Electrostatic Accelerator Neutron Generation for Liquid Waste Transmutation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transmuting long-lived radioactive waste into short-lived or stable nuclides are inadequate, particularly in generating a high rate of energetic neutrons for subcritical liquid phase-based transmutation, and there is a need for safe, inexpensive, and energy-efficient solutions to manage the growing inventory of nuclear waste.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic accelerator-driven system that generates neutrons through fusion reactions in a molten salt-based transmutator vessel, utilizing a segmented design with real-time monitoring and control to optimize neutron multiplication and transmutation of minor actinides and fission products, with a focus on the LiF-BeF2 molten salt as a coolant and neutron moderator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If deep earth burial is used for spent nuclear fuel disposal, then the current waste management need is met, but the solution is inadequate for the growing worldwide inventory of 200,000 metric tons by 2020
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical and chemical state of spent nuclear fuel from solid to liquid phase through dissolution in molten salt. This enables the fuel to be circulated and processed continuously, changing the management approach from static burial to dynamic transmutation. The liquid phase allows for enhanced neutron interaction and transmutation efficiency, addressing the growing waste inventory problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful long-lived radioactive waste into beneficial short-lived or stable nuclides through transmutation processes. By using accelerator-driven neutron sources to induce nuclear reactions, the system transforms the problematic spent fuel into less hazardous materials, effectively converting a waste management burden into a resource recovery opportunity.
2Productivity
If accelerator driven systems are used to generate neutrons for transmutation, then a high rate of energetic neutrons can be produced, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmutation system into distinct functional modules: an accelerator-driven neutron source, a molten salt circulation system, and a transmutation reactor core. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier control and maintenance, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high neutron generation rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces molten salt as an intermediary medium that facilitates neutron transport and interacts with spent nuclear fuel. The molten salt serves as both a coolant and a neutron moderator, enabling efficient energy transfer and transmutation reactions while simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct solid-fuel approaches.
3Ease of manufacture
If solid spent fuel is used directly, then the current disposal method is simple, but it cannot be effectively transmuted into short-lived or stable nuclides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the physical state parameter of spent fuel from solid to liquid by dissolving it in molten salt. This parameter change enables continuous circulation through the reactor core, maximizing neutron exposure and transmutation effectiveness. The liquid phase also improves heat transfer and allows for online processing, significantly enhancing transmutation productivity compared to solid fuel approaches.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
Systems and methods that facilitate the transmutation of long-lived radioactive transuranic waste into short-live radioactive nuclides or stable nuclides using an electrostatic accelerator particle beam to generate neutrons.