Determination of boron in water using neutron scattering and transmission, and prompt gamma ray neutron activation analysis methods: A comparative study

• Boron was determined in water by several methods.
• An assembly of a Pu-Be neutron source and 3He and NaI(Tl) detectors were used.
• Transmitted and scattered neutrons, and prompt γ-rays were simultaneously measured.
• The neutron scattering measurements are more sensitive than the other methods.
• The prompt gamma ray line at 2.23 MeV can be used for boron analysis.

The boron concentration in water was determined using neutron scattering and transmission, and prompt gamma ray neutron activation analysis methods. The experimental setup is based on a Pu-Be neutron source, 3He neutron detectors and an NaI(Tl) gamma-ray detector. Water samples of different volumes and known amounts of boron were prepared. Transmitted and scattered neutrons and prompt gamma rays resulting from neutron capture reactions within the samples were simultaneously measured. The sensitivities of the neutron scattering and transmission measurements were determined to be better than those of the prompt gamma ray neutron activation analysis. The neutron scattering measurements were determined to be more sensitive than those of the neutron transmission measurements.