JPH10332608A - Equipment for examining neutron diffracting material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small portable equipment for examining a neutron diffracting material. SOLUTION: A neutron supply unit for irradiating a sample 7 with neutrons and a detector 9 for detecting a diffracted neutron are encased in a transportable container 1. The neutron supply unit comprises a neutron source 2 comprising a radioactive isotope emitting neutrons, a moderator 3 for moderating an emitted neutron, a coolant 4 for cooling the moderated neutron, a unit 5 for selecting a neutron having a desired wavelength out of the cooled neutrons, and a duct 6 for introducing a selected neutron to the sample 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus, and more particularly to a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus using a radioactive isotope as a neutron source.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a non-destructive inspection method for inspecting a material in a non-destructive manner includes a flaw detection method and a welding inspection, and a non-destructive inspection method for inspecting a relatively bulky flaw, condition and material. There is an inspection by transmission or reflection using radiation such as a line. As a nondestructive inspection method using reflection of radiation, there is a method using X-ray diffraction or neutron diffraction.

[0003] The X-ray diffraction method has become very popular because an X-ray generator and an X-ray imaging device can be easily used, and is positioned as a typical nondestructive inspection method today.
However, X-rays have a lower penetration power for substances than neutrons, are less sensitive to substances with small atomic numbers, and emit themselves X-rays or γ-rays such as activated substances. In some cases, the X-ray diffraction method has several problems, such as the difficulty in distinguishing X-rays and γ-rays from the radioactive material from the X-rays for inspection, which is inappropriate.

[0004] Therefore, application of a neutron diffraction method, which is not restricted by the above problem, is expected for inspection of nuclear reactor materials, particularly, irradiation materials.

[0005]

However, a conventional neutron diffraction method for material inspection and testing requires a neutron irradiation facility, and thus requires a nuclear reactor, accelerator, or radioisotope (RI) at a university or research institution. Limited facilities such as facilities had to be used. In addition, since the places where neutron sources can be used are generally limited, the development of portable neutron diffractometers has not progressed at present.

Further, in the case of utilizing the property that neutrons have wave properties and behave as waves in neutron diffraction or the like,
This property becomes remarkable at low temperature and low energy.
Therefore, the neutron wavelength required for material inspection is a wavelength region called cold neutron, and when the wavelength is about the same as the interval between the crystal structures of the test object, the performance is sufficiently exhibited. For this reason, it is preferable to use cold neutrons having a wavelength on the order of nanometers in structural analysis of materials and the like. However, the thermal equilibrium temperature of cold neutrons having a wavelength of about nanometers is about the temperature of liquid helium, and large equipment such as a refrigerator is required. In fact, the availability of such wavelengths of neutrons in the country is relatively recent, and the development of such equipment is being advanced gradually.

An object of the present invention is to provide a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus which is small and has excellent portability.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus for irradiating a sample with neutrons, and a neutron supply apparatus for detecting neutrons diffracted by the sample. A neutron detection device, comprising a transportable storage container containing the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device, the neutron supply device is a neutron source consisting of a radioactive isotope that emits neutrons, from the neutron source A neutron moderator for slowing down the released neutrons, a neutron coolant for cooling the neutrons slowed down by the neutron moderator, and a neutron of a desired wavelength from among the neutrons cooled by the neutron coolant. A neutron wavelength sorter for sorting neutrons, and a neutron conduit for guiding the neutrons sorted by the neutron wavelength sorter to the sample. Characterized in that it.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a neutron shield is provided between the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a γ-ray shield is provided between the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device are surrounded by a gamma ray detector.

The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that the neutron coolant has a function of maintaining vacuum insulation inside the storage container.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus, the neutron detector is formed so as to correspond to a spherical surface of the quadrangular scattering tank, and the neutron conduit is adjacent to the scattering tank. It is characterized by being arranged.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus, the neutron detector is formed so as to correspond to a side surface of a conical scattering tank or a spherical surface of a hemispherical scattering tank. Is arranged at the center of the neutron detector.

The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the invention of claim 8 is characterized in that it further comprises a neutron shutter that can shut off the neutrons by closing an outlet of the neutron conduit.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a movable collimator movably provided near an exit of the neutron conduit.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present invention, the movable collimator has a plurality of tapered surfaces having different angles, and neutrons emitted from the neutron conduit can be arbitrarily selected by the tapered surface. It is characterized by being guided in a direction.

