Monte Carlo Simulations for a Preliminary Design of TRIGA IPR-R1 PGAA Facility

Abstract

Abstract:In this paper, the evaluation of a preliminary design of a PGAA (prompt gamma activation analysis) facility based on Monte Carlo simulations is presented and discussed. The implementation of the PGAA method at the CDTN (nuclear technology development centre) would increase the applications of the TRIGA reactor. The preliminary design is based on a quasi vertical hollow cylinder (called neutron extractor) in the reactor pool to extract the neutron flux. This study evaluates the neutron flux in the upper position of the cylinder in the suggested position of the samples to be analyzed by the PGAA. The calculations of the radioactive capture reaction rates and of the detection limits for some isotopes were performed. Through all these calculations, the feasibility of the application of the PGAA method at the IPR-R1 installations was evaluated. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that is possible to apply the PGAA method at the IPR-R1 reactor, even with its design restrictions.