Small pulsed reactor for neutron radiography, and underwater facility using existing pool reactors

TL;DRAbstract

A very simple inexpensive reactor neutron source has been developed for particular neutron radiography applications. The reactor is based on a solution of uranyl nitrate which is rendered momentarily critical on inward movement of a BeO reflector face, and which then shuts itself down by inherent negative reactivity coefficients. Experimental work has been performed on such an assembly built at the Service d'Etudes de Criticite, and a second assembly built at Cadarache for neutron radiography in the Rapsodie fast reactor program has been in operation for a few months. The seven pool reactors of the CEA in France are now equipped with facilities for underwater neutron radiography. The facilities are proving extremely valuable for frequent inspection and measurement on experiments irradiated within the reactors.

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