High-Level Neutron Coincidence Counter, N2018
The ANTECH Model N2018 High-Level Neutron Coincidence Counter is a medium efficiency passive neutron counter for measuring the spontaneous and induced fission from the even isotopes of plutonium bearing samples, including PuO2, mixed oxides, metal carbides, solution and scrap.
The Model N2018 is based on technology developed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for safeguards and inventory purposes. Conventional passive neutron coincidence counting of scrap and residues give rise to significant biases since the plutonium present is often in lumped form and mixed with significant quantities of low-z number impurities. The high α-ratio causes a general increase in the apparent correlated response through induced fission reactions that can lead to significant biases.
In multiplicity counting, the number of signal multiplets (the signal frequency distribution) is measured in the neutron pulse train. From the moment of the neutron probability distribution it is possible to determine the number of neutron totals, the number of correlated neutron pairs and the number of correlated neutron triples. When one of the variables is known (or can be inferred), the data analysis employs a point source model to perform a four parameter analysis based frequency distribution to solve for the spontaneous fission rate, Fs (and hence the 240Pueffective mass), the detection probability (ε), the (α,n) source term (Sα) or the neutron multiplication, as appropriate.
The Model N2018 can be used with most commercially available neutron coincidence and multiplicity counters for multiplicity distribution data collection.
The neutron detection system consists of 18 equi-spaced ³He tubes arranged in one ring. The unit is mounted on a robust base fitted with castors. One pair of castors can be locked for safety and stability.
Features
- Detectors mounted in cylindrical HDPE moderator surrounding the sample well to optimise counting efficiency
- Annular ANTECH electrically screened Junction Box that ensures comprehensive electrical screening at the termination of the detector tubes
- Detectors grouped into 6 sets of three tubes, with each bank connected to one Amptek A111 amplifier/discriminator board
- Fast Amptek A111 based amplifier/discriminators reduce dead time effects for doubles and triples, especially at high count rates
- Different High Voltage, Signal and 5V connections to junction box to prevent incorrect connection
- Sample cavity lined with cadmium to prevent back scattering of thermalised neutrons
- Outer cadmium liner – clad with an aluminium cover – reduced neutron background
Benefits
- High efficiency (18%) for the detection of 240Pu spontaneous fission neutrons
- Designed for energy dependence of the detection efficiency as small as is reasonably practicable
- Geometry designed to provide a flat radial and axial detection efficiency profile
- Can be used with most commercially available neutron coincidence and multiplicity counters for multiplicity distribution data collection
| External dimensions (H x W x D) | 757 mm x 340 mm x 340 mm (29.8 in x 13.4 in x 13.4 in) |
| Internal dimensions (H x W x D) | 410 mm x 175 mm (16.3 in x 6.9 in) |
| Weight | 35 kg (75 lb) |
| Detectors | 18 x GE Model RS-P4-0820-103 tubes arranged in one ring |
| Detector dimensions | 25.4 mm x 50.8 mm (1 x 20 in) active detector length at 4 atm |
| HV bias setting | 1680 V |
| Gate width setting | Typically 64 μs |
| Die-away time | 50 μs with gate setting of 64 μs |
| Pre-delay | 4 μs |
| Precision | 0.42% (1 Σ) for 1 kg PuO2 (20% 240Pu) |