US3767919A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and device for the non-destructive analysis of nuclear fuels
Assignee: Gesellschaft fuer Kernforschung mbH
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Filing: 1970-11-02
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Granted: 1973-10-23
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Expires: 1990-11-02
Abstract
Abstract A method and a device for the non-destructive analysis of nuclear fuels. The method provides that a neutron beam of a predetermined energy distribution is directed as the primary radiation at the nuclear fuel. The primary radiation penetrates the fuel completely and in this process, as a result of nuclear reactions, generates a secondary radiation in it. The secondary radiation emanates from all volume elements of the nuclear fuel element and reaches at least a space immediately surrounding it. The secondary radiation is there measured. The device contains a neutron source and a moderator disk providing a ''''1/E'''' neutron slowing down spectrum.
Inventors
- 👤 W Michaelis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 18:09
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/22; G01N23/221; G01N23/222; G01N2223/00; G01N2223/07; G01N2223/074; G01N2223/0745; G01N2223/60; G01N2223/625
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
In a method of non-destructive analysis of nuclear fuels, the improvement comprising directing a neutron beam of a predetErmined energy distribution, as primary radiation, at the nuclear fuel to be analyzed and completely penetrating the fuel with the beam for generating, as a result of nuclear reactions, a secondary radiation emanating from all volume elements of the nuclear fuel element and reaching at least a space immediately surrounding the nuclear fuel, and measuring the secondary energy outside of the fuel, the energy distribution in the neutron beam having a neutron slowing down spectrum which roughly follows a 1/E curve and lacking those neutrons the energy of which corresponds to the resonance energy of the components of the nuclear fuel under analysis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
In a method of non-destructive analysis of nuclear fuels, the improvement comprising directing a neutron beam of a predetErmined energy distribution, as primary radiation, at the nuclear fuel to be analyzed and completely penetrating the fuel with the beam for generating, as a result of nuclear reactions, a secondary radiation emanating from all volume elements of the nuclear fuel element and reaching at least a space immediately surrounding the nuclear fuel, and measuring the secondary energy outside of the fuel, the energy distribution in the neutron beam having a neutron slowing down spectrum which roughly follows a 1/E curve and lacking those neutrons the energy of which corresponds to the resonance energy of the components of the nuclear fuel under analysis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
81 words
A nuclear fuel analyzing device comprising a means for serving as a neutron source, a moderator disc means containing hydrogen for producing a ''''1/E'''' neutron slowing down spectrum in a fuel resonance range from neutrons from the source means, and a filter disc means consisting of an isotope contained in a nuclear fuel to be analyzed and installed between the neutron source means and the nuclear fuel to be analyzed for removing the isotope resonance energy component from the ''''1/E'''' spectrum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
81 words
A nuclear fuel analyzing device comprising a means for serving as a neutron source, a moderator disc means containing hydrogen for producing a ''''1/E'''' neutron slowing down spectrum in a fuel resonance range from neutrons from the source means, and a filter disc means consisting of an isotope contained in a nuclear fuel to be analyzed and installed between the neutron source means and the nuclear fuel to be analyzed for removing the isotope resonance energy component from the ''''1/E'''' spectrum.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3222521A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |