Continuous Holdup Measurements with Silicon P-I-N Photodiodes
We report on the behavior of silicon P-I-N photodiodes used to perform holdup measurements on plumbing. These detectors differ from traditional scintillation detectors in that no high-voltage is required, no scintillator is used (gamma and X rays are converted directly by the diode), and they are considerably more compact. Although the small size of the diodes means they are not nearly as efficient as scintillation detectors, the diodes' size does mean that a detector module, including one or more diodes, pulse shaping electronics, analog-to-digital converter, embedded microprocessor, and digital interface can be realized in a package (excluding shielding) the size of a pocket calculator. This small size, coupled with only low-voltage power requirement, completely solid-state realization, and internal control functions allows these detectors to be strategically deployed on a permanent basis, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for manual holdup measurements. In this paper, we report on the measurement of gamma and X rays from {sup 235}U and {sup 238}U contained in steel pipe. We describe the features of the spectra, the electronics of the device and show how a network of them may be used to improve estimates of inventory in holdup.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant (Y-12), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP) (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22800
- OSTI ID:
- 795458
- Report Number(s):
- Y/DX-2494; TRN: US0201328
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1 May 2002
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Operating characteristics of avalanche photodiodes for PET systems
Plutonium calorimetry and SNM holdup measurements. Progress report for the period March 1976--August 1976
Related Subjects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTERS
PHOTODIODES
STEELS
PIPES
SI SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
X-RAY DETECTION
GAMMA DETECTION
URANIUM 235
URANIUM 238
MATERIAL UNACCOUNTED FOR
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT