A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Neutron Shielding Properties of a New High-Density Concrete
The neutron shielding properties of a new high-density concrete (commercially available under the name Hormirad™, developed in Spain by the company CT-RAD) have been characterized both experimentally and by Monte Carlo calculations. The shielding properties of this concrete against photons were previously studied and the material is being used to build bunkers, mazes and doors in medical accelerator facilities with good overall results. In this work, the objective was to characterize the material behavior against neutrons, as well as to test alternative mixings including boron compounds in an effort to improve neutron shielding efficiency. With that purpose, Hormirad™ slabs of different thicknesses were exposed to an 241Am-Be neutron source under controlled conditions in the neutron measurements laboratory of the Nuclear Engineering Department at UPM. The original mix, which includes a high fraction of magnetite, was then modified by adding different proportions of anhydrous borax (Na2B4O7). In order to have a reference against common concrete used to shield medical accelerator facilities, the same experiment was repeated with ordinary (HA-25) concrete slabs. In parallel to the experiments, Monte Carlo calculations of the experiments were performed with MCNP5. The experimental results agree reasonably well with the Monte Carlo calculations. Therefore, the first and equilibrium tenth-value layers have been determined for the different types of concrete tested. The results show an advantageous behavior of the Hormirad™ concrete, in terms of neutron attenuation against real thickness of the shielding. Borated concretes seem less practical since they did not show better neutron attenuation with respect to real thickness and their structural properties are worse. The neutron attenuation properties of Hormirad™ for typical neutron spectra in clinical LINAC accelerators rooms have been also characterized by Monte Carlo calculation.
Neutron Shielding Properties of a New High-Density Concrete
The neutron shielding properties of a new high-density concrete (commercially available under the name Hormirad™, developed in Spain by the company CT-RAD) have been characterized both experimentally and by Monte Carlo calculations. The shielding properties of this concrete against photons were previously studied and the material is being used to build bunkers, mazes and doors in medical accelerator facilities with good overall results. In this work, the objective was to characterize the material behavior against neutrons, as well as to test alternative mixings including boron compounds in an effort to improve neutron shielding efficiency. With that purpose, Hormirad™ slabs of different thicknesses were exposed to an 241Am-Be neutron source under controlled conditions in the neutron measurements laboratory of the Nuclear Engineering Department at UPM. The original mix, which includes a high fraction of magnetite, was then modified by adding different proportions of anhydrous borax (Na2B4O7). In order to have a reference against common concrete used to shield medical accelerator facilities, the same experiment was repeated with ordinary (HA-25) concrete slabs. In parallel to the experiments, Monte Carlo calculations of the experiments were performed with MCNP5. The experimental results agree reasonably well with the Monte Carlo calculations. Therefore, the first and equilibrium tenth-value layers have been determined for the different types of concrete tested. The results show an advantageous behavior of the Hormirad™ concrete, in terms of neutron attenuation against real thickness of the shielding. Borated concretes seem less practical since they did not show better neutron attenuation with respect to real thickness and their structural properties are worse. The neutron attenuation properties of Hormirad™ for typical neutron spectra in clinical LINAC accelerators rooms have been also characterized by Monte Carlo calculation.
Neutron Shielding Properties of a New High-Density Concrete
Lorente Fillol, Alfredo (author) / Gallego Díaz, Eduardo F. (author) / Vega-Carrillo, Héctor René (author) / Méndez, Roberto (author)
2008-01-01
Proceedings of the 12th International Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association, IRPA-12 | 12th International Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association, IRPA-12 | 19/10/2008-24/10/2008 | Buenos Aires, Argentina
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
DDC:
690
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