Coal analysis using the pulsed neutron generator

A prototype of elemental analyzer for coal has been developed by using a PFTNA (pulse fast thermalneutron analysis) system. The PFTNA technology is based on the reactions such as (n, γ), (n, n'γ), (n, Pγ), etc. byexamining the characteristic gamma rays emitted. In our prototype a pulsed neutron generator provides 14 MeV pulseneutrons, which contribute to the separation of spectrum Ⅱ (the sum of capture and activation spectrum) fiom spec-trum Ⅰ (the sum of inelastic, capture and activation spectrum), and thus to the measurement of C and O contents incoal. Data management is completed by computer program using the least-square regression method. The experimentin Changshan Power Plant for 3 months showed that the precision of calorific value, whole water, volatile content andash content is 0.5 k J/kg, 1.0 wt%, 2.0 wt% and 1.5 wt%, respectively.