Movable Radiation Source Calibration for Nuclear Target Platforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing calibration methods for radiation detectors in nuclear reactors require manual handling and exposure to gamma radiation, leading to prolonged working hours and increased radiation exposure for personnel, with calibration intervals being too frequent and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A target platform with a guide element and a movable radiation source allows for calibration of radiation detectors without exposing operators to radiation, enabling automation and reducing calibration time, allowing detectors to remain in their position and shortening calibration intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration method is used, then detectors can be calibrated, but personnel are exposed to gamma radiation and working hours are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
A movable calibration source is introduced as an intermediary that can be positioned between the radiation detector and the detector being calibrated. This allows the calibration source to be moved out of the direct radiation path during calibration operations, reducing personnel exposure to gamma radiation while maintaining calibration accuracy through controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration source is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned during calibration operations. This dynamic positioning enables the calibration source to be moved to safe positions when not in use and positioned close to detectors when calibration is needed, reducing radiation exposure time and intensity for personnel.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration method is used, then detectors can be calibrated, but working hours in measuring rooms are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The movable calibration source enables dynamic calibration procedures where the source can be quickly repositioned between different detectors without requiring complete disassembly or complex setup. This reduces the time needed for calibration operations while maintaining accuracy through controlled positioning at each detector location.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to allow detectors to be calibrated in their installed positions without requiring removal or complex handling. The movable source brings the calibration capability to the detectors themselves, eliminating the need for manual detector handling and reducing overall calibration time.
3Measurement precision
If detectors are removed for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but detectors must be reinstalled and calibration intervals cannot be shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The movable calibration source acts as an intermediary that brings calibration capability directly to the detector's installed position. This eliminates the need to remove detectors for calibration, as the calibration source can be positioned adjacent to the detector in situ, simplifying the overall calibration procedure while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration source is pre-positioned in a movable mounting that allows it to be brought to any detector location as needed. This preliminary preparation of the movable mounting system enables quick repositioning to different detectors without complex setup procedures, reducing calibration procedure complexity and time requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces personnel radiation exposure and working hours, increases measurement accuracy, and makes calibration more efficient by allowing detectors to remain in place, potentially eliminating the need for on-site inspections.
Implementation Method 1
exposure to gamma radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a target platform (10) for the processing of irradiated targets from a nuclear reactor, comprising at least one target tube (12), which extends along the target platform (10) and is designed to hold targets, a detector assembly (14) having one or more radiation detectors (16), which are arranged above the target tube (12), and a calibration device for calibrating the radiation detectors (16) in the detector assembly (14), characterized in that the calibration device comprises a guide element (28), which is arranged in the measurement table (10) near the at least one target tube (12) and also comprises at least one radiation source (32) mounted on a positioning element (32), the radiation source (32) being designed in such a way that the radiation source can be moved along the guide element (28) by means of the positioning element (36) in order to position the radiation source (32) below each of the radiation detectors (16). The invention relates to a method for calibrating the radiation detectors (16) using the target platform (10) and to the use of the target platform (10) for an aeroball measurement system or a nuclide activation system in a nuclear reactor.