[0018] In the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the containment vessel is formed to have a size that can be installed inside a reactor vessel of a nuclear reactor.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus, wherein the containment vessel has a close contact surface formed in a shape capable of closely contacting the inner wall surface of the reactor vessel of the nuclear reactor, and The outlet is arranged on the contact surface side.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the neutron detector is a two-dimensional neutron detector having a wire-type fission chamber.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus, the neutron detector is a two-dimensional neutron detector having a microstrip fission chamber.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the neutron detector is a two-dimensional neutron detector having a stimulable fluorescence detector.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus, comprising: a moving unit for moving the storage container; a contact unit for forming a closed space between the sample and the storage container; Neutrons supplied from the neutron supply device are irradiated on the sample through the closed space, and neutrons diffracted by the sample reach the neutron detection device again through the closed space. Features.

A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the apparatus further comprises fixing means for fixing the storage container to the sample.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 neutron diffraction material testing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a transportable storage container having a cubic shape, and a neutron source 2 made of a radioisotope that emits neutrons such as Cf-252 is provided at an inner corner of the storage container 1. It is stored. The size of the storage container 1 can be, for example, a length of one piece of the cube of about 1 m to 2 m or less.

A neutron moderator 3 is arranged around the neutron source 2, and fast neutrons emitted from the neutron source 2 are decelerated by the neutron moderator 3 to thermal neutrons. As the neutron moderator 3, a substance containing a large amount of hydrogen, such as water or polyethylene, or Be, BeO, or the like is used.

A neutron coolant 4 is arranged next to the neutron moderator 3 via a vacuum chamber (not shown), and thermal neutrons from the neutron moderator 3 are guided to the neutron coolant 4 to be cooled. You. Here, the type of the material constituting the neutron coolant 4 is appropriately selected according to the required neutron wavelength.
For example, a cryogenic liquid such as liquid helium can be used. When neutrons are cooled by liquid helium, cold neutrons having a long wavelength of nanometers or more can be generated.

A neutron wavelength selection device 5 is provided next to the neutron coolant 4, and neutrons from the neutron coolant 4 are separated by the neutron wavelength selection device 5 into a certain wavelength. The neutron wavelength selection device 5 is configured by combining two crystal monochromators, and a neutron beam having a uniform wavelength is generated by these crystal monochromators.
This neutron beam is guided to a neutron conduit 6 formed by a straight tube or a curved tube. The neutrons that have passed through the neutron conduit 6 are irradiated obliquely to the surface of the sample 7, diffracted by the sample 7 at various angles, and then enter the quadrangular scattering tank 8.

Here, the crystal monochromator utilizes the property of a crystal in which a specific wavelength is scattered in a specific direction by Bragg scattering. Ge, Zn, Be, Cu, graphite, etc. are mentioned as a crystal utilized for a crystal monochromator.

It should be noted that the neutral wavelength selection device 5 can be constituted by a rotating mechanical monochromator. Here, the rotating mechanical monochromator selects a neutron wavelength based on a neutron flight speed, and is a device that selects only a wavelength at a constant speed that can pass through a slit of a rotating body.

The neutron source 2, the neutron moderator 3, the neutron coolant 4, the neutron wavelength selection device 5, and the neutron conduit 6 constitute a neutron supply device for irradiating the sample 7 with neutrons. ing.

A neutron detector 9 is provided so as to correspond to the spherical surface of the scattering tank 8, and neutrons that have entered the scattering tank 8 are detected by the neutron detector 9. The neutron detection device 9 is a two-dimensional detector, and can count which place and how many neutrons fly.

A neutron shield 10 is provided inside the containment vessel 1 so that neutrons other than neutrons diffracted by the sample 7 do not reach the neutron detector 9. Noise (noise)
Background neutrons are shielded. Also,
As shown in FIG. 1, the neutron detector 9 is disposed on the side opposite to the neutron source 2, that is, inside the containment vessel 1 at the position farthest from the neutron source 2, and the neutron source 2 and the neutron detector 9 And the neutron shielding effect is enhanced. In addition, the periphery of the neutron wavelength selection device 5, the inside of the neutron conduit 6, and the inside of the scattering tank 8 are maintained at a vacuum and low temperature.

Then, as described above, the neutron wavelength selection device 5
By combining the neutron conduit 6 with the
Loss of the neutron beam for irradiating the laser beam can be reduced. In addition, by ensuring a sufficient volume of the neutron moderator 3 and the neutron coolant 4, a neutron reflection effect can be provided in addition to the deceleration effect and the cooling effect.
Neutron intensity attenuation can be suppressed.

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the radioactive isotope is used as the neutron source 2 and the distance from the neutron source 2 to the sample 7 is shortened. Since the neutron beam loss is reduced by the combination of the device 5 and the neutron conduit 6, the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device 9 can be housed inside the small and portable storage container 1, It is possible to improve the portability by reducing the size as a whole. For this reason, the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to a large research facility, various nuclear industry related facilities such as a nuclear power plant, or a small research reactor facility, a laboratory-scale facility using radioisotopes. It can be used in a wide range of facilities.

Second Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a partial modification of the configuration of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the neutron shield 10 is provided around the neutron conduit 6, the scattering tank 8, and the neutron detector 9; Are intensively arranged in the region where the neutrons fly, and the neutron shield 10 is cooled.

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the neutron shield 10 is concentrated and arranged in the neutron region after the wavelength selection, and the neutron moderator 3, the neutron coolant 4, the neutron Since the wavelength selection device 5 is isolated by the neutron conduit 6, the degree of freedom of the shape of the storage container 1 is increased, and the size of the device can be further reduced. Further, a neutron source 2, a neutron moderator 3, a neutron coolant 4, a neutron wavelength selection device 5, and a neutron conduit 6
Can be separated from the scattering tank 8 and the neutron detector 9 and stored in a separate container.

Third Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this embodiment is a partial modification of the configuration of the second embodiment, and in the following description, the same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the γ-ray shields 11 are arranged in a quarter hemisphere outside the neutron shields 10. The γ-ray shield 11 has a function of shielding γ-rays inductively generated by neutrons from the neutron source 2, thereby shielding background γ-rays that become noise to the neutron detector 9. be able to. Here, the γ-ray shield 1
1 is preferably formed of a substance having a large atomic number, for example, a plate made of lead or the like.

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the background γ-rays to the neutron detector 9 are blocked by the γ-ray shield 11, so that the contribution of γ-rays is reduced. As a result, the detection accuracy and reliability of the neutron detector 9 are improved.

Fourth Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a partial modification of the configuration of the third embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, a γ-ray detector 12 is arranged on the entire outer periphery of the storage container 1 as shown in FIG.

When using a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus near a reactor or near a facility where strong radiation exists,
γ-rays have a high penetrating power, so that inductive γ
Many γ rays fly not only from the rays but also from the outside, and they become background noise of the neutron detector 9.

Therefore, in the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the amount of γ-rays coming from the outside is quantified by the γ-ray detector 12 arranged on the entire outer periphery of the containment vessel 1, and the neutron detection apparatus 9 is used. The detection performance of the neutron detector 9 is improved by removing the contribution of external γ-rays from the signal output. Further, malfunctions due to cosmic rays or the like which are slightly present can be eliminated by the γ-ray detector 12.

In particular, when a pulse counting neutron detector is used as the neutron detector 9, the γ-ray detector 12 is also of a pulse counting type, and the neutron detector 9 detected at the same time as the γ-ray detector 12 is used. By eliminating the signal, detection accuracy and reliability can be greatly improved.

Fifth Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a partial modification of the configuration of the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a coolant tank 13 storing a neutron coolant 4 as shown in FIG. 5, and the coolant tank 13 surrounds the neutron wavelength sorting apparatus 5. , Also functions as a vacuum pump for maintaining vacuum heat insulation inside the neutron conduit 6 and inside the scattering tank 8. That is, the coolant tank 1
Since the low-temperature neutron coolant 4 in 3 has a function as a low-temperature vacuum pump (getter function), the coolant tank 13 is used as a vacuum maintenance device by positively utilizing this function. . In this embodiment, the γ-ray shield 11 is arranged on the entire outer periphery of the storage container 1.

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the vacuum is maintained by the neutron coolant 4, the structure of the apparatus can be simplified.

