US 11,947,054 B2
Device and method for rapidly measuring the activity of nuclear isotopes contained within a cylindrical enclosure using the current output from a lead self-powered detector element
John Garing, III, Chicora, PA (US); Michael D. Heibel, Broomfield, CO (US); and Michael Prible, Cranberry Township, PA (US)
Assigned to Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Cranberry Township, PA (US)
Filed by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Cranberry Township, PA (US)
Filed on Apr. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/660,083.
Prior Publication US 2023/0341565 A1, Oct. 26, 2023
Int. Cl. G01T 1/167 (2006.01); G01M 3/38 (2006.01)
CPC G01T 1/167 (2013.01) [G01M 3/38 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A radioactivity measurement device for measuring an activity level, the radioactivity measurement device comprising:
a housing comprising an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the inner shell is adapted to house an insertable radioisotope source, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are configured to form a hollow annular region;
a self-powered detector positioned within the hollow annular region of the housing, the self-powered detector comprising:
at least one tubular emitter, wherein the at least one tubular emitter is configured to provide a source of electron emission E proportional to a radioisotope activity level of the insertable radioisotope source;
a first electrical interface electrically connected to the at least one tubular emitter;
at least one tubular collector, wherein the at least one tubular collector is configured to sink the electron emission E;
a second electrical interface electrically connected to the at least one tubular collector; and
at least one electrical insulation layer comprising an electrically insulating material, wherein the at least one electrical insulation layer is configured to insulate the at least one tubular emitter from the at least one tubular collector;
wherein the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface are adapted to output an electrical current I corresponding to the electron emission E.