Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for calibrating a first self-powered neutron detector for long term use in a nuclear reactor core with a second self-powered neutron detector, where the emitter material of the second self-powered neutron detector has a neutron absorption cross-section that is greater than the neutron absorption cross-section of the first emitter material for the first self-powered neutron detector.
Abstract:
Self-powered gamma-responsive nuclear radiation detector with an emitter electrode of a lead and calcium alloy. The alloy contains calcium in an amount of between 25 and 50 atom percent. This alloy exhibits good ductibility with a melting point of at least 630°C.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a simple and rugged, wide- range radiation monitor adapted for use at various locations around a nuclear reactor plant. An emitter plate (E) of a high atomic number material is positioned between collector plates (C7, C2) of a low atomic number material and the ionization current developed in the gap regions therebetween in response to low radiation fields and the self-powered current developed in response to high radiation fields is measured by a current measuring circuit (M) as an indication of impinging radiation. The spacing between the collector and emitter plates and accordingly the gas volume defined therebetween is great enough that the ionization current dominates the self-powered current at low radiation fields.
Abstract:
A long-lifespan in-core instrument having an extended lifespan due to an enhanced combustion lifespan of an emitter according to the present invention comprises: a central tube; an outer sheath tube distanced from the outer circumferential surface of the central tube; self-powered neutron detectors placed between the central tube and outer sheath tube, and each comprising an emitter of a material having a reaction cross section with neutron that is comparatively smaller than that of rhodium; a background detector for compensating for the background noise signal; core exit thermocouples for detecting the core exit temperature; and filler wires filling in the space between the self-powered neutron detectors, background detector and core exit thermocouples, and as such, the present invention can markedly reduce the amount of spent in-core instrument waste, which is high-level radioactive material, and thus can contribute in securing a utility space for the high-level waste material, as well as in reducing radiation exposure of the nuclear power plant personnel.
Abstract:
A self-powered neutron detector having an emitter with a slightly negative bias voltage that assures that an increase in the electrons that enter the insulator are counted and decreases or eliminates the gamma induced prompt signal. Variations in the size of the bias is used as a diagnostic tool to estimate the gamma induced prompt signal.