PGNAA and PFTNA Technology

Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (#PGNAA) and pulsed fast thermal neutron activation (#PFTNA) are non-contact, non-destructive analytical techniques used in online analysis systems to determine the elemental composition of bulk raw materials. Both of these techniques are known collectively as neutron activation analysis and function by bombarding materials with neutrons.

The neutrons interact with elements in the materials, which then emit secondary, prompt gamma rays that can be measured. Similar to #X_Ray fluorescence, each element emits a characteristic energy signature as it returns to a stable state.??

PGNAA and PFTNA online analyzers detect the #Gamma_Rays using scintillation detectors. These detectors are composed of a high-purity crystalline structure which, when exposed to a Gamma_Rays, produces photons proportional in energy to the energy of the Gamma_Rays that enter the crystal. A photo-multiplier tube coupled to the crystal converts the pulses of light into electrical signals proportional in energy to the photon. Sophisticated high-speed electronic circuits then amplify and process the electrical pulses, yielding a composite energy spectrum. The spectrum is analyzed to determine information about specific elements.

Neutrons used in the analysis technique are supplied by either a radioisotope Californium 252 (252Cf) or from a neutron generator system. When neutrons are supplied using a neutron generator, the term PFTNA is used as it describes what is taking place to allow Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis.

Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis analyzers are situated directly on the #conveyor_belt and penetrate the entire raw material #cross_section, providing a minute-by-minute, uniform measurement of the entire material stream, not just a sample. Surface analysis technologies such as #XRF, #LIBS, #FTIS, and other spectral analysis technologies measure limited depths and surface areas that may not be representative of the entire amount of material on the belt. With PGNAA, sample errors are reduced, and the high frequency of analysis helps reduce variation in material quality.

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#elementalanalysis #spectroscopy #realtime #online