The LB 6414 is a new portable neutron survey meter with extremely high sensitivity. The energy-dependent response of the instrument was maximized for fission neutrons. There are several interesting applications amongst which is the search for plutonium.

Neutron Detection – Some applications in neutron detection require extremely sensitive instruments rather than flat energy response. In these cases, the LB 6414 neutron survey meter is superior to the conventional rem-counters, which have relatively low efficiencies.

Plutonium Detection – Plutonium is extremely dangerous and hard to detect over larger distances. The α-particles, γ’s and X-rays which are emitted by plutonium isotopes could easily be shielded by the material itself or by surroundings. Besides a few γ-rays, the only penetrating radiation emitted by plutonium samples are neutrons from the spontaneous fission of the even-numbered plutonium isotopes, especially from 240Pu. Thus a neutron detector that has maximum sensitivity for fission neutrons would provide an excellent tool for the detection of plutonium, even through shieldings.

Plutonium Contaminations – At close distances the neutron survey meter LB 6414 is capable of monitoring even smaller amounts of plutonium. This enables this instrument for the search and localization of plutonium contaminations for instance in glove boxes, pipes or elsewhere in plutonium processing facilities. Regions with relatively high plutonium concentrations can easily be identified. This is even true in the presence of shielding surrounding materials because neutrons are strongly penetrating.

Neutron Dose Rate Monitoring – As the LB 6414 is extremely sensitive it would sometimes also be useful in neutron dose rate monitoring. Especially in applications, where there is more need for high sensitivity than for flat energy response. For instance, in measuring low neutron radiation levels with a constant neutron energy spectrum it would be favourable to determine a user-specific calibration factor once and then benefit from good counting statistics.

The Universal Monitor (UMo II) LB 134  acquires the data from the neutron probe LB 6414 and provides easy-to-use data analysis, display of measured values, alarm indications, data storage, parameter setting and communication and service functions. The software uses sophisticated algorithms for the detection of changes in the observed counting rates. Therefore the instrument has excellent characteristics for the search for radiation sources.

For more details, please refer to datasheet.

Features:

•  Search for illicit trafficking plutonium
  

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• Search for plutonium contaminations
  

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•  Measurement of 240Pu equivalent mass
  

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• Nuclear waste inspection
  

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• Measurement of 252Cf and other neutron sources
  

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• Monitoring of neutron radiation field intensities