Design of an advanced TLD-based fixed nuclear accident dosimeter
A new system has been designed for use as a fixed nuclear accident dosimeter based upon the thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) system used for personnel dosimetry at US Department of Energy facilities managed by Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. The system is made up of a small phantom consisting of two main parts measuring 20 x 20 x 5 cm and made from polymethylmethacrylate. A neutron-sensitive TLD card is placed in the center between the two pieces. Also, TLD cards in standard holders are mounted on the front and back of the phantom. A derivation is made of a linear combination of the responses from the TLD elements which results in calculation of the neutron fluence, absorbed dose, and dose equivalent. By using the right linear combinations, a crude spectrum can be estimated, which allows further calculation of the average fluence-to-dose-equivalent conversion factor. The response of the system was tested and found to be applicable for the evaluation of typical nuclear accident spectra, although considerable improvement can be made by the addition of a sulfur pellet. The system was also tested for angular dependence. In order to move the development of this system from the proof-of-principle to full application, the calculation of the TLD resonse curves must be improved, additional measurements must be made, and the system must be tested in a simulated accident neutron field. The advantages of the new fixed dosimeter system are its simplicity, easy maintenance, and lower operational cost. The system uses standard TLD cards that are already in place throughout Energy Systems facilities. The TLD process personnel are famliiar with evaluating doses from TLDs and can provide information necessary to ensure timely and accurate assessment of exposures that may result from riticality accidents. Most of the quality control requirements are part of the existing personnel dosimetry system.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 10178185
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-12300; ON: DE93019856; TRN: 93:019182
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Aug 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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