Neutron activation as an online procedure in cement plants

1 Neutron activation analysis in a cement plant

2 The three different sources of gamma radiation during interaction of atomic nuclei with neutrons

3 Mode of operation of the neutron source

4 Handling the neutron source

5 Pulsed excitation

6 Sodern CNA from Sodern/PANalytical

7 Spectra from calibration standards

8 Actual measurements in a homogeneous quarry

9 Automatic radiation protection system

Quality control in a cement plant using the latest technology

The use of PGNAA (Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis) makes it possible to determine the content of the components in bulk flows in cement plants directly online on the conveyor belt. The nature of the excitation and radiation means that the material can be penetrated even with large layer thicknesses on the belt.

Introduction

Nothing relating to the optimization of the cement production process and reduction of production costs is left to chance in cement plants. Routine quality control is characterized by sophisticated analytical procedures with automated sample supply and preparation. This involves not only the various different cement end products but also the starting materials and intermediate stages in the complicated production process where the quality can be controlled and costs saved.

X-ray fluorescence analysis is the classical method for determining the elements in a cement plant. As a...