Implementation of neutron tomography around the Algerian Es-Salam research reactor: preliminary studies and first steps

During the last three years a static neutron radiography facility has been designed and installed around one of the horizontal neutron beam channels of the Es-Salam research reactor. In order to extend the field of application of neutron radiography, a development project is actually undertaken. The purpose of this project is the implementation of neutron tomography (NT). The Es-Salam research reactor provides a 109 n/cm2 s thermal neutron beam for the installation of a tomography facility. The aim of this Tomography facility will be to visualize dynamic processes and to implement fast reconstruction methods. A first step in this direction was the design and the realization of an exposition cell, a beam-catcher, a turn table and a neutron beam collimation system. All electronic parts of the detection system will be provided and installed within the frame work of a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This paper describes the estimation procedure of the main design parameters according to the measurement of the beam properties for final tomography station as well as the composition and the performance of the proposed detection system. Moreover, the influence of physical parameters of the irradiation in-pile parts on the image quality and acquisition process is discussed.