C-BORD project: “Effective container inspection at BORDer control points”

Asénath Etilé,Laurent Gaudefroy,Olivier Roig,Eric Bauge,Vincent Méot,A Plompen,J Heyse,P Siegler,S Kopecky,W Mondelaers,P Schillebeeckx,S Oberstedt,F.-J Hambsch

doi:10.1051/epjconf/201714609027

Abstract

In the framework of the C-BORD project of the H2020 programme to provide a safety chain for container inspection at border control points, CEA-DAM is involved to develop an identification method of Special Nuclear Material. Using active interrogation the main purpose is to specifically discriminate fissile actinides from fertile ones through the detection of γ-rays emitted by very short-lived isomers. We present here the interdependance of such a project with nuclear data. We first introduce the SNM identification method. Then, will be detailed the needs in nuclear data and first yields of specific short-lived isomers of 252 Cf spontaneous fission. Perspectives and conclusions will end the article.

Highlights

In European Union, the statement that has been done is that security at borders is of the most importance for all the country members
This active non-destructive method is used as a second-line inspection when passive inspection methods have reached their limits, if there is a suspicion of Special Nuclear Material (SNM) presence in a container we must provide a method to discriminate fissile actinides from fertile ones
We describe here the SNM identification method whose principle is based on the interpulses detection of three spectific delayed γ -rays emitted by isomeric fission fragments produced during the photofission process

Summary

Introduction

In European Union, the statement that has been done is that security at borders is of the most importance for all the country members In this context the C-BORD project has been initiated to develop efficient non-intrusive inspection (NII) technologies and test a comprehensive cost-effective TRL-7 solution for the generalised inspection of containers, coping with a large range of container targets, including explosives, chemical warfare agents, illicit drugs, stowaways and Special Nuclear Material (SNM). In this framework, CEA-DAM is involved to develop a method for SNM identification using photofission. Their knowledge goes beyond borders security applications, since they will play a key role in nuclear power plant safety [1], and in the constraint and improvement of existing Monte-Carlo fission particles emission codes [2, 3]

SNM identification method

Nuclear data

Experimental and theoritical efforts

Conclusion