Influence of the gamma-ray fraction in the reactor radiation on the total signal of a self-powered neutron detector

Abstract

For controlling the linear power density in the reactor core, the Khortitsa-M software program as a part of the in-core instrumentation system (ICIS) employs only self-powered neutron detector (SPND) data with the neutronic calculation for the consistent determination of the power density in unmeasurable fuel assemblies (FAs). The confidence of the interpretation of the SPND data essentially determines the safe and efficient operation of a reactor. Previously, it was assumed that the gamma-ray fraction in the reactor radiation does not exceed one percent and is independent of the fuel enrichment and the FA and SPND burnups. Since it is difficult to estimate the contribution of the reactor gamma radiation to the SPND current experimentally, in this work, we present a calculated estimate using modern software and libraries of constants. On the basis of the results of this study, the question is discussed whether it is appropriate to take into account the reactor gamma radiation in the transfer function from the SPND current to the power density of six fuel elements surrounding the SPND with allowance for both the type of FA and the FA and SPND burnups.