Calculations to support JET neutron yield calibration: Modelling of the JET remote handling system

After the coated CFC wall to ITER-Like Wall (Beryllium/Tungsten/Carbon) transition in 2010–2011, confirmation of the neutron yield calibration will be ensured by direct measurements using a calibrated 252Cf neutron source deployed by the in-vessel remote handling boom and Mascot manipulator inside the JET vacuum vessel. Neutronic calculations are required to calculate the effects of the JET remote handling (RH) system on the neutron monitors. We developed a simplified geometrical computational model of the JET remote handling system in MCNP. In parallel we developed a script that translates the RH movement data to transformations of individual geometrical parts of the RH model in MCNP. After that a benchmarking of the model was performed to verify and validate the accordance of the target positions of source and RH system with the ones from our model. In the last phase we placed the JET RH system in the simplified MCNP model of the JET tokamak and studied its effect on neutron monitor response for some example source positions and boom configurations.As the correction factors due to presence of the JET RH system can potentially be significant in cases when the boom is blocking a port close to the detector under investigation, we have chosen boom configurations so that this is avoided in the vast majority of the source locations. Examples are given.

► We model JET remote handling system in MCNP.
► We examine the effect of JET remote handling system on neutron monitor response.
► The integral effect of JET RH system on neutron monitors is less than 5%.