JAEA − JRC collaboration on the development of active neutron NDA techniques

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission started a program titled “Development of active neutron NDA techniques”. The program aims at developing an innovative non-destructive analysis (NDA) system for various applications in the field of nuclear safety, security and safeguards. A Non Destructive Analysis (NDA) system is proposed that is based on a combination of different active neutron interrogation techniques, i.e. DDA (Differential Die-Away Analysis), PGA (Prompt Gamma-ray Analysis) combined with NRCA (Neutron Resonance Capture Analysis), NRTA (Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis) and DGS (Delayed Gamma Spectroscopy). The activities include the development of simulation tools and of improved data processing and analysis procedures. In addition, validation experiments will be carried out at the nuclear facilities of the JRC. The objective is to construct a prototype instrument at JAEA based on a 14 MeV pulsed neutron source for testing and demonstration experiments. At present no adequate NDA technique exists that can determine the amount of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) and Minor Actinides (MA) in high radioactive nuclear materials, including fresh and spent fuel, debris of melted fuel, transuranic (TRU) waste and next generation nuclear fuel (e.g. fuel for nuclear transmutation). A system based on a combination of the above mentioned techniques is proposed to assess the quantity of SNM and MA for a wide variety of applications, i.e. nuclear safeguards and proliferation, decommissioning and waste management. In addition, the use of the system for the detection of explosives and nuclear forensics will be investigated. In this paper, the background and motivation of the program, the selected active neutron techniques and the master plan are described.

KURETA M.;  KOIZUMI M.;  OHZU A.;  FURUTAKA K.;  TSUCHIYA H.;  SEYA M.;  HARADA H.;  ABOUSAHL Said;  HEYSE Jan;  KOPECKY Stefan;  MONDELAERS Willy;  PEDERSEN Bent;  SCHILLEBEECKX Peter; 

2016-01-21

ESARDA

JRC96895