Development of ²⁴¹Am-Be neutron source based PGNAA setup using aqueous solution

A prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) setup has been developed using 5Ci ²⁴¹Am-Be radio isotopic neutron source for detection and quantification of elements in aqueous solutions. PGNAA setup is calibrated for chlorine and boron concentration varying from 1.2 to 7.2 g/L and 0.1 to 0.5 g/L respectively. The minimum detectable concentrations (MDC) of chlorine and boron were calculated for various characteristic prompt gamma energies. Estimated MDC limit of chlorine and boron are is 175 ± 53 ppm at prompt gamma energy 6110 keV and 3 ± 0.95 ppm at prompt gamma energy 477.595 keV respectively. The average thermal neutron flux averaged over the sample volume is 1.36 x 10+5 n.cm-2s-1. (author)