Non-destructive determination of hydrogen in organic solvents by neutron slow-down process

Abstract

A rapid non-destructive method based on the slowingdown process of neutrons by hydrogen nucleus was investigated for determination of hydrogen content in organic solvent. Fast neutrons from an Am-Be neutron source were moderated by the sample to thermal neutrons, which were then measured by a BF₃-counter. The logarithm of the counting rate was found to be directly proportional to the content of hydrogen in the range60120 mg/ml using 50 ml sample. The immersion-arrangement was suitable for this determination and some graphite-blocks were used effectively as the thermal neutron reflector. The influence of co existing carbon and oxygen content upon the calibration curve was not perceptible. The application of the method into the range of lower hydrogen content, such as 0100 mg/ml, was also examined.