Neutron beam moderation system and accelerator neutron source platform

Abstract

The utility model provides a neutron beam moderation system and an accelerator neutron source platform, and relates to the technical field of neutron sources. The neutron beam moderation system comprises a moderation module, a first liquid storage device and a second liquid storage device. Wherein the moderation module is provided with at least two cavities used for containing moderation liquid, and the cavities are arranged in parallel; the first liquid storage device is blocked or communicated with the cavity and used for storing the moderation liquid to enter the cavity. And the second liquid storage device is blocked or communicated with the cavity and is used for storing the moderation liquid discharged from the cavity. And the moderation liquid is discharged into the cavity through the first liquid storage device, and the moderation liquid discharged from the cavity is received through the second liquid storage device. In this way, by changing the number of the cavities filled with the moderation liquid, the moderation system achieves different moderation effects. Furthermore, neutron beams with different energy spectrums can be generated through the moderation system, so that a moderation scheme capable of changing the energy spectrums of the neutron beams is provided for a miniaturized accelerator.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of neutron source, in particular to a neutron beam slowing-down system and an accelerator neutron source platform. BACKGROUND

[0002] The miniaturized accelerator neutron source platform can be used for online detection of internal structure of materials, and can realize intelligent prediction of internal defects and service life of materials in combination with intelligent diagnosis methods, and can be applied in multiple fields such as neutron imaging, flaw detection and radiotherapy. However, in order to adapt to different application scene requirements, the accelerator neutron source needs to provide neutron beams with different energies. In this case, for the miniaturized accelerator platform, it is necessary to provide an implementation scheme capable of generating neutron beams with different energy spectra. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0003] Embodiments of the present application provide a neutron beam slowing-down system and an accelerator neutron source platform to realize different slowing-down effects of neutron beams and meet different application scene requirements.

[0004] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a neutron beam slowing-down system, which comprises:

[0005] A slowing-down module having at least two cavities for containing slowing-down liquid, and the cavities are arranged side by side.

[0006] A first liquid storage device which is blocked or communicated with the cavities and is used for storing the slowing-down liquid to be introduced into the cavities.

[0007] A second liquid storage device which is blocked or communicated with the cavities and is used for storing the slowing-down liquid discharged from the cavities.

[0008] In an embodiment, the slowing-down module comprises a solid member which is a one-piece structure and forms the at least two cavities.

[0009] In an embodiment, the slowing-down module comprises at least two solid members which are distributed side by side, and each of the solid members forms one of the cavities.

[0010] In an embodiment, the slowing-down module comprises at least two solid partitions, and the interval between two adjacent solid partitions forms the cavity.

[0011] In an embodiment, the cavity is connected with the first liquid storage device through a liquid inlet channel and is connected with the second liquid storage device through a liquid outlet channel.

[0012] In an embodiment, the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel each comprise a straight portion and a bent portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the moderator liquid is heavy water.

[0014] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a first switch assembly for connecting or blocking the first liquid storage device and the cavity, and

[0015] a second switch assembly for connecting or blocking the second liquid storage device and the cavity.

[0016] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a liquid pump in communication with the first liquid storage device and / or the second liquid storage device.

[0017] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide an accelerator neutron source platform, comprising a reflector, and the neutron beam moderator system provided in the first aspect,

[0018] The reflector forms an accommodation space, the moderator module of the moderator system is arranged in the accommodation space, and the first liquid storage device and the second liquid storage device of the moderator system are arranged at the periphery of the reflector.

[0019] The reflector further forms a channel, and the channel is used for connecting the first liquid storage device and the second liquid storage device to the cavity of the moderator module.

[0020] The neutron beam flow moderator system and the accelerator neutron source platform provided by the embodiments of the present application have at least the following technical effects.

[0021] At least two cavities arranged side by side are arranged in the moderator module, the moderator liquid is discharged into the cavities through the first liquid storage device, and the moderator liquid discharged from the cavities is received through the second liquid storage device. In this way, by changing the number of cavities filled with the moderator liquid, the moderator system can achieve different moderation effects. Further, the moderator system can generate neutron beams with different energy spectra, thereby providing a moderator scheme for changing the energy spectrum of the neutron beam for a miniaturized accelerator.

[0022] Details of one or more embodiments of the present application are presented in the following drawings and description, so that other features, objects and advantages of the present application are more apparent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The drawings described herein are intended to provide further understanding of the present application, and form a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their description serve to explain the present application, and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present application. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a neutron beam flow moderator system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figures 2 to 4respectively are structural schematic diagrams of a moderation module according to different examples;

[0026] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of an accelerator neutron source platform according to an example embodiment.