Sixth Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this embodiment is a partial modification of the configuration of the fifth embodiment, and in the following description, the same components as those of the fifth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the scattering tank 8 is formed in a conical shape as shown in FIG. 6, and the neutron detector 9 is adapted to correspond to the side surface of the conical scattering tank 8. Is formed. Neutron shield 1
The 0 and γ-ray shields 11 are also formed in a conical shape corresponding to the neutron detector 9. The neutron conduit 6 is provided at the center of the scattering tank 8 and the neutron detector 9,
Are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the surface.

In the case where the crystal structure of the sample 7 is random, that is, for the sample 7 in which the diffraction grating is irregularly arranged, the incident direction of the neutrons may be arbitrary, as in the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to this embodiment. There is no problem even if neutrons are perpendicularly incident on the surface of the sample 7. The neutrons diffracted by the sample 7 are detected by the neutron detector 9 having a conical shape, so that it is possible to detect neutrons scattered at any angle. Further, by disposing the neutron conduit 6 at the center of the conical neutron detector 9, the structure of the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus can be simplified and the efficiency can be improved.

As a modification, the scattering tank 8 is formed in a hemispherical shape, and the neutron detector 9 is formed so as to correspond to the hemispherical surface of the hemispherical scattering tank 8, and the scattering tank 8 and the neutron detector 9 are formed. The neutron conduit 6 can be arranged in the central part of the sample so as to be perpendicular to the sample 7.

Seventh Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first to sixth embodiments is partially modified. In the following description, the same components as those of the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. explain.

In the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, a neutron shutter 14 made of a neutron absorbing material is provided near the outlet of the neutron conduit 6 as shown in FIG. 1 is movable along one side. And neutron shutter 1
Numeral 4 can change the opening area of the outlet of the neutron conduit 6, and can shut off the neutron by completely closing the outlet of the neutron conduit 6.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the neutron irradiation on the sample 7 can be adjusted by opening and closing the neutron shutter 14. When the neutron shutter 14 is fully open, the neutron shutter 14 is housed in a place where the neutrons emitted from the neutron conduit 6 do not obstruct the path.

In the state where the neutron shutter 14 is closed, neutrons are not irradiated on the sample 7, and the detection signal from the neutron detector 9 in this state indicates the background neutron measurement result. Therefore, the background event can be removed by taking the difference between when the neutron shutter 14 is opened and when it is closed, and the measurement accuracy and reliability of the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus can be improved.

Eighth Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first to seventh embodiments is partially changed. In the following description, the same components as those of the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. explain.

The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided near the exit of the neutron conduit 6 so that the movable collimator 15 can move perpendicular to the surface of the sample 7 as shown in FIG. A plurality of tapered surfaces 15a and 15b having different angles are formed at the tip of the movable collimator 15. The neutrons emitted from the outlet of the neutron conduit 6 are transmitted to the tapered surface 15 of the movable collimator 15.
The incident angle and the scattering angle with respect to the sample 7 are limited by a and 15b, so that the neutron detector 9 can extract a situation where neutrons are diffracted at a deep part of the sample 7.

The direction of incidence and reflection of neutrons on the sample can be changed variously by the forward and backward operations and the rotation operation of the movable collimator 15, so that the diffraction portion of the sample 7 can be changed.

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, a plurality of neutron traveling directions can be selected by the forward / backward operation and the rotation operation of the movable collimator 15, and the measurement target portion in the sample 7 can be selected. Can be easily selected.

Ninth Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first to eighth embodiments is partially changed. In the following description, the same components as those of the first to eighth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. explain.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 16 denotes a reactor vessel (reactor pressure vessel) of a light water reactor.
The inside of 6 is filled with reactor water 17. The containment vessel 1 of the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is formed in a size that can be installed inside the reactor vessel 16, and has a shape that can be in close contact with the inner wall surface 16 a of the reactor vessel 16. It has a contact surface 1a formed by the process. The outlet of the neutron conduit 6 is disposed on the side of the close contact surface 1a, and neutrons emitted from the outlet of the neutron conduit 6 can be emitted toward the inner wall surface 16a of the reactor vessel 16, Inspection of materials in the furnace, such as material inspection of inner walls, can be performed on site.

When the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus is arranged in the reactor water 17 as shown in FIG. 9, the reactor water 17 can be used as a shield for neutrons. It is also possible to perform neutron shielding by guiding the reactor water 17 to a portion where neutron shielding is required inside 1. Therefore, the structure of the neutron shield 10 provided inside the neutron diffraction material inspection device can be simplified.

