The ²⁵²Cf Noise Analysis Method for In-Plant Criticality Safety

Conference · Sun Jun 12 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:5482527

Mihalczo, J. T.

The ²⁵²Cf-source-driven neutron noise analysis method for obtaining the subcritical neutron multiplication factor k_eff of a configuration of fissile material from cross-power spectral densities (CPSDs) was developed to avoid difficulties inherent in other subcriticality measurement methods. These difficulties include a need for a calibration at a known reactivity condition near delayed critical and a dependence on detection efficiency that may be more dependent on the configuration of fissile material than k_eff. This method has promise for in-plant applications as has been demonstrated in {approx}20 experiments with a wide variety of fissile material configurations. These experiments conducted between 1975 and 1987 included static measurements between k_eff values of 0.3 and 0.999 and dynamic measurements between k_eff values of 0.3 and 0.96. This noise analysis method has applications for (a) verification of criticality safety, (b) process control, (c) optimization of plant storage of fissile material, (d) long-term storage of spent light water reactor (LWR) fuel, (e) quality assurance testing of fuel elements after production, and (f) verification of k_eff of shipments as received at storage or process facilities. This paper discusses the implications of experiments for these applications and equipment required for in-plant applications.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
• OSTI ID: 5482527
• Report Number(s): CONF-880601--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Journal Volume: 56
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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