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U.S. Department of Energy
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Passive neutron counter for determination of transuranics in high gamma activity samples

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5480893

A very sensitive neutron counting instrument is described which can determine the presence of small quantities of transuranic materials in samples emitting extremely high levels of gamma radiation and which can determine the isotopic content. The detector is of modular design to facilitate disassembly for maintenance or decontamination as necessary, and consists of radiation shields both internal and external to a neutron counter module. The counter module is an annular array of 80 /sup 10/BF/sub 3/ proportional counting tubes arranged in two concentric rows of 40 tubes which are surrounded by a polyethylene moderator. The electronic circuitry permits measurements to be made in two distinct modes: a coincidence mode for isotopic composition measurements, and a spatial mode for determining the physical distribution of the transuranics within the sample. (LEW)

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
5480893
Report Number(s):
PNL-SA-11338; CONF-831015-31; ON: DE84004830
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English