The determination of reactor neutron spectrum-averaged cross-sections in miniature neutron source reactor facility.

A comparator method based on the resonance integral of (197)Au(n,gamma)(198)Au reaction has been used to determine fast neutron spectrum-averaged cross-section data of some dosimetry reactions in a miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) facility. Target materials of low- and medium-mass nuclei, which are of interest in reactor dosimetry and NAA were investigated. Irradiation was performed under Cd cover in an inner irradiation channel of the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) currently fueled with highly enriched uranium (HEU). Spectrum-averaged cross-section data were calculated on the basis of the epithermal neutron flux monitored by the Al-0.1%Au foil irradiated along with the target materials. Results of (n,p) reaction on (27)Al, (28)Si, (29)Si, (46)Ti, (47)Ti, (56)Fe, (58)Ni, and (n,alpha) reaction on (30)Si were found to be in good agreement with recommended data within standard deviation. However, data obtained for the (27)Al(n,alpha) (24)Na and (64)Zn (n,p) (64)Cu reactions using the Al-0.1%Au foil as the flux monitor for both the comparator approach and the conventional method are higher than recommended data from the literature by over 25%.

Standardization of NIRR-1 irradiation and counting facilities for instrumental neutron activation analysis.

The first nuclear reactor in Nigeria, the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1), is a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR). It was specifically acquired for elemental analysis by the neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique. In this work, routine experimental schemes for the determination of over 30 elements of interest in different sample matrices have been developed. In order to validate the experimental procedures the following standard reference materials, IAEA-359 (Cabbage), IAEA-336 (Lichen), GSR-5 and GSD-11 (Chinese Geochemical Rock Standards), as well as IAEA-SL-3 and IAEA-405 (Sediments) were analyzed. Validated results are presented for the following elements Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Eu, Fe, Ga, Hf, In, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, U, V, Yb and Zn. To further assess analytical capabilities of the facilities, the detection limits are presented.

Simultaneous use of neutron transmission and reflection techniques for the classification of crude oil samples.

Neutron attenuation and reflection characteristics of three crude mineral oil samples from West Africa were determined using 37 GBq 241Am-Be source in a single set-up and compared with those of paraffin (oil) and benzene, an aromatic compound. Based on the trends of measured data which are similar to those exhibited by paraffin but different from those associated with benzene, the crude oil samples could be classified as paraffinic. The total hydrogen content and weight ratios (O+C)/H and C/H determined for the crude oil samples using the transmission and reflection techniques are not only independent of the technique but are also consistent with literature values of thermal reflection technique.

Geometrical effects on thermal neutron reflection of hydrogenous moderators using 241Am-Be source.

The variation of thermal reflection parameter with thicknesses of water and paraffin moderators was measured using an instrument consisting of 1 Ci 241Am-Be isotopic neutron source and 3He neutron detector. Based on experimental data obtained from two different source-detector-sample geometries, analytical expressions were derived for calculation of reflection parameters for various moderator thicknesses. The measured data for the two geometries exhibit saturation curves with saturation achieved at about 8 and 16 cm when sample container was placed at top and side of the source holder, respectively. By locating the source holder along the vertical axis of the sample container, measurements showed that the reflection parameter was very sensitive with the axial location and was strongly dependent on the moderator and its thickness.

Thermal neutron reflection method for measurement of total hydrogen contents in Ghanaian petroleum products.

A fast and non-destructive technique based on thermal neutron reflection was used to determine total hydrogen contents in petroleum products available in Ghana. A source holder consisting of an 241Am-Be neutron source and 3He neutron probe designed for detection of liquid levels was used to measure reflection parameter as a function of hydrogen contents in liquid hydrocarbons which served as standards. The measured data were fitted to two linear equations for two different geometrical arrangements. The trend of data was found to be consistent with theoretical analysis based on neutron moderation. The calibration lines were used to determine hydrogen contents in 10 petroleum products. The results agree favourably with those obtained using different experimental set-ups with other neutron sources and probes. The technique was also used to determine the quality of diluted petrol with aviation fuel.

Bulk H analysis using neutrons for routine quality control of cassava and products.

Nuclear and related techniques are useful in addressing the issues of food security and safety facing the world today, via quality control of raw materials and products. In this work, experimental investigations were performed to assess the use of total hydrogen content in cassava and products as a quality control indicator of starch and cyanide contents. The work was carried out using a neutron reflection facility at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Cassava samples and products were obtained from retail outlets of Ibadan, Umudike and Zaria, representing three major regions of Nigeria. In general, data obtained indicate a total hydrogen content range of 4.47±0.11-10.71±0.27wt% for the various samples, including raw, dry and processed cassava. Results show that samples having low hydrogen content are generally rich in cyanide compounds and demonstrate an inverse relationship between hydrogen content and cyanide content. The implication of this is that the neutron reflection facility can be used as a quality control setup for routine determination of hydrogen as an indicator of the cyanide content in cassava and products.

Determination of the elemental constituents of a natural dolerite using NIRR-1.

Elemental characterization of natural dolerite obtained from South Western Nigeria has been carried out using Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) located at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The measurements showed the presence of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, titanium and iron with concentrations 69,990+/-3499, 61,140+/-8.0, 38,330+/-3929, 13,880+/-1804 and 8319+/-150 ppm, respectively, as the major elements. In addition, 16 other elements, in minor and trace quantities, including Th, a radioactive rare earth element and five other rare earth elements La, Ce, Sm, Dy and Lu were identified. The presence of the rare earth elements may be a confirmation of the previous argument that the observed single but broad glow peak in the glow curve of this rock is rather an overlap of more than one glow peak. The presence of Th suggests the possibility of internal radioactivity in the rock, a necessary criterion for using a material for luminescence dating. Thus, this work indicates that dolerite can be used for luminescence dating if properly developed for the purpose.