Simulations of the source-range detector response for the fuel-loading process of the AP1000 cores

Abstract In this paper, the ex-core source-range detector response was simulated for AP1000 cores in its fuel-loading process by using a Monte Carlo code. Firstly, the current sensitivity coefficients of the ex-core source-range detectors have been calibrated by utilizing the experiments with single fuel assembly and the primary source loaded in the core. Secondly, both relative and absolute calibration methods have been applied and analyzed for the sensitivity coefficients calibration. Thirdly, the simulation values for the ex-core source-range response with fully loaded fuel have been validated by using the actual measurement of the first AP1000 cores in the world. Fourthly, the contribution of the 238U spontaneous fission to the ex-core source-range detector response has been studied. Through the numerical simulation results, the following observations can be obtained: 1) The relative calibration method is better than the absolute calibration method, especially when the ex-core source-range response is small. 2) Compared with the measurements, the relative deviation between the simulated and the measured values is within 14% for the two AP1000 cores at Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant. 3) The intensity of 238U spontaneous fission source accounts for 15% of the total source strength in the AP1000 core Unit 1, but the maximum change of response is only 0.02 cps, which is still insignificant for the ex-core detector response simulation in PWR.