Transmutation Patents
[ Not
including Transmutation Doping of Silicon ]
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US Patent # 6,442,226
Accelerator-driven transmutation of
spent fuel elements
Venneri, et al.
Abstract -- An apparatus and
method is described for transmuting higher actinides, plutonium and
selected fission products in a liquid-fuel subcritical assembly.
Uranium may also be enriched, thereby providing new fuel for use in
conventional nuclear power plants. An accelerator provides the
additional neutrons required to perform the processes. The size of the
accelerator needed to complete fuel cycle closure depends on the
neutron efficiency of the supported reactors and on the neutron
spectrum of the actinide transmutation apparatus. Treatment of spent
fuel from light water reactors (LWRs) using uranium-based fuel will
require the largest accelerator power, whereas neutron-efficient high
temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) or CANDU reactors will require the
smallest accelerator power, especially if thorium is introduced into
the newly generated fuel according to the teachings of the present
invention. Fast spectrum actinide transmutation apparatus (based on
liquid-metal fuel) will take full advantage of the accelerator-produced
source neutrons and provide maximum utilization of the
actinide-generated fission neutrons. However, near-thermal
transmutation apparatus will require lower standing inventories of
plutonium and higher actinides. Uranium, presently the largest volume
constituent in nuclear waste, is fully utilized and not discharged as
waste. Since no plutonium, higher actinides or fission products are
present in the reconstituted fuel elements, the present processes can
be used repeatedly. Since the performance of the existing reactors is
not changed, full utilization of both thorium and uranium resources is
achieved.
US Patent # 6,233,299
Assembly for transmutation of a
long-lived radioactive material
Wakabayashi
Abstract -- A new transmutation
assembly permits an efficient transmutation of a long-lived radioactive
material (long-lived FP nuclides such as technetium-99 or iodine-129)
which was produced in the nuclear reactor. Wire-type members of a
long-lived radioactive material comprised of metals, alloys or
compounds including long-lived FP nuclides are surrounded by a
moderator material and installed in cladding tubes to form FP pins. The
FP pins, and nothing else, are housed in a wrapper tube to form a
transmutation assembly. The wire-type members can be replaced by thin
ring-type members. The transmutation assemblies can be selectively and
at least partly loaded into a core region, a blanket region or a shield
region of a reactor core in a fast reactor. From a viewpoint of
reducing the influence on the reactor core characteristics, it is
optimal to load the transmutation assemblies into the blanket region.
US Patent # 6,233,298
Apparatus for transmutation of nuclear
reactor waste
Bowman
Abstract -- A subcritical
reactor-like apparatus for treating nuclear wastes, the apparatus
comprising a vessel having a shell and an internal volume, the internal
volume housing graphite. The apparatus having means for introducing a
fluid medium comprising molten salts and plutonium and minor actinide
waste and/or fission products. The apparatus also having means for
introducing neutrons into the internal volume wherein absorption of the
neutrons after thermalization forms a processed fluid medium through
fission chain events averaging approximately 10 fission events to
approximately 100 fission events. The apparatus having additional means
for removing the processed fluid medium from the internal volume. The
processed fluid medium typically has no usefulness for production of
nuclear weapons.
US Patent # 5,848,110
Method and apparatus for transmutation
of atomic nuclei
Maenchen, et al.
Abstract -- The present
invention addresses the problems outlined above. An accelerator based
on a combination of a high repetition rate high energy pulsed power
supply (RHEPP) and a magnetically-injected anode plasma (MAP) source
diode is used to provide pulsed particle beams having intermediate
energy (0.2-20 MeV) and average power levels of hundreds of kilowatts
to megawatts. This will increase the rate of isotopic production by 2-3
orders of magnitude over processes based on conventional accelerators.
Any gaseous ion can be accelerated with this technology (proton,
deuteron, and helium beams are of special interest). This capability
can be applied to transmute target nuclei selectively into desired
isotopes. RHEPP/MAP accelerators are also extremely power efficient and
relatively small in size, making application of small units practical
in, for example, major local or regional medical facilities. Finally,
the use of relatively low beam particle energies reduces or eliminates
the problem of undesired products and the subsequent generation of
radioactive waste. Although the invention is being discussed in terms
of embodiment via the RHEPP/MAP system, any pulsed ion beam generator
having sufficient ion kinetic energy and total average beam current can
be used in the same manner.
US Patent # 5,764,715
Method and apparatus for transmutation
of atomic nuclei
Maenchen, et al.
Abstract --
Insuring
a constant supply of radioisotopes is of great importance to
medicine and industry. This invention addresses this problem, and helps
to solve it by introducing a new apparatus for transmutation of
isotopes which enables swift and flexible production on demand.
