Monte Carlo and experimental assessment of the optimal geometry of the source and collimator for a table-top NRTA system for small nuclear material measurement

Guembou Shouop, C. J.; 土屋 晴文

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 1072, p.170189_1 - 170189_14, 2025/03

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.170189

The development of a compact mobile neutron resonance transmission analysis (NRTA) instrument is in progress for measuring nuclear materials in the field of nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear security. The present paper focuses on research/developments on designing the source, moderators and shielding for the table-top NRTA system utilising a Cf spontaneous neutron. To this end, three source configurations were assessed using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations-based Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) by evaluating each configuration's neutron/gamma fluxes. Experimental validation of the MC simulation was conducted using an EJ270 plastic scintillation detector, a Bq Cf source, and a thin In sample. The Monte Carlo simulations and experimental results confirmed that an optimal configuration for the table-top NRTA system involves sandwiching the Cf source between the polyethylene (PE) moderator (PE closer to the detector) and the W reflector. Furthermore, the MC simulations showed that resonance dips from NatU and Pu (energy lines of 1.06 and 2.60 eV of Pu and 0.30 eV of Pu) can be observed in the Time-of-Flight spectra obtained using the table-top NRTA system with an appropriate collimator for a small pellet sample. The preliminary experimental results with a 2 mm thick In sample displayed the 1.46 eV resonance dip of In, showing that the table-top NRTA system using a Cf neutron source can measure TOF spectra and observe dips caused by low energy resonances in a sample. These findings suggest the system is well-suited for measuring small pellet samples of Pu and U.

Compact and transportable system for detecting lead-shielded highly enriched uranium using Cf rotation method with a water Cherenkov neutron detector

田辺 鴻典*; 米田 政夫; 藤 暢輔; 北村 康則*; 三澤 毅*; 土屋 兼一*; 相楽 洋*

Scientific Reports (Internet), 14, p.18828_1 - 18828_10, 2024/08

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69526-w

The global challenge of on-site detection of highly enriched uranium (HEU), a substance with considerable potential for unauthorized use in nuclear security, is a critical concern. Traditional passive nondestructive assay (NDA) techniques, such as gamma-ray spectroscopy with high-purity germanium detectors, face significant challenges in detecting HEU when it is shielded by heavy metals. Addressing this critical security need, we introduce an on-site detection method for lead-shielded HEU employing a transportable NDA system that utilizes the Cf rotation method with a water Cherenkov neutron detector. This cost-effective NDA system is capable of detecting 4.17 g of U within a 12 min measurement period using a Cf source of 3.7 MBq. Integrating this system into border control measures can enhance the prevention of HEU proliferation significantly and offer robust deterrence against nuclear terrorism.

建屋応答モニタリングと損傷イメージング技術を活用したハイブリッド型の原子炉建屋長期健全性評価法の開発研究(委託研究); 令和4年度英知を結集した原子力科学技術・人材育成推進事業

廃炉環境国際共同研究センター; 東北大学*

JAEA-Review 2023-048, 151 Pages, 2024/05

JAEA-Review-2023-048.pdf:8.48MB

日本原子力研究開発機構(JAEA)廃炉環境国際共同研究センター(CLADS)では、英知を結集した原子力科学技術・人材育成推進事業を実施している。本事業は、東京電力ホールディングス福島第一原子力発電所の廃炉等をはじめとした原子力分野の課題解決に貢献するため、国内外の英知を結集し、様々な分野の知見や経験を、従前の機関や分野の壁を越えて緊密に融合・連携させた基礎的・基盤的研究及び人材育成を推進することを目的としている。本研究は、令和3年度に採択された研究課題のうち、「建屋応答モニタリングと損傷イメージング技術を活用したハイブリッド型の原子炉建屋長期健全性評価法の開発研究」の令和4年度分の研究成果について取りまとめたものである。

Comparing DGSMC, FIER, and FISPACT simulations to experimental delayed gamma-ray spectra for nuclear safeguards development

Rodriguez, D.; Rossi, F.; 高橋 時音

IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 71(3), p.255 - 268, 2024/03

https://doi.org/10.1109/TNS.2024.3353816

Under the MEXT subsidy to improve nuclear security related capabilities, we are developing the delayed gamma-ray spectroscopic analysis technique. One goal is to develop an inverse Monte Carlo analysis method using spectra from simulations of the interrogation instrument for comparison to the actual measured spectra. This work presents the validity of the Monte Carlo foundation of the analysis compared to experimental results and other simulation codes.

