Neutron shielding requirements for the loft densitometers

Technical Report · Tue Jan 23 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:6447739

Wheeler, F J; McCracken, R T

A cursory examination of the LOFT densitometer response to neutrons has been made for the purpose of determining temporary shielding requirements using readily available materials. Simple calculations were performed to extrapolate response in the mock-up to that in the densitometer. These calculations predict that background count rates for the PC densitometers could be 2-5 times higher (at a given reactor power) than those experienced in the mock-up monitor during power-range testing. This is due to the higher neutron-induced gamma source in the tungsten shield compared to that of lead. Since the mock-up monitor response was approx. 140 kcps (thousand counts per second) at 30% power, the PC densitometer response could be approx. 400 to 1200 kcps at the 50% power level expected prior to the first nuclear blowdown test.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Engineering Lab., Idaho Falls (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-07-1570
• OSTI ID: 6447739
• Report Number(s): LTR-141-97
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220600* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Research
Test & Experimental Reactors
DENSITOMETERS
LOFT REACTOR
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PHOTOMETERS
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
PWR TYPE REACTORS
RADIATION EFFECTS
REACTOR INSTRUMENTATION
REACTORS
RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
SHIELDING
TANK TYPE REACTORS
TEST REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS