Apparatus and method for handling radioactive emissions

Abstract

Effective radioactive waste management will be implemented to ensure that radiation levels do not harm the environment or all forms of living organisms. [Solution] An apparatus and method positioned in close proximity to a radiation source to receive radiation from a radioactive material and configured to return the received radiation back to the source comprises at least one reflective means that partially reflects radiation, thereby effectively reducing the leakage of radiation emitted from the radiation source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for treating radiation emissions, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for treating a radiation source by reflecting radiation emissions towards at least a portion of the radiation source.

Background Art

[0002] The following references and descriptions of conventional proposals or products are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, statements or admissions of general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following discussion of prior art is not related to what is generally or well known to those skilled in the art, but is part of an aid to understanding the inventive step of the present invention which only identifies relevant prior art proposals.

[0003] Currently, there are many strong driving forces for the worldwide increase in nuclear power capacity. By addressing legitimate concerns regarding the safety of the nuclear fuel cycle and the proper disposal and handling of nuclear cycle waste and other by-products, the discussion regarding the increase in nuclear power capacity is facilitated. In particular, as the need for energy supply will increase in the future, addressing concerns related to nuclear technology could potentially enable the widespread and safe use of nuclear energy as a preferred option in the growing energy supply problem. Furthermore, due to the expansion of research in the field of nuclear science and the field of applications to nuclear medicine, an increase in the number of research reactors in countries intending to participate in such research and benefit therefrom is required.

[0004] The growth of the used fuel and radioactive waste treatment market as well as the storage and disposal market is linked to this demand-driven growth in the number of nuclear reactors and research reactors planned to meet the increasing worldwide demand for energy and nuclear science.

[0005] However, one of the arguments against increasing nuclear facilities is the generation of radioactive waste, and furthermore, the possibility of nuclear disasters, such as those witnessed at Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi, which have caused significant global adverse effects through their catastrophic failures. Generally, radioactive waste is often buried in remote radioactive landfills or in countries with conscientious medium-term management facilities, with the expectation that the toxic waste will stabilize over time. However, nuclear waste often remains active in facilities for very long periods, and it takes approximately 20 natural half-lives, spanning thousands of years or more, before the waste is actually proven to be stable and safe. Moreover, effective radioactive waste management is crucial to ensure that radiation levels do not harm the environment and all forms of living organisms. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a method and apparatus for treating radioactive emissions that can improve upon the aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages or at least provide a useful alternative. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and method for treating a radiation emission source are provided.

[0008] The device includes at least one reflecting means that is positioned close to the source to receive radiation emissions and is adapted or configured to at least partially reflect the received emissions toward the source, thereby effectively reducing radiation emissions from the source.

[0009] In one particular example, the reflecting means includes a wire array. In yet another example, the reflecting means may include multiple wire arrays.

[0010] In a further example, the wires in a wire array may include at least one coil of copper wire wrapped around a galvanized metal wire. In yet another example, the galvanized metal wire is steel wire.

[0011] In another example, a wire array includes spiral wires formed into a circle. It should be understood that the formed circle can be continuous, discrete, concentric, or spiral.

[0012] In yet another example, a wire array includes loop wires formed in a zigzag or meandering structure. It should be understood that a wire array may include any form and number of wires in any combination of patterns, such as one or more spiral wires, one or more loop wires, or one or more wires stretched either longitudinally or transversely across other sets of wires.

[0013] It should be understood that the shape or type of wire array structure can affect the type of radiation. For example, a circular wire array in a horizontal or vertical plane may affect alpha and beta rays, while a meandering structure, with or without copper wire, may affect gamma rays. Thus, various types of radiation can be reflected using any one or more combinations of shape / wire structure and type, as needed.

[0014] In yet another example, the device includes multiple reflecting means. In yet another example, each of the multiple reflecting means may include one or a combination of multiple wire arrays, including loop wires formed in a circular shape, and multiple wire arrays, including loop wires formed in a meandering or zigzag pattern. In these examples, each type of wire structure may serve different purposes and different types of radiation.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the multiple reflecting means are arranged to surround the radiation source at least partially.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, multiple reflective means are arranged inside a container, and the container is configured to hold a radiation source within it. In yet another example, the container holds the radiation source at least partially in the center, and one or more reflective means are arranged inside and around the sides of the container, thereby at least partially surrounding the radiation source.

