Prompt gamma analysis of coal samples using an acceleratorbased PGNAA setup

Abstract

An accelerator based PGNAA setup was developed to analyze the elemental composition of bulk sample of cement and concrete In this study the elemental composition of a coal sample was determined using the optimization as a function of sample rudius and sample length using monte carlo simulation Then powder coal samples with the optimum size were prepared and irradiated with neutron beams The prompt gamma ray spectra of pure coal and coal containing known amount of chloride salt were acquired Strong interference has been observed between chlorine gamma rays and those from the coal sample constituents This study has demonstrated the useful application of an acceleratorbased PGNAA setup in the elemental analysis of coal samples