An investigation towards real time dose rate monitoring, and fuel rod detection in a First Generation Magnox Storage Pond (FGMSP)

Jackson, Sarah and Monk, Stephen and Riaz, Zahid (2014) An investigation towards real time dose rate monitoring, and fuel rod detection in a First Generation Magnox Storage Pond (FGMSP). Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 94. pp. 254-259. ISSN 0969-8043

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Abstract

The First Generation Magnox Storage Pond (FGMSP) is located on the Sellafield Nuclear Site, housing legacy spent Magnox nuclear fuel. Some of which has since corroded, forming a layer of Corroded Magnox Sludge (CMS) creating one of the largest decommissioning challenges the UK has faced. In this work the composition, physical properties and potentially high hazard nature of CMS are discussed, as are the gamma emission spectra of spent Magnox fuel rods typical of the ilk stored. We assess the potential use of a RadLine gamma detector to dose rate map this area and provide fuel rod detection. RadLine consists of a small scintillator, fibre optic cable and photon counter. The probe has the unusual advantage of not being electrically active and therefore fully submersible underwater, with the option to deploy hundreds of metres in length. Our experimental method encompasses general purpose Monte Carlo radiation transport code, MCNP, where we describe the modelling of CMS and pond liquor in comprehensive detail, including their radiological spectrum, chemical composition data, and physical properties. This investigation concludes that the maximum energy deposited within the scintillator crystal due to ambient CMS corresponds to a dose rate of 5.65 Gyhr-1, thus above this value positive detection of a fuel rod would be anticipated. It is additionally established that the detectable region is within a 20 cm range.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Applied Radiation and Isotopes
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3100/3108
Subjects:
?? mcnpfgmsp sludge gamma detector submersible dose rate monitoringradiation ??
ID Code:
70963
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
22 Sep 2014 12:41
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 14:48