Performance characteristics of a compact D-T generator system

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:199799

Pfutzner, H G ^[1]

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1. Schlumberger Technology Corp., Princeton, NJ (United States)

A compact and fully automated neutron generator system has been developed to be used in a wide range of applications, such as non-destructive analysis of bulk materials, online process control and assay of nuclear materials. It is built around a deuterium-tritium sealed tube neutron generator which was previoulsy used only for oil-well logging. It is designed to maximize the ease of use and convenience for the user. This is done by delegating all control and interlock functions to the computer and also by keeping all parts of the system as compact as possible. The system consists of three components: (1) the compact generator head housing the sealed tube and the high voltage insulating materials, (2) the very compact electronics module containing high voltage supply, low voltage supplies, ion source pulser, hardware interface and laptop PC, and (3) the interconnecting cable harness. The laptop computer is setup to receive commands from the keyboard or from a second user`s computer which is acquiring data from the detectors. The neutron output at 100 kV is 2x10{sup 8} neutrons/sec/4{pi}. The generator can be operated in continuous or pulsed mode. The maximum pulse frequency is 10 kHz and the minimum pulse width is 10 {mu}seconds. The rise and fall times of the neutron pulse (measured with a PMT and plastic scintillator) are under 1.25 {mu}s. Safety features are build into the system. The primary one being that the tube containing the tritium is a very rugged ceramic-metal design which is then contained in a sealed stainless steel housing. There are also allowances for the user`s door and radiation monitor interlocks.

• OSTI ID: 199799
• Report Number(s): CONF-941129--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
DEUTERON REACTIONS
NEUTRON GENERATORS
PERFORMANCE
TRITIUM TARGET