A new nondestructive assay system combining both neutron and gamma-ray detectors

Author

Smith, B.G.R. ; Swinhoe, M. ; Verrecchia, G.P.D. ; Ballette, J. ; Van Der Straat, F. ; Roesgen, E. ; Bertrand, O. ; Losito, A.

fYear

1991

fDate

2-9 Nov. 1991

Firstpage

1273

Abstract

A novel nondestructive assay system (four separate identical units) has been constructed which combines a neutron coincidence counter and a high-resolution gamma-ray detector for the simultaneous measurement of plutonium items. The measurement systems have been developed to be used in an unattended mode with the items being presented to the detector automatically as part of the routine handling arrangements in a remotely operated facility. The neutron coincidence counter has been designed to acquire spectra during the neutron coincidence measurement. Particular attention has been paid to the detector layout, shielding collimation, and support and housing. The gamma-ray detector operates continuously in an unattended mode using a closed-cycle helium refrigerator. The neutron counter has been calibrated for the assay of multi-can containers of PuO/sub 2/ powder.<>

Keywords

coincidence techniques; gamma-ray detection and measurement; neutron detection and measurement; nondestructive testing; nuclear materials safeguards; telemetering systems; PuO/sub 2/ powder; calibration; closed cycle refrigerator; detector layout; gamma-ray detectors; housing; multi-can containers; neutron coincidence counter; neutron detector; nondestructive assay; remotely operated facility; routine handling; shielding collimation; simultaneous measurement; support; unattended mode; Condition monitoring; Containers; Costs; Counting circuits; Electronics packaging; Gamma ray detectors; Neutrons; Nuclear measurements; Powders; Radiation detectors;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, 1991., Conference Record of the 1991 IEEE

Conference_Location

Santa Fe, NM, USA

Print_ISBN

0-7803-0513-2

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/NSSMIC.1991.259129

Filename

259129