[0017] In yet another example, the container has a lead shield. In yet another example, the lead shield is provided on the outside of the container on all sides of the container. Furthermore, the container can be of any size or shape, but in one particular example, the container is a cube or rectangular prism capable of housing the reflecting means and the radiation source.

[0018] Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the technology described herein may encompass small tea box-sized forms, medium-sized transport containers or single-room forms, or even larger warehouse aircraft hangars, etc.

[0019] In yet another example, the reflectors are mounted on a panel. In one particular example, for low and medium levels of radiation, the panel or chest can be made from a single or multiple pieces of plywood, on which the reflectors can be mounted. Higher levels of radioactive material may require a less flammable substrate, but it should be understood that the array may be mounted on any substrate that is an insulating material, and it is not limited to wood or plywood.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of panels, each of which is arranged inside around the sides of the container, and the radiation source is positioned in the center of the container such that the plurality of panels surround the radiation source.

[0021] In yet another example, the reflecting means includes an antenna, which is configured to receive radiation and reflect it.

[0022] According to another example, the reflecting means includes a horn, and the horn is configured to direct the reflected radiation back towards the source. In yet another example, the horn can be of any shape and can extend from one or more wire arrays as needed.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the source includes any one or combination of uranium, granite, and americium. However, it should be understood that the source can be any substance that emits radiation from past nuclear test facilities, hospital waste, nuclear power plant waste, radioactive water, etc.

[0024] In yet another aspect, an apparatus for treating radiation emission from a radioactive substance is provided herein. The apparatus includes at least one reflecting means adapted to be proximate to the radioactive substance to receive the radiation emission and at least wholly or partially reflect the received emission towards the radioactive substance, thereby stabilizing the radioactive substance. According to one particular example, the radioactive substance is consequently stabilized in a time frame significantly shorter than the demonstrated natural decay of a large number (20 or more -> 2 20 ) of half-lives.

[0025] In yet another aspect, a method for treating a source of radiation emission is provided herein. The method includes disposing / placing / providing at least one reflecting means in proximity to the source. The reflecting means is adapted to receive the radiation emission and at least partially reflect the received emission towards the source, thereby effectively reducing the radiation emission from the source.

[0026] It should be understood that any combination of the features described above or any of the features described herein is possible and not limited to the examples provided herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] The present invention should be better understood from the following non-limiting description of the preferred embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source, the apparatus being provided within a container. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an exemplary apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of another example of an apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of another exemplary apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an inverted view of the exemplary apparatus of FIG. 6. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A shows a side view of an example of a horn that can be used with an apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source (part 1). [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B shows a side view of an example of a horn that can be used with an apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source (part 2). [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C shows a side view of an example of a horn that can be used with an apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source (part 3). [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D shows a side view of an example of a horn that can be used with an apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source (part 4). [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a graphical representation (part 1) of an example showing the effects of the apparatus and method described herein for treating a radiation-emitting source. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a graphical representation (part 2) of an example showing the effects of the apparatus and method described herein for treating a radiation-emitting source. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a photograph of an exemplary container for holding an apparatus for treating a radiation-emitting source. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a photograph of the exemplary container in Figure 10, showing the cover closed and the container lid open. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a photograph of an exemplary apparatus for treating a radiation source, placed inside the container shown in Figure 10. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a photograph of the exemplary container shown in Figure 10, with the cover closed and the cavity for holding the radiation source open. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a photograph of another embodiment of the apparatus for treating a radiation source. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a photograph of another embodiment of the apparatus for treating a radiation source, showing that one type of wire is wrapped around another type of wire. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a photograph of another embodiment of the apparatus for treating a radiation source. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a photograph of another embodiment of the apparatus for treating a radiation source. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a photograph of another embodiment of the apparatus for treating a radiation source. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Figure 1 shows an example of a device for treating radiation emissions. In particular, Figure 1 shows an example of a device 10 for treating the radiation source 15 of radiation emission 20.

[0030] In this example, the apparatus 10 includes at least one reflecting means 25 adapted to be positioned close to the source 15 to receive the radiation emission 20. The reflecting means 25 at least partially reflects the received emission 20 toward the source 15, thereby resulting in a reduction of the radiation emission 20 from the source 15.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1-4 and further described below, the reflective means 25 may include a wire array 30. According to one particular example, the wire array 30 may include several different structures. As will be further described here, the wire array 30 may include at least first and second wire structures.

