2024-02-22 スイス連邦工科大学ローザンヌ校(EPFL)
＜関連情報＞
- https://actu.epfl.ch/news/gamma-ray-method-monitors-nuclear-reactors-safely-/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-59127-y
ガンマノイズで原子炉を非侵襲的にモニタリング Gamma noise to non-invasively monitor nuclear research reactors
Oskari Pakari,Tom Mager,Pavel Frajtag,Andreas Pautz & Vincent Lamirand
Scientific Reports Published:10 April 2024
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-59127-y
Abstract
Autonomous nuclear reactor monitoring is a key aspect of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s strategy to ensure nonproliferation treaty compliance. From the rise of small modular reactor technology, decentralized nuclear reactor fleets may strain the capacities of such monitoring and requires new approaches. We demonstrate the superior capabilities of a gamma detection system to monitor the criticality of a zero power nuclear reactor from beyond typical vessel boundaries, offering a powerful alternative to neutron-based systems by providing direct information on fission chain propagation. Using the case example of the research reactor CROCUS, we demonstrate how two bismuth germanate scintillators placed outside the reactor vessel can precisely observe reactor criticality using so called noise methods and provide core status information in seconds. Our results indicate a wide range of applications due to the newly gained geometric flexibility that could find use in fields beyond nuclear safety.
