Single-Sphere Neutron Spectrometry With Variable Water Moderation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neutron spectrum measurement technologies face challenges such as long measurement times, neutron information loss, and inaccurate results due to separate pumping and injection operations, direction dependence, and the inconvenience of transporting multiple materials for layered measurements.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight device with a double-layer nested shell and a central detector that uses water as a moderator, allowing for continuous adjustment of moderator thickness through water flow and mist spray, synchronized with neutron measurement by a timing analysis system to minimize interference and ensure accurate, rapid measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If water is pumped and injected intermittently into the gaps between multi-layer shells, then different moderation thicknesses can be achieved, but the measurement takes a long time and rapid measurement of neutron spectra cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pumping and injection operations into a single integrated water pump system that can rapidly adjust moderator thickness by controlling water flow through the single-sphere cavity, eliminating the need for separate operations in multi-layer structures and enabling fast measurement of neutron spectra
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic water pump system that can continuously adjust the water level in the single-sphere moderation cavity, allowing real-time change of moderation thickness during measurement to achieve rapid and flexible neutron spectrum measurement
2Ease of operation
If separation of the pumping and injection operations from actual neutron measurements is performed, then pumping and injection can be controlled independently, but neutron information losses and inaccurate measurements in non-uniform fields occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pumping, injection, and neutron measurement operations into a single synchronized process where the water pump controls water flow through the single-sphere cavity while neutron detectors simultaneously measure the neutron spectrum, ensuring that moderator thickness adjustment and measurement occur at the same time to avoid neutron information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the timing analysis system monitors the water pump operation and adjusts the measurement process accordingly, ensuring that neutron measurement is synchronized with the water injection process to maintain measurement accuracy in non-uniform fields
3Volume of moving object
If a cylindrical structure of the detector is used, then the detector can be compact, but the detector is dependent on a direction of incident neutrons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spherical single-sphere moderation cavity instead of a cylindrical structure, where the spherical geometry provides isotropic moderation properties that make the detector independent of the direction of incident neutrons, while maintaining a compact size
4Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of materials are stacked layer by layer to obtain prompt gamma rays of various nuclides, then neutron spectrum measurement can be performed, but a large mass is caused resulting in inconvenience of transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single-sphere cavity that can accommodate different materials (water, other moderators) to achieve multiple measurement functions, replacing the need for stacking multiple materials and significantly reducing the device mass while maintaining neutron spectrum measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter within the single-sphere cavity by filling it with different moderators (such as water) to achieve various neutron spectrum measurement capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple stacked materials and reducing overall device mass
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 device enables rapid, accurate neutron spectrum measurement with minimal interference, providing consistent responses to neutrons from different directions and reducing the need for multiple materials, making it suitable for portable and efficient neutron spectrum analysis.
Implementation Method 1
with water as a moderator, capable of creating various combinations of moderators of different thicknesses
Implementation Method 2
the water pump is connected to the bottom valve to extract liquid from the modulation cavity so as to adjust a content of the moderator liquid in the modulation cavity
Implementation Method 3
the sprayer connected to the top valve is arranged on an inner side of the top of the outer shell, and is configured for converting the moderator liquid injected from the water injector through the top valve into uniformly fine mist
Implementation Method 4
the central detector is configured for detecting thermal neutrons moderated by the moderator liquid and prompt characteristic gamma (γ) rays released from nuclear reactions between the neutrons and nuclides in the moderator liquid
Implementation Method 5
prompt characteristic gamma (γ) rays released from nuclear reactions between the neutrons and nuclides in the moderator liquid
Implementation Method 6
synchronized with neutron measurement by a timing analysis system to minimize interference and ensure accurate, rapid measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a device and method for water-pumping-injection single-sphere neutron spectrum timing measurement. The device includes a double-layer nested shell, a central detector, a water pump, a water injector, a sprayer and a timing analysis system. The central detector is located at a center of an inner shell, and a single-layer moderation cavity for containing moderator liquid is formed between the inner shell and an outer shell. The sprayer, the water pump and the water injector cooperate to continuously adjust a water flow state and a mist sedimentation effect in the moderation cavity, and a moderator layer with a variable thickness is formed to meet measurement needs of different energy neutrons. The central detector is configured for detecting the thermal neutrons and the prompt gamma-ray signals. The device is compact and lightweight overall, and easy to transport and deploy on site, which facilitates promotion and application.