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Updated: May 21, 2026
07:51
Measurements of Soil Carbon by Neutron-Gamma Analysis in Static and Scanning Modes
Published on: August 24, 2017
Chlorine detection in fly ash concrete using a portable neutron generator
A A Naqvi1, Zameer Kalakada, Faris A Al-Matouq
1Department of Physics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. aanaqvi@kfupm.edu.sa
Summary
A portable neutron generator effectively measured chlorine in concrete, showing promise for concrete corrosion studies. This method achieved detection limits comparable to larger systems, demonstrating its practical application.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nuclear Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Background:
- Chloride contamination is a major cause of corrosion in fly ash (FA) cement concrete.
- Accurate measurement of chlorine concentration is crucial for assessing concrete degradation.
- Existing methods for chlorine analysis in concrete can be complex or require large equipment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a portable neutron generator for measuring chlorine concentration in fly ash cement concrete.
- To assess the minimum detectable concentration of chlorine using this portable setup.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of using portable prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) in concrete corrosion studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a portable neutron generator and gamma-ray detector for prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA).
- Configured the setup with the neutron generator and detector side-by-side on one side of the concrete sample.
- Measured chlorine concentration in chloride-contaminated FA cement concrete specimens.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured chlorine concentration in FA cement concrete specimens.
- Achieved a minimum detectable concentration of chlorine comparable to larger, accelerator-based PGNAA systems.
- Demonstrated the practical application of the portable PGNAA setup.
Conclusions:
- A portable neutron generator-based PGNAA setup is a viable tool for chlorine analysis in concrete.
- This technology offers a promising, potentially more accessible, method for concrete corrosion assessment.
- The study validates the use of portable neutron generators in materials analysis for infrastructure monitoring.
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