Automation of Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract

Utilization of power research reactor is often pursued due to increasing rate of the neutron activation analysis (NAA) activities. There are a lot of samples available obtained from different fields for measurement. Often requires a number of human interventions for data processing in NAA. Otherwise liquid nitrogen is wasted for proper utilization. Automation of NAA consists of some methods those can improve the efficiency and reliability of analysis. Automation of NAA requires a significant effort for the development and implementation of software, hardware and data management. The hardware requires a mechanical design for auto sample changer by pneumatic system. The job program for routine automation is provided by MAESTRO-32 software. When a counting is stopped, it executes an application program for serial interfacing with micro controller. The micro controller executes its instructions for sample changing by pneumatic system. The sample goes through the pneumatic system from rotary rack to the detector. Then the micro controller sends an acknowledgement to the windows application program and the job program is started for next counting.