High-efficiency large-area neutron scintillation detectors for radiation portal monitors
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Large area neutron detectors are used as a component of radiation portal monitors, intended to detect concealed fissionable material at international borders and at the gates of nuclear processing plants. A further application is in the ensuring that scrap metal is free from radioactive contamination before melting. Existing neutron detectors utilize helium-3 proportional tubes. Helium-3 is no longer available due
to an international shortage followed by a ban on further usage for this application. The proposed detectors are intended as a low cost replacement for helium-3 proportional tubes. They use natural boron compounds in forms manufactured for other industrial uses. A general approach of using only materials easily and cheaply available has been taken with the intention that the design is immune from future market shortages or reliance on specific suppliers. Prototype detectors exist and it is the aim of this project to explore their operational characteristics in realistic harsh environments. The designs will be enlarged and considerable effort spent on developing and improving the fabrication of detector components. Pre-manufacturing prototypes will be assessed and calibrated by internationally approved validation laboratories. It is intended that at the end of the project, a mass produceable version of the design will be available for the partner to manufacture.
to an international shortage followed by a ban on further usage for this application. The proposed detectors are intended as a low cost replacement for helium-3 proportional tubes. They use natural boron compounds in forms manufactured for other industrial uses. A general approach of using only materials easily and cheaply available has been taken with the intention that the design is immune from future market shortages or reliance on specific suppliers. Prototype detectors exist and it is the aim of this project to explore their operational characteristics in realistic harsh environments. The designs will be enlarged and considerable effort spent on developing and improving the fabrication of detector components. Pre-manufacturing prototypes will be assessed and calibrated by internationally approved validation laboratories. It is intended that at the end of the project, a mass produceable version of the design will be available for the partner to manufacture.
Planned Impact
Radiation portal monitors are used for the interdiction of Special Nuclear
Materials at borders and elsewhere. Due to the shortage of helium-3,
there is an urgent requirement for large area neutron detectors using a
replacement technology. Further installation of portal monitors cannot
continue unless a replacement technology is available.
Many other areas of science can also benefit from the commercialization
of new neutron detectors in the absence of helium-3. The neutron scattering
(ISIS, ESS) and controlled fusion (ITER) communities are particularly
vulnerable to the shortage. Other industrial applications include oil-well
logging, moisture gauges, soil and concrete compaction gauges and detection
of non-metallic landmines and IEDs. The nuclear new-build programme will require large
numbers of efficient neutron detectors in many areas of activity, while civil and
military nuclear decommissioning are also major users.
Materials at borders and elsewhere. Due to the shortage of helium-3,
there is an urgent requirement for large area neutron detectors using a
replacement technology. Further installation of portal monitors cannot
continue unless a replacement technology is available.
Many other areas of science can also benefit from the commercialization
of new neutron detectors in the absence of helium-3. The neutron scattering
(ISIS, ESS) and controlled fusion (ITER) communities are particularly
vulnerable to the shortage. Other industrial applications include oil-well
logging, moisture gauges, soil and concrete compaction gauges and detection
of non-metallic landmines and IEDs. The nuclear new-build programme will require large
numbers of efficient neutron detectors in many areas of activity, while civil and
military nuclear decommissioning are also major users.
People |
ORCID iD |
| John McMillan (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
McMillan J
(2015)
Thermal neutron scintillators using unenriched boron nitride and zinc sulfide
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
McMillan J
(2015)
The fabrication of wavelength shifting lightguides from clear acrylic sheet by disperse dyeing
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
McMillan, J.E.
The production of wavelength shifting lightguides from clear acrylic sheet by disperse dyeing
in Nuclear Instruments And Methods in Physics Research A
| Description | Large area neutron detectors based on commodity materials have been developed. By this it is meant that there are no requirements for exotic isotopically enriched or controlled substances used. |
| Exploitation Route | The detectors can be used in security portals, in scrap screening or in other areas where the detection of neutron emitters is important. An obvious application is in the replacement of helium-3 detectors associated with reactors and the nuclear fuel cycle. Environmental measurements on geoneutron fluxes, neutron measurements of moisture content of soil and oilwell borehole logging are other areas of application. |
| Sectors | Electronics Energy Environment Security and Diplomacy Transport |
| Description | Ongoing product development with ET Enterprises and Ludlum Instruments to develop future portal detectors |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Electronics,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Sheffield Tour de France Small Artistic Commissions |
| Amount | £1,580 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Government of the UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2014 |
| End | 04/2014 |
| Description | Collaboration with ET Enterprises |
| Organisation | ET Enterprises |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | ET-Enterprises are part of the Ludlum Measurements group. We are working with them on the development of low cost helium-3 free neutron detectors for portal applications. We are designing the detectors and developing materials and components |
| Collaborator Contribution | ET-Enterprises are providing photomultipliers and electronics expertise. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary |
| Description | Visit Mexborough Astronomical Society |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Around 80 people attended a meeting on "Radiation detection for screening of metal scrap and for international security" Higher than usual turnout on a wet winter's evening |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |