Locating mining sites using neutron detection
US12044636B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 13, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2223/1066
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a He-3 detector arrangement that generally comprises a neutron shield interposed between a thermal neutron source and thermal neutron detectors all resting on a metal platform. In operation, thermal neutrons from the thermal neutron source are emitted when the He-3 detector arrangement is on or near the ground. Some of the thermal neutrons from the neutron source backscatter from the regolith to the neutron detector where a baseline count level is registered. When He-3 is present in the regolith, some of the thermal neutrons are absorbed by the He-3, which reduces the detected count rate. When integrated with a rover, the He-3 detector is moved from place to place with the count rates at each location compared. In this manner, higher and lower levels of He-3 in the regolith can be mapped indicating target regions for mining the He-3.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.