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http://dx.doi.org/10.5369/JSST.2016.25.3.229

Calculation of Initial Sensitivity for Vanadium Self-Powered Neutron Detector (SPND) using Monte Carlo Method  

CHA, Kyoon Ho (KHNP Central Research Institute)
PARK, Young Woo (Department of Mechatronics Engineering, IMAL, Chung Nam National University)
Publication Information
Journal of Sensor Science and Technology / v.25, no.3, 2016 , pp. 229-234 More about this Journal
Abstract
Self-powered neutron detector (SPND) is being widely used to monitor the reactor core of the nuclear power plants. The SPND contains a neutron-sensitive metallic emitter surrounded by a ceramic insulator. Currently, the vanadium (V) SPND has been being developed to be used in OPR1000 nuclear power plants. Some Monte Carlo simulations were accomplished to calculate the initial sensitivity of vanadium emitter material and alumina insulator with a cylindrical geometry. An MCNP code was used to simulate some factors (neutron self-shielding factor and beta escape probability from the emitter) and space charge effect of an insulator necessary to calculate the sensitivity of vanadium detector. The simulation results were compared with some theoretical and experimental values. The method presented here can be used to analyze the optimum design of the vanadium SPND and contribute to the development of TMI (Top-mount In-core Instrumentation) which might be used in the SMART and SMR.
Keywords
SPND; neutron sensitivity; self-shielding effect; beta escape probability; space charge effect; MCNP;
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