US Patent # 5,160,696
Apparatus for nuclear transmutation
and power production using an intense accelerator-generated thermal
neutron flux
Bowman
Abstract -- Apparatus for
nuclear transmutation and power production using an intense
accelerator-generated thermal neutron flux. High thermal neutron fluxes
generated from the action of a high power proton accelerator on a
spallation target allows the efficient burn-up of higher actinide
nuclear waste by a two-step process. Additionally, rapid burn-up of
fission product waste for nuclides having small thermal neutron cross
sections, and the practicality of small material inventories while
achieving significant throughput derive from employment of such high
fluxes. Several nuclear technology problems are addressed including 1.
nuclear energy production without a waste stream requiring storage on a
geological timescale, 2. the burn-up of defense and commercial nuclear
waste, and 3. the production of defense nuclear material. The apparatus
includes an accelerator, a target for neutron production surrounded by
a blanket region for transmutation, a turbine for electric power
production, and a chemical processing facility. In all applications,
the accelerator power may be generated internally from fission and the
waste produced thereby is transmuted internally so that waste
management might not be required beyond the human lifespan.
US Patent # 6,738,446
System and method for radioactive
waste destruction
Venneri, et al.
Abstract -- A method for
transmuting spent fuel from a nuclear reactor includes the step of
separating the waste into components including a driver fuel component
and a transmutation fuel component. The driver fuel, which includes
fissile materials such as Plutonium.sup.239, is used to initiate a
critical, fission reaction in a reactor. The transmutation fuel, which
includes non-fissile transuranic isotopes, is transmuted by thermal
neutrons generated during fission of the driver fuel. The system is
designed to promote fission of the driver fuel and reduce neutron
capture by the driver fuel. Reacted driver fuel is separated into
transuranics and fission products using a dry cleanup process and the
resulting transuranics are mixed with transmutation fuel and
re-introduced into the reactor. Transmutation fuel from the reactor is
introduced into a second reactor for further transmutation by neutrons
generated using a proton beam and spallation target.
WO 02103709 // AU2001297883
Method and apparatus for the
transmutation of nuclear waste with tandem production of tritium
Inventor: EL-SHARAWY EL-BADAWY A
Abstract -- The transmutation
of radioactive material using a hybrid transmutation
reactor is disclosed wherein a kinetic proton source is used to
collisionally induce the transmutation of radioactive material with the
generation of thermal neutrons as a byproduct. Additionally, a system
and method for the production of Tritium utilizing the thermal neutrons
generated in the transmutation process is further described. The
present invention offers advantages and improvements over existing
nuclear reactor technologies in that nuclear waste may be rendered
inert, or otherwise at least partially deactivated and/or made less
dangerous, with the substantially simultaneous production of energy
and/or Tritium as a byproduct of the transmutation process.
JP2009128300
ELEMENT TRANSMUTATION METHOD AND
ENERGY GENERATION METHOD
Inventor: YABUUCHI NORIO
Abstract --
PROBLEM
TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a reliable method to output energy
using nucleus condensation. ; SOLUTION: Deuterium nuclei are
coordinated at vertical angle positions of each face constituting a
regular hexahedron, inside a metallic crystal. Electrons are
coordinated to the other vertical angle positions. By Coulomb
attraction acting between four protons and four electrons, four
deuterium nuclei are fused to transmute into two helium atoms.
JP2009128052
NUCLEAR BATTERY
Inventor: ITO TAKEHIKO ; IWAMURA
YASUHIRO
Abstract -- PROBLEM TO BE
SOLVED: To provide a nuclear battery using charged
particles generated through the nuclear reaction of an aggregation
system. ; SOLUTION: The nuclear battery includes a container, a
reaction film consisting of a structure with palladium, palladium
alloy, hydrogen-absorbing metals, other than palladium or palladium
alloy and a substance whose work function is lower than those of them
and a transmutation substance layer containing a substance to be
transmuted which is put into contact with the surface of the structure;
a high-concentration deuterium section and a low-concentration
deuterium section formed by dividing the container with the reaction
film to form a closed space which can be sealed by the container and
the reaction film; an electrode plate, set opposite to the reaction
film in the high-concentration deuterium section; a deuterium supply
means for supplying deuterium gas to the high-concentration deuterium
section; and an evacuation means for evacuating the low-concentration
deuterium section.
RU2343575
METHOD OF LONG-LIVING RADIONUCLIDES
FIXATION FOR STORAGE AND TRANSMUTATION
Inventor: TIKHONOV
VALERIJ
IVANOVICH [RU] ; KAPUSTIN VALERIAN KONSTANTINOVICH
Abstract -- Invention relates
to field of liquid radioactive wastes recycling.
Long-living radionuclides are isolated from nitric acid solution of
used nuclear fuel (UNF) into solid phase in form of acetates, oxides
and other compounds, which do not contain elements strongly activated
with neutrons. Radionuclides are imbedded and fixed in carbon matrix.
Carbon matrix is obtained in process of carrying out reaction of metal
acetates with excess of phthalonitryl and their further pyrolysis. For
radionuclides isolated from UNF in form of oxides or other compounds,
carbon matrix is obtained by their mixing with yttrium acetate, then
synthesis and pyrolysis of yttrium diphthalocyanine are carried out.