[0032] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the apparatus 10 may include a plurality or number of reflective means 25, each comprising one or more wire arrays 30, which may be formed in various patterns. In the illustrated example, the wire array 30 comprises spiral wires 45 in the form of one or more circles 50. In yet another example, the wire array 30 comprises zigzag or meandering loop wire structures 55. It will be further understood that the reflective means 25 may comprise various combinations of the different wire structures described herein.

[0033] Accordingly, the apparatus 10 may include a plurality of reflecting means 25 that can be arranged to at least partially surround the radiation source 15. In one particular example, the plurality of reflecting means 25 are arranged inside a container 60. In these examples, the container 60 is configured to hold the radiation source 15 inside. In further examples, which will be described further below, the container 60 may have a lead shield configured to form a barrier between the radioactive source 50 and the outside of the container 60.

[0034] In a further example, one or more reflective means 25 can be attached to the panel 65. Thus, the apparatus 10 may include multiple panels 65, each of which is positioned inside the container 60 around its sides, and the source 15 is positioned in the center of the container 60 such that the multiple panels 65 surround the source 15.

[0035] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the reflecting means 25 may include one or more wire structures, which may include one or more antennas. In this particular example, the antenna or each antenna is configured to receive radiation and reflect it. As will be discussed further below, the antenna may include a horn 80, which is configured to return the reflected radiation back to the source 15.

[0036] In yet another example, a radiation source may include uranium, graphite, or any combination of any materials that emit radiation, and it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these include properties, areas, or volumes affected by radiation or living organisms such as mammals.

[0037] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of reflective means 25 for reflecting radiation emissions. In this example, the wire array 30 includes a first type of wire structure 70 and a second type of wire structure 72, the first and second wire structures 70 and 72 being mounted on a panel 65 that holds the wire structures 70 and 72 in place. In this particular example, the wire structures 70 and 72 are formed by looping wires in a zigzag or meandering pattern across the entire panel 65 in opposite directions so that the first and second wire structures 70 and 72 are stacked on top of each other, with the second wire structure 72 being at a 90-degree right angle to the first wire structure 70.

[0038] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that panel 65 can be of any dimensions. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, panel 65 has a width of 370 mm (from left to right) and a height of 370 mm (from top to bottom). In Figure 3, a wire structure 70 having an input indicated by 102 and extending from 100 to 101 extends to the height of panel 65 in this example and typically has a width of 200 mm. Figure 4 shows that an exemplary wire available includes a 2 mm steel wire 103 wound around it with a 0.75 mm copper wire indicated by 104. Similarly, the width 105 of the wire structure in Figure 4 is 200 mm. Figure 4 also shows an output termination 106 with the wound copper wire 104.

[0039] Figures 5-7 show further examples of the reflective means 25, where the wire array 30 includes a first type of wire structure 70 and a second type of wire structure 72. In this particular example, the first type of wire structure 70 includes a plurality of spiral wires, which are arranged on the panel 65 such that they overlap each other laterally across the entire panel 65. The second type of wire structure 72 is formed longitudinally across the spiral first wire structure 70. This particular example of the wire array 30 is described further below. Furthermore, the first wire structure 70 is made from 17 × 3 × 2 mm steel wire 107, and the second wire structure 72 is made from 17 × 2 × 0.75 mm enameled copper wire 108.

[0040] Furthermore, the examples in Figures 6 and 7 show multiple continuous copper coils as a first type of wire structure 70, in contrast to the single continuous spiral shown in Figure 5. In the examples in Figures 6 and 7, these continuous copper coils 70 are formed by concentric copper coils of different diameters. For example, the outer copper coils can have diameters such as 19 mm, then 17 mm, then 15 mm, down to a minimum diameter of 2 mm. In these examples, the wire can be a copper-wound core steel wire with a thickness of 2 mm. Thus, the multiple concentric structures are formed such that they are arranged to at least partially cover each other, and in this particular example, the span width of the multiple wire structures in the examples in Figures 6 and 7 is 38 cm.

[0041] The examples shown in Figures 5-7 are neutron radiation interference systems, and it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these systems can assist in radiation stabilization. In particular, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples shown in Figures 5-7 are neutron, alpha, and beta radiation interference systems. Figure 5 shows an example of a configuration that results in a reduction of neutron radiation, and Figures 6 and 7 show alpha and beta particle interference arrays, which differ depending on the orientation of the assembly, with the horizontal orientation for alpha radiation and the vertical orientation for beta radiation. Therefore, the systems in Figures 5-7 are intended to assist in the stabilization of neutron, alpha, and beta radiation.

