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Determination of the f parameter for k 0-neutron activation analysis at the Australian 20 MW OPAL research reactor

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Abstract

In the k 0 method of standardisation in neutron activation analysis (k 0-NAA), the ratio of thermal to epithermal neutrons, a value known as f, is fundamental in accurately determining the concentration of elements within the sample. Research into determining this f value via the cadmium ratio method was undertaken for two positions within the 20 MW Open Pool Australian Light water (OPAL) research reactor (Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia). A short irradiation and long irradiation position were assessed via two methods; the conventional cadmium ratio method based on the Høgdahl formalism, with f values of 2,666 ± 255 and 1,538 ± 258 being calculated respectively for the short and long positions, and an ASTM-INVAP-based cadmium ratio method, which allows for the higher neutron temperature of OPAL to be accounted for, with f values of 3,057 ± 318 and 1,755 ± 312 being calculated respectively. These values were validated by analysis of NIST standard reference materials (SRM™), with good agreement between experimental values and reference and literature values being observed, showing the accuracy and suitability of these values for OPAL. Additionally, the high values of f shown endorse the strength of performing k 0-NAA at OPAL. This manuscript publishes the first values of f from OPAL and provides a detailed description of the method employed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank J.W. Bennett and A. Stopic from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) for their extensive help on this project. This research was funded by an Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) grant 11/012. R. Popelka-Filcoff acknowledges the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Fellowship. R. Murrie acknowledges the Defence Scholarship from the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology of the Government of South Australia, and the Max and Bette Mendelson Foundation Scholarship from the City of West Torrens Council.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University of South Australia, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia

    R. P. Murrie, J. S. Quinton & R. S. Popelka-Filcoff

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  1. R. P. Murrie
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  2. J. S. Quinton
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  3. R. S. Popelka-Filcoff
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Correspondence to R. S. Popelka-Filcoff.

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Murrie, R.P., Quinton, J.S. & Popelka-Filcoff, R.S. Determination of the f parameter for k 0-neutron activation analysis at the Australian 20 MW OPAL research reactor. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 298, 77–86 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-013-2542-7

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