The low enriched uranium miniature neutron source reactor (LEU-MNSR) neutron spectrum characterization for k0-INAA

Ghana’s highly enriched uranium (90.2%) research reactor has been converted to a low enriched uranium (13.0%) type. Its neutron parameters have been characterized for the application of k0-instrumental neutron activation analysis. The magnitude of the LEU epithermal neutron shaping factor (α) at the irradiation site increased by about 25% as compared to the HEU, while the thermal neutrons decreased by about 5%. This indicates that the epithermal neutron spectrum is much dependent on the 1/E1+α. Similarly, the measured fast neutron flux increased by about 22%. Generally, the results show that the LEU core’s neutron spectrum is relatively harder, i.e., there is a marginal increase in high-energy neutrons. The reactor spectrum parameters have been used to validate the k0-IAEA software. Two certified reference materials (Carbonate rock GBW 07108 (GBW2) and NIST Standard Reference Material 1646a, Estuarine Sediment (EST)) and the synthetic multi-element standard (SMELS I, II & III) were analyzed based on a routine irradiation scheme. The process quality assurance was evaluated based on a u-score test. Most (80 %) of the elements determined were within |u-score| |u-score| > 1.64. The results show a suitable characterization process and the general applicability of the k0-IAEA software. •Neutron spectrum at irradiation sites of MNSR with LEU core characterized.•Neutron spectrum for MNSR with LEU core harder as compared to the HEU core.•K0-IAEA software calibrated using measured neutron spectrum parameters.•Good agreement between certified and measured concentrations using the k0-IAEA software indicate validity of measured neutron spectrum parameters.