Diamond Detector In Situ Alpha Radiation Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for quantifying alpha-emitting radionuclides in effluents are destructive, require multiple operators, and generate additional nuclear waste, as they involve sampling and laboratory analysis, which is not suitable for in situ monitoring and can be impractical due to complex attenuation corrections and high detection limits.

Innovation Solution

A system using diamond semiconductor detectors or silicon detectors with a diamond layer, calibrated by the Monte Carlo method, is immersed in the effluent to measure alpha radiation directly, allowing for non-destructive, in situ quantification of alpha activity and spectrometry, eliminating the need for sampling and reducing detection limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sampling and laboratory analysis methods are used, then alpha activity quantification can be performed, but the measurement process becomes destructive and requires multiple operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealpha activity quantificationVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sampling and transport system with a direct in-situ detection system. Instead of physically collecting samples and transporting them to laboratories, the system uses diamond detectors positioned near the effluent source to directly measure alpha radiation, eliminating the need for manual sampling operations and multiple operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces diamond detectors as an intermediary between the alpha-emitting effluent and the measurement system. These detectors serve as a bridge that enables direct measurement of alpha activity in the effluent without requiring physical contact or sampling, thus simplifying the operational process while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sampling and cupellation drying methods are used, then alpha activity can be measured, but additional nuclear waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealpha activity measurementVSAvoidnuclear waste generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the cupellation drying process (which concentrates and solidifies radioactive residues) with a direct radiation detection method. By measuring alpha radiation in situ, the system eliminates the need to process and dispose of concentrated radioactive samples, thereby preventing additional nuclear waste generation while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional detection methods are used, then alpha radiation can be detected, but the detection limit remains high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection limit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter by using diamond detectors with superior alpha particle stopping power and detection efficiency. This material parameter change enables the system to detect lower levels of alpha radiation compared to traditional detectors, thereby lowering the detection limit while maintaining reliable detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables accurate, non-destructive, and in situ measurement of alpha activity with improved selectivity and lower detection limits, reducing the need for calibration sources and minimizing radioactive waste, while allowing for real-time monitoring and handling of heterogeneous effluents.

Implementation Method 1

M diamond semiconductor detectors of the CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) type, or silicon detectors covered with a diamond layer... able to measure the alpha radiation emitted by said effluent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAlpha radiation detection: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

the M alpha radiation detectors are individually calibrated by an α particle transport code based on the Monte Carlo method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMonte Carlo simulation:

Data Source

PatentUS9158011B2In situ system for direct measurement of alpha radiation, and related method for quantifying the activity of alpha-emitting radionuclides in solution

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A system for in situ nuclear measurement of alpha radiation of an effluent and a related method. The system includes: M diamond semiconductor detectors obtained by chemical vapor deposition, or silicon semiconductor detectors covered with a diamond layer, as alpha radiation detectors, configured to be immersed in the effluent, and to measure alpha radiation emitted by the effluent, M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; P measuring channels connected to the M alpha radiation detectors, P is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M, each of the P measuring channels configured to provide a value or a sum of alpha activity values from the M alpha radiation detectors to which they are connected; and, if P is greater than 1, a mechanism for adding together results from the P measuring channels.