Experimental determination and simulation of neutron and gamma flux parameters in horizontal channel for Prompt Gamma Neutron activation analysis implementation at Es-Salam research reactor.

Since 2004, the k0-standardization method has been applied and evaluated in three experimental channels at Es-Salam research reactor of the Algerian Centre de Recherche Nucléaire de Birine (CRNB). The NAA laboratory at CRNB is well involved in the implementation of the Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis to extend the field of analyses to some additional elements to the NAA method. In the frame work of the PGNAA research project, several works have been carried out in the present study including the experimental and simulation characterization of neutron and gamma flux parameters of the horizontal channel. The absolute and relative neutron fluxes of the studied channel have been determined by using a set of monitors including Al, Au, Cu, Fe and Zr. Furthermore, measurements of gamma and thermal neutron doses have been achieved using LiF: Mg, Ti (TLD 600 and TLD 700) detectors. The gamma dose rate at the experimental channel center position was found to be 0.6 Gy/min·MW. The experimental results obtained in this study have been used as input information for simulations and design of neutron facilities and radiation shielding, which are successfully established by SCALE code. The results were compared in terms of spectral detail and precision and a good agreement has been revealed. The value of the thermal neutron flux was found to be (6.29 ± 0.25) E+08 n/cm2.s which allows the implementation of PGNAA at the Es-Salam research reactor.

Exposure to indoor radon and natural gamma radiation in some workplaces at Algiers, Algeria.

Radon activity concentrations have been measured in 34 workplaces throughout Algiers nuclear research centre, in Algeria, during some periods between March 2007 and June 2013 using Electret ion chambers, nuclear tracks detectors and an AlphaGuard system. The indoor radon levels range from 2 to 628 Bq m(-3) with an average indoor concentration equals to 92 Bq m(-3), whereas the estimated outdoor radon concentrations range from 2 to 14 Bq m(-3) with an average value of 6 Bq m(-3). This study also focused on parameters affecting radon concentration levels such as floor number, ventilation and atmospheric parameters. Furthermore, the mean gamma rates have been measured in the different investigated locations and have been found to be varying between 33 and 3300 nSv h(-1). The annual effective dose for workers calculated using the appropriate equilibrium and occupancy factors is lower than the value recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection in its Publication 103.