Year
2015
Abstract
Numerous neutron detection technologies have recently been advanced in the drive to find viable alternatives to 3He proportional tube counting systems in international safeguards applications. However, in the quest for new technologies, it is often easy to overlook traditional, proven techniques given the concern over the 3He Supply. A 10B-lined proportional-tube-based neutron coincidence collar developed by GE/Reuter-Stokes (GERS) has been adapted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to demonstrate the capability of one such traditional neutron detection technology as a potential replacement for the High Level Neutron Coincidence Counter (HLNCC-II), a long-established and successful instrument. Although by no means optimized for such an application, the GE/Reuter- Stokes proof-of-concept system evaluated in this work performs well relative to International Target Values for coincidence counting of bulk plutonium in oxide form. This traditional neutron technology also offers advantages relative to novel detection concepts in that it is compatible with existing safeguards infrastructure, is as insensitive to gamma-rays as 3He, is a well-understood technology, and is available today. Results of environmental testing, bench tests with 252Cf sources, and measurement of mixed oxide materials (performed at a recent ESARDA comparison exercise) are presented.