A neutron activation technique for the analysis for fluorine in fluorspar samples

• Published in: International journal of mineral processing Vol. 94; no. 1; pp. 1 - 13
• Main Authors: Alonso Sánchez, T., Rey Ronco, M.A., Castro García, M.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 19.02.2010
• Subjects: Activation; Activation analysis; Beryllium; Concentration plant; Fluorine; Fluorspar; Isotopic neutron source; Mathematical models; Mineral processing; Neutron activation analysis; Spectra; Neutron activation analysis; Isotopic neutron source; Fluorspar; Concentration plant
• ISSN: 0301-7516; 1879-3525
• DOI: 10.1016/j.minpro.2009.11.003

This article explains the results of the feasibility study about using neutron activation technique via Deferred gamma rays, to analyze the fluorine content in a sample from a fluorspar concentration plant. The theoretical responses of 12 items, constituting the samples have been analyzed. 468 reactions have been obtained from the study with the database EXFOR of these elements with neutrons from an Americium Beryllium source of 1 Ci activity. The radioactive decay of 29 products, anticipated from such an activation, has also been analyzed. From these results, a prototype for neutron activation has been designed. The different criteria of the measurement procedure to enable the activation of the fluorspar samples and to record their spectra with minimal interference from the source have been adjusted. A mathematical model of the activation response has been created and validated. The activation method to determine the fluorine content in fluorspar samples proved to be scientifically and technically feasible and verified by the results obtained.