System and method for performing active scanning of a nuclear fuel rod
US11728055B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for performing active scanning on a nuclear fuel rod are provided. The system includes an electrically-driven neutron generator including an ion source, an accelerator, and a target; a moderator surrounding the neutron generator and configured to moderate neutrons generated by the neutron generator; a fuel rod channel disposed within the moderator, the fuel rod channel configured to receive a nuclear fuel rod and subject the nuclear fuel rod to a predetermined neutron flux; and a plurality of radiation detectors. When the nuclear fuel rod is subjected to the predetermined neutron flux, neutrons induce a secondary radiation of prompt and delayed gamma emissions, neutron emission, or a combination thereof that are detected by the plurality of radiation detectors to determine an amount of fissile material in the nuclear fuel rod and a spatial distribution of the fissile material along a length of the nuclear fuel rod.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.