Thick activation detectors for neutron spectrometry using different unfolding methods: sensitivity analysis and dose calculation.

This paper discusses the use of threshold detectors of extended sizes for low intensity neutron fields' characterization. The detectors were tested by the measurement of the neutron spectrum of an (241)Am-Be source. Integral quantities characterizing the neutron field, required for radiological protection, have been derived by unfolding the measured data. A good agreement is achieved between the obtained results and those deduced using Bonner spheres. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the results to the deconvolution procedure is given.

Neutron field characterisation of the OB26 CRNA irradiator in view of its use for calibration purposes.

The main goal of the present work is to characterise the neutron field of an OB26 irradiation system acquired by the Nuclear Research Center of Algiers for radiation protection purposes. Extensive Monte-Carlo (MC) calculations and measurements using BF(3)- and (3)He-based neutron area dosemeters were performed to estimate the contribution, on the energy neutron spectrum, of each component present in the bunker facility of the Algerian Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) where the irradiator has been installed. For this purpose, new irradiation configurations based on the (241)Am-Be source placed in the OB 26/2 biological shielding inside its environment have been investigated by MC simulations, and comparison with the ISO spectrum has been performed. During MC simulations, sensitivity analysis has been considered to estimate the effect of several physical parameters on the neutron fluence and dose equivalent rates. In addition, the contribution of the gamma dose equivalent rates to the total neutron dose equivalent rates was estimated for both selected source-detector distances (SDDs) 150 and 200 cm. Finally, a theoretical approach has been adopted, using MCNP5 fluence rates, to estimate the readings of the instruments taking into account their response functions. A low mean difference (12 %) between measured and predicted dose equivalent rates for two selected SDDs has been observed. Overall, the obtained MCNP5 results regarding the actual SSDL irradiation facility are particularly encouraging, but need to be supported by further experimental data.

Monte-Carlo investigation of radiation beam quality of the CRNA neutron irradiator for calibration purposes.

An irradiation system has been acquired by the Nuclear Research Center of Algiers (CRNA) to provide neutron references for metrology and dosimetry purposes. It consists of an (241)Am-Be radionuclide source of 185 GBq (5Ci) activity inside a cylindrical steel-enveloped polyethylene container with radially positioned beam channel. Because of its composition, filled with hydrogenous material, which is not recommended by ISO standards, we expect large changes in the physical quantities of primary importance of the source compared to a free-field situation. Thus, the main goal of the present work is to fully characterize neutron field of such special delivered set-up. This was conducted by both extensive Monte-Carlo calculations and experimental measurements obtained by using BF(3) and (3)He based neutron area dosimeters. Effects of each component present in the bunker facility of the Algerian Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) on the energy neutron spectrum have been investigated by simulating four irradiation configurations and comparison to the ISO spectrum has been performed. The ambient dose equivalent rate was determined based upon a correct estimate of the mean fluence to ambient dose equivalent conversion factors at different irradiations positions by means of a 3-D transport code MCNP5. Finally, according to practical requirements established for calibration purposes an optimal irradiation position has been suggested to the SSDL staff to perform, in appropriate manner, their routine calibrations.