[0042] Figures 8A–8D show exemplary side profiles of horns 80 that can be formed to extend from wire arrays 30. Horns 80 are typically wires extending from the main wire arrays 30 and can assist in directing reflected radiation from the wire arrays 30. In these specific examples, the horns are gamma (radiation component) output terminations. As shown in Figures 8A–8D, many different shapes and locations of horns are possible. For example, horns 80 can be positioned at or near the corners of panel 65 and extend perpendicularly from the back of panel 65 (or generally from wire arrays 30) (as shown in Figure 8A). Figure 8B shows a perpendicularly extending horn 80, with the top horn 81 adjacent to or coplanar with panel 65. Horns 80 in this example are also formed on the back of panel 65 and positioned at or near the corners. Figure 8C shows an example of a horn 80 extending from a panel in a V-shaped angled structure, which extends from the center of the front of panel 65. Furthermore, Figure 8D shows an example of a horn 80 extending from panel 65 in a C-shaped angled structure, which also extends from the center of the front of panel 65. More specific examples of the apparatus and methods described herein are provided below.

[0043] <Example 1> In one specific example, the method and apparatus were tested using a test sample of uranium ore (the test sample was placed in a container resembling a tea box (shown in Figures 10 and 11 below)). Other tests were also conducted and yielded similar results regardless of the initial ion emission count value.

[0044] In the aforementioned uranium ore example, the test sample was placed in the center of a tea-box-sized cabinet, and the sample was surrounded on all sides of the box body by numerous gamma-ray reflectors. The sample and various reflectors were then covered with one or more covers, and the box lid was closed. For occupational health and safety reasons, and to minimize known external interference and internal radiation leakage to the outside, the box was also covered with lead cladding. However, it should be understood that covering with lead is optional. In this example, the emitted ionizing radiation was measured using a Geiger counter. The measuring device used was the SE International Inc. Radiation Alert® Inspector, a portable digital radiation survey meter.

[0045] Next, the "tea box" was opened, and the sample was measured once a day, at a time as close to the same time as possible.

[0046] As shown in Figure 9A, it was observed that the radiation emission from the sample was progressing toward stabilization.

[0047] Figure 9A shows that the ion count per minute of the test sample decreased significantly from 2850 counts per minute to 65 counts per minute over 400 days.

[0048] <Example 2> Similar to Example 1 above, further tests were conducted on granite as a radiation source. The apparatus used was the same as in Example 1.

[0049] Exposing the granite to a reflective surface reduced the radiation emitted from the granite. As shown in Figure 9B, the count per minute decreased from 77 to 0 over a three-month period.

[0050] Examples 1 and 2, which also involved several other materials and tests, represent only a small number of examples of alpha, beta, gamma, and neutrons (or combinations thereof), but do not substantially affect the terms of this patent and may be the subject and discussion elsewhere as needed.

[0051] Figure 10 is a photograph of an embodiment of the container 60 as used in the two specific examples described above. As seen in Figure 10, the container 60 has a lid 61 and a body 62. The body 62 is divided into several sections 63. In this particular example, the container 60 has a square cross-section (i.e., is effectively a cube or rectangular prism), so the sections include four side sections 63A, 63B, 63C, and 63D, which are surrounded by sides 64A, 64B, 64C, and 64D of the container 60, respectively, thereby enclosing the middle portion (or central cavity) of the container 60. Each of the side sections 63A-63D is configured to receive one or more reflective means 25. In this particular example, the reflective means 25 includes several panels 65 with a coiled wire array 30. Thus, each of the sections 63A-63D has several panels 65 inside, so that the panels 65 are arranged either perpendicular or horizontal to each other. This is further illustrated in Figure 12.

[0052] Figure 10 also shows that each of the side sections 63A–64D is covered by its respective cover 66. In this particular example, the cover 66 is made of wood. In Figure 10, one of the covers 67 has been removed to expose the side section 63. Figure 10 further shows that the container 60 is lined with lead to protect the user from hazardous radioactive material or radiation source 15, which is typically placed inside the container 60.

[0053] Figure 11 is a photograph of a container 60 showing the cover 66 in the closed position when the lid 61 is in the open position.