[0027] In the above-mentioned drawings, the meanings of various reference signs are as follows:

[0028] 100, moderation module, 110, cavity, 120, solid member, 130, solid partition;

[0029] 200, first liquid storage device, 210, liquid inlet channel;

[0030] 300, second liquid storage device, 310, liquid outlet channel;

[0031] 400, target;

[0032] 500, collimator;

[0033] 600, reflector, 610, first side reflector, 620, second side reflector, 630, back reflector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purposes, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application is described and explained below in combination with the drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are only used to explain the present application and do not limit the present application. Based on the examples provided in the present application, all other examples obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0035] Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some examples or embodiments of the present application, and for those of ordinary skill in the art, the present application can be applied to other similar scenarios without making creative efforts based on these drawings. In addition, it can be understood that although the efforts made in this development process can be complex and lengthy, for those of ordinary skill in the art related to the content disclosed in the present application, some designs, manufacturing or production changes based on the technical content disclosed in the present application are only routine technical means and should not be understood as insufficient disclosure of the present application.

[0036] Reference to an "embodiment" in this application means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearances of the phrase in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily mutually exclusive of one another. As used in this application, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean serving as an instance or illustration. The phrase "based on" in some embodiments means, at least in part, based on.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms and scientific terms used in the present application shall have the ordinary meanings as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "a", "an", "one", "this", and the like, as used in this application, do not denote a quantity of one, but rather denote a quantity of at least one. The terms "including", "containing", "having", and the like, as used in this application, are meant to be inclusive, unless otherwise noted. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a list of steps or modules (units) is not limited to only those steps or units that are listed, but can also include additional steps or units not listed, or can also include steps or units inherent to the process, method, system, product, or apparatus. The terms "connected", "coupled", and the like, as used in this application, are not limited to direct or physical connections, but can include indirect connections, unless otherwise noted. The term "plurality" means two or more. The term "and / or" describes association between associated objects, and means that there can be three types of relationships, for example, "A and / or B" can mean that A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally means that the associated objects before and after the " / " are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first", "second", "third", and the like, merely distinguish similar objects, and do not represent a specific order.

[0038] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a neutron beam current moderation system. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a neutron beam current moderation system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] As Figure 1 shown, the neutron beam current moderation system includes a moderation module 100, a first liquid storage device 200, and a second liquid storage device 300.

[0040] The moderator module 100 has at least two cavities 110 for containing moderator liquid. The moderator liquid has a moderating effect on the neutron beam passing through, such as light water, heavy water, high-pressure water. In the embodiment of the present application, heavy water is preferably used as the moderator liquid, and the volume of heavy water used is smaller in the case of achieving similar moderating effect. Therefore, using heavy water as the moderator liquid reduces the volume requirement of the cavities 110 in the moderator module 100, and the moderator system is more suitable for small-sized accelerator platforms. Moreover, compared with high-pressure water, heavy water has better safety, and the stability requirement of the moderator module 100 is lower, so as to be suitable for mobile neutron source scenarios.

[0041] In the moderator module 100, there are at least two cavities 110, and the cavities 110 are arranged side by side. Specifically, the cavities 110 are arranged along the propagation direction of the neutron beam to be moderated, so as to ensure that the neutron beam penetrates the cavities 110 and exits the moderator module 100. In this case, by adjusting the filling conditions of the moderator liquid in different cavities 110, the moderator module 100 can exhibit different moderating effects. If super-thermal neutrons are needed, some cavities 110 can be left empty, that is, the number of cavities 110 storing the moderator liquid is reduced, so as to slow down the overall moderating effect of the moderator module 100, and the neutrons at the outlet are maintained in the super-thermal neutron energy region. If faster neutrons are needed, the number of cavities 110 storing the moderator liquid is further reduced to achieve the desired moderating effect.

[0042] Based on the above, in the embodiment of the present application, the specific number of cavities 110 is not limited, and can be set according to the use requirement, for example, 4, 5, 6, or 7 cavities. The shape and form of the cavities 110 are also not limited, and can be distributed according to the form of the moderator module 100, as long as the neutron beam can penetrate all the cavities 110 during the emission process.

[0043] In addition, by cooperating the first liquid storage device 200 and the second liquid storage device 300, the volume of the moderator liquid in different cavities 110 can be adjusted. The first liquid storage device 200 is blocked or communicated with the cavities 110, and is used for storing the moderator liquid to be introduced into the cavities 110. The second liquid storage device 300 is blocked or communicated with the cavities 110, and is used for storing the moderator liquid discharged from the cavities 110. In this way, the first liquid storage device 200 and the second liquid storage device 300 can realize the adjustment of different moderating effects of the moderator module 100.

[0044] In summary, the moderator system provided by the embodiment of the present application can adjust the number of cavities 110 filled with the moderator liquid in the moderator module 100, so as to achieve different moderating effects. In this way, the moderator system can generate neutron beams with different energy spectra, thereby providing a moderator scheme for changing the energy spectrum of the neutron beam for a small-sized accelerator.

