Transmutation Patents
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.
