Measurement and Analysis of the Neutron Energy Spectrum and Associated Occupational Exposure from a Shielded241Am-Be Source.

A set of five Bonner spheres was used to measure the ambient neutron H*(10) dose around an orphan Am-241-Be neutron source shielded with different arrangements and types of neutron-absorbing materials. These results were compared to measurements obtained using a portable radiation dosemeter. The Bonner sphere measurement results identified the presence of a large thermal and intermediate neutron component from the shielded Am-241-Be source that was not revealed using the portable instrument.