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Study of the gamma spectrum of 16N with a BGO detector, for the purpose of calibration and of determining the fluorine grade of mineral samples

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry volume 298, pages 915–921 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

The study of 16N’s gamma spectrum has two main uses: calibrating gamma detectors in a high energy range, and determining the fluorine grade of mineral samples of fluorite. This article examines and compares the gamma ray spectrum of 16N as recorded by a Bi4GeO12 detector, as well as the resolution of this detector at high energy levels, and the signal–background relationship of an experimental laboratory cyclic activation unit. 16N is the product of the reaction 9-F-19(n,α)7-N-16, which takes place during the neutron activation of mineral samples of fluorspar, and its production depends, among other factors, upon the grade of fluorite. The technique used in this study is cyclic-type neutron activation for recording delayed gamma rays, carried out with an americium–beryllium neutron source with an activity of 1 Ci. Lastly, a correlation is established between the area below the peak amount of 16N emitted by the sample, and the sample’s fluorite grade.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the company MINERSA SA, the Government of the Principality of Asturias, and the University of Oviedo’s research grant scheme for their collaboration and financial support throughout this study. This project was made possible by the Government of the Principality of Asturias, through funding from the PCTI of Asturias, which is supported in part by the FEDER Operational Program of the Principality of Asturias 2007–2013. The authors are members of the Q-Thermie group: http://personales.uniovi.es/web/qthermie

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Authors and Affiliations

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

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

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

    M. A. Rey-Ronco

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

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Castro-García, M.P., Alonso-Sánchez, T. & Rey-Ronco, M.A. Study of the gamma spectrum of 16N with a BGO detector, for the purpose of calibration and of determining the fluorine grade of mineral samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 298, 915–921 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-013-2599-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-013-2599-3

Keywords

  • Spectrum
  • Fluorspar
  • Fluorite
  • Gamma rays
  • Cyclic activation