Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the water content (Wv %) of a material (12) by using electromagnetic waves, the method comprising following steps: applying an electromagnetic wave; measuring the propagation time (T) of a surface electromagnetic wave (26) between two points (10, 28); calculating the dielectric constant (??) of said material (12) from said propagation time (V); determining the dry mass per unit volume (?d) of the material (12); and calculating the water content (Wv %) of said material (12) from said dielectric constant (??) and said dry mass per unit volume (?d). The invention also provides apparatus enabling said water content (Wv %) to be determined using two antennas (10, 28), means (44) for measuring the transit time (T), and processor means (48).

Abstract: Method for analysis of the content of certain elements in a continuous flow of bulk materials by neutron bombardment and measurement of the gamma radiation emitted by such elements, which makes it possible to distinguish between the capture radiation and the activation radiation. The neutron source is a neutron-generating tube which is activated periodically. The signals from a single gamma radiation detector are considered only after neutron emission has ceased, during distinct intervals corresponding to the phenomena of capture and radiation of the activated elements, respectively. The respective signals are treated in two distinct measurement routes, and the measurements are then combined automatically. A third measurements route can be provided for gamma radiation resulting from inelastic collisions. The source and the detector are positioned in a probe lodged in a polyethylene protective tube within the flow of the materials.