Effect of Thermal Neutron Irradiation on Thermocouples and Resistance Thermometers
Journal Article
·
· IRE Transactions on Nuclear Science
Certain conditions under which transmutation of elements can result in a temperature measurement error that is reasonably predictable are demonstrated. Methods are developed for estimating the errors for the purpose of: engineering judgment in selecting temperature measuring elements for application; obtaining the order of magnitude for expected error in nuclear applications; and use as a guide in the evaluation of results from nuclear irradiation studies. Theoretical and experimental results show that the thermal emf of a Pt vs Pt-10% Rh is decreased (a temperature reading will be too low) when exposed to high neutron fluxes. The experimental results, together with theoretical considerations, indicate that the changes are due primarily to the transmutation of rhodium. The results are believed to be sufficiently conclusive to permit an estimation of errors to be expected due to transmutations caused by nuclear reactions in this thermocouple. The copper resistance thermometer will suffer a change in resistance due to transmutations of about ten times that for platinum. Even though the change in platinum may be about six times that of nickel-constant, it may still be selected over nickel in nuclear environments due to non-nuclear considerations, stability and ability to be used at higher temperatures. Transmutations cause an increase in resistance, and therefore, the temperature measured is too high. This is in the safe direction for nuclear applications.
- Research Organization:
- Leeds and Northrup Co., Philadelphia
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-001992
- OSTI ID:
- 4833417
- Journal Information:
- IRE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Journal Name: IRE Transactions on Nuclear Science Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 8; ISSN 0096-2015
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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