US 2022/0091297 A1 · NEUTRON ACTIVATION AND DETECTION OF HAZARDOUS, UNDESIRABLE, OR HIGH VALUE MATERIAL

Abstract

Provided herein are neutron-based detection systems and methods that provide, for example, high throughput analysis of elemental analysis of scrap materials. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale evaluation of bulk process materials where hazardous or otherwise undesirable materials or high value materials may be interspersed with the primary process material. In certain embodiments, the system is used to detect and potentially remove unexploded ordinance (UXO) from a conveyor of demilitarized shell casings being recycled by detecting the presence of nitrogen and other elements present in the UXO. In other embodiments, the system detects and removes unwanted or highly valuable materials from a stream of scrap material.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A compact active neutron interrogation system comprising:

a) a neutron source assembly configured to produce source neutrons;
b) a moderator/shielding assembly surrounding the neutron source;
c) a gamma or neutron detector assembly that detects secondary radiation induced by the neutrons;
d) a material handling component that presents bulk or scrap material to a neutron field generated by the neutron source assembly and to the gamma or neutron detectors;
and
e) a computer processor configured to identify material of interest from data collected by said detector assembly and to distinguish material of interest from material not of interest;
wherein the bulk or scrap material comprises a recycling process stream, and wherein the material of interest is lead, mercury, or cadmium.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Neutron activation and detection of hazardous, undesirable, or high value material

Life of this patent

Neutron activation and detection of hazardous, undesirable, or high value material

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20