Designing a muon scattering scanner for nuclear debris measurement

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Engineering
• Particle Physics
• Radiation Detection

Background:

• Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 faces fuel debris removal.
• Accurate sorting of debris by nuclear material content is crucial for safe handling.
• High gamma-ray radiation poses a significant challenge for detection equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a muon scanner for distinguishing and sorting nuclear fuel debris.
• To enable precise classification of debris based on nuclear material content.
• To overcome operational challenges posed by high gamma-ray radiation environments.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing muon scattering tomography, a technique sensitive to high-atomic-number materials like uranium.
• Designing and producing a specialized muon scanner for debris sorting.
• Developing advanced muon-event identification electronics and tracking algorithms resilient to high gamma-ray radiation.

Main Results:

• A muon scanner capable of operating in high radiation fields has been designed and is in production.
• Novel electronics and algorithms have been developed to ensure reliable muon detection amidst gamma-ray interference.
• The technology shows promise for effective differentiation of fuel debris.

Conclusions:

• Muon scattering tomography offers a viable solution for sorting nuclear fuel debris at Fukushima Daiichi.
• The developed muon scanner and associated electronics/algorithms are essential for safe and efficient debris management.
• This technological advancement supports the complex decommissioning process at nuclear power sites.