Operation of synthesis and pyrolysis of yttrium diphthalocyanine is
carried out in inert atmosphere, pyrolysis is carried out at T=850-1100
DEG C. Obtained carbon matrix does not contain elements strongly
activated with neutrons, which allows using it both for long-term
storage and for transmutation of long-living radionuclides without any
chemical processing and additional operations. ^ EFFECT: obtaining
carbon matrix which can be used both for long-term storage and for
transmutation of long-living radionuclides without any chemical
processing and additional operations.
US2008232532
Apparatus and Method for Generation of
Ultra Low Momentum Neutrons
Inventor: LARSEN LEWIS G [US] ;
WIDOM ALAN
Abstract -- Method and
apparatus for generating ultra low momentum neutrons (ULMNs)
using surface plasmon polariton electrons, hydrogen isotopes, surfaces
of metallic substrates, collective many-body effects, and weak
interactions in a controlled manner. The ULMNs can be used to trigger
nuclear transmutation reactions and produce heat. One aspect of the
present invention effectively provides a "transducer" mechanism that
permits controllable two-way transfers of energy back-and-forth between
chemical and nuclear realms in a small-scale, low-energy, scalable
condensed matter system at comparatively modest temperatures and
pressures.
NL1033078
Energy generating process, by applying
voltage between cathode comprising transmutation elements and anode in
reactor vessel containing plasma
Inventor: GEUS ARIE MELIS DE
[US]
Abstract -- The
process comprises the following steps: (A) adding hydrogen to a
reactor vessel (6) containing a cathode (8), anode (9) and optionally
an ionization element; the cathode comprises a primary and secondary
transmutation element, the cores of which contain more neutrons than
protons; the primary element contains a neutron with a preferable
orientation; (B) ionizing at least some of the hydrogen to form a
plasma; (C) applying a voltage difference with a given time character
between the cathode and anode, causing a flow of protons towards the
cathode, to which they become temporarily bonded; the transmutation
elements next to the cathode surface and in the resulting plasma vortex
fuse to form an element with a higher mass number and a second element
or molecule with a lower mass number; and (D) collecting the radiation,
which can be converted directly into electricity or heat.
US2008123793
Thermal power production device
utilizing nanoscale confinement
Inventor: LOAN JAMES F [US] ;
COOPER WILLIAM
Abstract -- Disclosed herein is
a device for generating thermal energy through a
nuclear transmutation reaction when a hydrogen containing fuel comes
into contact with a nanotube containing element in a reaction vessel
for containing the nuclear transmutation reaction. The device further
includes an energy absorption vessel containing an energy absorption
fluid that absorbs energetic particles resulting from the transmutation
reaction and a heat transfer system for transferring thermal energy of
the energy absorption fluid to a working fluid, such as water. A method
of generating power using such a device is also disclosed.
NL1031962
Energy generating process for
producing electricity, comprises electron discharge in flow of nitrogen
or air in order to cause nuclear transmutation of nitrogen into carbon
monoxide Inventor:
GEUS ARIE MELIS DE
Abstract -- A flow of nitrogen
or air, or a plasma thereof, through a reactor (1)
is exposed to an electron discharge, resulting in the nuclear
transmutation of gaseous nitrogen into carbon monoxide, followed by
oxidation of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. A method for
generating energy comprises passing a continuous flow of nitrogen or
air, or a plasma thereof, through an optionally enclosed reactor in
which electron discharge takes place, resulting in the nuclear
transmutation of gaseous nitrogen into carbon monoxide, followed by
oxidation of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. An INDEPENDENT
CLAIM is also included for the process apparatus, comprising a reactor
with a pressure reducing means (6) and an inlet (7) for providing an
intermittent supply of nitrogen or air; at least one cathode and at
least one anode on the inner side of the reactor space ends; a means
connected to the cathode (4) and anode (5), used for generating high
voltage pulses with a predetermined waveform and frequency between the
cathode and anode; a casing around the reactor, through which air flows
in order to be heated by the process heat from the reactor; and
optional conduits for recirculating the heat-laden air back to the
casing.
US2007297554
Method And System For Production Of
Radioisotopes, And Radioisotopes Produced Thereby
Inventor: LAVIE EFRAIM [IL] ;
SILVERMAN IDO
Abstract -- A system and method
for the production of radioisotopes by the
transmutation of target isotopic material bombarded by a continuous
wave particle beam. An ion source generates a continuous wave ion beam,
irradiating an isotope target, which is cooled by transferring heat
away from the target at heat fluxes of at least about 1 kW/cm.
