Fast neutron activation analysis of protein in wheat

With the using the neutron flow with energy of 14 MeV, generated by Cockcroft-Walton linear accelerator, the express neutron activation technique for determination of nitrogen amount in a grain of wheat is developed. The technique allows one to determine directly the protein contents as there is direct proportionality between them. The technique can be used for analysis of all kinds of a grain and grain products. The range of measurement of the protein contents is rectilinear within 8 70 %. Error of definition of the nitrogen contents by the express technique at measurement time about 5 min does not exceed an error of the Kjeldahl chemical method being the standard in world practice. (authors)