Journal of Nuclear Science, Engineering and Technology (JONSAT)
In cooperation with the Iranian Nuclear Society

Estimation of radiation dose in the upgraded Damavand tokamak and the design of safe radiation shielding

Document Type : Scientific Note

Authors

S. Yarmahmoodi
B. Pourshahab
Ch. Rasouli

Plasma and Nuclear Fusion Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, AEOI, P.O. Box: 14399-51113, Tehran – Iran

https://doi.org/10.24200/nst.2024.1672.2055
Abstract
Tokamaks are recognized as one of the most promising devices for achieving nuclear fusion, operating within complex environments with high radiation levels. Upgrading these devices to enhance plasma efficiency and duration inevitably leads to increased radiation levels, making precise radiation dose estimation and the design of effective shielding systems essential. The Damavand tokamak, with its pure hydrogen plasma, generates both soft and hard X-rays. With sufficient data on these indirect ionizing radiations, the potential adverse effects can be minimized. Planned upgrades to the Damavand tokamak will extend plasma pulse duration from 22 ms to approximately 200 ms, resulting in a significant increase in radiation levels, estimated to be up to ten times higher in work areas, posing safety risks for personnel. In this study, we estimate the radiation dose in different areas of the upgraded Damavand tokamak laboratory based on experimental data, and we calculate specifications for new radiation shields using the MCNPX code to ensure laboratory safety. The required shielding dimensions were calculated for lead and concrete materials, allowing for a cost and feasibility assessment to guide the selection of the optimal implementation material.

Highlights

  1. Rasouli C, Pourshahab B, Hosseini Pooya S.M, Orouji T, Rasouli H. Study of runaway electrons using dosimetry of hard x-ray radiations in Damavand tokamak. Review of scientific instruments. 2014 May;85:053509. doi.org/10.1063/1.4875983.

 

  1. Pourshahab B, Rasouli C. Two-dimensional mapping of hard X-rays dose distribution of Damavand Tokamak. The Annual Physics Conference of Iran. Kermanshah University. 2020 [In Persian].

 

  1. Maier A, Steidl S, Christlein V, Hornegger J. Medical Imaging Systems: An Introductory Guide. Springer. 2018. ISBN 978-3-319-96519-2.

 

  1. Rasouli C, Iraji D, Farahbod A.H, Akhtari K, Rasouli H, Modarresi H, Lamehi M. Runaway electron energy measurement using hard x-ray spectroscopy in “Damavand” tokamak. Review of Scientific Instruments. 2009;80:013503.

 

  1. Pourshahab B, Abdi M.R, Sadighzadeh A, Rasouli C. Temporal and spatial evolution of runaway electrons at the instability moments in Damavand tokamak. Physics of Plasmas. 2016; 23:072501. doi:10.1063/1. 4955218.

 

  1. Basic regulations for protection against ionizing radiation and safety of radiation sources. The center of the country's nuclear safety system, Department of Radiation Protection. INRA-RP-RE-100-00/01-1-Aba.1401;2022 [In Persian].

 

  1. Ghiashinejad M, Katouzi M. General lessons on radiation protection. Sayan Company. 2013; ISBN 964-06-2857-3 [In Persian].

 

  1. Pourshahab B, Rasouli C, Iraji D. Dose mapping of hard X-ray radiation due to runaway electrons in Alvand tokamak using combination of high-dose and low-dose level dosimeters. Fusion Engineering and Design. 2023;197-114065.

 

  1. Zhou M, Hu L, Huang L, Zhong G, Li K, Hong B, Xiao M, Zhang R. Measurement of the radiation dose distribution in EAST hall based on thermoluminescence dosimeter. Fusion Engineering and Design. 2020;160-11977.

 

  1. Nouri Dogahi S.M, Abtahi S.M.M, Habibi M. Evaluation of X-ray dose distribution in adult male and female organs due to plasma focus device function. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology. 2021;97(4):62-69 [In Persian].

 

  1. Pourshahab B, Rasouli C, Hosseini Pooya S.M, Rasouli H, Sadighzadeh A, Habibi H. Dose measurement of hard X-ray produced by Damavand tokamak by means of LiF:Mg, Cu, P TLDs. Journal of Fusion Energy. 2013;32:451-456.

 

  1. Cember H. Introduction to health physics. Pergamon Press. Oxford. 1983.

 

  1. HSE Book. Work with ionising radiation, Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, Approved Code of Practice and guidance. Second Edition. Published by TSO (The Stationery Office). 2018, ISBN 978 0 7176 6662 1.

 

  1. Eation D.J, Gonzalez R, Duck S, Keshtgar M. Radiation protection for an intra-operative X-ray device. The British Journal of Radiology. 2011;84:1034-1039.

 

  1. Riyahi Alam N, Graily Gh, Taghizadeh S. Radiation protection health physics, radiobiology and radiology. Royan Pazhouh Publication. 2015;ISBN 978-600-408-3034 [In Persian]

Keywords

Nuclear fusion
Damavand tokamak
Hard x-ray radiations
Radiation shielding
MCNPX code
  1. Rasouli C, Pourshahab B, Hosseini Pooya S.M, Orouji T, Rasouli H. Study of runaway electrons using dosimetry of hard x-ray radiations in Damavand tokamak. Review of scientific instruments. 2014 May;85:053509. doi.org/10.1063/1.4875983.

 

  1. Pourshahab B, Rasouli C. Two-dimensional mapping of hard X-rays dose distribution of Damavand Tokamak. The Annual Physics Conference of Iran. Kermanshah University. 2020 [In Persian].

 

  1. Maier A, Steidl S, Christlein V, Hornegger J. Medical Imaging Systems: An Introductory Guide. Springer. 2018. ISBN 978-3-319-96519-2.

 

  1. Rasouli C, Iraji D, Farahbod A.H, Akhtari K, Rasouli H, Modarresi H, Lamehi M. Runaway electron energy measurement using hard x-ray spectroscopy in “Damavand” tokamak. Review of Scientific Instruments. 2009;80:013503.

 

  1. Pourshahab B, Abdi M.R, Sadighzadeh A, Rasouli C. Temporal and spatial evolution of runaway electrons at the instability moments in Damavand tokamak. Physics of Plasmas. 2016; 23:072501. doi:10.1063/1. 4955218.

 

  1. Basic regulations for protection against ionizing radiation and safety of radiation sources. The center of the country's nuclear safety system, Department of Radiation Protection. INRA-RP-RE-100-00/01-1-Aba.1401;2022 [In Persian].

 

  1. Ghiashinejad M, Katouzi M. General lessons on radiation protection. Sayan Company. 2013; ISBN 964-06-2857-3 [In Persian].

 

  1. Pourshahab B, Rasouli C, Iraji D. Dose mapping of hard X-ray radiation due to runaway electrons in Alvand tokamak using combination of high-dose and low-dose level dosimeters. Fusion Engineering and Design. 2023;197-114065.

 

  1. Zhou M, Hu L, Huang L, Zhong G, Li K, Hong B, Xiao M, Zhang R. Measurement of the radiation dose distribution in EAST hall based on thermoluminescence dosimeter. Fusion Engineering and Design. 2020;160-11977.

 

  1. Nouri Dogahi S.M, Abtahi S.M.M, Habibi M. Evaluation of X-ray dose distribution in adult male and female organs due to plasma focus device function. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology. 2021;97(4):62-69 [In Persian].

 

  1. Pourshahab B, Rasouli C, Hosseini Pooya S.M, Rasouli H, Sadighzadeh A, Habibi H. Dose measurement of hard X-ray produced by Damavand tokamak by means of LiF:Mg, Cu, P TLDs. Journal of Fusion Energy. 2013;32:451-456.

 

  1. Cember H. Introduction to health physics. Pergamon Press. Oxford. 1983.

 

  1. HSE Book. Work with ionising radiation, Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, Approved Code of Practice and guidance. Second Edition. Published by TSO (The Stationery Office). 2018, ISBN 978 0 7176 6662 1.

 

  1. Eation D.J, Gonzalez R, Duck S, Keshtgar M. Radiation protection for an intra-operative X-ray device. The British Journal of Radiology. 2011;84:1034-1039.

 

  1. Riyahi Alam N, Graily Gh, Taghizadeh S. Radiation protection health physics, radiobiology and radiology. Royan Pazhouh Publication. 2015;ISBN 978-600-408-3034 [In Persian]

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