Rapid and simultaneous determination of U, F, Al, Ca and V in phosphate rocks by a combination of delayed neutron and γ-ray spectrometry techniques

Delayed neutron counting for uranium assay was coupled with γ-ray spectrometry in order to measure radionuclides of F, Al, Ca and V produced by neutron activation. For this measurement, the delay time required for U determination was exploited. Calibration of the method was provided by standards based on a CaCO₃ matrix and validity of results was verified against other analytical methods. A single sample can be analyzed for the five elements in 3 min with a precision of ∼±10%. The method developed was applied in the exploration of phosphate ores. The measured total concentrations permitted the disclosure of correlations between various elements and constituents in the samples. Chemical and mineralogical properties were obtained as well.