[0045] In one example, the cavity 110 is connected with the first liquid storage device 200 through the liquid inlet channel 210 and connected with the second liquid storage device 300 through the liquid outlet channel 310. Optionally, the liquid inlet channel 210 and the liquid outlet channel 310 are realized by pipes, or the liquid inlet channel 210 and the liquid outlet channel 310 are formed by enclosing a solid structure with a groove. Figure 1 This is only a structural diagram, and does not limit the specific implementation of the liquid inlet channel 210 and the liquid outlet channel 310). Moreover, the liquid inlet channel 210 and the liquid outlet channel 310 each include a straight portion and a bent portion. In this way, the liquid inlet channel 210 and the liquid outlet channel 310 do not have a straight seam, effectively reducing the possibility of neutron beam leakage.

[0046] In the neutron beam flow moderation system provided in the embodiments of the present application, the cavity 110 of the moderation module 100 has various implementation manners, Figures 2 to 4 which are structural diagrams of the moderation module according to different examples, respectively.

[0047] In one implementation manner, as shown in Figure 2 , the moderation module 100 includes a solid member 120, which is a one-piece structure and forms at least two cavities 110. When the moderation module 100 is installed in the accelerator neutron source platform, the moderation module 100 is directly installed into the installation cavity of the reflector. In this way, the installation difficulty of the moderation module 100 is low, and the solid member 120 has good sealing performance, thereby avoiding neutron beam leakage.

[0048] In one implementation manner, as shown in Figure 3 , the moderation module 100 includes solid members 120 arranged side by side, and each solid member 120 forms a cavity 110. When the moderation module 100 is installed in the accelerator neutron source platform, the solid members 120 are sequentially installed into the installation cavity of the reflector. In this way, the structure of the moderation module 100 is more flexible, and the number of solid members 120 can be selected as needed.

[0049] In one implementation manner, as shown in Figure 4 , the moderation module 100 includes at least two solid partitions 130, and the interval between two adjacent solid partitions 130 forms a cavity. When the moderation module 100 is installed in the accelerator neutron source platform, the solid partitions 130 are installed in the installation cavity of the reflector 600 at a certain interval. The inner wall of the installation cavity of the reflector 600 and the solid partitions 130 jointly constitute the cavity 110, and at this time, the liquid inlet channel 210 and the liquid outlet channel 310 can be formed on the reflector 600.

[0050] In the above implementation, the optional entity member 120 and the entity partition 130 are made of a material with a moderation effect, such as MgF2. In this case, the moderation effect is achieved by the cooperation of the moderation liquid and the actual member 120 or the entity partition 130.

[0051] In one example, the moderation system further includes a liquid pump configured to cooperate with the first liquid storage device 200 and the second liquid storage device 300. Specifically, when the liquid pump cooperates with the first liquid storage device 200, the liquid pump is configured to extract the moderation liquid in the first liquid storage device 200 and discharge the moderation liquid into the cavity 110. When the liquid pump cooperates with the second liquid storage device 300, the liquid pump is configured to extract the moderation liquid in the cavity 110 and discharge the moderation liquid into the second liquid storage device 300. As a preferred mode, for each cavity 110, there is a liquid pump configured to cooperate with the first liquid storage device 200 and the second liquid storage device 300.

[0052] In one example, the moderation system further includes a first switch assembly and a second switch assembly. The first switch assembly is configured to connect or block the first liquid storage device 200 and the cavity 110, and the second switch assembly is configured to connect or block the second liquid storage device 300 and the cavity 110. The first switch assembly and the second switch assembly make it easier to control the filling of the moderation liquid in the cavity 110. The implementation of the first switch assembly and the second switch assembly is not limited, such as a mechanical valve or an electronic valve arranged on the liquid inlet channel 210 and the liquid outlet channel 310.

[0053] In summary, the neutron beam moderation system provided by the embodiments of the present application ingeniously applies the cavity filling method to achieve different moderation effects. The neutron beam with different energy spectra can be obtained by the moderation system, and a moderation scheme for changing the energy spectrum of the neutron beam is provided for a miniaturized accelerator.

[0054] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide an accelerator neutron source platform. Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of an accelerator neutron source platform according to an example embodiment. As shown in Figure 5 The platform includes a target 400, a collimator 500, and the neutron beam moderation system provided in the first aspect. The moderation module 100 of the neutron beam moderation system is arranged between the target 400 and the collimator 500. Optionally, the cavities in the moderation module are arranged in a direction from the target 400 to the collimator to ensure that the neutron beam passes through the moderation module and achieves effective moderation.

