Monitoring of neutron and gamma radiation
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorsFrancis Henry Ruddy, Abdul Raheem Dulloo, Thomas Vincent Congedo, John George Seidel
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Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for performing measurements related to spent nuclear fuel burnup is disclosed. The use of temperature- and radiation-resistant semiconductor detectors permits simultaneous monitoring of neutron and gamma ray emission rates from spent fuel, as well as providing axial burnup gradient information. The semiconductor detectors preferably comprise SiC. The method and apparatus provide significant cost reductions, lowered radiation exposures and increased operational safety during spent fuel monitoring operations.
Claims50
A system for measuring neutron and gamma emissions comprising:
- a source of neutron and gamma emissions;
- and
- at least one detector positioned to receive the neutron and gamma emissions from the source, the at least one detector comprising a semiconductor active region for generating an electronic signal in response to the neutron and gamma emissions from the source.
A method of measuring neutron and gamma emissions comprising:
- providing a source of neutron and gamma emissions;
- and
- positioning at least one detector to receive the neutron and gamma emissions from the source, the at least one detector comprising a semiconductor active region for generating an electronic signal in response to the neutron and gamma emissions from the source.
A detector for measuring neutron and gamma emissions comprising a semiconductor active region for generating an electronic signal in response to neutron and gamma emissions received by the detector.
A detector array for measuring neutron and gamma emissions comprising a plurality of detectors having a semiconductor active region for generating an electronic signal in response to neutron and gamma emissions received by the detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.