Characterization of irradiation channels in the carousel of TRIGA Mark I IPR-R1 research reactor, Brazil, aiming at the application of k 0-standardization method of neutron activation analysis

J Radioanal Nucl Chem. 2023 Jan 11:1-12. doi: 10.1007/s10967-022-08688-1. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

New values of neutron fluxes and spectral parameters f and α were determined experimentally in all irradiation devices of the TRIGA Mark I IPR-R1 nuclear research reactor at Nuclear Technology Development Centre (CDTN), Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Sets of monitors Au, Fe, Zn and Zr were irradiated bare and Cd-covered, according to "Cd-ratio for multi-monitor" method. Values were validated by analysing the certified reference material BCR-320R irradiated in chosen channels. The calculations were made based on irradiation channel values and the average values of the Carousel. The results of E n -score point out that the k 0-method is producing reliable results. From now on, the values of mass fractions in several matrices, the production and studies with radioisotopes will be more accurate and the activities calculated more precisely.

Keywords: BCR-320R; Kayzero for Windows; Neutron fluxes; Reference sample; Spectral parameters; Validation.