Performance studies of a mobile neutron source based on the SbBe reaction

A mobile neutron source based on the SbBe reaction for neutron radiography and tomography was designed and set up at the Institut fur Radiochemie, Technische Universitat Munchen, Garching, Germany. The layout is based on both the results of Monte Carlo simulation studies for optimization of the neutron output and the shielding calculations for minimization of the dose rate in the surrounding. The system has dimensions of 58 cm × 58 cm × 150 cm (w × l × h) and an overall mass of about 800 kg. It consists of two main components that are combined when operating the source: a lead container for storage and transport of the antimony source (maximum activity 3.7E+11 Bq) and a shielded moderation and collimation unit containing the beryllium block target in which the antimony source is lifted for generating neutrons. Results of experimental investigations of the SbBe source system on the performance and on its applicability for neutron radiography are presented.