Multi-parameter on-line coal bulk analysis. Proceedings, Volume 1

Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA), has already been proven to be a viable technique for the on-line analysis of coal parameters such as the S, Cl, Fe etc. content of coal. The above technique utilizes very low energy (thermal) neutrons, usually emitted by a radioactive source. Two major drawbacks of the method as currently applied are (a) only those elements that can be excited by thermal neutron capture can be measured, and (b) {sup 252}Cf radioactive sources are utilized which require a substantial shielding whether they are used or not. The utilization of pulsed fast-thermal neutrons will augment the PGNAA technique, and will allow the simultaneous on-line determination of the calorific value, % of volatile matter, and moisture of coal, along with all the parameters determined by PGNAA. Preliminary data indicate the feasibility of such a technique, at a cost comparable to the cost of a conventional PGNAA analyzer.