Patent US20110306376A1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3600578A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Reactor power level sensing device using cherenkov radiation
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1969-10-07
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Granted: 1971-08-17
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Expires: 1989-10-07
Abstract
Abstract A gas filled probe is positioned within a reactor to intercept gamma rays developed therein. The gamma rays above a predetermined threshold energy level develop Compton recoil electrons in the gas and tube with velocities greater than the velocity of light in the gas. The Cherenkov radiation resulting from the slowing down of the electrons is detected and measured by a photomultiplier to measure the power level of the reactor.
Inventors
- 👤 Karl G Porges
- 👤 Raymond Gold
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:54
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C17/00; G21C17/10; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/16; G01T1/22; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
214 words
A power level sensing device for use in a nuclear reactor, the reactor developing a low-energy background radiation and a high-energy gamma flux which is a function of the power level of the reactor, including in combination, a hollow probe positioned within the reactor to receive the high-energy gamma flux and background radiation generated therein, said probe being filled with a nonscintillating gas, said high-energy gamma flux and said background radiation interacting with said gas and said probe to develop Compton recoil electrons therein, said gas being at a pressure so that the velocity of said electrons developed by said high-energy gamma flux exceeds the velocity of light in said gas to cause generation of Cherenkov radiation, said gas further being at a pressure so that the velocity of said electrons developed by said background radiation is less than the velocity of light in said gas whereby no Cherenkov radiation is generated, and measuring means positioned outside of the reactor and shielded from said gamma flux and said background radiation, said probe further having means therein for directing said Cherenkov radiation to said measuring means for measuring the magnitude of said Cherenkov radiation therein and thereby the power level of the reactor, wherein said gas is methane under a pressure of approximately 400 p.s.i.g.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
214 words
A power level sensing device for use in a nuclear reactor, the reactor developing a low-energy background radiation and a high-energy gamma flux which is a function of the power level of the reactor, including in combination, a hollow probe positioned within the reactor to receive the high-energy gamma flux and background radiation generated therein, said probe being filled with a nonscintillating gas, said high-energy gamma flux and said background radiation interacting with said gas and said probe to develop Compton recoil electrons therein, said gas being at a pressure so that the velocity of said electrons developed by said high-energy gamma flux exceeds the velocity of light in said gas to cause generation of Cherenkov radiation, said gas further being at a pressure so that the velocity of said electrons developed by said background radiation is less than the velocity of light in said gas whereby no Cherenkov radiation is generated, and measuring means positioned outside of the reactor and shielded from said gamma flux and said background radiation, said probe further having means therein for directing said Cherenkov radiation to said measuring means for measuring the magnitude of said Cherenkov radiation therein and thereby the power level of the reactor, wherein said gas is methane under a pressure of approximately 400 p.s.i.g.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The reactor power level sensing device of claim 1 wherein, said gas is under a pressure so that said Cherenkov radiation results from gamma radiation having energies greater than 3 Mev.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The reactor power level sensing device of claim 1 wherein, said means for measuring include a photomultiplier tube positioned to intercept said Cherenkov radiation for measuring its intensity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The reactor power level sensing device of claim 3 wherein, said probe is in the form of a hollow tube having an inside surface, with said inside surface being polished to reflect light.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The reactor power level sensing device of claim 4 wherein, said hollow tube has a zigzag path to prevent radiation from inside the reactor from reaching said photomultiplier, and a plurality of mirrors positioned with said hollow tube to deflect said Cherenkov radiation along said zigzag path to said photomultiplier.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The reactor power level sensing device of claim 1 wherein, the reactor has a background radiation having energies less than a particular level, said gas being under a pressure so that said Cherenkov radiation results from gamma radiation having energies greater than said particular level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-16 | 1975-02-15 | 1975-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-16 | 1979-02-15 | 1979-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-16 | 1983-02-15 | 1983-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |