Development of a surface scanning soil analysis instrument

ANSTO is developing a nuclear field instrument for measurement of soil composition; particularly carbon. The instrument utilises the neutron activation approach with clear advantages over existing soil sampling and laboratory analysis. A field portable compact pulsed neutron generator and γ-ray dete...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied radiation and isotopes 2012-07, Vol.70 (7), p.1107-1109
Main Authors: Falahat, S., Köble, T., Schumann, O., Waring, C., Watt, G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon
Field instrument
Inelastic scattering
Neutron generator
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Summary:ANSTO is developing a nuclear field instrument for measurement of soil composition; particularly carbon. The instrument utilises the neutron activation approach with clear advantages over existing soil sampling and laboratory analysis. A field portable compact pulsed neutron generator and γ-ray detector are used for PGNAA and INS techniques simultaneously. Many elements can be quantified from a homogenised soil volume equivalent to the top soil layers. Results from first test experiments and current developments are reported. ► We describe the development of in situ soil scanning instrument. ► The instrument is based on neutron activation and inelastic scattering technique. ► We utilise a mobile neutron generator, gamma-ray and diamond detectors. ► We show the first experimental results from measurements on soil mixtures.
ISSN:0969-8043
1872-9800
DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2011.12.024