A Graphite Isotope Ratio Method: A Primer on Estimating Plutonium Production in Graphite Moderated Reactors

Gesh, Christopher J.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (U.S.)

关键词: Graphite Reactors;    Irradiation;    Isotope Ratio;    Neutrons;    Graphite Moderated Reactors;   

DOI  :  10.2172/15010619
RP-ID  :  PNNL-14568
RP-ID  :  AC05-76RL01830
RP-ID  :  15010619

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The Graphite Isotope Ratio Method (GIRM) is a technique used to estimate the total plutonium production in a graphite-moderated reactor. The cumulative plutonium production in that reactor can be accurately determined by measuring neutron irradiation induced isotopic ratio changes in certain impurity elements within the graphite moderator. The method does not require detailed knowledge of a reactor's operating history, although that knowledge can decrease the uncertainty of the production estimate. The basic premise of the Graphite Isotope Ratio Method is that the fluence in non-fuel core components is directly related to the cumulative plutonium production in the nuclear fuel.