[0054] Figure 12 shows several panels 65, each comprising a wire array 30. In this configuration, the wire array 30 includes a continuous spiral of a first type wire structure 70. As seen on panel 65, there are two overlapping spiral first type wire structures 70. A second type wire structure 72 is positioned above the first type wire structure 70. In this example, the second type wire structure is bound to the entire first type wire structure by several vertical, horizontal, and diagonal strips. In this example, the first type wire is made from 12-gauge steel of galvanized fencing wire (typical but not required), and can include many other dimensions as needed.

[0055] According to one particular example, one or more horns 80 can be provided extending from a first type of wire structure 70. In the example shown in Figure 12, the horn is formed in the center of the spiral of the first type of wire structure 70. The horn 80 can help project reflected radiation onto a central cavity / intermediate section 66 where a radiation source 15 is typically located. The spiral section of the first type of wire structure 70 can effectively function as an antenna receiving radiation emitted by the radiation source 15, and it is assumed that the horn 80 is configured to reflect the radiation back.

[0056] Figure 13 shows another example of the container 60 in which a cover 67 covers the side section 64B, and the reflecting means 25 is located inside (as shown in Figure 12). In this example, the central section 66 is empty, but in use the radiation source 15 will be placed inside the central section 66.

[0057] Figure 14 shows another example of a different type of reflecting means 25. In this example, the wire array 30 is formed to include several concentric loops of the first type of wire structure 70 arranged on the panel 65. The structure of the concentric loops is described below in relation to Figure 15. In this example of Figure 14, the second type of wire 72 includes multiple wires looped in a zigzag or meandering structure longitudinally along the panel 65.

[0058] In this type of structure, it is assumed that one of the wire arrays (e.g., the first type of wire structure 70) functions to reflect back alpha and beta particles of radiation, while the second type of wire structure 72 functions to reflect gamma radiation. Furthermore, it is assumed that the two wire types of wire structures work together to influence the reduction in radioactivity (and therefore the increase in source stability) as shown in Figure 9A.

[0059] Figure 15 shows an example of a wire of a first type of wire structure 70. The wire in this example includes one type of metal material 75 wound around a second type of metal material 76. In this example, the second type of metal material 76 is a galvanized metal wire such as galvanized steel, and the one type of metal material 75 is at least one coil of copper wire.

[0060] These two types of metallic materials, which function effectively as antennas, are positioned in one direction at a 90-degree angle to each other, and are therefore assumed to enhance the stabilization of radiation from the radiation source 15. In addition, the reflecting means 25 is assumed to be able to convert the unstable clockwise motion of atomic matter into a stable counterclockwise motion. That is, the antenna receives atomic matter having a counterclockwise motion and reflects it, thereby forcing the atomic matter to have a clockwise motion, thereby stabilizing it.

[0061] Figure 16 shows another example of a container 60 in which the reflecting means 25 are located on the outside of the container 60 at each side of the container 60. In this particular example, the emitted radiation can be affected by forming an electromagnetic fog around the container 60 using the device 10 shown in Figure 16. In this particular example, the wire array 30 is wound in a zigzag, helical, or meandering manner across the entire area of ​​the panel 65.

[0062] It should be understood that there may be a number of panels 65 in close proximity to the radiation source 15, with the reflective means 25 arranged around it. The arrangement of the panels 65 may be such that multiple panels 65 exist on either side of the radiation source 15. The panels 65 may overlap and / or be arranged in various directions relative to each other.

[0063] In addition, it should be understood that each panel 65 may have various different shapes of reflective means 25, not limited to the examples described herein. That is, the wire array 30 on each panel 65 can be of a different form, and not all panels 65 have to be identical, nor do the wire arrays 30 have to be identical.

[0064] The example shown here is an example of the container 60 only, and it should be understood that many other devices or configurations are possible in which the radiation source 15 is surrounded by the reflective means 25.

[0065] Figure 17 shows another example of a reflecting means 25 mounted on a cross pole 90. In this example, the reflecting means 25 includes a wire array 30, which includes a plurality of first wire structures 70, each being spiral wires effectively formed to overlap each other, and a second wire structure 72, a larger spiral formed to overlap the plurality of first wire structures. In this example, the plurality of first wire structures 70 include six tapering antennas, and the second wire structure 72 is a larger upper antenna positioned above the six tapering antennas to substantially cover the surface area created by the six tapering antennas 70. The smaller antennas 70 also include a horn 80 in the center of each spiral. In this particular example, the spiral wires are made of steel, but it should be understood that the device is not limited to the use of steel.

