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Multielement trace analysis of coals, ashes and related materials from coal-treatment facilities by instrumental neutron activation analysis

  • Neutron Activation Analysis in Environmental Science
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Abstract

Concentration of trace elements found in coal, ash, and materials used in a fluidizedbed combustion process have been determined by thermal neutron activation and absolute Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometry. Described are the calibration of detectors and corrections associated with the method along with estimated uncertainties. A brief description of the computer code used in the processing of the Ge(Li) spectra is presented. Comparisons of instrumental neutron activation analysis results with NBS standards and those obtained by the atomic absorption technique are tabulated. A total of 21 trace elements have been determined or identified in the fluidized-bed products and these results are used in identifying trace element depositions in various stages of the fluidizedbed combustion process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, 60439, Argonne, Illinois, (USA)

    E. T. Kucera & R. R. Heinrich

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  1. E. T. Kucera
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  2. R. R. Heinrich
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Work performed under the auspices of the U. S. Energy Research and Development Administration.

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Kucera, E.T., Heinrich, R.R. Multielement trace analysis of coals, ashes and related materials from coal-treatment facilities by instrumental neutron activation analysis. J. Radioanal. Chem. 32, 137–150 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02517747

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02517747

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