Single-Antenna Ion Source Using ECR for Higher Neutron Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neutron generators used in oil field service tools require controlled low pressure atmospheres and high intensity magnetic fields, which are difficult to manage in field testing, and have drawbacks such as high electricity consumption, reduced life expectancy, complex support structures, and increased economic costs.
Innovation Solution
A distributed ground single antenna ion source utilizing microwave electromagnetic energy to ionize gas through electron cyclotron resonance, with a single quarter wave antenna and permanent magnets, reducing the need for complex support structures and enhancing ionization efficiency and neutron yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional neutron generators are used, then neutron production capability is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to requirements for controlled low pressure atmospheres and high intensity magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex magnetic field generation system from the neutron generator design. By using a different physical mechanism (direct particle acceleration through a vacuum chamber) that does not require high intensity magnetic fields, the invention removes an entire subsystem including magnets, power supplies, and control mechanisms, thereby dramatically simplifying the device while maintaining neutron production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic field-based ion source and acceleration system with a direct electrical discharge mechanism. Instead of using complex electromagnetic fields to ionize gas and accelerate particles, the invention uses a simple electrical discharge across a vacuum chamber to directly produce and accelerate ions, substituting a mechanically simple system for a complex electromagnetic system
2Productivity
If conventional neutron generators are used, then neutron yield is achieved, but use of energy increases due to high intensity magnetic fields and controlled atmosphere requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the energy-intensive magnetic field generation system and vacuum maintenance infrastructure from the design. By eliminating these subsystems, the invention dramatically reduces electricity consumption while maintaining neutron production capability through a more energy-efficient direct electrical discharge mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from requiring high intensity magnetic fields and controlled low pressure atmospheres to operating in ambient conditions with simple electrical discharge. This parameter change from electromagnetic field-based operation to direct electrical discharge operation results in significantly lower energy consumption while maintaining or improving neutron yield
3Productivity
If conventional neutron generators are used, then neutron production is achieved, but duration of action decreases due to reduced life expectancy from complex components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the components with limited lifetimes, specifically the high intensity magnetic field generation system and complex vacuum atmosphere control mechanisms. By removing these failure-prone subsystems, the invention achieves extended operational life while maintaining neutron production capability through simpler, more durable components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, replaceable components such as the electrical discharge electrode and vacuum chamber that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than relying on complex, expensive, long-lived magnetic field systems. This approach allows for maintenance and replacement of simple components while avoiding the complexity and failure modes of sophisticated electromagnetic systems
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
The microwave-based ion source achieves higher ionization efficiency, increased monoatomic fraction, and higher neutron yield while using less electricity, withstanding shock and vibration, and reducing economic costs.
Implementation Method 1
A distributed ground single antenna ion source may be used to aid in hydrocarbon recovery operations. In embodiments, a microwave based ion source may be used to produce ions for transmission to a target.
Implementation Method 2
providing a microwave electromagnetic energy source; providing an antenna within an ion source region
Implementation Method 3
providing a distributed ground structure surrounding the antenna in the ion source region
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented provide for a distributed ground single antenna ion source used in scientific experimentation.