Neutron detector counting capabilities for /sup 10/B-lined and /sup 235/U fission chambers in high gamma-ray fluxes

Technical Report · Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5738054· OSTI ID:5738054

Lindquist, L O; Dowdy, E J

This report compares the performance characteristics of /sup 10/B-lined and fission-neutron detectors in gamma-ray fluxes typical of the fields to be encountered during nondestructive testing of irradiated light-water fuel assemblies stored in water. Using the optimum time constants for each of the /sup 10/B-lined detectors, the 0.25-in.-dia detector had a 5% loss in neutron count sensitivity at 7000 rad/h. Similarly, the 0.5-in.-dia detector had a 7% loss at 13,000 rad/h and the 1-in.-dia detector had a 5% loss in sensitivity at 1000 rad/h. Uranium-235 fission chambers were operated successfully in fields above 100,000 rad/h with no loss in neutron counting sensitivity. Shielding calculations were done to determine the appropriate shield thickness needed for a /sup 10/B-lined neutron detector to operate in a 50,000 rad/h field, typical of light-water-reactor spent-fuel assemblies stored in water. 7 refs., 4 figs., 9 tabs.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5738054
• Report Number(s): LA-10376-MS; ON: DE85011893
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BORON LINED COUNTERS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
FISSION CHAMBERS
IAEA SAFEGUARDS
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
PERFORMANCE
IONIZATION CHAMBERS
MATERIALS TESTING
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NEUTRON DETECTORS
PROPORTIONAL COUNTERS
RADIATION DETECTORS
SAFEGUARDS
TESTING
055001* - Nuclear Fuels- Safeguards
Inspection
& Accountability- Technical Aspects
440101 - Radiation Instrumentation- General Detectors or Monitors & Radiometric Instruments