Tenth Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first to ninth embodiments is partially changed. In the following description, the same components as those of the first to ninth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. explain.

The neutron detector 9 of the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is constituted by a position-sensitive two-dimensional neutron detector constituted by a wire fission chamber. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the neutron detector 9 has an airtight space 18 filled with an ionizing gas mainly composed of an inert gas such as Ar gas. Are applied at regular intervals (equal angular intervals). Here, the transmutation material refers to a material that absorbs neutrons to generate charged particles, such as a nuclear fuel material.

The plurality of transmutation material application wires 19 are arranged evenly with respect to the scattering angle of the scattered neutrons flying in the scattering vessel 8.
When the neutrons fly into the fuel cell 9, charged particles are generated from the transmutated material, and the charged particles cause the charged particles 19
An electrical pulse is induced in the This electric pulse is measured by a charge-sensitive preamplifier (not shown) at both ends of the transmutation material coating wire 19, and it is determined from which part of the wire 19 a neutron absorption reaction has occurred from the signal ratio at both ends. This enables position measurement.

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the neutron detector 9 is a two-dimensional neutron detector constituted by a wire-type fission ionization chamber. It is possible, and the measurement accuracy and reliability of the neutron diffraction material inspection device are greatly improved.

Eleventh Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first to ninth embodiments is partially changed. In the following description, the same components as those of the first to ninth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. explain.

The neutron detector 9 according to the present embodiment comprises a two-dimensional neutron detector having a plurality of microstrip fission chambers 21 as shown in FIG. The microstrip fission chamber 21 is arranged evenly with respect to the scattering angle of the scattered neutrons flying in the scattering vessel 8. The microstrip fission chamber 21 is a multi-wire ion chamber in which a large number of micron-order fine electrodes are arranged at intervals of several tens of microns.

The microstrip fission ionization chamber 21 is sealed in an airtight space 22 filled with ionized gas, and a transmutation material coating electrode 19 is also sealed in the airtight space 22. A high voltage supplied from the high voltage power supply 23 is applied to one of the electrodes. here,
The transmutation material refers to a material that absorbs neutrons to generate charged particles, such as a nuclear fuel material.

The charged particles generated from the transmutation material by neutron absorption are guided to the nearest electrode of the microstrip fission chamber 21 according to the electric field, and are measured as electric pulses by the charge-sensitive preamplifier 24. .

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the neutron detector 9 is a two-dimensional neutron detector constituted by a microstrip fission chamber, so that a very high positional resolution can be obtained. As a result, the neutron scattering angle can be measured with high accuracy, and the measurement accuracy and reliability of the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus are greatly improved.

Twelfth Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first to ninth embodiments is partially changed. In the following description, the same components as those of the first to ninth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. explain.

As shown in FIG. 12, the neutron detector 9 of the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment detects the transmutation material 25 that absorbs neutrons and emits charged particles, and detects the emitted charged particles. And a neutron image plate comprising a phosphor plate (stimulable fluorescence detector) 26 made of a stimulable phosphor. The fluorescent plate 26 is arranged evenly with respect to the scattering angle of the scattered neutrons flying in the scattering tank 8.

The neutrons diffracted by the sample 7 are absorbed by the transmutation material 25, and the charged particles are emitted, and the emitted charged particles excite the fluorescent screen 26. When a laser is applied to the fluorescent plate 26 excited by the charged particles, the fluorescent plate 26 emits light, and the intensity of neutrons is measured based on the emitted light.

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the neutron detector 9 is a two-dimensional neutron detector having the fluorescent plate (stimulable fluorescence detector) 26, the neutron detector 9 has a micron order. The positional resolution can be ensured, and the measurement accuracy and reliability of the neutron diffraction material inspection device are greatly improved.

Thirteenth Embodiment Next, a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a partial modification of the configuration of the above-described first to twelfth embodiments.
The same components as those of the embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

In the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, wheels (moving means) 28 for moving the storage container 1 on a sample 27 which is a large plate-like inspection object are provided. Have. Further, on the side surface of the storage container 1 on the side where the outlet of the neutron conduit 6 is located, an adhesion plate (adhesion means) 29 for forming a sealed space between the sample 27 and the storage container 1 is provided. The close contact plate 29 ensures airtightness.

