MEDINA（Multi‐Element　Detection based on Instrumental Neutron Activation）是德国于利希中心通过以往的核废物与核材料检测而开发的直接检测封闭柱状桶装物各种元素成份的一种新技术。

这种技术的最大优点，是可以直接检测较大体积或容积里的多种珍稀有效成份，比如现在德国方面在中试中所使用的是200升的容器罐，这非常适合在环保回收领域验收大量货物或尾矿中的有效成份，甚至可能可以确定冶炼器皿中的各元素组成，形成所希望的合金。

其测量原理是用标准的中子源辐照全罐，而从多个角度测量受中子激发后不同元素所释放出来的伽玛射线的强度，从而反推容器中的受激元素的成份比例。

中子源是标准商业产品，该设备的核心其实是伽玛探测器以及处理分析软件。

FZJ_MEDINA.pdf

Multi‐Element‐Analysis MEDINA Technology

At Forschungszentrum Jülich (member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres), a non‐destructive measurement procedure was developed in cooperation with RWTH Aachen University (Patent PCT/DE2011/001476). This procedure ‐ “Multi‐Element Detection based on Instrumental Neutron Activation” (MEDINA) ‐ allows the qualitative and quantitative determination of elements in large volume samples. The method is based on the detection of prompt and delayed gamma radiation after neutron activation, and can be applied for almost all elements in the periodic table, e.g. heavy metals or rare earth elements.

Irradiation by a neutron source results in short‐term activation of elements in the sample.

During neutron capture or after an individual half‐life, the activated atomic nuclei start to

emit radiation that is characteristic for and specific to every element.

Using gamma ray spectrometry, a gamma spectrum of the sample is taken and analyzed using special software. The position of the signals and size of the peaks are used to estimate the type and amount of existing activation products, thus enabling the determination of elements contained within the sample.

Analyzing the ratios of different elements permits limited identification of certain compounds or groups of elements.

Customer benefit

The key advantage over spectroscopic methods, such as XRF or ICP‐OES, is the ability to examine a large volume of material, e.g. piece goods and bulk goods, as a whole without destruction. Unlike the spectroscopic methods, neither representative sampling nor elaborate chemical extraction procedures are necessary. The high sensitivity of the method enables concentrations in the ppm range to be detected.

Next steps

Originally developed for nuclear waste the method can be applied for a wide range of materials, such as electrical and electronic equipment or E‐waste. Forschungszentrum Jülich is interested on commercialisation by licensing or R&D cooperations.

Contact

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Technology Transfer

Dr. Andrea Mahr

Wilhelm‐Johnen‐Straße

52428 Jülich

Phone: +49 2461 61‐9282

Cell: +49 171 3031922

Email: a.mahr@fz‐juelich.de