[0066] It should be understood that the example shown in Figure 17 can not only diffuse radiation emissions but also function to create a synchronous field of electromagnetic fog around a specific zone. Therefore, for example, the example shown in Figure 17 may also be used to target or focus radiation sources within and around radiation-affected properties or regions, and may be inverted and act divergently in a larger fusion field.

[0067] Figure 18 shows a further example of the device 10, where each horn 80 of the spiral antenna is formed above the pole 91 to which the antenna is connected. In this particular example, the antenna can also generate electromagnetic fog, and while multiple arrays 30 are shown, it may be possible to use only one for a particular application, or several of them at any given time.

[0068] This apparatus and method have been found to be capable of reducing or even neutralizing ionizing radiation, thereby stabilizing radioactive materials. In particular, as shown in the examples in Figures 5 and 12, a four-layer unicasal labyrinth antenna system with lateral copper overlays is thought to be able to attract and absorb gamma radiation via passive input and send the modified radiation back towards the emitter at a fluctuating frequency of 3–8 Hz. The resulting diffusion field can then generate interference patterns, which can restore unstable elliptic electron orbit patterns to their original, more stable spherical patterns.

[0069] The overlapping concentric wire array system described here is further assumed to be capable of generating a Vescial Pisces Interference Pattern, which leads to the re-stabilization of the proton baryon core. The unstable baryon core may exhibit opposite spins compared to the more stable proton baryon core. In effect, this system recovers the memory component of the proton structure and re-establishes coherence. Therefore, this system is assumed to influence alpha particle radiation, especially when used with a concentric 2mm steel wire core consisting of 12 layers of 0.75mm ceramic-coated copper wire spirals wound in 3 or more layers with 50% overlap.

[0070] Furthermore, it is hypothesized that beta particle radiation may be affected by 3 layers × 12 concentric 2 mm steel wire cores, each having a 0.75 mm ceramic-coated copper wire spiral with 50% overlap, and that alpha particle components may be affected by further alignment at 90 degrees. Due to the weak core binding of the mesons, beta particles exhibit spin opposite to that of stable electrons. Due to their inherent particulate nature, beta particles can also respond to re-patterning caused by the alpha particle component effect.

[0071] In yet another assumption, neutron radiation may be affected by three overlapping (50%) 2mm steel wire spirals that generate an interference pattern covered by a transverse copper grid that generates a second interference pattern. The neutron binary baryon core is assumed to have four bonds that bind neutrons together, while unstable neutrons are assumed to have only two bonds per baryon pair. Stable neutrons also exhibit counterclockwise spin, but unstable neutrons have a very small spin component or no spin component at all. This double interference pattern resets the stable neutron pattern.

[0072] It should be understood that the methods and apparatus discussed herein may be used in or as part of nuclear fuel cycle radioactive waste treatment systems, including but not limited to the nuclear waste contamination remediation industry.

[0073] It should be further understood that the methods and apparatus discussed herein can be implemented in a relatively short timeframe and at low cost.

[0074] Furthermore, the methods and apparatus discussed herein can be used with any type or form of radioactive source containing radioactive materials used in energy facilities or power plants, medical applications, research and development, mining applications, as well as military and arms manufacturing and decommissioning industries. The methods and apparatus discussed herein can also be applied to contaminated locations such as water masses, heavy water storage facilities, and buildings of both sizes.

[0075] The methods and apparatus discussed herein may also be used to assist in stabilizing emitted radiation in animals, including humans, that have been exposed to radiation. For example, the methods and apparatus described herein can help accelerate recovery from exposure to radioactive sources caused by medical radiation treatments such as X-rays and dyes, or by ingestion, inhalation, or contact with radioactive dust, liquids, or gases from contaminated radioactive hazard areas such as depleted uranium explosion sites and nuclear accident sites. Treatment using the methods and apparatus described herein can restore the stability of residual radioactivity of radioactive solids, liquids, or gases on or within the body.

[0076] Furthermore, by stabilizing the waste through effective treatment of radioactive sources, such as the treatment of buried radioactive waste, it may be possible to reuse the stabilized waste for future purposes.

[0077] The methods and apparatus described herein can be installed or modified for the treatment of dry or pooled waste in existing reactors, research reactors, and waste treatment and processing facilities, providing integrated capabilities for the rapid processing of spent fuel and waste and avoiding the current "on-costs" of handling, transportation, packaging, and long-term storage.

[0078] The methods and apparatus described herein can be incorporated into the construction of nuclear reactors, research reactors, and waste treatment and processing facilities.

[0079] Furthermore, the systems and methods described herein can be used for large-scale radioactive contamination that has caused catastrophic damage and significant global adverse effects, such as those caused by Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi. Further applications may include the treatment of decommissioned nuclear facilities.

[0080] Therefore, the advantages that can be achieved by the embodiments of the apparatus and method described herein include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0081] The ability to significantly minimize or completely eliminate existing stockpiles of radioactive waste and to dispose of new waste that has reached the end of its economic lifespan, thereby reducing the need, demand, commercial pressure, and costs associated with long-term, expensive storage facilities, and the potential to free up land and environmental areas that would otherwise have required guaranteeing public use and access. • Accelerating the remediation of contaminated environments within a relatively short timeframe. • Capabilities in both convergent and dispersed configurations that affect only ionizing radioactivity, and otherwise being inert and harmless, and not having any harmful effects on the surrounding natural environment. • The ability to treat radioactive waste without disturbing it within existing standard packaging containers, thereby reducing the risk of exposure from transport activities. For example, radioactive waste in containers such as drums and dry storage canisters can be treated using the methods and apparatus described herein. • Reducing current costs associated with expanding stockpiles of radioactive waste, including unplanned, large-scale contaminated sites, which could incur thousands of years of ongoing, high operating costs related to the regulations, controls, storage, high security, and management currently required to keep nuclear facilities safe.

[0082] Although this specification has been written with respect to radiation, it should be further understood that this application may also have applications related to electromagnetic waves in general. Accordingly, the device 10 may be able to reflect any type of electromagnetic wave and diffuse its effects into the surrounding environment.

[0083] Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention described herein is susceptible to changes and modifications other than those specifically described. All such changes and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope and spirit of the invention, and the nature of the invention should be determined from the foregoing description.

[0084] It should be understood that the words used here in any form, such as "comprising," "comprises," and "comprised," are used comprehensively and do not exclude or limit their nature or meaning.

Claims

1. An apparatus for treating a source of radiation emission, comprising at least one reflecting means positioned close to the source to receive the radiation emission and adapted to at least partially reflect the received emission toward the source, thereby effectively reducing the radiation emission from the source.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflective means includes a wire array.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the wires of the wire array include at least one coil of copper wire wound around a galvanized metal wire.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the galvanized metal wire is a steel wire.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the wire array includes spiral wires formed in a circular shape.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the wire array includes loop wires formed in a zigzag or meandering structure.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of reflective means.

8. Each of the plurality of reflective means, a. Multiple wire arrays including loop wires formed in a circular shape, and b. Multiple wire arrays including loop wires formed in a zigzag pattern, The apparatus according to claim 7, which may include any or a combination thereof.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the plurality of reflective means are arranged to at least partially surround the radiation source.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the plurality of reflective means are arranged inside a container, and the container is configured to hold the radiation source therein.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the container has a lead shield.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the reflective means is mounted on a panel.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, referencing claim 10, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of panels, each of which is arranged inside the side of the container, and the radiation source is positioned in the center of the container such that the plurality of panels surround the radiation source.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the reflecting means includes an antenna, and the antenna is configured to receive radiation and, conversely, reflect radiation.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the reflecting means includes a horn, and the horn is configured to return the reflected radiation back toward the radiation source.

16. The aforementioned radiation source a. Uranium, neptunium, plutonium, americium, thorium, or any other element related to or unrelated to this spectrum of the periodic table, b. Various other official and unofficial radiation sources obtained, and c. Granite and other naturally occurring low-level radioactive materials known to pose health concerns to a wider range of people. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising any one or a combination thereof.

17. An apparatus for treating radiation emissions from a radioactive material, comprising at least one reflecting means positioned in close proximity to the radioactive material to receive the radiation emissions and adapted to at least partially reflect the received emissions toward the radioactive material, thereby stabilizing the radioactive material.

18. A method for treating a source of radiation emission, comprising positioning at least one reflecting means in close proximity to the source, wherein the reflecting means is adapted to receive the radiation emission and at least partially reflect the received emission toward the source, thereby effectively reducing the radiation emission from the source.

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