US 11,728,055 B2
System and method for performing active scanning of a nuclear fuel rod
Evan R. Sengbusch, Monona, WI (US); Arne V. Kobernik, Monona, WI (US); Eli C. Moll, Monona, WI (US); Christopher M. Seyfert, Monona, WI (US); Ross F. Radel, Monona, WI (US); Mark Thomas, Monona, WI (US); and Jake Hecla, Monona, WI (US)
Assigned to SHINE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Janesville, WI (US)
Filed by SHINE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Janesville, WI (US)
Filed on Jan. 19, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/152,008.
Application 17/152,008 is a continuation of application No. 15/618,590, filed on Jun. 9, 2017, granted, now 10,896,768.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/347,969, filed on Jun. 9, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2021/0280329 A1, Sep. 9, 2021
Int. Cl. G21C 17/06 (2006.01); G21G 4/02 (2006.01); G21C 19/00 (2006.01); G21B 1/00 (2006.01); G21C 3/326 (2006.01)
CPC G21C 17/06 (2013.01) [G21C 19/00 (2013.01); G21G 4/02 (2013.01); G21B 1/00 (2013.01); G21C 3/326 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of performing active scanning on a nuclear fuel rod, the method comprising:
generating neutrons with an electrically-driven neutron generator including an ion source, an accelerator, and a target;
moderating the neutrons with a moderator surrounding the neutron generator;
disposing a nuclear fuel rod in a fuel rod channel disposed within the moderator,
wherein the fuel rod channel includes an internal epithermal shell having an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is closer to the fuel rod than the outer layer when the fuel rod is in the fuel rod channel, wherein the inner layer is configured to scatter fast neutrons into an epithermal region, and wherein the outer layer is comprised of burnable poison and configured to absorb thermal neutrons;
subjecting the nuclear fuel rod to a predetermined neutron flux to induce a secondary radiation of prompt and delayed gamma emissions, neutron emissions, or a combination thereof; and
detecting the secondary radiation with a plurality of radiation detectors to determine an amount of fissile material and a spatial distribution of the fissile material along a length of the nuclear fuel rod.