Deflected Beam Target Enclosure for Lightweight Radiation Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle accelerator systems face challenges with significant radiation exposure and activation of the accelerator due to interactions with targets, necessitating bulky and expensive shielding solutions that hinder installation in existing facilities and do not effectively manage neutron rebound.
Innovation Solution
A target irradiation system with a beam deflection device and radiation protection enclosure that positions the target outside the accelerator, using a combination of dense and hydrogen-rich materials with neutron poisons, and a deflection device to minimize radiation leakage and reduce shielding mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy concrete bunkers with thick walls are used for radiation protection, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation protection system is divided into multiple functional layers: a first radiation protection layer (e.g., lead or tungsten) for attenuating primary radiation, and a second radiation protection layer (e.g., hydrogen-rich materials like polyethylene or water) for moderating and absorbing neutrons. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall shielding effectiveness while reducing total material requirements compared to a single homogeneous bunker wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite radiation shielding structures combining different materials with complementary properties. The first layer uses high-density materials for photon and charged particle attenuation, while the second layer uses hydrogen-rich materials for neutron interaction. This composite approach achieves superior radiation protection with reduced thickness and weight compared to traditional concrete bunkers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the target is positioned inside the radiation protection enclosure, then radiation shielding is improved, but accelerator activation increases due to neutron rebound
Solution Approach 1:
The target is extracted from the radiation protection enclosure and positioned externally, allowing the accelerator to be placed outside the enclosure as well. The beam passes through a defined opening in the enclosure to reach the target. This extraction eliminates neutron rebound onto the accelerator components, preventing activation while maintaining effective radiation shielding through the enclosure walls.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam delivery system acts as an intermediary between the accelerator and the target. The system includes a beam opening in the radiation protection enclosure and beam positioning mechanisms that guide the particle beam from the external accelerator through the enclosure boundary to the external target, enabling spatial separation while maintaining beam integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional heavy shielding is used, then radiation protection is improved, but the mass of the shielding structure increases by a factor of 5 to 15
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure is segmented into specialized layers that address different radiation types efficiently. The first layer (high-density material) handles photons and charged particles with thin thickness, while the second layer (hydrogen-rich material) handles neutrons. This segmentation achieves equivalent or superior protection to traditional homogeneous shielding with dramatically reduced mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter selection from traditional concrete to optimized combinations of high-density materials (lead, tungsten) and hydrogen-rich materials (polyethylene, water). This parameter optimization allows achieving the same radiation attenuation with much thinner and lighter structures, reducing shielding mass by a factor of 5 to 15 compared to conventional designs.
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 system effectively attenuates radiation, reduces shielding mass by a factor of 5 to 15, and allows installation in smaller spaces without requiring architectural transformations, minimizing exposure and activation risks.
Implementation Method 1
a particle accelerator configured to emit at least one irradiation beam along one axis
Implementation Method 2
In order to attenuate at least the high-energy photons, primary and/or secondary, emanating from the target, it is advantageous to use so-called 'dense' materials
Implementation Method 3
Neutrons can be slowed down, for example, by elastic collisions with matter. Hydrogen-containing compounds (water, certain polymers, etc.) are well-suited for slowing neutrons
Implementation Method 4
Once slowed, the neutrons can be trapped by a neutron trap or neutron poison. Boron, for example, can be used to capture neutrons
Implementation Method 5
a deflection device, positioned in the radiation protection enclosure and configured to deflect the irradiation beam towards the port of the target into which the target to be irradiated is introduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present application relates to a system for irradiating a target (1), including a particle accelerator (10) configured to at least emit an irradiation beam (11) according to an axis, a target-holder mounting (20) outside the accelerator, including at least one port (21) configured to receive a target holder (22) for a target to be irradiated, and a radiation-protection enclosure (30) surrounding the target-holder mounting (20). The particle accelerator (10) is positioned outside the enclosure (30). The target-holder mounting (20) is stationary relative to the particle accelerator (10). The port (21) is offset relative to the axis of the irradiation beam (11) and the system (1) includes a deflection device (40), positioned in the radiation-protection enclosure (30) and configured to divert the irradiation beam (11) towards the port (21) of the target holder (22) in which the target to be irradiated is inserted.