Mathematical study to improve the sensitivity in the neutron activation analysis of fluorspar

• Published in: Journal of mathematical chemistry Vol. 48; no. 1; pp. 165 - 174
• Main Authors: Rey-Ronco, M. A., Alonso-Sánchez, T., Castro-García, M. P.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.07.2010; Springer
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Combinatorics; Combinatorics. Ordered structures; Designs and configurations; Exact sciences and technology; Experimental design; General and physical chemistry; Math. Applications in Chemistry; Mathematical analysis; Mathematics; Operator theory; Original Paper; Physical Chemistry; Probability and statistics; Sciences and techniques of general use; Statistics; Theoretical and Computational Chemistry; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Cyclic activation analysis; Fluorspar; Neutron activation analysis; Mathematical chemistry; Sensitivity analysis; Sample; Neutrons; Product; Activation; Mathematical method; Concentration; Reading; Cyclic; Experimental design; Mathematical study; Mathematical model
• ISSN: 0259-9791; 1572-8897
• DOI: 10.1007/s10910-009-9652-z

A mathematical method to design a neutron activation procedure for analyzing a sample of fluorspar from a concentration plant has been created. The neutron activation is used to bombard a sample with neutrons and record the spectrum radioactive produced. The fluorspar grade is directly proportional to the fluorine content of the sample, and this in turn is directly proportional to the amount of 16N, the radioactive product produced in the bombardment. The ratio between both concentrations has been shown but the aim is to determine the activation parameters that increase the sensitivity of the method. This work discusses the mathematical models used and whose use is expected to increase the sensitivity of the reading.