Study of neutron fields around an intense neutron generator. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kicka, L.; Machrafi, R.; Miller, A.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 130(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Neutron generator -- Neutron -- Bubble detector -- Monte Carlo Simulations -- Fluence -- Dose; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.09.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Neutron fields in the vicinity of the newly built neutron facility, at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), have been investigated in a series of Monte Carlo simulations and measurements. The facility hosts a P-385 neutron generator based on a deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction. The neutron fluence at different locations around the neutron generator facility has been simulated using MCNPX 2.7E Monte Carlo particle transport program. To characterize neutron fields, three neutron sources were modeled with distributions corresponding to different incident deuteron energies of 90 kV, 110 kV, and 130 kV. Measurements have been carried out to determine the dose rate at locations adjacent to the generator using bubble detectors (BDs). The neutron intensity was evaluated and the total dose rates corresponding to different applied acceleration potentials were estimated at various locations. Highlights: A Monte Carlo model has been build to simulate the dose rate at various locations of a neutron facility with a neutron generator. Bubble detectors have been used to measure the neutron dose and to extract the generator intensity. The experimental data has been compared to the simulation. The dose rate outside of the facility was found to be far below the recommended dose limits.