Monte Carlo model for the pulsed neutron activation method of flow measurement

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6775126

Gardner, R P; Haq, W; Verghese, K

A useful noninvasive method for the measurement of fluid flow rates in large pipes is the pulsed neutron activation (PNA) method. In PNA, a suitable radioisotope is generated at a definite location within the fluid by neutron activation using a pulsed source, and the radioisotope is subsequently detected downstream. The transit time from the activation point to the detection point is directly related to the mean flow velocity of the fluid. For the design and use of PNA systems, it is desirable to have an accurate predictive model describing the neutron activation, the transport and dispersion of the radioisotope within the fluid, and the detection of the emitted radiation. Perez-Griffo et al. reported on a calculational scheme for describing a PNA measurement system at the loss-of-flow test (LOFT) facility that combines Monte Carlo simulation (for the activation and detection parts) with the solution of partial differential equations that describe the transport and a dispersion of the activated radioisotope. Their scheme, while valid, is cumbersome to use since it involves three distinctly separate calculations. Here a Monte Carlo model is presented that treats the entire process in one continuous step. It is easy to use and very efficient computationally.

• OSTI ID: 6775126
• Report Number(s): CONF-8711195-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 55
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300* -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
ACCURACY
ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ENERGY TRANSFER
FLOW COUNTERS
FLUID MECHANICS
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDRAULICS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MECHANICS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
NAI DETECTORS
RADIATION DETECTORS
SCINTILLATION COUNTERS
SOLID SCINTILLATION DETECTORS