This paper summarizes modeling of mercury to activated states with alpha particles, neutrons, or deuterons, and the spectral emission from the activated products. Activation can occur with a source such as 242Cf , 241Am-Be, a neutron generator, or a particle accelerator, and the activation products measured if sufficient signal is provided. Identification and measurement of mercury by prompt gamma emission, generated by bombardment with neutrons is reported. Activation product reactions of (a, xn) (d, xn) (n,?) and (n,p) are screened as candidate reactions. Initial calculations indicate the potential use of either alpha, or 14 MeV neutron activation to assess part per billion concentrations of mercury in the gaseous phase. Ultimately, data from sample analysis of ambient conditions flue gas will be used to assess mercury detection sensitivity and specificity under typical operating conditions.
Revised: January 31, 2011 |
Published: March 21, 2007
Citation
Toth J.J., R.S. Wittman, R.E. Schenter, and J.A. Cooper. 2007.Candidate Reactions for Mercury Detection Induced by Neutron and Alpha Particles.Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment 572, no. 3:1102-1105.PNNL-SA-51287.