An automated facility for neutron activation analysis

A fully automated neutron activation analysis (NAA) facility was constructed at the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment. This high-capacity facility was designed for use with a wide variety of neutron sources, including Canada's SLOWPOKE II and MAPLE research reactors. Its pneumatic transfer system is driven by a Square-D Model 500 programmable controller, linked in turn to a Nuclear Data ND6700 computer/spectrometer. Custom software for data enetry and system control is combined with Nuclear Data software for gamma-spectrum acquisition and processing to create a flexible, easy-to-use facility for NAA. Its design and performance are discussed. (author)