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U.S. Department of Energy
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Accelerator-based method of producing isotopes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1345506
The invention provides a method using accelerators to produce radio-isotopes in high quantities. The method comprises: supplying a "core" of low-enrichment fissile material arranged in a spherical array of LEU combined with water moderator. The array is surrounded by substrates which serve as multipliers and moderators as well as neutron shielding substrates. A flux of neutrons enters the low-enrichment fissile material and causes fissions therein for a time sufficient to generate desired quantities of isotopes from the fissile material. The radio-isotopes are extracted from said fissile material by chemical processing or other means.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357;
Assignee:
UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC (Chicago, IL)
Patent Number(s):
9,177,679
Application Number:
13/026,102
OSTI ID:
1345506
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English