[0055] In use, the accelerator neutron source platform emits a neutron beam through the target 500, which is then moderated by the moderator module 100 and then emitted by the collimator 600. The accelerator neutron source platform provided by the embodiments of the present application emits neutron beams of different energy spectra through the adjustable moderation effect of the moderator system, which can adapt to different task requirements and enrich the application scenarios of the accelerator neutron source platform. For example, the accelerator neutron source platform can perform irradiation treatment tasks as a mobile BNCT device, or as a neutron science experiment device, or perform neutron imaging nondestructive testing tasks. When performing neutron imaging tasks, according to the use requirements, the moderator system is adjusted to perform thermal neutron transmission imaging, fast neutron transmission imaging, and neutron backscattering imaging.

[0056] In one embodiment, the neutron source platform further comprises a reflector 600. The reflector 600 comprises a first side reflector 610, a second side reflector 620, and a back reflector 630, and the first side reflector 610 and the second side reflector 620 are respectively distributed at both ends of the back reflector 630, so that the reflector 600 forms an accommodation space. The accommodation space is used to accommodate the moderator module 100, so that the reflector 600 avoids neutron leakage.

[0057] The connection mode between the components of the reflector 600 is not limited, and the first side reflector 610, the second side reflector 620, and the back reflector 630 are of an integrated structure, or the first side reflector 610 and the second side reflector 620 are only distributed on the same side of the back reflector 630, or the end portions of the first side reflector 610 and the second side reflector 620 are connected to the same side of the back reflector 630.

[0058] The first liquid storage device 200 and the second liquid storage device 300 are arranged at the periphery of the reflector 600. The reflector 600 wraps the moderator module 100, which further reduces the leakage of the neutron beam. In addition, the reflector 600 is also formed with a channel, which is used to make the first liquid storage device 200 and the second liquid storage device 300 both communicate with the cavity 110 of the moderator module 100. For example, the channel is used to accommodate the liquid inlet channel 210 formed by the pipe and the liquid outlet channel 310 formed by the pipe.

[0059] Optionally, the channel for communicating the first liquid storage device 200 and the cavity 110 is arranged in the first side reflector 610 and / or the back reflector 630, and the channel for communicating the second liquid storage device 300 and the cavity 110 is arranged in the second side reflector 620 and / or the back reflector 630.

[0060] In summary, the accelerator neutron source platform provided by the embodiments of the present application utilizes the neutron beam current moderation system described above to ingeniously achieve different moderation effects, so that the accelerator neutron source platform can provide neutron beam currents with different energy spectra. Accordingly, the accelerator neutron source platform can meet the needs of different scene tasks, and improve the versatility and use convenience.

[0061] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. To make the description concise, all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are not described, but as long as the combinations of the technical features do not exist, they should be considered as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, and the description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the scope of the utility model patent. It should be pointed out that for ordinary skilled persons in the art, some modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A neutron beam current moderation system, characterized by, The neutron beam current moderator system comprises: a moderator module having at least two cavities for containing moderator liquid, and the cavities are arranged side by side; a first liquid storage device in blocking or communication with the cavities for storing the moderator liquid to be introduced into the cavities; a second liquid storage device in blocking or communication with the cavities for storing the moderator liquid discharged from the cavities.

2. The neutron beam current moderation system of claim 1, wherein, The moderator module comprises a solid member which is an integral structure and forms the at least two cavities.

3. The neutron beam current moderation system of claim 1, wherein, The moderator module comprises at least two solid members arranged side by side, and each of the solid members forms one of the cavities.

4. The neutron beam current moderation system of claim 1, wherein, The moderator module comprises at least two solid partitions, and the space between two adjacent solid partitions forms one of the cavities.

5. The neutron beam current moderation system of any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The cavities are connected to the first liquid storage device through liquid inlet channels and connected to the second liquid storage device through liquid outlet channels.

6. The neutron beam current moderation system of claim 5, wherein, The liquid inlet channels and the liquid outlet channels each comprise a straight portion and a bent portion.

7. The neutron-beam flux moderation system of claim 1, wherein, The moderator liquid is heavy water.

8. The neutron-beam flux moderation system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a first switch assembly for connecting or blocking the first liquid storage device and the cavities, and a second switch assembly for connecting or blocking the second liquid storage device and the cavities.

9. The neutron beam current moderation system of claim 8, wherein, The system further comprises a liquid pump in communication with the first liquid storage device and / or the second liquid storage device.

10. An accelerator-driven neutron source platform, characterized by, The platform comprises a reflector and the neutron beam current moderator system according to any one of claims 1-9, the reflector forms a containing space, the moderator module of the moderator system is arranged in the containing space, and the first liquid storage device and the second liquid storage device of the moderator system are arranged at the periphery of the reflector; the reflector further forms channels for allowing the first liquid storage device and the second liquid storage device to communicate with the cavities of the moderator module.

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