ONLINE COAL ANALYZER

A Basic Study

Compiled by:
D Bandyopadhyay
AGM (C&I-Erection)
 Online Coal Analyzer

P G N A A a n d P F T N A T e c h n o lo g y

Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) and pulsed fast thermal neutron
activation (PFTNA) are non-contact, non-destructive analytical techniques used in
online analysis systems to determine the elemental composition of bulk raw materials.
Both of these techniques are known collectively as neutron activation analysis and
function by bombarding materials with neutrons.

The neutrons interact with elements in the materials, which then emit secondary,
prompt gamma rays that can be measured. Similar to X-ray fluorescence (XRF), each
element emits a characteristic energy signature as it returns to a stable state.

PGNA A a nd PFT NA ove rvi ew

PGNAA and PFTNA are based on a subatomic reaction between a low energy neutron
and the nucleus of an atom. When a thermal, or rather low energy neutron (<0.025 eV)
approaches near enough to, or collides with, a nucleus of an atom, an interaction
between the neutron and the nucleus takes place. Energy from the neutron is
transferred to the nucleus and temporarily elevates it to an excited energy state. The
energy is then released, nearly instantaneously, in the form of a gamma ray. The
gamma-ray given off has a distinct energy associated with the atom from which it was
released. In essence the gamma-ray emitted is like a “fingerprint” of the element. The
emitted gamma-rays are detected and an energy spectrum generated which can then be
analyzed for elemental composition.

PGNAA and PFTNA online analyzers detect the gamma rays using scintillation
detectors. These detectors are composed of a high purity crystalline structure which,
when exposed to a gamma-rays, produces photons proportional in energy to the energy
of the gamma-rays that enter the crystal. A photo-multiplier tube coupled to the crystal
converts the pulses of light into electrical signals proportional in energy to the photon.
Sophisticated high-speed electronic circuits then amplify and process the electrical
pulses, yielding a composite energy spectrum. The spectrum is analyzed to determine
information about specific elements.

Each element has a different tendency to interact with neutrons; those with a high
tendency are measurable. There must also be a sufficient amount of the element to
interact with the neutrons. What is noted as the “threshold of detection” for an element
is a function of the amount of material being analyzed, the percentage of the element in
that sample and the tendency for that element to interact with neutrons.

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PGNAA Based Coal Analyzer

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Coal Quality Monitoring Software

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Ne utro n s u pp ly
Neutrons used in the analysis technique are supplied by either a radioisotope,
Californium 252 (252Cf), or from a neutron generator system.

The radioisotope Californium 252 (252Cf) undergoes spontaneous fission and produces
neutrons that are used in the analysis process. Neutrons from 252Cf have a distribution
of energy with an average energy of 2.6 MeV and a most probable energy of 0.7 MeV.

Neutrons from a neutron generator are produced electrically in a special type of

compact linear accelerator. Isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium (2H) and tritium (3H,) are
utilized in a fusion reaction to produce the neutrons. Ions, created in the accelerator’s
ion source, are accelerated and focused onto a target where high energy collisions
enable fusion and the creation of neutrons. The neutrons produced from this type of
reaction are of a fairly high energy, 14 MeV, and are considered “fast” neutrons. As
well, instead of continuously running, the small linear accelerator is continuously
pulsed off and then on creating periods where the neutrons are not being produced.

Since only low energy, thermal neutrons (less than 0.025 eV) are required to enable the
analysis technique; the energy of the neutrons from both the radioisotope and the
neutron generator must be reduced. This is accomplished with special materials and by
analyzer design so that a majority of the neutrons are converted to thermal neutrons.

When neutrons are supplied using a neutron generator, the term PFTNA is used as it
describes what is taking place to allow PGNAA:

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• A neutron generator is “Pulsed” on and off when it is operational and is not

continually on.
• The 14 MeV neutrons are considered Fast neutrons.
• The Fast neutrons must be reduced to an energy range termed “Thermal” neutrons
so that the PGNAA process can take place.
• NA stands for neutron activation.

PGNAA analyzers are situated directly on the conveyor belt and penetrate the entire raw
material cross-section, providing minute-by-minute, uniform measurement of the entire
material stream, not just a sample. Surface analysis technologies such as XRF, X-ray
diffraction (XRD), and other spectral analysis technologies measure limited depths and
surface areas that may not be representative of the entire amount of material on the
belt. With PGNAA, sample errors are reduced, and the high-frequency of analysis helps
reduce variation in material quality.

The maintenance needs for a PFTNA based analysers are minimal as compared to the
PGNAA systems that need periodic recalibration once in 3 months to compensate for
5% drop in intensity owing to its 2.6 year half life. The PFTNA generator voltage is
continuously adjusted as the tube ages providing constant neutron flux. The decaying
Cf252 source provides a constantly decreasing neutron flux which reduces precision
and necessitates recalibration. The Neutron Tube can be easily replaced by the user
himself without any special ´Radiation Protection´ gears and training.

Comparison Overview of PGNAA and PFTNA Coal Analyzers

Basic difference between PFTNA & PGNAA

The basic difference lies in the ‘neutron source’ or the method of generating neutrons.
While the PGNAA deploys hazardous radioactive isotopes (viz. Cf252, Am241, Cs137,
Am241-Be etc.), the PFTNA based system generates neutrons electrically in a pulsed
manner, allowing the detector(s) to differentiate between the 3 neutron-nucleus
interactions. High frequency pulsing can only be achieved with an electric neutron
source.

