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High Brightness Neutron Source for Radiography

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-04ER86177
Agency Tracking Number: 75903T04-I
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: 27
Solicitation Number: DOE/SC-0075
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
981-B Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jay Theodore Cremer
 Dr.
 (650) 598-9800
 ted@adelphitech.com
Business Contact
 Charles Gary
Title: Dr.
Phone: (650) 598-9800
Email: cgary@adelphitech.com
Research Institution
 E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
 Nancy Saxer
 
Sponsored Projects Office/Contracts One Cyclotron Road, MS 4R0230, Rm 109
Berkeley, CA 94720
United States

 (510) 486-7141
 Federally Funded R&D Center (FFRDC)
Abstract

75903-Neutron radiography, which uses nuclear reactors and accelerators as sources of neutrons, has been demonstrated to be an excellent method for imaging high-density, thick objects for the detection of corrosion, voids, and cracks, particular in nuclear power plants. Unfortunately, no high brightness neutron sources exist that are portable, inexpensive and capable of neutron radiography in short imaging times. This project will develop an inexpensive, portable, high-intensity source that can be scaled to a high-brightness radiator capable of imaging with reasonable exposure times. The high brightness will be achieved by increasing the neutron production and by focusing the neutron-producing beam (e.g. D+ ions) onto a small diameter titanium anode. Phase I will: (1) analyze the required brightness and source size to achieve the imaging times and resolution needed for the nuclear industry, (2) establish the required performance parameters, such as resolution and contrast, for a portable neutron radiographic source, (3) create a prototype design, and (4) conduct preliminary imaging experiments using an existing neutron source. The design of a compact, fast thermal neutron radiography system in Phase I will lead to the construction of a commercial prototype in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A compact fast/thermal neutron source, capable of penetrating steel, lead or uranium, should improve the nondestructive evaluation of nuclear plants. Specifically, it could discover fatigue cracks, evaluate piping integrity without the need to remove insulation, and detect aging in polymeric cabling materials. The neutron radiography source also could serve the nondestructive testing need of aircraft, public utility, and petrochemical organizations.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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