A study of a transportable thermal neutron radiography unit based on a compact RFI linac

A transportable thermal neutron radiography system, incorporating a compact proton accelerator as neutron source has been simulated using the MCNP4B code. The neutron source will be produced via the 7Li(p,n)7Be reactions by a 2.5 MeV, 10 mA proton beam into a thick lithium target. Variable values for the collimator ratio were calculated. Thermal neutron radiography parameters are comparable to the research nuclear reactors. Sapphire filter was treated in order to improve the results. Simple and advanced neutron shielding materials considered which was further enhanced with layers of bismuth. The system was compatible with the European Union Directive on 'Restriction of Hazardous Substances' (RoHS) 2002/95/EC, hence excluding the use of cadmium and lead. (author)