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

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Energía, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, 33004, Spain

    M. A. Rey-Ronco

  2. Departamento de Explotación y Prospección de Minas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, 33004, Spain

    T. Alonso-Sánchez & M. P. Castro-García

Authors
  1. M. A. Rey-Ronco
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  2. T. Alonso-Sánchez
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  3. M. P. Castro-García
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Correspondence to M. P. Castro-García.

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Rey-Ronco, M.A., Alonso-Sánchez, T. & Castro-García, M.P. Mathematical study to improve the sensitivity in the neutron activation analysis of fluorspar. J Math Chem 48, 165–174 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10910-009-9652-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10910-009-9652-z

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