Rapid determination of coal heating value using the inelastic scattering technique and prompt neutron analysis

The contents of water and ash represent the basic criteria of coal quality. The method of fast neutrons inelastic scattering and radiation capture method can be used for determining carbon and its quantitation in the measured material. For the 12C isotope whose content in the natural carbon mixture amounts to 99%, the lowest excitation level is 4.43 MeV. This energy level corresponds to the threshold neutron energy of 4.81 MeV. The 241Am-Be, 238Pu-Be, 239Pu-Be neutron sources are used for carbon determination. Water content is determined using fast neutrons interaction with hydrogen nuclei. The (n, gamma) capture reaction takes place and gamma quantum is liberated of an energy of 2.22 MeV. The overall amount of the gamma quanta formed is proportional to hydrogen content. A 252Cf source is used. (H.S.)