Isotope Production Cable Assembly for Reactor Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for inserting and withdrawing materials from nuclear reactor cores for irradiation face challenges in minimizing radiation exposure and radioactive waste generation, while ensuring precise neutron flux monitoring for effective activation or transmutation product production.
Innovation Solution
An Isotope Production Cable Assembly with a spirally wound self-powered radiation detector integrated into the drive cable, compatible with existing nuclear reactor drive mechanisms, allows for continuous neutron flux monitoring and secure target material handling using a quick disconnect coupling and a metal mesh target holder element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing cable drive systems are used for inserting and withdrawing materials from the reactor core, then the drive mechanism is compatible with existing reactor systems, but continuous neutron flux monitoring and precise target material handling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable drive mechanism with a self-powered radiation detector and target holder assembly into a single integrated cable assembly. The detector is wrapped around the cable, and the target holder attaches to the cable end, allowing simultaneous insertion, flux monitoring, and target material handling within the existing drive system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-powered radiation detector generates its own power through neutron activation in the reactor core, eliminating the need for external power sources. This allows continuous neutron flux monitoring throughout the insertion and irradiation process without requiring additional power cables or external power supplies.
2Ease of operation
If target materials are inserted and withdrawn using conventional methods, then the basic insertion function is achieved, but radiation exposure to personnel and radioactive waste generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The target material is held in a removable target holder assembly that can be detached from the drive cable at the reactor boundary. This allows the target material to be extracted from the radiation field for processing while the cable and detector remain in the reactor, minimizing personnel radiation exposure and reducing radioactive waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-powered radiation detector acts as an intermediary between the target material and external monitoring systems. It continuously measures neutron flux at the target position, enabling precise monitoring without requiring direct access to the target material or additional sensors in the high-radiation environment.
3Productivity
If the drive cable is reused for multiple irradiation cycles, then operational efficiency and productivity increase, but the cable may be damaged by radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The target holder assembly and detector are designed as disposable components that can be quickly replaced after each irradiation cycle. This allows the expensive, radiation-sensitive drive cable to be reused multiple times while the consumable target holder is discarded after single use, maintaining cable reliability through limited exposure periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The target holder assembly is pre-assembled with the target material and quick-connect coupling before insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures proper alignment and connection, reducing mechanical stress on the cable during insertion and withdrawal operations, thereby extending cable service life.
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 efficient and safe insertion and withdrawal of target materials with precise neutron flux monitoring, minimizing radiation exposure and waste, and facilitating the production of desired transmutation products while reusing the drive cable assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the production of irradiation desired neutron activation and transmutation products
Implementation Method 2
a spirally wound self-powered radiation detector wrapped around an axial length of the drive cable
Data Source
AI summary
A device that will enable material to be irradiated as needed to produce a desired transmutation product inside the core of a nuclear reactor. The device provides a means for monitoring neutron flux in the vicinity of the material being irradiated to allow determination of the amount of transmutation product being produced. The device enables the irradiated material to be inserted into the reactor and held in place at desired axial positions and to be withdrawn from the reactor when desired without shutting down the reactor. The majority of the device may be re-used for subsequent irradiations. The device also enables the simple and rapid attachment of unirradiated target material to the portion of the device that transmits the motive force to insert and withdraw the target material into and out of the reactor and the rapid detachment of the irradiated material from the device for processing.