Spallation device for producing neutrons

Abstract

A spallation device for production of neutrons includes a solid spallation target that produces neutrons by interaction with a hollow particle beam propagating within a first chamber, a second chamber containing the spallation target, and a leak tight partition separating the first and second chambers.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to a spallation device for the production of neutrons. [0002] The device is used in applications in all fields in which an intense neutron source is necessary. [0003] The invention is particularly applicable to basic physics, medicine and transmutation of material. STATE OF PRIOR ART [0004] Note that spallation corresponds to the interaction of particles, and particularly protons, output from an accelerator and with the high energy equal to about 200 MeV or more, with nuclei of a target. [0005] This interaction produces neutrons, for example about 30 neutrons per 1 GeV incident proton when the target is made of liquid lead. About 80% of these neutrons originate from evaporation and the remainder originate from inter-nuclear cascades. The spectrum of these neutrons has a peak at about 3.5 MeV. [0006] A spallation target may be solid, or it may be liquid. It may also be thick or thin. [0007] A liquid spallation target forms its own heat tr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a spallation device for producing neutrons, which can be used in various fields such as physics, medicine, and transmutation of material. The device uses a liquid spallation target made of a heavy metal in a liquid state, which is cooled by a heat transporting fluid. The device has a symmetrical design and a vacuum chamber to confine the particle beam and cool the target. The device can be used in solid state or in a thin liquid state. The technical effects of the invention include improved cooling efficiency, reduced damage to the target, and improved performance and reliability of the device.

Problems solved by technology

This is very difficult if not impossible when the medium surrounding the spallation target has a fast neutron, spectrum.

Consequently, there is a hot point on the leak tight partition that limits the performances of the spallation target and can threaten confinement.

Like all elements placed on the centre line of the beam, this grid is affected by irradiation from this beam and its mechanical and thermal performances deteriorate during time.

However, this grid does not contribute to spallation and its volume is such that if any damage occurs, this grid will in turn damage or even destroy the spallation target, particularly by partial or total closing off of heat transporting fluid circuits.

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