The International Atomic Energy Agency developed the Mobile Unit for Neutron Detection (MUND)some years ago. Its original purpose was as a stand-alone device to provide continuity of knowledgeduring spent fuel transfers. Over the years, changes were made to the MUND for reliabilityimprovements and it has also evolved into a remotely monitored device. The IAEA sees a continuingneed to use this device and possibly expand its usage into other areas in the years to come. While theoriginal concept solved the initial application needs, the MUND’s changes to accommodate remotemonitoring necessitated inclusion of multiple, small components (e.g. He3 detector, preamplifier, pulsestretcher, data logger & dc/dc converter, data logger interface device, RS232 to Ethernet converter, &VPN). The logger also limited the counting rate to 100 counts/second maximum and did not providereal time clock data stamping. With these limitations and complexities in mind, the IAEA envisioned anew product that integrates the majority of equipment pieces, improves counting ability, and includesadditional logging capability. Fortunately, through extensive internet searching, the IAEA discovered avery similar product produced by Quaesta Instruments. In 2011, the IAEA collaborated with QuaestaInstruments to develop an integrated solution in a small, robust, easy-to-use package, with a range offeatures that can benefit the safeguards technology in general. Device specifications include small size,low power consumption, programmable parameters (high voltage, gain, and discriminator levels), realtimeclock, autonomous data logging, redundant data storage, and Ethernet interface. Logged datainclude time stamp, neutron counts, temperature, humidity, battery voltage, and digital input. Takingadvantage of advances in modern electronics, a Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) has also been integratedin the device providing the ability to monitor the health of the neutron detector system. The IAEA hasnow received its first shipment of devices. Initial in-house testing has been successfully completed andfield trials are planned for this spring/summer. Results of the testing and field trials will be presented inthe paper.
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