The A-711 high yield neutron generator and automated pneumatic transfer system for fast neutron activation analysis

To make fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA) of samples with short half-lives easier, Thermo Electron has updated and modernized its automatic pneumatic transfer system for activation laboratories. For example, with a separation of 10 m from the counting station and a transit speed of 15 m/s, oxygen can be analyzed with improved accuracy. The fast transit time is needed due to the short half-lives of 16N and 19O, 7 s and 27 s respectively, and oxygen-free polyethylene sample bottles are used to allow prompt counting and decrease background counts. Incorporating a dual-axis rotator at the irradiation station for sample and standard, the transfer system also incorporates stations for sample loading, disposal and counting as well as a station to incorporate a chemical neutron source such as Cf-252.