The contact plate 29 has a structure in which an electromagnet (not shown) and a suction cup (not shown) are combined. The electromagnet is turned on at the time of measurement to maintain the contact state, and the electromagnet is moved when the inspection location is moved. Move the device off. Further, the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an electromagnet (fixing means) for fixing the storage container 1 to the sample 27.
For example, when the sample 27 has a gradient, the storage container 1 is fixed to the sample 27 by the electromagnet 30 to perform the measurement.

As described above, according to the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the storage container 1 can be moved on the sample 27 by the wheels (moving means) 28,
In addition, a closed space can be formed between the sample 27 and the storage container 1 by the contact plate (contact means) 29,
The sample 27 can be inspected quickly over a wide range.

[0083]

As described above, in the neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to the present invention, the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device are housed inside the transportable storage container. , Etc., or a wide range of facilities such as a small research reactor facility and a laboratory scale radioisotope facility.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a neutron diffraction material inspection device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 containment vessel 2 neutron source 3 neutron moderator 4 neutron coolant 5 neutron wavelength separator 6 neutron conduit 7, 27 sample 8 scattering tank 9 neutron detector 10 neutron shield 11 γ-ray shield 12 γ-ray detector 13 coolant Tank 14 Neutron shutter 15 Mobile collimator 16 Reactor vessel 18, 22 Ionizing gas 19 Transmutation material coating wire 20 Microstrip fission ionization chamber 25 Transmutation material 26 Fluorescent plate 28 Wheel 29 Adhesion plate 30 Electromagnet

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A neutron supply device for irradiating a sample with neutrons, a neutron detection device for detecting neutrons diffracted by the sample, and a transfer housing the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device A neutron source comprising a radioisotope that emits neutrons; a neutron moderator for moderating neutrons emitted from the neutron source; and a neutron moderator. A neutron coolant for cooling neutrons decelerated by neutrons; a neutron wavelength sorter for sorting neutrons of a desired wavelength from neutrons cooled by the neutron coolant; and a neutron wavelength sorter. And a neutron conduit for guiding the neutrons to the sample. 2. The neutron diffraction material inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a neutron shield is provided between the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device. 3. A γ-ray shield is provided between the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device.
Or the neutron diffraction material inspection device according to claim 2. 4. The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the neutron supply device and the neutron detection device are surrounded by a gamma ray detector. . 5. The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the neutron coolant has a function of maintaining vacuum insulation inside the storage container. 6. The neutron detector according to claim 1, wherein the neutron detector is formed so as to correspond to a spherical surface of a semi-hemispherical scattering tank, and the neutron conduit is arranged adjacent to the scattering tank. The neutron diffraction material inspection device according to claim 1. 7. The neutron detector is formed so as to correspond to a side surface of a conical scattering tank or a spherical surface of a hemispherical scattering tank, and the neutron conduit is disposed at a central portion of the neutron detector. The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: 8. The neutron diffraction material inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a neutron shutter capable of closing a neutron conduit to shut off neutrons. apparatus. 9. The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movable collimator movably provided near an outlet of the neutron conduit. 10. The movable collimator has a plurality of tapered surfaces having different angles, and neutrons emitted from the neutron conduit are guided in a desired direction by any of the tapered surfaces. Item 9. A neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to Item 9. 11. The neutron diffraction material according to claim 1, wherein the containment vessel is formed in a size that can be installed inside a reactor vessel of a nuclear reactor. Inspection equipment. 12. The containment vessel has a contact surface formed in a shape capable of contacting the inner wall surface of the reactor vessel of a nuclear reactor, and an outlet of the neutron conduit is disposed on the contact surface side. The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the neutron detector is a two-dimensional neutron detector having a wire fission chamber. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the neutron detector is a two-dimensional neutron detector having a microstrip fission chamber. 15. The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the neutron detector is a two-dimensional neutron detector having a stimulable fluorescence detector. . 16. A neutron supply device, further comprising: moving means for moving the storage container; and contact means for forming a closed space between the sample and the storage container. The neutron is irradiated on the sample through the closed space, and neutrons diffracted by the sample reach the neutron detection device again through the closed space. The neutron diffraction material inspection apparatus according to claim 1. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising fixing means for fixing said storage container to said sample.
The described neutron diffraction material inspection device.