Introduction
KEP Nuclear proposes a robust, reliable and innovative solution for radiological characterisation based on the measurement of energy (heat) caused by the decay of radionuclides.
This solution is based on forty years of experience in the field of microcalorimetry (calorimeters marketed under the brand SETARAM and installed in several nuclear plants throughout the world) and on new developments in the fields of low-level acquisition electronics, high-precision power control and data processing.
This calorimetry-based solution can be combined with other characterisation methods such as gamma spectrometry in order to determine the radionuclide content (Pu, U, other actinides, activation products) present in containers. Experimental measurements are combined with thermal and radiological modelling in order to specify the distribution of radionuclides in the containers.
Calorimetry data acquisition and processing software programmes make it possible to exploit results rapidly and thus calculate the quantity of each radionuclide with measurement uncertainties of less than 10%. The software tools use a predictive calorimetry model that optimise measurement times.
Calorimeter |
LVC3013 |
LVC270 |
LVC580 |
LVC390 |
LVC680 |
LVC1380 |
Calorimeter type |
Isothermal Heat Flow Differential |
Isothermal Heat Flow Differential |
Isothermal Heat Flow Differential |
Isothermal Heat Flow Differential |
Isothermal Heat Flow Differential |
Isothermal Heat Flow Differential |
Number of cells |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Sample cell volume |
3.3L |
15L |
25L |
60L |
90L |
380L |
Measure range (mW) |
100 - 20000 |
100 - 15000 |
50 - 25000 |
30 - 13000 |
100 - 26000 |
10 - 3500 |
Appx Measure range |
0.3 - 62 |
0.3 - 46 |
0.2 - 77 |
0.1 - 40 |
0.3 - 80 |
0.03 - 10.7 |
Appx Measure range |
33 - 7000 |
33 - 5000 |
17 -8300 |
10 - 4300 |
33 - 8700 |
3.3 - 1167 |
Temp. range (°C) |
25 - 40°C |
25 - 40°C |
25 - 40°C |
25 - 40°C |
25 - 40°C |
25 - 40°C |
Accuracy (%) |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1 |
1 |
2.5 |
Precision (%) |
0.15 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
2 |
Measurement time |
3h |
3h – 4h |
3h – 4h |
5h – 6h |
5h – 6h |
10h |
Cooling system |
Air bath |
Water |
Water |
Water |
Water |
Air bath |
Calibration system |
Standard electrical heaters |
Standard electrical heaters |
Standard electrical heaters |
Standard electrical heaters |
Standard electrical heaters |
Standard electrical heaters |
External dimensions (W/D/H) (mm) |
700 x 460 x 750 |
1040 x 780 x 850 |
970 x 830 x 1230 |
1500 x 1000 x 960 |
1500 x 1000 x 1260 |
4260 x 2400 x 3010 |
Weight (Kg) |
300 |
500 |
660 |
1000 |
1200 |
12000 |