Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA) and Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) are non-destructive, non-contact analytical techniques used in online analysis systems to determine the elemental composition of bulk raw materials.
Both PGNAA and PFTNA work by bombarding materials with neutrons, which is why they are collectively known as neutron activation analysis.
When these neutrons interact with elements in the material, they produce secondary prompt gamma rays that can be detected and measured. Because neutrons penetrate deeply, they interact with the entire material stream, allowing for a more representative analysis.
This is a key advantage over many other analytical techniques that only measure the surface of the material and may not accurately reflect the composition of the full bulk stream.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific – Analytical Instruments & Solutions.
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