Rotating Neutron Target Segmentation for BNCT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accelerator-based neutron generation for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) faces challenges such as the inability of traditional target architectures to handle high power proton beams, leading to target damage, and the limitations of liquid lithium targets due to safety hazards and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A direct-cooled, modularized rotating target architecture with a disk or drum design featuring segmented petals with micro-channel coolant circuits, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and easy servicing, which includes a solid lithium neutron source layer on a substrate, enabling the production of high neutron flux while minimizing target damage and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional target architectures are used with accelerator-based neutron sources, then the system is compact and relatively low-cost, but the target cannot handle high power proton beams and suffers substantial damage
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple segments arranged in a rotating wheel, with each segment containing a portion of the neutron source material and independent coolant channels. This segmentation allows the beam to be distributed across multiple segments over time, reducing the power density on any single segment and improving overall target durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The target transitions from a static architecture to a dynamic rotating wheel design. The rotation enables continuous distribution of the proton beam across different segments, preventing localized overheating and damage. The dynamic system can handle higher total power by spreading the thermal load across all segments throughout the rotation cycle.
2Productivity
If liquid lithium targets are used for neutron generation, then high neutron flux can be achieved, but safety hazards and high costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the lithium from liquid to solid form. Solid lithium maintains the high neutron flux capability through sufficient thermal contact with coolant channels while eliminating the safety hazards associated with liquid lithium, such as leakage, fire, and chemical reactivity. The solid form can be securely contained in the target segments.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a rotating target wheel with multiple segments is used, then heat dissipation is improved and target lifetime is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target is segmented into multiple identical or near-identical units arranged on a rotating wheel. Each segment contains simplified coolant channels and neutron source material. This modular segmentation extends target lifetime through distributed heat dissipation while keeping individual segment complexity manageable and enabling easy replacement of worn segments.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If solid lithium is used instead of liquid lithium, then safety risks are reduced, but heat dissipation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solid lithium is divided into multiple segments, each with dedicated coolant channels. This segmentation allows for efficient heat removal from each portion of the solid lithium, maintaining effective heat dissipation while using the safer solid form. The close coupling of solid lithium to coolant channels in each segment ensures adequate thermal management.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for producing neutrons for applications such as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) are described. An apparatus can include a rotary fixture with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, and a plurality of neutron-producing segments. Each neutron-producing segment of the plurality of neutron-producing segments is removably coupled to the rotary fixture, and includes a substrate having a coolant channel circuit defined therein and a solid neutron source layer disposed thereon. The coolant channel circuits are in fluid communication with the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet.