The NEREA Python Package for Integral Experiment Analysis: A Fission Chamber Calibration Case Study

NEREA is a Python package designed for integral experiment processing in nuclear reactors. In this work we present the main features of NEREA to date, including data processing for pulse height spectrum analysis, fission chamber calibration, fission rate traverse measurement processing, control rod calibration and reactivity worth calculation. NEREA offers high control of the processing flow yet keeping it smooth and user-friendly thanks to is object-oriented conception. We showcase the capabilities of NEREA presenting the calibration of a large set of fission chambers at the BR1 MARK-III converter. NEREA allows for analysis of the impact of processing choices and for considerations over several measurements. Strengths and weaknesses of the implemented calibration methodology are also discussed, highlighting room for future work on this. This is particularly true when the measured pulse height spectrum is characterized by low peak-to-valley ratio, making the choice of a proper discrimination level challenging.