Degradation and Life Expectancy Test for Various BF3 Detectors

Abstract

Degradation and life expectancy tests for BF3 detectors were conducted at AECL's Chalk River Laboratories. This paper provides the test objectives and results for twelve detectors from four manufacturers. The results confirmed that there is wide difference in the performance of detectors from different manufacturers. Based on the test results, the plausible cause of detector failure at the stations and the solutions are suggested, the detector life specification is clarified and the symptoms of a typical failed detector are summarized. Recommendations are presented on preferred detectors for CANDU stations, detector qualification test, and improving detector testing and assessment methods. Pretreatment of the detectors made through special techniques is proposed to rid them of transient degradation.