Granular 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 they often require long curing times and are challenging to remove for inspections.

Innovation Solution

A method involving blast-injecting plastic granules, such as polyethylene, into openings to form a neutron moderator, which can be easily adapted to irregular geometries and removed later, combined with the use of radiation absorbers like mineral wool and lead wool to enhance shielding effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prefabricated slabs are used for neutron radiation shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase for irregular geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The granular shielding material is self-leveling and adapts automatically to the irregular geometry of the opening without requiring precise pre-fabrication. The material flows into the cavity and settles to fill all spaces, making the installation process simple and adaptable to any shape while maintaining effective shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the shielding material from solid slabs to granular form. This parameter change allows the material to be easily transported, installed by simple pouring or blowing, and adapted to any geometry, while the granules maintain their shielding effectiveness through collective arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If organic concrete is used for radiation shielding, then shielding performance is improved, but curing time and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding performanceVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses simple granular material that requires no curing process. The granules are immediately functional upon installation, eliminating the long curing times associated with organic concrete while maintaining adequate shielding performance for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the binder component from organic concrete, using only the granular shielding material. This removal of the binding agent eliminates the curing process entirely while the granules remain in place through mechanical containment, providing immediate shielding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If prefabricated slabs are used for wall penetration shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but ease of removal for inspection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding effectivenessVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding material is divided into individual granular particles rather than being formed into a monolithic slab. This segmentation allows the granules to be easily removed and repositioned for inspection purposes, while when installed, they collectively provide effective shielding through their aggregated form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If precise measurements and custom fabrication are performed for irregular openings, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but productivity and installation speed decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The granular shielding material serves as a universal solution that can be used in openings of any shape, size, or orientation. The same material and installation method work for all geometries, eliminating the need for custom measurements and fabrication while enabling rapid installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method allows for rapid, flexible, and cost-effective installation of neutron radiation shields that can be easily removed for inspections, while maintaining effective shielding performance, even in complex geometries.

Implementation Method 1

blast-injecting plastic granules into the opening with a blower device to form the neutron moderator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBlast-injection:

Implementation Method 2

effective neutron radiation shielding uses a neutron moderator in order to slow down (thermalize) fast neutrons such as to achieve higher absorption or shielding rates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron moderation:

Implementation Method 3

the term 'neutron moderator' includes the possibility that the same material also acts as a radiation absorber, in particular as a neutron absorber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12254995B2Method for providing a neutron radiation shield, and according shielding system

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 FRAMATOME GMBH

AI summary

A method for providing a neutron radiation shield includes a step (a) of providing a wall having an opening; and a step (b) of at least partially filling a space in the opening with a neutron moderator. Step (b) includes blast-injecting plastic granules into the opening with a blower device to form the neutron moderator.