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Nuclear Particle Generator Yield Evaluation Instrument

Technology Benefits
Standardfoil cartridges allow rapid, repeatable, reliable setupIntegrated,electrically shielded and insulated detectorsRemoteoperation and data collectionOptionsfor different foils allow same device to be used for multiple types of particlegeneratorsTruestandardization in particle output (flux) measurementsCalibrationcartridge for rapid verification of system performanceSmallsize, easily portableCustomizablefor needed situation with allowances for beta shields and other modifications
Technology Application
Anywhereparticle generators are usedMilitary and police Explosives and contraband detectionOil and gas exploration and productionMiningCement productionRadiographyNuclear securityArt conservancyDetective workMedicineResearchNuclearchemistry and forensics
Detailed Technology Description
Researchers at INL havedeveloped a standard method and system for determining particle output of neutronand other particle generators using foils of pure elements, such as copper, asactivation targets. The foil is exposed to generated particles for a time,during which time new, short-lived radioactive atoms are transmuted in thefoil. A radiation detector is then used to measure the decay of these atoms,and thus infer the incident particle flux the foil was exposed to.The system usescartridges that hold the foil in a consistent position. This cartridge isdirectly connected with one or two electrically shielded and insulateddetectors. The device will communicate over Ethernet or wirelessly, reducingtime needed with the device. Cartridges that can be easily and quicklyreplaced, integrated detectors, and remote operation all minimize time spentaround the source in accordance with the ALARA (radiation exposure “As Low AsReasonably Achievable”) principle. The standardizedcartridges of many different kinds of foils can be produced to optimize for aparticular neutron generator, e.g. deuterium-deuterium or deuterium-tritiumENGs. Because the cartridges can be quickly replaced, reliable repeatmeasurements can be achieved even on the same day.
Others

LICENSINGOPPORTUNITY:

IdahoNational Laboratory (INL) and its M&O Contractor Battelle Energy Alliance,LLC (BEA) are currently looking for commercialization partner(s) interested inentering into a license agreement for the purpose of commercializing thetechnology described below.  

INTELLECTUALPROPERTY STATUS:

US Patent Application No. 15/363,510, “Detectors foruse with Particle Generators and Related Assemblies, Systems, and Methods,” filedon 11-29-16, BEA Docket No. BA-886.

DEVELOPMENTSTATUS:

This technology has been tested and validated at thebench scale. Additional development will be required to demonstrate a pilotscale process. BEA may be in a position to support additional research anddevelopment of this technology under a mutually acceptable Cooperative Research& Development Agreement (CRADA), Strategic Partnership Projects (SPP)agreement, or a similar agreement, all of which are subject to approval by DOE.

Publications:
*Abstract

TECHNOLOGYMARKETING SUMMARY:

Neutron sources arewidely applied in fast neutron-induced gamma-ray spectroscopy for the elementalcharacterization and inspection of materials, such as explosives and contraband,oil, coal, cement. Such sources also find applications in security, artconservancy, detective work, and medicine. These sources may be isotopicsources, such as californium-252, or produced in an electrically poweredaccelerator that fuses hydrogen. To fully interpret the gamma-ray spectroscopy resultsof irradiation, there is a need to monitor the yield of the generators. This isparticularly true of electronic neutron generators (ENGs).

Techniques exist tomeasure the performance of neutron generators, including hydrogen scintillatorsand pure element foils, but not their yield. Furthermore, there appear to be noinstruments that are commercially available to conduct this measurement,forcing producers and users of neutron generators to develop their own, ad-hocapproaches for measuring particle yield. These individual solutions aregenerally not well documented or standardized, and as a result it is oftendifficult or impossible to confidently compare yield measurements made bydifferent producers or users.
Country/Region
USA

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