Revalidation of Mature High Temperature Fission Chamber Detectors

Abstract

Fission chamber neutron flux detectors will be critical to Small and Advanced Modular Reactor neutron flux monitoring systems. These detectors have a long operational history, robust designs and are able to operate in harsh environmental conditions. Furthermore, of the reactor neutron flux detection options, fission chambers offer the unique ability for wide range operation (low to high neutron flux), minimising the need for multiple detection systems, thus reducing the safety system footprint.

However, many of the SMR and AMR developments have perceived technical challenges around high temperature operation (300°C to 900°C) and materials for neutron flux monitors. Centronic has been supplying detectors to the nuclear industry since its inception, with many products used in the original advanced reactor developments. Consequently, Centronic has a significant catalogue of mature fission chamber products capable of high temperature operation that are available in multiple material types.

Due to the recent industry drive for Small and Advanced Modular Reactor deployment, Centronic have been revisiting and revalidating the capabilities for our high temperature fission chambers in order to confirm the suitability of existing, mature detectors for future applications. This paper aims to present previously unpublished test data, future plans and new developments in this project.