Nuclear Engineering and Technology (May 2020)

A 235U mass measurement method for UO2 rod assembly based on the n/γ joint measurement system

  • Jianqing Yang,
  • Quanhu Zhang,
  • Xianghua Su,
  • Sufen Li,
  • Lin Zhuang,
  • Suxia Hou,
  • Yonggang Huo,
  • Hao Zhou,
  • Guorong Liu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2019.10.018
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 52, no. 5
pp. 1036 – 1042

Abstract

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Fast-Neutron Multiplicity Counter based on Liquid Scintillator Detector can directly measure the fast neutron multiplicity emitted by UO2 rod. HPGe gamma spectrometer; which has superior energy resolution; is routinely used for the gamma energy spectrum measurement. Combing Fast-Neutron Multiplicity Counter and HPGe γ-spectrometer, the n/γ joint measurement system is developed. The fast neutron multiplicity and gamma energy spectrum of UO2 rod assemblies under different conditions are measured by the n/γ joint measurement system. The induced fission rate and the 235U abundance, thereby the 235U mass; can be obtained for UO2 rod assemblies. The 235U mass deviation of the measured value from the reference value is less than 5%. The results show that the n/γ joint measurement system is effective and applicable in the measurement of the 235U mass in samples. Keywords: Fast-neutron multiplicity counter, n/γ joint measurement system, Liquid scintillator detector, HPGe γ spectrometer, UO2 rod assembly, 235U mass