The Development of Neutron Flux Monitoring System Using ESP32 Module in Kartini Research Reactor

Measurement of neutron flux inside the Kartini reactor core can be done using many measurement methods, one of which is direct measurement using an SPND (Self Powered Neutron Detector). SPND produces an electric current when exposed to neutrons and can be read using an electrometer Keithley 610C, then converted to get the value of neutron flux. Analog readings are often inaccurate, and the data must be recorded. In this study, the ESP32 module and ADS1115 type ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) module were added to convert the output voltage value of the Keithley 610C electrometer, and send the data to the computer wirelessly. Application software is created on the computer to receive data, calculate conversion to neutron flux and save. Conversion to neutron flux is carried out using the correlation equation between the input current and output voltage of the Keithley 610C electrometer which is corrected by the detector sensitivity value. The sensitivity value of the SPND detector is obtained from the gold foil activation technique. Conversion to neutron flux is carried out using the correlation equation between the input current and output voltage of the Keithley 610C electrometer, which is corrected by the detector sensitivity value. Test results by measuring neutron flux using software modules and applications are carried out easily (user-friendly). Neutron flux data can be stored on a computer, which will reduce reading errors. Based on the analysis results on the paired T-test, the p-value for thermal, fast, and total neutrons is 0.3665, 0.7057, and 0.3180, respectively. P value > 0.05 means 95% confidence level in the data. This modul is added still has disadvantages that cannot be automatic to the current scale setting on the electrometer, so if the electrometer setting changes, the monitoring tool becomes less accurate reading. The development that needs to be done is to know the correlation of the current scale settings.