CN101061552
System and method for radioactive
waste destruction
Inventor: MIKE VENNERI FRANCESCO
BAXTER
Abstract -- A method for
transmuting spent fuel from a nuclear reactor includes the
step of separating the waste into components including a driver fuel
component and a transmutation fuel component. The driver fuel, which
includes fissile materials such as Plutonium<239>, is used to
initiate a critical, fission reaction in a reactor. The transmutation
fuel, which includes non-fissile transuranic isotopes, is transmuted by
thermal neutrons generated during fission of the driver fuel. The
system is designed to promote fission of the driver fuel and reduce
neutron capture by the driver fuel. Reacted driver fuel is separated
into transuranics and fission products using a dry cleanup process and
the resulting transuranics are mixed with transmutation fuel and
re-introduced into the reactor. Transmutation fuel from the reactor is
introduced into a second reactor for further transmutation by neutrons
generated using a proton beam and spallation target.
JP2007322202
METHOD, DEVICE AND PROGRAM FOR
PREDICTING NUCLEAR REACTION IN FLOCCULATION SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR
DETECTING SUBSTANCE AFTER NUCLIDE TRANSMUTATION
Inventor: ITO TAKEHIKO ; IWAMURA
YASUHIRO
Abstract -- PROBLEM TO BE
SOLVED: To provide a method for predicting nuclear
reaction in a flocculation system which enables high-accuracy
prediction of the nuclear reaction. ; SOLUTION: In the method for
predicting the nuclear reaction in the flocculation system, where a
substance which is subjected to nuclide transmutation is placed in
contact with a structure in the flocculation system and deuterium is
made to flow into it to induce nuclear reaction in the substance which
is subjected to nuclide transmutation; a substance where 2n (n is a
natural number) is added to both the atomic number and the mass number,
respectively of the substance to which nuclide transmutation is given
is predicted as being the substance to be generated after the nuclide
transmutation.
US2005082469
Neutron-driven element transmuter
Inventor: CARLO RUBBIA
Abstract -- A material is
exposed to a neutron flux by distributing it in a
neutron-diffusing medium surrounding a neutron source. The diffusing
medium is transparent to neutrons and so arranged that neutron
scattering substantially enhances the neutron flux to which the
material is exposed. Such enhanced neutron exposure may be used to
produce useful radioisotopes, in particular for medical applications,
from the transmutation of readily-available isotopes included in the
exposed material. It may also be used to efficiently transmute
long-lived radioactive wastes, such as those recovered from spent
nuclear fuel. The use of heavy elements, such as lead and/or bismuth,
as the diffusing medium is particularly of interest, since it results
in a slowly decreasing scan through the neutron energy spectrum,
thereby permitting very efficient resonant neutron capture in the
exposed material.
JP2005062025
METHOD FOR INCREASING NUCLEAR
TRANSMUTATION QUANTITY FROM NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATION DEVICE AND NUCLEAR
TRANSMUTATION DEVICE
Inventor: SAKANO MITSURU ; ITO
TAKEHIKO
Abstract -- PROBLEM TO BE
SOLVED: To provide a method for increasing a nuclide
quantity which enables transmutation from a nuclear transmutation
device in the first nuclear transmutation process, and a nuclear
transmutation device. ; SOLUTION: With this method, a nuclear
transmutation quantity from a nuclear transmutation device is increased
by a process for applying electrolysis process or plasma treatment to a
surface of a structure including a hydrogen occlusion metal, and adding
a material causing nuclear transmutation to the surface.
US2004047443
Electron capture by magnetic resonance
Inventor(s): BONDOC
EDWIN L [PH]
Also published as:
WO03019219 (A1)
Abstract -- The process of
capturing
electron by subjecting proton to magnetic resonance until its magnetic
moment is in opposite direction relative to the electron's magnetic
moment. As soon as the particles' magnetic moments are opposite in
direction, spinlocking technique is applied for a period of time to
induce transmutation of the particles and the consequent reactions of
the product with an adjacent particle or a group of particles and the
release of energy.
WO03098640
PROCESSING RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS WITH
HYDROGEN ISOTOPE NUCLEI
Inventor: DASH JOHN
Abstract -- A method for processing radioactive materials is
disclosed. The method
employs hydrogen isotope nuclei for the treatment of radioactive
materials, such as uranium, and effectively increases the observed
decay rate of such materials. Therefore, the disclosed method allows
remediation of dangerous radioactive materials, such as uranium,
without requiring long term, geologically-stable storage sites or
costly, accelerator -based transmutation equipment.
US2003210759
Nuclide transmutation device and
nuclide transmutation method
Inventor: IWAMURA YASUHIRO [JP]
; ITOH TAKEHIKO
Abstract -- The present
invention produces nuclide transmutation using a relatively
small-scale device. The device 10 that produces nuclide transmutation
comprises a structure body 11 that is substantially plate shaped and
made of palladium (Pd) or palladium alloy, or another metal that
absorbs hydrogen (for example, Ti) or an alloy thereof, and a material
14 that undergoes nuclide transmutation laminated on one surface 11A
among the two surfaces of this structure body 11. The one surface 11A
side of the structure body 11, for example, is made a region in which
the pressure of the deuterium is high due to pressure or electrolysis
and the like, and the other surface 11B side, for example, is a region
in which the pressure of the deuterium is low due to vacuum exhausting
and the like, and thereby, a flow of deuterium in the structure body 11
is produced, and nuclide transmutation is carried out by a reaction
between the deuterium and the material 14 that undergoes nuclide
transmutation.
