Significance and Use

In neutron dosimetry, a fission or non-fission dosimeter, or combination of dosimeters, can be used for determining a fluence-rate, fluence, or neutron spectrum, or both, in nuclear reactors. Each dosimeter is sensitive to a specific energy range, and, if desired, increased accuracy in a fluence-rate spectrum can be achieved by the use of several dosimeters each covering specific neutron energy ranges.

A wide variety of detector materials is used for various purposes. Many of these substances overlap in the energy of the neutrons which they will detect, but many different materials are used for a variety of reasons. These reasons include available analysis equipment, different cross sections for different fluence-rate levels and spectra, preferred chemical or physical properties, and, in the case of radiometric dosimeters, varying requirements for different half-life isotopes, possible interfering activities, and chemical separation requirements.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers the selection, design, irradiation, post-irradiation handling, and quality control of neutron dosimeters (sensors), thermal neutron shields, and capsules for reactor surveillance neutron dosimetry.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Values in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry

E261 Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence, Fluence Rate, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques

E854 Test Method for Application and Analysis of Solid State Track Recorder (SSTR) Monitors for Reactor Surveillance, E706(IIIB)

E910 Test Method for Application and Analysis of Helium Accumulation Fluence Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance, E706 (IIIC)

E1005 Test Method for Application and Analysis of Radiometric Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance, E 706 (IIIA)

E1018 Guide for Application of ASTM Evaluated Cross Section Data File, Matrix E706 (IIB)

E1214 Guide for Use of Melt Wire Temperature Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance, E 706 (IIIE)

E2005 Guide for Benchmark Testing of Reactor Dosimetry in Standard and Reference Neutron Fields

E2006 Guide for Benchmark Testing of Light Water Reactor Calculations

Keywords

activity; dosimeter; fission monitor; monitor; monitor foil; neutron fluence; pressure vessel; radiometric monitor; reaction rate; reactor surveillance; sensor; Neutron radiation--nuclear materials/applications; Nuclear reactor vessels--surveillance; Radiation exposure--nuclear materials/applications; Scleroscope hardness; Thermal analysis (TA); Thermal neutron radiation; Design--nuclear materials/applications; Destructive testing--irradiation; Dosimetry; Fast neutron flux/fluence; Gamma radiation--nuclear materials/applications; Irradiance/irradiation; Neutron flux/fluence;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 17.240 (Radiation measurements)

DOI: 10.1520/E0844-09

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM E844