng Yang-Yang⁷, Hao Jun⁷

Affiliations

¹ College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Nuclear Technology Application, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China; New Energy Technology and Equipment Engineering Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330013, China.
² College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Nuclear Technology Application, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China. Electronic address: 199460035@ecut.edu.cn.
³ Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Nuclear Technology Application, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China. Electronic address: yanzhang@ecut.edu.cn.
⁴ Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 211106, China.
⁵ College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Nuclear Technology Application, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China.
⁶ College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China; New Energy Technology and Equipment Engineering Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330013, China.
⁷ Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Nuclear Technology Application, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, China.

PMID: 38324935
DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111224

Abstract

A prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) facility utilizing ²⁵²Cf source has been developed for in situ analysis of copper samples. Monte Carlo simulation is employed to determine optimal sizes for neutron moderator, gamma-ray shielding material, and thermal neutron absorber. Subsequently, based on the parameters optimized by MCNP, the PGNAA facility was constructed. Five sets of experimental samples containing low-grade copper concentration of 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 % and 2 % are measured with the PGNAA facility. The results show that the minimum detectable concentration of copper is 0.218 %. The maximum relative deviation of copper is 8.53 %.

Keywords: (252)Cf; Copper; Monte Carlo simulation; PGNAA.