Neutron-induced gamma spectrometry for on-line compositional analysis in coal conversion and fluidized-bed combustion plants

All available methods of analysis of process streams in coal conversion and fluidized-bed combustion systems require the physical removal and conditioning of a sample from the system before the actual analysis. The inherent time lag makes these measurements unsuitable for process control, and the size and conditioning of the sample raise doubts about the similarity of the composition of the analyzed sample to that of the process stream. What is needed is an on-line analysis of the entire stream cross section, preferably by a non-invasive technique. We are evaluating neutron-capture gamma techniques for this application. Both neutrons and gamma rays are sufficiently penetrating that the sampled volume is comparable to the full section of pipe being irradiated, offering the possibility of non-invasive, continuous on-line instrumental monitoring of composition which is representative of the full process stream. Our studies and those of other groups have established the feasibility of using neutron-induced gamma spectrometry to obtain elemental abundances in coal. Several irradiation assemblies utilizing 252Cf neutron sources have been built and used with lithium-drifted germanium detectors and associated electronics. Samples of a variety of independently analyzed coals and simulated coals have been measured. The spectral responses from H, C, Fe, Si, S, Al, Cl, Ca, Ti, and N have been examined. The evidence indicates that quantitative determination of H, Fe, Si, S, Cl, Ca, and Ti will be possible, and that other constituents such as N, K, and Na may be quantitatively determined with further refinement of the technique. We are also working with fast neutrons from a pulsed 14 MeV neutron generator in order to obtain reliable analyses of the carbon and oxygen content of the coal process stream, as well as analyses for additional elements