Application of PGNAA for bulk coal samples in a 4π geometry

A 4π geometry bulk coal analyser using the Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) technique was tested in the laboratory. The volume of the bulk samples was 270 litres. A 1.5 μg 252Cf neutron source and a 75 mm × 35 mm dia BGO detector were used for the measurements. The ash, Fe, Si and Al content of coal were determined with good accuracy.