Design of a Neutron/Gamma-Ray Detector to Meet the DOE 3013 Standard

Standard 3013 establishes safety criteria for storage of plutonium metals and plutonium oxides at DOE facilities. It is intended that plutonium materials packaged to meet the criteria should not need subsequent repackaging to ensure safe storage for at least 50 years or until final disposition. The safety criteria of the standard were established to minimize hazards to workers, the public, and the environment associated with the storage of plutonium metals and oxides. Inter alia, the standard specifies that the package containing the plutonium shall have a minimum of two barriers and specifies maximum sizes for the two barrier containers. We have designed, and modelled a scintillating glass fiber-based radiation detector that can hold the largest of the secondary confinement barrier containers and provide continuous radiological monitoring of the contents. Such a device has the potential for reducing the time between inspections, thereby reducing both cost and radiologic exposure to personnel. The design, modelling, and specifications of the detector are discussed.