Cost Effective, Fault Tolerant Nuclear Fuel Monitoring System with Radiation Hardened SRAM Neutron Detector

There are imminent needs for improvements and advancements in the research and development of new sensor materials and measurements techniques for nuclear material control and accountability. Nuclear storage facilities for used fuel and electrochemical recycling facilities need more robust safeguards and security than ever. In addition, fuel monitoring must be done in a cost effective manner. How problem/situation is being addressed: Packet Digital LLC, in cooperation with the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), will develop a nuclear fuel monitoring system that would work in conjunction with Argonne National Laboratory’s Remote Access Modular Monitoring (RAMM) system. The Packet Digital system will integrate NRL’s precision, low power neutron detector along with various other sensors into a robust, fault tolerant mesh network to be integrated in systems such as RAMM in critical facilities where sensitive materials are used, stored, transported or processed, including nuclear power plants, fuel reprocessing plants and storage facilities. What is to be done in Phase I: Packet Digital will develop a cost effective, fault tolerant, nuclear fuel monitoring system. This work includes performing additional characterization and enhancement of NRL's technology in preparation for a commercial sensor. This work will ensure the sensor retain strong sensitivity during its long life in harsh radiation environments. Packet Digital will also apply low power techniques in order to minimize the overall system power footprint. This sensor will then be combined with mmunications and processing circuitry to create a robust, low power, low cost sensor node for nuclear monitoring applications. In addition to neutron detection, sensors such as gas, temperature, humidity, pressure and water level, can be included, based on industry requirements. Commercial application and other benefits: The commercial applications include any situation where nuclear sources need to be monitored and a costeffective, fault tolerant, energy saving system is essential. This is not limited to nuclear power and storage facilities only, but also other industries that deal with radioactive material such as astronautical, military, cargo inspection, and medical facilities. Key words: n uclear, radiation hardened, neutron detector, monitoring system, low cost, lightweight sensors, ASIC.