Blast-Injected Neutron Shielding for Irregular Wall Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing neutron radiation shields, such as using prefabricated slabs or organic concrete, are cumbersome, costly, and difficult to install in irregularly shaped openings, and often require precise fabrication and handling, making them inefficient for flexible and easy installation, especially in hard-to-access areas, and pose challenges for later removal and inspection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving blast-injecting plastic granules, such as polyethylene, into openings to form a neutron moderator, which can also act as a radiation absorber, allowing for flexible installation and easy removal, combined with a radiation absorber like mineral wool or lead wool, to create an effective shielding solution without the need for binders or complex fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prefabricated slabs are used for neutron radiation shielding, then the shielding effectiveness is reliable, but the installation becomes cumbersome and difficult for irregular geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the shielding material from solid prefabricated slabs to a flowable granular mixture that can be pneumatically transported and injected into irregular spaces, then solidifies upon contact with water or moisture in the concrete structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic injection systems to transport the granular shielding mixture through hoses and inject it into the desired locations within concrete structures, enabling access to hard-to-reach areas without manual handling of heavy slabs
2Reliability
If organic concrete with polyethylene particles is used, then neutron shielding is achieved, but the fabrication process becomes intricate and costly with long curing times
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the shielding function from the structural concrete by injecting pre-mixed granular shielding material into the concrete after casting, eliminating the need to mix polyethylene particles into the concrete batch and wait for curing
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding granules are prepared in advance as a dry mixture and injected into the concrete structure after it has been cast but before final curing is complete, allowing the concrete to set while the shielding material is already in position
3Reliability
If prefabricated shielding slabs are used, then the shielding effect is reliable, but the cost increases due to precise fabrication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inexpensive granular materials that can be easily transported and injected, replacing expensive precision-fabricated slabs. The granules are simple, unprocessed material that requires minimal preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The granular shielding mixture serves multiple functions: it provides neutron shielding, fills irregular voids, adapts to any geometry, and requires no special fabrication equipment, making it universally applicable to various shielding needs
4Ease of repair
If plugs are fabricated for later removal and inspection, then inspection capability is enabled, but the fabrication and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates removable access points by injecting the granular mixture into cavities that can be sealed with removable plugs, allowing future inspection while maintaining the shielding integrity during operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for rapid, flexible, and effective neutron radiation shielding that can be easily adapted to various opening shapes and sizes, with the ability to remove the shield for inspection, while maintaining the radiation protection integrity of the original wall, and is cost-effective due to the use of readily available materials.
Implementation Method 1
effective neutron radiation shielding uses a neutron moderator in order to slow down (thermalize) fast neutrons
Implementation Method 2
to achieve higher absorption or shielding rates in an associated neutron absorber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing a neutron radiation shield, the method comprising: (a) providing a wall (2) having an opening (6); and (b) at least partially filling a space in the opening (6) with a neutron moderator (10). The according neutron radiation shield shall be easy to establish in little time and the method shall be flexible to adapt to various installation locations. To this end, according to the invention, step (b) comprises: blast-injecting plastic granules (36) into the opening (6) with a blower device (46) to form the neutron moderator (10).