Development of an integrated non-destructive analysis system, Active-N

土屋 晴文; 藤 暢輔; 大図 章; 古高 和禎; 北谷 文人; 前田 亮; 米田 政夫

Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 60(11), p.1301 - 1312, 2023/11

https://doi.org/10.1080/00223131.2023.2192529

An integrated active neutron non-destructive analysis (NDA) system, Active-N, was developed to gain knowledge of active neutron NDA techniques that are applicable to measurements of nuclear materials in highly radioactive nuclear fuels. Active-N, equipped with a D-T neutron generator, combines three complementary active neutron NDA techniques: Differential Die-away Analysis (DDA), Prompt Gamma-ray Analysis (PGA), and Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis (NRTA). In this paper, we provide an overview of Active-N and then demonstrate that the compact NRTA system in Active-N can quantify nuclear materials. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to determine the design of the compact NRTA system including a moderator, flight tubes, and a detector shield. To investigate how accurately the compact NRTA system determines areal densities in a sample, measurements were performed with a Pu pellet-type sample as well as metallic plate samples of In and Ag. The experimental areal densities of Pu, In and Ag were consistent with those calculated for the individual nuclei. These results show that it is feasible to develop a compact NRTA system capable of determining the contents of nuclear materials in nuclear fuels. This research was implemented under the subsidy for nuclear security promotion of MEXT.

Neutron resonance fission neutron analysis for nondestructive fissile material assay

弘中 浩太; Lee, J.; 小泉 光生; 伊藤 史哲*; 堀 順一*; 寺田 和司*; 佐野 忠史*

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 1054, p.168467_1 - 168467_5, 2023/09

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2023.168467

We propose neutron resonance fission neutron analysis (NRFNA), an active nondestructive assay (NDA) technique, to improve the capability to identify and quantify a small amount of fissile material in a sample. NRFNA uses pulsed neutrons to induce fission reactions in the sample. Fission neutrons are detected by a neutron-gamma pulse shape discrimination (PSD) scintillation detector with time-of-flight (TOF) technique. The obtained nuclide-specific resonance peaks in the neutron energy spectrum provide information to identify and quantify a fissile material in the sample. The possibility of using PSD for NRFNA was confirmed through a test experiment using a natural uranium sample. We successfully observed the resonance peaks from U(n,f) reaction and showed that NRFNA would be useful for measuring a small amount of fissile material in a sample.

Design and characterization of the fission signature assay instrument for nuclear safeguards

Rossi, F.; 小泉 光生; Rodriguez, D.; 高橋 時音

Proceedings of INMM & ESARDA Joint Annual Meeting 2023 (Internet), 5 Pages, 2023/05

Since 2015, the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN) of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency has been working on the development of the Delayed Gamma-ray Spectroscopy non-destructive assay technique for the quantification of fissile-nuclide content in mixed nuclear materials. Thanks to the efforts and lessons learned from past experiments, the ISCN has successfully designed and fabricated a final integrated instrument. The instrument is composed of a moderator and dose shield where different neutron sources, like Cf-252 and neutron generators, can be inserted to irradiate the sample. Within the moderator, a series of neutron detectors are installed for perform prompt neutron analysis and continuous monitoring of the neutron source emission. Thanks to an innovative transfer system, the sample is then moved to the gamma-ray detector in less than 1.5s providing a fast and reliable movement while being safe from possible contamination. In this work, we will describe the design details of this new instrument. This work is supported by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) under the subsidy for the "promotion for strengthening nuclear security and the like".

