skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: PNNL/Euratom glass fiber-optic, spent-fuel profile measurement system

Journal Article · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society
OSTI ID:20005764

Discussions between Euratom and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) revealed a need for a neutron detection system that could measure the neutron profile down the entire length of a CASTOR in one measurement. The CASTORS (dry storage casks for spent fuel and vitrified wastes) are {approximately}6 m high and 2 x 2 m square in cross section. Neutron profiles of the CASTORS are desirable for both content identification and verification. Profile measurements have traditionally been done with {sup 3}He-based detectors {approximately}1 m high that scan the length of a CASTOR as they are lifted by a crane. Geometric reproducibility errors plague this type of measurement; hence, the ability to simultaneously measure the neutron profile over the entire length of the CASTOR became highly desirable. Use of the PNNL-developed neutron-sensitive glass fibers in the construction of a 6-m-high detector was proposed, and design and construction of the detector began.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (US)
OSTI ID:
20005764
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 81; Conference: American Nuclear Society 1999 Winter Meeting, Long Beach, CA (US), 11/14/1999--11/18/1999; Other Information: PBD: 1999; ISSN 0003-018X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English