Nuclear Engineering and Technology

Korean Nuclear Society (한국원자력학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Simulation, design optimization, and experimental validation of a silver SPND for neutron flux mapping in the Tehran MTR

  • Received : 2019.10.30
  • Accepted : 2020.05.15
  • Published : 2020.12.25
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

This paper deals with the simulation-based design optimization and experimental validation of the characteristics of an in-core silver Self-Powered Neutron Detector (SPND). Optimized dimensions of the SPND are determined by combining Monte Carlo simulations and analytical methods. As a first step, the Monte Carlo transport code MCNPX is used to follow the trajectory and fate of the neutrons emitted from an external source. This simulation is able to seamlessly integrate various phenomena, including neutron slowing-down and shielding effects. Then, the expected number of beta particles and their energy spectrum following a neutron capture reaction in the silver emitter are fetched from the TENDEL database using the JANIS software interface and integrated with the data from the first step to yield the origin and spectrum of the source electrons. Eventually, the MCNPX transport code is used for the Monte Carlo calculation of the ballistic current of beta particles in the various regions of the SPND. Then, the output current and the maximum insulator thickness to avoid breakdown are determined. The optimum design of the SPND is then manufactured and experimental tests are conducted. The calculated design parameters of this detector have been found in good agreement with the obtained experimental results.

