The CIEMAT Neutron Standards Laboratory (LPN): National Reference Facility for the Calibration of Neutron Measurement Equipment

This is a new facility that, in keeping with the recommendations of standard ISO 8529:1, has 241Am-Be and 252Cf neutron sources stored in water inside a 9 m x 7.5 m x 8 m Irradiation Room with 1.25 m concrete walls that is accessed through a 6.5 ton sliding shielded door. These sources are remotely handled from the Control Room by means of a system that places them in the geometric center of the room and aligns them with the equipment or materials to be irradiated arranged on a base plate. The facility has a series of interlocks that guarantee safety during operations with sources, and the verification measurements have demonstrated the suitability of the shielding used. The LPN will be the answer to the demand for a national laboratory for neutron measurement equipment calibration and equipment and material irradiation under controlled conditions, and it will position our country at the same level as our European partners. (Author)