Analysis of k0 neutron activation analysis at the University of Missouri Research Reactor.
k(0) Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (k(0) INAA) was evaluated at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). The MURR, unlike many other research reactors that employ k(0) INAA, is refueled on a weekly basis. To determine if the neutron spectrum is stable enough for routine k(0) INAA analysis, the neutron spectrum parameters alpha and f were measured over a 9 month period. The average values of f and alpha measured using the Cd ratio multi monitor technique were 57.4+/-4.5 and 0.039+/-0.012, respectively. It was determined that k(0) INAA could be used at the MURR by employing the average value of alpha and f. However, significant measurement bias could occur for elements with high Q(0) values if the true spectral parameters deviate by more than 10% from the average value.
Brockman
J D
JD
Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, 601 S College Ave., Columbia, MO 65211, USA. brockmanjd@missouri.edu
Robertson
J D
JD
D008923:Missouri; D009501:Neutron Activation Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D012106:Research; D014495:Universities