Prospects for the development of neutron-activation analytical facilities based on powerful antimony-beryllium sources

Conclusions When using antimony-beryllium neutron sources for activation analysis of the composition of a substance, the problem of the analytical monitoring of many elements can be solved with a limit of determination of 10^–3–10^–5%. Based on the data obtained by the authors concerning the spatial distribution of the neutrons from a¹²⁴Sb–Be-source in different moderators, a beryllium-graphite assembly with a powerful¹²⁴Sb source has been designed, manufactured, and introduced into operation, for neutron-activation analysis.As applicable to the¹²⁴Sb–Be-graphite assembly, a procedure has been developed for the neutron-activation determination of gold, with a limit of determination of 2·10^–5%. The possible limits of the neutron-activation determination of certain other elements have been estimated. In order to ensure operation of the facility with recharging of the source once in 6 months, it is advisable to carry out the preparation of a source in a neutron flux with a density of 3·10^–13 neutrons/ (cm²·sec) during 30–50 days (for a mass of metallic antimony of 500 g) with subsequent two-week cooling in order to reduce the¹²²Sb activity. Initial data have been obtained for the design of a transportation container for powerful¹²⁴Sb sources.Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 255–260, October, 1982.