US2003138068
Method for transmutation of long-lived
radioactive isotopes into short-lived or stable isotopes
Inventor: BUTTSEV VLADIMIR
STEPANOVICH [RU] ; BUTTSEVA GALINA LECNIDOVNA
Abstract -- The invention relates to nuclear physics and can be
used for
neutralizing long-lived radioactive isotopes contained, for example, in
radioactive waste (RW) of the nuclear engineering. A radioactive
isotope undergoes exposure to electromagnetic radiation and a deep
ionization of the isotope atoms is performed. Deep ionization of the
atoms results in an energy-permitted expedient B-decay thereof
prohibited in a neutral state. Measures are taken in order to prevent
ionized atoms from recombination with short-lived nucleus. The
retention time must be long enough to transmit at least a part of the
parent nucleus into the short-lived and stable daughter nucleus. For
ensuring a factor k of an operating time of said daughter nucleus, the
retention is performed at least during a time Ki, i is a life time of
the parent nucleus at the expedient B-decay. A charge-particle beam
(electrons, protons or ions) is used for electromagnetic irradiation.
The charge-particle beam irradiation can be combined with the photon
flux irradiation. The intentive method makes it possible to speed up
the transmutation of the long-lived radioactive isotopes without using
nuclear collisional reactions accompanied by the production of
radioactive co-products.
JP2004117106
STRUCTURE FOR NUCLIDE TRANSMUTATION
AND METHOD FOR FORMING IT
Inventor: ITO TAKEHIKO ; SAKANO
MITSURU
Abstract -- PROBLEM TO BE
SOLVED: To provide a structure for transmuting nuclides
with a relatively small-scale device and a means for manufacturing the
structure. ; SOLUTION: A mixed layer consisting of lamination layers of
a Pd layer and a layer of a substance which has a smaller work function
than Pd is placed on a substrate made of Pd, a Pd alloy, other metals
occluding hydrogen or alloys of these metals, the structure shaped like
an approximate plate where an additional Pd layer is placed on the
mixed layer is formed and a substance which is given nuclide
transmutation is supplied to the Pd layer of the structure. The
substance which is supplied to the Pd layer and is given nuclide
transmutation is acceptable if it has become metallic, and salt may
adhere to the surface of it. Electrodeposition and ion implantation can
be used as a means for supplying the substance which is given nuclide
transmutation.
RU2210630
FACILITY FOR GENERATION OF GAS MIXTURE
AND TRANSMUTATION OF NUCLEI OF ATOMS OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS
Inventor:
KANAREV F M ; PODOBEDOV V
Abstract -- Facility for
generation of gas mixture and transmutation of nuclei of
atoms of chemical elements has body made of dielectric material with
though hole, interelectrode chamber, cooling chamber for vapor
condensation, vessel for working solution, branch pipes to feed and
drain working solution, anode connected to positive pole of power
supply source and cathode connected to negative pole of power supply
source. Body has upper boss with internal cavity. Cathode is brought
into cathode space from above through axial hole of upper boss.
Internal space of boss communicates with cooling chamber which space is
connected to vessel for working solution. EFFECT: simultaneous
generation of gas mixture and transmutation of nuclei of atoms of
chemical elements.
US2003226401
Atomic structure recognition and
modification method and apparatus Inventor: LETOVSKY HOWARD
Also published as: US2005145031 //
US2005155340 (A1)
Abstract -- The present
invention provides methods and apparatus for determining the precise
makeup of atomic and molecular structures, as well as providing the
capability of modifying said structures. The invention uses induced
resonant frequency wave effects to define and modify the
electromagnetic, electrical, radioactive, atomic weight, and co-valent
bonding characteristics of matter. One embodiment of the present
invention may produce directionally controllable magnetic fields in
gaseous media that interact with magnetically polarized vehicle
surfaces to allow high-speed, highly energy efficient inter-planetary
space travel. Another embodiment of the invention may neutralize waste
products remaining from nuclear fission power production. The invention
utilizes controlled multi-spectrum frequency induction to catalyze
changes in atomic structures that may include: focused and dramatically
amplified release of energy relative to natural states of matter;
production of new alloys; transmutation of dangerous organic compounds
into non-toxic media; and controlled polarization of matter. The
benefits of the invention may include highly efficient interstellar
spacecraft propulsion systems, hazardous waste elimination systems,
efficient electricity production, and health enhancement of biological
organisms.
