Pulsed neutron source
OwnerEdward F. Marwickinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for producing neutron pulses seriatim in which a smaller, high velocity, sub-critical, downward traveling slug intercepts a larger downward falling sub-critical target-mass, both of which have a portion of higher concentration in fissile materials. The combined masses are more than prompt-critical and the resulting neutron and energy pulse is contained within a large pressure vessel. Spray of mostly sodium slurry protects the walls of the vessel from the effects of the neutron and energy pulse and absorbs the energy and neutron excess of the energy-neutron pulse. Heated slurry is drained from the pressure vessel to provide useful heat energy and neutron irradiated materials. Precipitated materials and sodium are used in the fabrication of both the slug and target-mass.
Claims14
A method of producing neutrons in a containing chamber having an impact point, utilizing a large mass of fissile and fertile actinides and a smaller mass of fissile and fertile actinides, each mass being less than critical, said method comprising the steps of:
- injecting separately at two different predetermined times said large mass and said small mass respectively;
- causing said large mass to move downwardly in said chamber toward said impact point;
- propelling said smaller mass downwardly in said chamber to overtake said large mass such that the combined masses become more than prompt-critical and produce a neutron pulse at said impact point;
- and
- introducing liquid spray into said chamber for projecting said chamber and absorbing debris and thermal energy.
Apparatus for producing intense neutron pulses seriatim, said apparatus comprising:
- a containing chamber;
- less than critical target mass means of fissile and fertile actinides with a cavity therein having a segment of concentrated fissile materials;
- less than critical slug means formed of fissile and fertile actinides for interference fit in said target mass means cavity and having a segment of concentrated fissile materials in an end portion thereof;
- means for injecting separately at two different predetermined times said target mass means and said slug means, respectively;
- means for dropping target mass means seriatim into said containing chamber with the cavity being upwardly directed;
- means for downwardly propelling slug means seriatim toward each of said target mass means for insertion in the cavity for bringing said segments in close proximity such that the combined masses become more than prompt critical;
- and
- spray means for protecting said chamber and absorbing debris and thermal energy.
Apparatus for producing a slurry of alkali metal and actinide materials, said apparatus comprising:
- a containing chamber;
- less than critical target mass means of fissile and fertile actinides;
- less than critical slug means formed of fissile and fertile actinides;
- means for injecting separately at two different predetermined times said target mass means and said slug means, respectively
- means for combining pairs of target mass means and slug means seriatim in said containing chamber to produce a more than prompt critical burst;
- and
- means for introducing alkali metal containing fluid into said chamber for formation of a slurry with said fissile and fertile actinides.
Apparatus for the production of useful thermal energy by the consumption of trans-uranic isotopes, said apparatus comprising:
- a chamber
- means for dropping seriatim a plurality of target mass means having a less than critical configuration of fissile and fetile actinides;
- means for propelling slug means having less than critical configuration of fissile and fertile actinides into said chamber for combining with each of said target mass means such that said actinides become more than prompt critical and produce a burst of energy;
- means for injecting separately at two different predetermined times said target mass means and said slug means, respectively
- means for introducing fluid into said chamber for absorbing thermal energy from said burst;
- means for collecting said slurry at the bottom portion of said chamber;
- heat exchanger means for extracting heat energy from said slurry;
- and
- means for directing slurry from said chamber to said heat exchanger means and returning said slurry for reintroduction to said chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.