Comparison in terms of Safety

Being electrically operated, highest level of safety is assured in the PFTNA. It is easy to
configure variety of protection levels with electrical interlocks. To name a few – No or
low Sample on the belt, Conveyor belt OFF, Forced entry in the analyser premises,
unauthorised intrusion, Motion sensing etc. However, the same is not true for the
PGNAA. Unlike as in the PFTNA, neutron emission cannot be stopped or switched off.
This exposes those servicing the analyser hardware or maintaining the conveyor belt
near the analyser to unhealthy neutron and gamma radiation. Some analysers include

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a shielding block that reduces the radiation when the analyser is not in use. This
minimises but does not eliminate the problem.

Comparison of PFTNA with PGNAA in terms of analytical performance

The neutrons generated by the PFTNA generators bear high energy of 14 MeV as
compared to that of mere 2.5 MeV in the PGNAA emanating from Cf252 which is ~ 5.6x
weaker. The higher energy of neutron brings in a host of analytical advantages. The
most important one being ability to analyse Carbon and Oxygen having low atomic
number. The atomic number of Carbon is 6 (having six Protons) and that of Oxygen is
8 (having 8 Protons). This makes analysis of coal easy by enabling direct measurement
and computation of Calorific Value & Moisture. Thus making a PFTNA based system a
‘complete’ Coal analyser capable of full proximate and ultimate analysis. Higher
neutron energy also results in an overall enhancement in sensitivity and performance.

Benefits of 14 MeV PFTNA neutrons as compared to the PGNAA?

Ability to handle wide ranging mass variation on the conveyor belt and immunity
towards particle size are some added advantages. Typically, a PFTNA based analyser
can handle mass variation from 50% to 200% of the rated conveyor capacity with no
limitation on particle size. This is far superior performance as compared with the
PGNAA based analysers that operate within a very narrow tolerance of ±10% in belt
load and particle size ≤40mm

Com m on FAQs

Whether PFTNA with 14 MeV neutron energy more dangerous as compared

to the PGNAA?

No. Higher energy of neutrons in no manner means more danger. What actually
matters is the level of radiation measured around such analysers while they are
in operation and during ‘Power Off’. The analysers conforming to ALARA and
other International / European Safety norms have their radiation emission well
within prescribed safe limits. Typically it could be < 8 µ-Sieverts/hour during
operation and 0 µ-Sieverts/hour when ‘Power Off’. It all depends on the shielding
and protection interlocks (uniquely possible only in the PFTNA systems). The
higher energy neutrons necessitate different shielding techniques, but as with
Cf252 units, they can be adequately shielded during operation. The difference is
when the analyser is off. Since the PFTNA analyser can be turned off, often less
shielding is used and a simple fence and switch provides unmatched safety.

Whether PFTNA analysers are bulkier, heavier and come with extra
shielding

No. The PFTNA based analysers are as lighter as their PGNAA counterparts. In
fact the PFTNA based analysers are much more compact and easier to install
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with no need for any additional air-conditioned rooms for housing the operator
console. Since the analyser can be turned off, often less shielding is used. Also
the analysers can be installed on any terrain be it on the flat ground level or
inclined elevations.

C o m m e r c ia l c o m p a r is o n b e t w e e n P F T N A a n a ly s e r s a n d P G N A A s y s t e m s

The PGNAA analysers using hazardous radioactive isotopes with finite half-life (viz. 2.64
years for the Cf252) need to be compulsively replenished or topped-up periodically. This
is irrespective of the analyser operation and usage time. Whether the analyser works 8
hours/day, round the clock or may be defunct and waiting for fixing of some conveyor
belt breakdown – the loss of neutrons and decay of radioactive source (Cf252) is
imminent. The PFTNA on the other hand with its unique On-Off technology has
neutron on-demand. Given the prevailing life span of 18000 – 20000 working hours,
the neutron tube in a PFTNA analyser can typically last up to 6 years for 8 hour of daily
operations. For a 24/7 operation, the Cf252 based analysers WERE more economical.
However, increasing tube life and rising costs of Cf252 have eliminated that advantage.

Various applications of PFTNA based Online analysers

Worldwide, hundreds of PFTNA based analysers are successfully performing and

serving in the Cement (for limestone stockpile and raw mix applications), Coal, Iron
Ore, Copper and Nickel Ore applications.

Maintenance of such Analyzers

The maintenance needs for a PFTNA based analysers are minimal as compared to
the PGNAA systems that need periodic recalibration once in 3 months (Cf252 based) to
compensate for 5% drop in intensity owing to its 2.64 year half life. The PFTNA
generator voltage is continuously adjusted as the tube ages providing constant neutron
flux. The decaying Cf252 sources provide a constantly decreasing neutron flux which
reduces precision and necessitates recalibration. The Neutron Tube can be easily
replaced by the user himself without any special “Radiation Protection” gears and
training.

Remember - NO RADIATION when Power OFF

Compiled by:
D Bandyopadhyay
A G M ( C& I )

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