EP1202290
Nuclide transmutation device and
nuclide transmutation method
Inventor: IWAMURA YASUHIRO [JP]
; ITOH TAKEHIKO
Abstract -- The present
invention produces nuclide transmutation using a relatively
small-scale device. The device (10) that produces nuclide transmutation
comprises a structure body (11) that is substantially plate shaped and
made of palladium (Pd) or palladium alloy, or another metal that
absorbs hydrogen (for example, Ti) or an alloy thereof, and a material
(14) that undergoes nuclide transmutation laminated on one surface
(11A) among the two surfaces of this structure body (11).; The one
surface (11A) side of the structure body (11), for example, is a region
in which the pressure of the deuterium is high due to pressure or
electrolysis and the like, and the other surface (11B) side, for
example, is a region in which the pressure of the deuterium is low due
to vacuum exhausting and the like, and thereby, a flow of deuterium in
the structure body (11) is produced, and nuclide transmutation is
carried out by a reaction between the deuterium and the material (14)
that undergoes nuclide transmutation.
WO0231833
NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATIONAL PROCESSES
Inventor: DE GEUS ARIE MELIs
Abstract -- The invention
relates to a method of generating energy, comprising the
steps of: a. introducing hydrogen in a reactor vessel, the vessel
comprising a cathode, an anode and an ionization element, the cathode
comprising a primary and a secondary transmutational element, the
transmutational elements having in their nucleus a number of neutrons
which is larger than the number of protons, and wherein at least one
neutron has a preferred orientation; b. Ionizing at least a part of the
hydrogen with the ionization element to form a plasma, c. Applying a
voltage differential across the cathode and the anode, causing protons
to travel to the cathode and to induce a transmutation of the
transmutational elements which combine to form an element of higher
mass number than the mass number of said transmutational elements under
the release of energy; and d. collecting heat and/or on other energy
formed in step c. In a preferred embodiment the primary transmutational
element comprises formula (i) or any combination thereof, whereas the
secondary transmutational element comprises formula (ii) or any
combination thereof.
WO 03025951 // HU0103762
MULTI-STEP, TIME PROGRAMMED PROCEDURE
FOR THE TRANSMUTATION OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES...
Inventor: CSOM GYULA DR [HU] ;
ASZODI ATTILA DR
Abstract -- A radiocactive waste
containing medium is circulated within two or more
systems (1,2,3) separated from each other flowtechnically; and the
circulated radioactive waste is exposed to neutron radiations of
different energy spectrum in each system by operating a reactor
physically united entirety of irradiated sections of the said systems
as a nuclear reactor or an accelerator driven subcritical system. Each
system (1,2,3) has a heat exchanger (9,10) and, in given cases, a
circulating pump (10,21) and an expansion tank (5,16,27). The disclosed
apparatus has two or more reactor regions (1,2,3) separated from each
other by partitions (37,38) and, preferably, arranged coaxially within
a reactor space encircled by a common shell structure (39). A particle
beam (45) produced by a particle accelerator is preferably directed
into the innermost reactor region
US2002169351
Remediation of radioactive waste by
stimulated radioactive decay
Inventor: BROWN PAUL
Abstract -- Disclosed is a
radioactive waste treatment process for transmuting
long-lived radioisotopes into short-lived radioisotopes through applied
nuclear physics. Nuclear reactions, specifically of the (gamma, n)
type, also known as photodisintegration, are utilized to accomplish
this transmutation from troublesome, long-lived radioactive waste
isotope(s) of given atomic mass to shorter-lived or stable materials of
lower atomic mass, by exposing the troublesome isotopes to a high
energy photon flux for a sustained time. Generally speaking, the target
nucleus of the radioisotope(s) to be treated is irradiated by gamma
photons of an energy greater than the binding energy of the neutron in
the target nucleus. This causes the irradiated nucleus to absorb the
gamma rays, thereby placing the nucleus in an excited state. Upon
relaxation, the nucleus ejects a neutron through the (gamma, n)
reaction, thereby transmuting the element to an isotope of lower atomic
mass and shorter half-life.
RU2212072
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSMUTATION OF
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
Inventor: LEVADNYJ VALENTIN
ALEKSANDROVI [BY] ; RUTKOVSKAJA KRISTINA KONSTANTI
Abstract -- Proposed method and
device are intended for power generation,
transmutation of radioactive wastes, burnout of weapon plutonium and
actinides. Interaction of neutron beam coming from neutron generator is
effected on lead matrix wherein nuclear fuel and radioactive wastes are
distributed; then they are decelerated and bred in subcritical thermal
core. Device implementing this method has its central target made in
the form of lead matrix with nuclear fuel and radioactive wastes
distributed therein. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency of transmutation
process.
RU2156001
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING TECHNIQUE
Inventor: TARATORIN B I ; IVANOV
S D
Abstract -- Radioactive wastes
are
placed in nuclear explosion zone of weapon plutonium wherein intensive
neutron flux is allowed to pass through them to convert them to steam
that condenses into particles measuring about 10-6 cm. Neutron flux and
heat energy released due to explosion of weapon plutonium cause
transmutation of nuclides in desired quantities and their separation
into long- and short-living ones in condensed state from steam by
centrifuging. Proposed technique provides for using products of
explosion to produce electrical energy and transuranium elements.
