Thermal neutron reflection method for measurement of total hydrogen contents in Ghanaian petroleum products.
A fast and non-destructive technique based on thermal neutron reflection was used to determine total hydrogen contents in petroleum products available in Ghana. A source holder consisting of an 241Am-Be neutron source and 3He neutron probe designed for detection of liquid levels was used to measure reflection parameter as a function of hydrogen contents in liquid hydrocarbons which served as standards. The measured data were fitted to two linear equations for two different geometrical arrangements. The trend of data was found to be consistent with theoretical analysis based on neutron moderation. The calibration lines were used to determine hydrogen contents in 10 petroleum products. The results agree favourably with those obtained using different experimental set-ups with other neutron sources and probes. The technique was also used to determine the quality of diluted petrol with aviation fuel.
Akaho
E H
EH
National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon-Accra. nnri@ighmail.com
Jonah
S A
SA
Dagadu
C P
CP
Maakuu
B T
BT
Anim-Sampong
S
S
Kyere
A W
AW