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Title: Methods for absorbing neutrons

Abstract

A conduction cooled neutron absorber may include a metal matrix composite that comprises a metal having a thermal neutron cross-section of at least about 50 barns and a metal having a thermal conductivity of at least about 1 W/cmK. Apparatus for providing a neutron flux having a high fast-to-thermal neutron ratio may include a source of neutrons that produces fast neutrons and thermal neutrons. A neutron absorber positioned adjacent the neutron source absorbs at least some of the thermal neutrons so that a region adjacent the neutron absorber has a fast-to-thermal neutron ratio of at least about 15. A coolant in thermal contact with the neutron absorber removes heat from the neutron absorber.

Inventors:
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Idaho Falls, ID
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1067332
Patent Number(s):
8229054
Application Number:
12/184,136
Assignee:
Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (Idaho Falls, ID)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21C - NUCLEAR REACTORS
G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21F - PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT
DOE Contract Number:  
AC07-05ID14517
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION

Citation Formats

Guillen, Donna P, Longhurst, Glen R, Porter, Douglas L, and Parry, James R. Methods for absorbing neutrons. United States: N. p., 2012. Web.
Guillen, Donna P, Longhurst, Glen R, Porter, Douglas L, & Parry, James R. Methods for absorbing neutrons. United States.
Guillen, Donna P, Longhurst, Glen R, Porter, Douglas L, and Parry, James R. Tue . "Methods for absorbing neutrons". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1067332.
@article{osti_1067332,
title = {Methods for absorbing neutrons},
author = {Guillen, Donna P and Longhurst, Glen R and Porter, Douglas L and Parry, James R},
abstractNote = {A conduction cooled neutron absorber may include a metal matrix composite that comprises a metal having a thermal neutron cross-section of at least about 50 barns and a metal having a thermal conductivity of at least about 1 W/cmK. Apparatus for providing a neutron flux having a high fast-to-thermal neutron ratio may include a source of neutrons that produces fast neutrons and thermal neutrons. A neutron absorber positioned adjacent the neutron source absorbs at least some of the thermal neutrons so that a region adjacent the neutron absorber has a fast-to-thermal neutron ratio of at least about 15. A coolant in thermal contact with the neutron absorber removes heat from the neutron absorber.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Jul 24 00:00:00 EDT 2012},
month = {Tue Jul 24 00:00:00 EDT 2012}
}