EFFECT: provision for peaceful use of weapon plutonium.
US6233298
Apparatus for transmutation of nuclear
reactor waste
Inventor: BOWMAN CHARLES
Abstract -- A subcritical
reactor-like apparatus for treating nuclear wastes, the
apparatus comprising a vessel having a shell and an internal volume,
the internal volume housing graphite. The apparatus having means for
introducing a fluid medium comprising molten salts and plutonium and
minor actinide waste and/or fission products. The apparatus also having
means for introducing neutrons into the internal volume wherein
absorption of the neutrons after thermalization forms a processed fluid
medium through fission chain events averaging approximately 10 fission
events to approximately 100 fission events. The apparatus having
additional means for removing the processed fluid medium from the
internal volume. The processed fluid medium typically has no usefulness
for production of nuclear weapons.
US6233299
Assembly for transmutation of a
long-lived radioactive material
Inventor: WAKABAYASHI TOSHIO
Abstract -- A new transmutation assembly permits an efficient
transmutation of a
long-lived radioactive material (long-lived FP nuclides such as
technetium-99 or iodine-129) which was produced in the nuclear reactor.
Wire-type members of a long-lived radioactive material comprised of
metals, alloys or compounds including long-lived FP nuclides are
surrounded by a moderator material and installed in cladding tubes to
form FP pins. The FP pins, and nothing else, are housed in a wrapper
tube to form a transmutation assembly. The wire-type members can be
replaced by thin ring-type members. The transmutation assemblies can be
selectively and at least partly loaded into a core region, a blanket
region or a shield region of a reactor core in a fast reactor. From a
viewpoint of reducing the influence on the reactor core
characteristics, it is optimal to load the transmutation assemblies
into the blanket region.
DE19803629
Transmutation of isotopes with long
half life
Inventor: HORA HEINRICH
Abstract -- For the
transmutation of long half-life isotopes, their surfaces are
exposed to an electrolyte or a gas or plasma atmosphere to form
intermediate layers or vol. zones of a number of structure layers. The
threshold zones are placed against a carrier material or close to vol.
zones of metals or metal layers, composed of metals capable of
absorbing \-1 atom% of hydrogen or its isotope.
US5848110
Method and apparatus for transmutation
of atomic nuclei
Inventor: MAENCHEN JOHN ERIC
[US] ; RUIZ CARLOS LEON
Abstract -- Insuring a constant
supply of radioisotopes is of great importance to
medicine and industry. This invention addresses this problem, and helps
to solve it by introducing a new apparatus for transmutation of
isotopes which enables swift and flexible production on demand.
WO9919881
LOW TEMPERATURE ELECTROLYTIC NUCLEAR
TRANSMUTATION
Inventor: PATTERSON JAMES A [US] ;
MILEY GEORGE
Abstract -- A method for
producing low temperature nuclear transmutations by
electrolysis in an aqueous media. New elements produced by
transmutation are identified as having discrete peaks in occurrence by
atomic number (Z) and by atomic mass (A). New complex nuclei produced
by transmutation are idendified as having existed based upon the nature
and occurrences of fission transmutation elements produced. The
electrolytic cell (12) includes a non-conductive housing (14) having an
inlet (54) and an outlet (56) and spaced apart first and second
conductive grids (38 & 44) positioned therein. A plurality of
cross-linked polymer non-metallic cores each having a uniform
conductive exterior metallic surface formed of a high hydrogen
absorbing material form a bed (35) of conductive beads (36) closely
packed within the housing (14) in electrical contact with the first
grid (38) adjacent the inlet (54). An electric power source (15, 16) in
the system (10) is operably connected across the first and second grids
WO9803699
NUCLEAR TRANSMUTED ELEMENTS HAVING
UNNATURAL ISOTOPIC DISTRIBUTIONS BY ELECTROLYSIS AND METHOD OF
PRODUCTION
Inventor:
PATTERSON JAMES A [US] ; MILEY GEORGE
Abstract -- A method for
producing low temperature nuclear transmutations which
occur during electrolysis in an aqueous medium within a cell (12). New
elements produced by transmutation during operation of the cell are
both higher and lower in atomic mass than the original element
undergoing transmutation. Many of the new elements also exhibit
isotopic shifts from natural isotope abundance. The electrolytic cell
(12) includes a non-conductive housing (14) having an inlet (54) and an
outlet (56) and spaced apart first and second conductive grids (38 and
44) positioned within the housing (14).; A plurality of preferably
cross-linked polymer non-metallic cores each having a uniform
conductive exterior metallic surface formed of a high hydrogen
absorbing material, such as a metallic hydride forming material, form a
bed (35) of conductive beads (36) closely packed within the housing
(14) in electrical contact with the first grid (38) adjacent the inlet
(54). An electric power source (15, 16) in the system (10) is operably
connected across the first and second grid (38 and 44) whereby
electrical current flows between the grids (38 and 44) and within the
aqueous medium (59) flowing through the cell (12) during cell operation.
