Circulating Solid Particle Target for Neutron Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid targets in neutron generating devices are unable to handle high-power beams for extended periods due to inadequate heat exchange, limiting their operational effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A target device comprising a target body reaction chamber with solid particles, such as tungsten or uranium, that can be injected, circulated, cooled, and sorted, allowing for efficient heat removal and prolonged operation under high-power beam conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solid target is used in a neutron generating device, then the target structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the heat exchange efficiency is insufficient and the target cannot handle high-power beams for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static solid target into a dynamic system by circulating liquid metal targets through the reaction chamber. The liquid metal flows continuously, allowing fresh target material to constantly replace heated material, thereby enabling sustained high-power beam operation without target damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the target material from solid to liquid, fundamentally altering the heat exchange characteristics. Liquid metal targets can absorb and dissipate heat much more efficiently than solid targets, enabling them to withstand high-power beam bombardment for extended periods.
2Productivity
If the beam power of the accelerator is increased, then the neutron generation efficiency is improved, but the solid target becomes unable to meet the operational requirements due to heat accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using flowing liquid metal as the target medium. The continuous circulation of liquid metal through the reaction chamber provides efficient convective heat transfer, allowing the system to absorb the thermal load from high-power beams and dissipate it externally through heat exchange systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the liquid phase of metal targets, which inherently provides superior thermal conductivity and heat capacity compared to solid phases. The liquid state allows for continuous renewal of target material and efficient heat removal, enabling sustained operation at high beam powers without excessive temperature accumulation.
3Temperature
If a movable thermal medium is introduced to improve heat exchange, then the heat removal efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid metal target serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the neutron-generating target material, the heat transfer medium, and the cooling agent. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling systems and simplifies the overall device structure despite the introduction of movable thermal medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the target function and cooling function into a single integrated system. The liquid metal that constitutes the target also serves as the coolant, eliminating the need for separate target structures and cooling systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving superior heat exchange.
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
The solution enables high-efficiency heat exchange, extended target device lifespan, and a wider application range by effectively managing heat during high-power beam bombardment.
Implementation Method 1
beam bombardment is carried out
Implementation Method 2
the solid particles are cooled by the cooling device after the solid particles are moved out of the target body reaction chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A target device for a neutron generating device, an accelerator-excited neutron generating device, and a beam coupling method thereof are disclosed. The target device comprises a plurality of solid particles serving as a target body; and a target body reaction chamber for accommodating the solid particles. With the accelerator-excited neutron generating device and the beam coupling method according to the present invention, the solid particles which are being circulated and situated outside the target body reaction chamber are processed, thereby overcoming defects in the prior art such as low-efficiency heat exchange, a short life time, a bad stability and a narrow application range, and achieving the advantages of high-efficiency heat exchange, a long life time, a good stability and a wide application range.