The replacement of research reactors with a compact proton linac for neutron radiography

The work presented here examines a neutron radiography facility, based on accelerator-driven compact neutron source, in order to find a suitable replacement for the facilities, which is based on research nuclear reactors. High-quality neutrons beam can be produced via the 9Be(p,n)9B reaction at proton energies of about 4MeV. Except for the Be target the materials considered were compatible with the European Union Directive on ‘Restriction of Hazardous Substances’ (RoHS) 2002/95/EC. According to this directive some common materials in radiography units such as lead and cadmium have been excluded. The suggested facility has been simulated with an extensive range of parameters, which characterizes the neutron radiography, and the results specify that an accelerator-based neutron source is an attractive alternative to research nuclear reactors. ► Accelerator-driven source as an alternative to nuclear reactors for neutron radiography. ► Neutron beam can be produced via the 9Be(p,n)9B reaction at proton energies of 4MeV. ► The presence of sapphire filter improves parameters associated with neutron radiography.