Keywords

References

  1. X. Peng, K. Wang, Q. Li, A new power mapping method based on ordinary kriging and determination of optimal detector location strategy, Ann. Nucl. Energy 68 (2014) 118-123.
  2. C.S. Yoo, B.C. Kim, J.-H. Park, A.H. Fero, S. Anderson, Rhodium self-powered neutron detector's lifetime for Korean standard nuclear power plants, Nucl. Eng. Technol. 37 (2005) 605-610.
  3. M.S. Terman, N.M. Kojouri, H. Khalafi, Determination of control rod positions during fuel life-cycle using fixed in-core Self-Powered Neutron Detectors of Tehran Research Reactor, Nucl. Eng. Des. 331 (2018) 68-82.
  4. S. Mishra, R. Modak, S. Ganesan, Computational schemes for online flux mapping system in a large-sized pressurized heavy water reactor, Nucl. Sci. Eng. 170 (2012) 280-289.
  5. M. Angelone, A. Klix, M. Pillon, P. Batistoni, U. Fischer, A. Santagata, Development of self-powered neutron detectors for neutron flux monitoring in HCLL and HCPB ITER-TBM, Fusion Eng. Des. 89 (2014) 2194-2198.
  6. Z. Li, L. Cao, H. Wu, Y. Li, Z. Liu, W. Shen, W. Yang, Development and validation of a PWR on-line power-distribution monitoring system NECP-ONION, Nucl. Eng. Des. 322 (2017) 104-115.
  7. G.F. Knoll, Radiation Detection and Measurement, fourth ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2010.
  8. R.V. Nieuwenhove, Effect of fission betas, activated structures and hydrogen on self powered neutron detectors, IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. 61 (2014) 2006-2010.
  9. C. Kong, D. Lee, H.C. Shin, Lifetime extension of in-core self-powered neutron detector using new emitter materials, Int. J. Energy Res. 41 (2017) 2405-2412.
  10. P. Raj, M. Angelone, T. Doring, K. Eberhardt, U. Fischer, A. Klix, R. Schwengner, Experimental assessment of a flat sandwich-like self-powered detector for nuclear measurements in ITER test blanket modules, IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. 65 (2018) 2385-2391.
  11. P.S. Rao, A.K. Mahant, S. Rao, S.M. Tripathi, S.C. Misra, Some studies on cobalt and vanadium self powered neutron detectors developed by ECIL, Radiat. Phys. Chem. 51 (1998) 453-454.
  12. A. Ulybkin, A. Rybka, K. Kovtun, V. Kutny, V. Voyevodin, A. Pudov, R. Azhazha, Radiation-induced transformation of Hafnium composition, Nucl. Eng. Technol. 51 (2019) 1964-1969.
  13. X. Liu, Z. Wang, Q. Zhang, B. Deng, Y. Niu, Current compensation for material consumption of cobalt Self-Powered Neutron Detector, Nucl. Eng. Technol. 52 (2019) 863-868.
  14. M.N. Agu, H. Petitcolas, Self-Powered detector response to thermal and epithermal neutron flux, Nucl. Sci. Eng. 107 (1991) 374-384.
  15. M.S. Terman, N.M. Kojouri, H. Khalafi, Optimal placement of fixed in-core detectors for Tehran Research Reactor using information theory, Prog. Nucl. Energy 106 (2018) 300-315.
  16. H.D. Warren, N.H. Shah, Neutron and gamma-ray effects on self-powered incore radiation detectors, Nucl. Sci. Eng. 54 (1974) 395-415.
  17. E. Balcar, H. Bock, F. Hahn, Theoretical evaluation of a self-powered neutron detector with a fissile emitter, Nucl. Instrum. Methods 153 (1978) 429-438.
  18. H.D. Warren, Calculational model for self-powered neutron detector, Nucl. Sci. Eng. 48 (1972) 331-342.
  19. N.A. Antonov, Y.D. Yordanov, Some theoretical investigations on prompt selfpowered neutron detectors (Hafnium and erbium emitters), Nucl. Sci. Eng. 94 (1986) 206-212.
  20. V.K. Patel, M.A. Reichenberger, J.A. Roberts, T.C. Unruh, D.S. McGregor, MCNP6 simulated performance of micro-pocket fission detectors (MPFDs) in the transient REActor test (TREAT) facility, Ann. Nucl. Energy 104 (2017) 191-196.
  21. M.T. Andrews, M.E. Rising, K. Meierbachtol, P. Talou, A. Sood, C.R. Bates, E.A. McKigney, C.J. Solomon, Characterizing scintillator detector response for correlated fission experiments with MCNP and associated packages, Radiat. Phys. Chem. 155 (2018) 217-220.
  22. N.S. Edwards, B.W. Montag, L.C. Henson, S.L. Bellinger, D.M. Nichols, M.A. Reichenberger, R.G. Fronk, D.S. McGregor, Neutron sensitivity of 6Li-based suspended foil microstrip neutron detectors using Schott Borofloat® 33 microstrip electrodes, Radiat. Phys. Chem. 147 (2018) 70-76.
  23. H. Lee, S. Choi, K.-H. Cha, K. Lee, D. Lee, New calculational model for selfpowered neutron detector based on Monte Carlo simulation, J. Nucl. Sci. Technol. 52 (2015) 660-669.
  24. L. Wanno, C. Gyunseong, K. Kwanghyun, K. Hee Joon, C. Yuseon, P. Moon Kyu, K. Soongpyung, A study on the sensitivity of self-powered neutron detector (SPND), 1999 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, in: Conference Record. 1999 Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, 1999, pp. 772-776. Cat. No.99CH37019.
  25. G. Audi, F. Kondev, M. Wang, B. Pfeiffer, X. Sun, J. Blachot, M. MacCormick, The NUBASE2012 evaluation of nuclear properties, Chin. Phys. C 36 (2012) 1157.
  26. M.B.N. Soppera, E. Dupont, JANIS 4: an Improved Version of the NEA Java-Based Nuclear Data Information System, Nuclear Data Sheets, 2014, pp. 294-296.
  27. A.J. Koning, D. Rochman, Modern nuclear data evaluation with the TALYS code system, Nucl. Data Sheets 113 (2012) 2841-2934.
  28. A. Lashkari, H. Khalafi, H. Kazeminejad, Effective delayed neutron fraction and prompt neutron lifetime of Tehran research reactor mixed-core, Ann. Nucl. Energy 55 (2013) 265-271.
  29. N.P. Goldstein, A monte-carlo calculation of the neutron sensitivity of self-powered detectors, IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. 20 (1973) 549-556.
  30. W. Lee, G. Cho, K. Kim, H.J. Kim, Y. Choi, M.C. Park, S. Kim, A study on the sensitivity of self-powered neutron detectors (SPNDs), IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. 48 (2001) 1587-1591.
  31. J.D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, third ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
  32. G.E.P. Box, H.L. Lucas, Design of experiments in non-linear situations, Biometrika 46 (1959) 77-90.
  33. P. Auerkari, Mechanical and Physical Properties of Engineering Alumina Ceramics, Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, 1996, pp. 1-26.