Applicability of differential die-away self-interrogation technique for quantification of spontaneous fission nuclides for fuel debris at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants

長谷 竹晃; 相樂 洋*; 小菅 義広*; 能見 貴佳; 奥村 啓介

Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 60(4), p.460 - 472, 2023/04

https://doi.org/10.1080/00223131.2022.2114958

This paper provides an overview of the applicability of the Differential Die-Away Self-Interrogation (DDSI) technique for quantification of spontaneous fissile nuclides in fuel debris at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants. In this research, massive fuel debris stored in a canister was evaluated, and the void space of the canister was assumed to be filled with water for wet storage and air for dry storage. The composition of fuel debris was estimated based on elements such as the inventory in the reactor core and operation history. The simulation results show that for wet storage, the DDSI technique can properly evaluate the neutron leakage multiplication and quantify spontaneous fissile nuclides with a total measurement uncertainty (TMU) of approximately 8%. For dry storage, the known-alpha technique, which was previously established, can be applied to quantify spontaneous fissile nuclides with a TMU of approximately 4%. In both cases, the largest uncertainty factor is the variation in water content in the canister. In the case of wet storage, the uncertainty could be significantly increased in cases where the fuel debris is extremely unevenly distributed in the canister.

New design of a delayed gamma-ray spectrometer for safeguards verification of small mixed nuclear material samples

Rossi, F.; 小泉 光生; Rodriguez, D.; 高橋 時音

Proceedings of 2022 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference and Room Temperature Semiconductor Detector Conference (2022 IEEE NSS MIC RTSD) (Internet), 2 Pages, 2022/11

To address challenges in the safeguard field for the verification of mixed nuclear materials, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency is developing the Delayed Gamma-ray Spectroscopy non-destructive assay technique. Minimally, this technique requires an external source to induce fission in the sample and a gamma-ray detector to collect the high-energy gamma rays emitted from the decay of fission products. In the development of this technique, deuterium-deuterium neutron generators will replace Cf as the external neutron source. The emitted neutrons are then slowed down in the thermal energy range to enhance the delayed gamma-ray signature coming from the fissile nuclides in the sample. The fission product delayed gamma rays with energy above 3 MeV are then collected with a detector located away from the irradiation position to avoid neutron damage. The collected spectrum is then analyzed, and the peak ratios are used to verify the initial composition of the fissile nuclides. Further, source monitors are required to normalize for the source emission to estimate the fissile mass of the sample. In this work, we will first describe our latest development in designing a delayed gamma-ray spectrometer for small mixed nuclear material samples. We will present latest results obtained from activation experiment and neutron detector characterization. Finally, we will present the usage of a new transfer system designed, fabricated, and tested at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency laboratories. This work is supported by MEXT under the subsidy for the "promotion for strengthening nuclear security and the like". This work was done under the agreement between JAEA and EURATOM in the field of nuclear material safeguards research and development.

A Multi-technique tomography-based approach for non-invasive characterization of additive manufacturing components in view of vacuum/UHV applications; Preliminary results

Grazzi, F.*; Cialdai, C.*; Manetti, M.*; Massi, M.*; Morigi, M. P.*; Bettuzzi, M.*; Brancaccio, R.*; Albertin, F.*; 篠原 武尚; 甲斐 哲也; et al.

Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 32(3), p.463 - 477, 2021/09

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-021-00994-2

In this paper, we have studied an additively manufactured metallic component, intended for ultra-high vacuum application, the exit-snout of the MACHINA transportable proton accelerator beam-line. Metal additive manufacturing components can exhibit heterogeneous and anisotropic microstructures. Two non-destructive imaging techniques, X-ray computed tomography and Neutron Tomography, were employed to examine its microstructure. They unveiled the presence of porosity and channels, the size and composition of grains and intergranular precipitates, and the general behavior of the spatial distribution of the solidification lines. While X-ray computed tomography evidenced qualitative details about the surface roughness and internal defects, neutron tomography showed excellent ability in imaging the spatial density distribution within the component. The anisotropy of the density was attributed to the material building orientation during the 3D printing process. Density variations suggest the possibility of defect pathways, which could affect high vacuum performances. In addition, these results highlight the importance of considering building orientation in the design for additive manufacturing for UHV applications.