Staged Z-pinch neutron source for on-demand radionuclide production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing radionuclides in nuclear reactors are expensive, hazardous, and limited, with issues related to nuclear proliferation and the need for specialized expertise, and they produce radionuclides with long half-lives that are difficult to handle and transport.
Innovation Solution
A staged Z-pinch machine that compresses fusible materials in a cylindrical high-Z shell to produce a high flux of neutrons, allowing for the rapid production of radionuclides with shorter half-lives at a lower cost, without the use of transuranic materials, and can be located near medical facilities for on-demand production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If nuclear reactors are used to produce radionuclides, then radionuclides can be produced with sufficient quantity and variety, but the cost is extremely high (>$10's M US), the operation is hazardous, and specialized expertise is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex nuclear reactors with a relatively simple and inexpensive neutron generator that can be deployed at medical facilities. The neutron generator uses a compact design with a neutron source, target chamber, and shielding, eliminating the need for large-scale reactor infrastructure while providing sufficient neutron flux for radionuclide production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of neutron production from the complex reactor system and isolates it in a dedicated, simplified neutron generator. This allows the neutron production capability to be separated from the cumbersome reactor infrastructure, enabling local deployment at medical facilities without requiring full reactor operations.
2Quantity of substance
If nuclear reactors are used to produce radionuclides, then radionuclides can be produced, but the transportation and handling of long half-life radionuclides becomes difficult and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary production of radionuclides at the point of medical use, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation. By deploying a neutron generator at or near the medical facility, radionuclides can be produced on-demand with the exact half-life characteristics needed for specific medical procedures, avoiding the logistics challenges of transporting long half-life isotopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the production parameters by using a neutron generator that can produce radionuclides with shorter, more appropriate half-lives for medical applications. This allows optimization of the half-life parameter to match the specific medical procedure requirements, improving both safety and efficacy while eliminating transportation issues.
3Quantity of substance
If nuclear reactors are used to produce radionuclides, then radionuclides can be produced, but the issues related to nuclear proliferation and security arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radionuclide production capability from the context of nuclear weapons programs by using a standalone neutron generator that does not require nuclear fuel cycles or handle fissile materials. This separation eliminates the proliferation risks associated with reactor-based production while maintaining the ability to produce medically necessary radionuclides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the limitation of a neutron generator (lower neutron flux compared to reactors) into a benefit by eliminating all the harmful aspects of reactor-based production including proliferation risks, nuclear waste, and security concerns. The simplified system provides sufficient neutron flux for medical applications without the associated hazards.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional neutron sources are used, then neutrons can be produced, but the neutron flux is insufficient for effective radionuclide activation which requires minimum flux of 10^10 cm^-2 sec^-1
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pulsed neutron source that delivers high neutron flux in short bursts, achieving the required activation levels through intense periodic neutron emission rather than continuous low-level emission. This dynamic approach allows the system to meet the minimum flux requirements for effective radionuclide production while using a compact generator design.
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 staged Z-pinch machine provides a cost-effective, safe, and efficient method for producing radionuclides with controlled half-life, enabling local production and improved handling and transportation, suitable for medical applications with high repetition rates and precise control over neutron flux.
Implementation Method 1
A staged Z-pinch machine that compresses fusible materials in a cylindrical high-Z shell to produce a high flux of neutrons
Implementation Method 2
compresses fusible materials in a cylindrical high-Z shell to produce a high flux of neutrons
Implementation Method 3
moderating the pulsed neutron flux
Implementation Method 4
exposing an activatable radionuclide precursor to the moderated pulsed neutron flux, and producing a corresponding radionuclide from the activatable radionuclide precursor
Data Source
AI summary
Radionuclides are produced with a pulsed neutron flux from a multiple repetition rate staged Z-pinch machine, the pulsed neutron flux is moderated, an activatable radionuclide precursor is exposed to the moderated pulsed neutron flux, and a corresponding radionuclide from the activatable radionuclide precursor is produced. High current pulses are passed through a target plasma of fusible material enclosed in a cylindrical liner plasma composed of a high-Z plasma to generate a magnetic field that compresses the liner plasma, and generates shock waves. The shock implodes the target plasma. The shock front propagates between an outer shock front and an axis of the target plasma so it is heated through shock dissipation and by adiabatic compression due to an imploding shock front produced in the outer liner plasma to fuse light nuclei and generate alpha particles and neutrons. Alpha particles trapped within the magnetic field further heat the target plasma.