Boron coated straws for neutron detection with pie-shaped cross-section
AssigneeProportional Technologies, Inc.
InventorJeffrey L. Lacy
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A boron coated straw detector for use in a neutron detection system is disclosed comprising a boron coated straw having at least one boron-coated septum radially oriented and extending a pre-determined distance towards the center of the straw. Preferably, the straw comprises a plurality of septa comprising a rigid surface, coated on both sides with a boron composition. Preferably, the septa run the length of the straw detector from one end of the straw to the other. The area coated on the septa adds to the area coated on the arc segments offering a significant benefit in sensitivity of the neutron detector.
Claims18
An improved boron-coated straw detector system comprising a boron-coated straw having a diameter and at least one septum extending radially inward from inner surface of the straw, each septum having a boron-coating on two sides and a length of about 0.25 times the straw diameter or less.
A neutron detection system comprising a plurality of boron-coated straws formed into a panel, each boron-coated straw in the panel having a plurality of septa extending radially inward from inner surface of the straw, and each septa having a boron-coating on both sides.
A process for manufacturing boron-coated straws comprising the steps of:
- (1) providing a forming station comprising a plurality of forming bars and a roll of foil comprising a boron coating on one side;
- (2) placing the foil over the forming bars with the coated side of the foil facing the forming bars;
- and
- (3) moving at least on forming bars toward another forming bar and allowing foil the foil between the bars to collapse and be compressed together to form a septum having a boron coated two sides.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.