SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of the proposed research is the design of a high-sensitivity neutron detector with a sensitive length of five to eight feet. The detector is a fission counter designed for reliable, long-term operation at elevated temperature and in high gamma radiation fields. The research effort will investigate the utilization of recent advances in detector technology to improve neutron sensitivity and provide the capability of position sensing. it is proposed to design a detector employing a lumped-element transmission line configuration, a filling gas with high electron mobility, and large area electrodes. Solutions will be developed for several mechanical design problems associated with the fabrication and temperature cycling of very long detectors.The potential applications as described by the company: It is anticipated that this program will result in an economical, manufacturable design for the described detector and an estimate of the cost of fabrication. The application for the detector is the measurement of subcritical reactivity of process equipment in nuclear fuel reprocessing plants.

The objective of this project is to manufacture and test a prototype fission counter with a sensitive length of approximately 8 feet. The detector is designed for reliable operation at elevated temperatures in high gamma radiation fields. The design employs a lumped element transmission line configuration, a filling gas with high electron mobility, and large area electrodes. The design value for thermal neutron sensitivity is 2.2 cps/nv per foot of detector length. A position-sensitive mode of operation can be employed with proper signal decoding. A performance test program will be carried out using the prototype unit.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: It is anticipated that Phase 11 will result in the construction and testing of a prototype long neutron detector with high sensitivity and position-sensing capability. The detector design will be useful in a wide range of applications involving the processing and handling of nuclear fuel.