Determination of the ash content of coal from the intensity of neutron gamma radiation

A method is described of determining the ash content of coal based on the measurement of gamma radiation emitted during rapid neutron scattering by carbon nuclei and capture of thermal neutrons by hydrogen nuclei and ash-forming elements. Ways have been found to compensate for the destabilising effect of variable coal moisture. The paper also shows how iron content can be assessed by neutron gamma radiation spectrometry in order to correct ash values.