Rotatable Detection System for Neutron Radiography of Nuclear Fuel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neutron radiography methods for examining elongated radioactive items, such as nuclear fuel elements, are inefficient and hazardous due to the need for multiple repositions and irradiations, which can damage items and increase radiation hazards for personnel, while traditional imaging methods lack clarity and accuracy for defect visualization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a rotatable detection system with paired activation detectors positioned at angles ±α relative to the neutron beam, allowing for stereoscopic imaging without repositioning the item, enabling high-quality, three-dimensional visualization of defects in elongated objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple repositions and irradiations are performed to examine defects at different angles, then the completeness of defect detection is improved, but the handling risks and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable detection system that rotates detectors around the neutron beam source, transforming the examination approach from moving the item in three-dimensional space to rotating detectors in a circular path around the beam. This dimensional change allows multiple angular views to be obtained without repositioning the item, thereby reducing handling risks and radiation exposure while maintaining complete defect detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple detectors positioned at different angles to capture simultaneous or sequential images of the item. These detectors create multiple copies of the radiographic image from different perspectives, allowing comprehensive defect analysis without physically moving the item multiple times through irradiation cycles.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-angle radiography is used, then the simplicity of the examination process is maintained, but the accuracy and three-dimensional visualization of defects are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detectors positioned at different angular positions around the neutron beam. Each detector captures radiographic information from its specific angle, and the combined data from all detectors provides comprehensive three-dimensional defect visualization while maintaining a relatively simple rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the rotational dimension to the detection system, the patent transforms single-angle two-dimensional imaging into multi-angle three-dimensional imaging. The detectors rotate around the beam axis, capturing images from multiple perspectives simultaneously or sequentially, thereby achieving accurate 3D defect visualization without significantly complicating the overall examination process.
3Area of stationary object
If elongated items are examined using vertical channel neutron beams, then the beam dimension is minimized, but the container must be reoriented multiple times which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the container with the item to change examination angles, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the item and container stationary and rotating the detection system around the neutron beam. This inversion eliminates the time-consuming reorientation operations while maintaining the ability to examine the item from multiple angles.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detectors positioned at different angles create angular copies of the radiographic image without requiring physical repositioning of the item or container. This allows comprehensive multi-angle examination to be performed in a single setup, dramatically reducing the time loss associated with repeated container reorientation and repositioning operations.
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 approach enhances the informative value and accuracy of radiographic examination results by reducing handling risks, minimizing radiation exposure, and providing clear, three-dimensional images of defects in elongated objects with improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
mounting a first detector in a groove in a limb integrated into the bed and made in the form of a rotatable disk with a semi-annular recess... transferring the activity distribution obtained on the first activation detector to the first photofilm
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for neutron radiography is provided for the examination of elongate radioactive items, primarily nuclear fuel elements, and also for the non-destructive testing of irradiated and non-irradiated objects in order to determine the internal structure and material composition thereof. The method and apparatus include placing an object under examination into a protective container. A detection system includes a rotatable limb with a mounting seat for securing neutron detectors in a diametric groove. The limb being mounted to be rotatable by a set angle about an axis parallel to the axis of the object under examination and having a semi-circular recess therein for the passage of an elongate object as the limb rotates by an angle ±αi relative to the direction of a neutron beam.