中文摘要：

文章论述了基于天然中子源的中子测水技术的基本原理、仪器设备与方法技术，并把该方法应用到预防煤堆的自燃上来，大大简化了煤堆阻燃系统。与人工中子源的中子测水技术相比，其精度相对较低，但避免了人工中子源的辐射防护和管理难题，这对于防煤堆自燃这样一些含水率精度要求不很高的地方，还是具有相当的应用价值。

英文摘要：

This paper proposes a new type of neutron moisture gauge which employs the natural neutron flux as the neutron source, and introduces the means to prevent the coal stack from burning and simplify the system of preventing the coal stack from burning. Although the precision of natural neutron moisture gauge with the natural neutron flux source is as good as that of an artificial neutron source, it resolves the problems of the neutron shield and escapes some necessary management procedures for radioisotopes. The new natural neutron moisture gauge can be used to determine the water content of coal stack.