Study on neutron shielding performance of hot cell shielding door for nuclear power plant

Abstract Hot cell shielding door is an important component to ensure the safe operation of nuclear power plants. In this study, the shielding structure of hot cell shielding door is introduced. Using theoretical calculation of neutron shielding, Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNP) simulation analysis and experimental research, the neutron shielding performance of hot cell shielding door is studied. The results show that the neutron shielding ratio of both simulation and theoretical calculation reaches 98%, which meets the design requirements of neutron shielding performance. The experimental results show that when neutron energy is 5 MeV and thickness of boron containing plate is 40 mm, The neutron shielding ratio of three different composite materials, namely, steel plate + boron containing polyethylene plate + steel plate, steel plate + boron containing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene plate + steel plate and steel plate + boron containing polypropylene plate + steel plate are 99.64%, and neutron shielding performance meets the index requirements. This study provides the choice of material and its thickness for hot cell shielding door.