Long counter and its application for the calibration of the neutron irradiators

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has constructed a new long counter that can be disassembled in parts and reassembled. This counter can be easily transported and used as a transfer standard instrument for neutron fluence measurements. The response function and the effective centre of the counter are investigated by calculating neutron energies from thermal to 30 MeV using MCNPX. By carrying out measurements using a (252)Cf source in the KRISS irradiation room, the accuracy of the evaluated effective centre position is confirmed. The 'distance variation method' is adopted to eliminate the effect of inscatter neutrons. This method is effective and used for the experimental determination of the effective centre. The neutron emission rates determined by the neutron fluence measurements using the long counter developed are compared with those measured by a manganese sulphate bath, and show good agreement within 3 %.