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Evaluation of the /sup 252/Cf-source-driven neutron noise analysis method for measuring the subcriticality of LWR fuel storage casks

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6104783· OSTI ID:6104783
The /sup 252/Cf-source-driven neutron noise analysis method was evaluated to determine if it could be used to measure the subcriticality of storage casks of burnt LWR fuel submerged in fuel storage pools, fully loaded and as they are being loaded. The motivation for this evaluation was that measurements of k/sub eff/ would provide the parameter most directly related to the criticality safety of storage cask configurations of LWR fuel and could allow proper credit for fuel burnup without reliance on calculations. This in turn could lead to more cost-effective cask designs. Evaluation of the method for this application was based on (1) experiments already completed at a critical experiments facility using arrays of PWR fuel pins typical of the size of storage cask configurations, (2) the existence of neutron detectors that can function in shipping cask environments, and (3) the ability to construct ionization chambers containing /sup 252/Cf of adequate intensity for these measurements. These three considerations are discussed.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6104783
Report Number(s):
CONF-871101-5-Summ.; ON: DE87011112
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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