Neutron-Driven Element Transmuter
Abstract
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A beam of protons from a particle accelerator used to produce neutrons which are fired in an appropriate lead assembly. Neutrons bounce around inside the lead, losing a little energy with each bounce, such that the neutron spectrum covers a broad range of energies. Lead being the most transparent element to high energy neutrons has the advantage that these are not absorbed by lead, but much more efficiently by atoms of the sample to be transmuted. This enhanced neutron exposure may be used to produce useful radio-isotopes for medical use or, when using an opposite procedure to the one used for isotopes production, to transmute long lived isotopes such as those recovered from spent nuclear fuel.
Technology stage
Two non exclusive licenses provided. Ready for further licensing. Patent granted in Europe, Bulgaria and Poland. WO9859347.
Possible applications
- Transmutation of very long lived elements into stable, harmless elements.
- Isotopes for medical use.
Successful Transfer
Innovative features
- New types of isotopes for medical use such as Rhenium, Lutetium or Holmium.
- New radio labeled elements for pharmaceutical use.
Specifications
- High efficiency of transmuting long lived isotopes.
- Efficiency in producing isotopes with accelerators.
Advantages
- Production of isotopes with no environmental risk.
- Transformation of long lived isotopes into less harmful elements.
Limitations
- Efficiency of the method not established for many new potential isotopes.
- Production cost to be evaluated.
Planned developments
- Validation of the methodology to produce new isotopes for brachytherapy treatment.