US6442226
//
WO9747015
Accelerator-driven
transmutation of
spent fuel elements
Inventor: VENNERI FRANCESCO [US]
; WILLIAMSON MARK
Abstract -- An apparatus and
method is described for transmuting higher actinides,
plutonium and selected fission products in a liquid-fuel subcritical
assembly. Uranium may also be enriched, thereby providing new fuel for
use in conventional nuclear power plants. An accelerator provides the
additional neutrons required to perform the processes. The size of the
accelerator needed to complete fuel cycle closure depends on the
neutron efficiency of the supported reactors and on the neutron
spectrum of the actinide transmutation apparatus. Treatment of spent
fuel from light water reactors (LWRs) using uranium-based fuel will
require the largest accelerator power, whereas neutron-efficient high
temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) or CANDU reactors will require the
smallest accelerator power, especially if thorium is introduced into
the newly generated fuel according to the teachings of the present
invention. Fast spectrum actinide transmutation apparatus (based on
liquid-metal fuel) will take full advantage of the accelerator-produced
source neutrons and provide maximum utilization of the
actinide-generated fission neutrons. However, near-thermal
transmutation apparatus will require lower standing inventories of
plutonium and higher actinides. Uranium, presently the largest volume
constituent in nuclear waste, is fully utilized and not discharged as
waste. Since no plutonium, higher actinides or fission products are
present in the reconstituted fuel elements, the present processes can
be used repeatedly. Since the performance of the existing reactors is
not changed, full utilization of both thorium and uranium resources is
achieved.
WO9740211
SYSTEM, ELECTROLYTIC CELL AND METHOD
FOR PRODUCING EXCESS HEAT AND FOR TRANSMUTATION BY ELECTROLYSIS
Inventor: PATTERSON JAMES A [US]
; MILEY GEORGE
Abstract -- An electrolytic
cell (12), system (10) and method for producing excess
quantities of heat as a result of low temperature nuclear
transmutations which occur during electrolysis in an aqueous media
within the cell (12). The electrolytic cell (12) includes a
non-conductive housing (14) having an inlet (54) and an outlet (56) and
spaced apart first and second conductive grids (38 & 44) positioned
within the housing (14). A plurality of preferably cross linked polymer
non-metallic cores each having a uniform conductive exterior metallic
surface formed of a high hydrogen absorbing material, such as metallic
hybride forming material, form a bed (35) of conductive beads (36)
closely packed within the housing (14) in electrical contact with the
first grid (38) adjacent the inlet (54).; An electric power source (15,
16) in the system (10) is operably connected across the first and
second grid (38 & 44) whereby electrical current flows between the
grids (38 & 44) and within the aqueous media (59) flowing through
the cell (12).
RU2052223
METHOD FOR PRODUCING STABLE ISOTOPES
DUE TO NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATION...
Inventor: VYSOTSKIJ VLADIMIR I
[RU] ; KORNILOVA ALLA
RU2034414
ACCELERATING COMPLEX FOR TRANSMUTATION
OF NUCLEAR PRODUCTION WASTE
Inventor: DANILOV MIKHAIL M [RU]
; KATARZHNOV YURIJ
GB2246467
Transmutation treatment of radioactive wastes
Inventor: KONASHI KENJI ; SASAO
NOBUYUKI
Abstract -- A method for the
transmutation treatment of radioactive wastes
comprises: accelerating radioactive nuclides contained in the
radioactive wastes to be treated to an energy level corresponding to a
compound nucleus resonance level; and bombarding the accelerated
nuclides into a thermal neutron field, which is under a magnetic field,
to cause the compound nucleus resonance reaction to occur; thereby
transforming the radioactive nuclides into those which are more stable
or have shorter life. The nuclides are accelerated in accelerator 9
then passed into an annular-cylindrical chamber 3 positioned about a
reactor 1 where they are treated with neutrons.
US4721596 // EP0030404
Method
for net decrease of hazardous radioactive nuclear waste
materials
Inventor: MARRIOTT
RICHARD [US] ; HENYEY FRANK
Abstract -- A method for
decreasing the amount of hazardous radioactive reactor
waste materials by separating from the waste of materials having
long-term risk potential and exposing these materials to a thermal
neutron flux. The utilization of thermal neutrons enhances the natural
decay rates of the hazardous materials while the separation for
recycling of the hazardous materials prevents further transmutation of
stable and short-lived nuclides.
GB970091
Transmutation of elements
Inventor: NOEL IGNATIUS RAFFERTY
Abstract -- A process for the
synthesis of helium and the simultaneous generation
of energy comprises admixing in a steel pressure-tight vessel in
presence of air following reactants in the following order: aluminium
in a physical form presenting a large volume/surface ratio, solid
sodium hydroxide, and water in the ratio of 4 : 8 : 8. The reaction is
stated to be thermonuclear involving the carbon cycle proposed by
Bethe, the effect of which is to transmute hydrogen into helium.
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