Belt-Shaped Neutron Source With Gas Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neutron source technologies face challenges with heat management and reactivity issues when using lithium, leading to overheating, blistering, and safety hazards, particularly in accelerator-based systems for applications like boron neutron capture therapy.
Innovation Solution
A continuous, thin belt-shaped neutron source made of solid lithium or beryllium is advanced through a proton beam and cooled with a gas cooling system, preventing overheating and allowing for efficient neutron generation without melting the target material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a stationary solid lithium target is used with intensive water cooling, then heat removal capability is improved, but the risk of lithium-water reaction and target blistering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary solid target into a dynamic flowing liquid jet target. The lithium is pumped through a circulation system where it flows continuously through the proton beam interaction region, allowing heat to be carried away by the flowing liquid rather than requiring intensive cooling of a stationary target. This dynamic approach prevents localized overheating and blistering while eliminating water contact with lithium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid circulation system using pumps and flow channels to transport lithium through the target chamber. The hydraulic flow system enables continuous removal of heat-carried lithium from the interaction region and replacement with fresh lithium, achieving effective heat management without water cooling and eliminating the risk of lithium-water reactions.
2Temperature
If a liquid lithium target is used, then heat removal is improved, but the system complexity and safety hazards increase due to large amounts of lithium required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lithium target into a circulation system with separate functional zones: a reservoir, pump system, flow channels through the target chamber, and heat exchange regions. This segmentation allows precise control of lithium flow and minimizes the total amount of lithium needed compared to filling a large static target chamber, reducing both cost and safety hazards while maintaining effective heat removal.
3Temperature
If a flowing liquid lithium target is used, then heat management is improved, but slow heat-up time and potential solidification occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-heating section in the lithium circulation path where lithium is gradually heated before entering the proton beam interaction region. This preliminary thermal conditioning prevents sudden temperature shocks that could cause solidification, ensures the lithium is already at optimal temperature when it reaches the target zone, and reduces overall system heat-up time by preparing the lithium in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous, thin layer of neutron source material, for example solid lithium, is formed into a belt. The belt is continuously advanced in front of a proton source to generate neutrons from the lithium target. Additionally, the belt is continuously cooled, as it passes through a gas cooling section. Through the continuous motion and cooling of the lithium target, the belt can provide an effective neutron source without melting the target neutron source material.