ELECTRONUCLEAR INSTALLATION Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: experimental nuclear physics; neutron sources for experimental studies. SUBSTANCE: charged-particle beam input channel, target assembly, and biological shield are proposed to be integrated into single module and this module is proposed to be disposed in vertical recess of blanket. Target assembly is made in the form of vertically mounted wheel. The latter is installed in evacuated casing connected through vacuum-tight joint with ion conductors of beam entrance channels positioned at certain angle to wheel plane. Wheel is provided with actuator which sets it in rotary motion. Module is joined with set of shutter plates equipped with actuators and synchronizing system affording alternate entrance of plates in sector recess of blanket when module is drawn out of the latter or alternate extraction of plates as module is pushed in sector recess of blanket. Module is provided with drive for moving it in case of abnormal situations. Beam splitting magnet installed at module input enables beam distribution among two or more channels. Beam entrance channels have turning magnet and focusing members. All channel components are built into biological shield unit except for direct leak of neutrons and gamma- quanta from reactor core. Large area of core irradiated by protons and rotation of internally cooled wheel enable raising continuous running time of target assembly under normal conditions up to 5-8 years, that is, to equalize its service life with that of blanket. Curved path of charged particles in entrance channels built in biological shield prevents direct ionizing radiation leaks from reactor core which reduces radiation hazard of electronuclear installation of intermediate energy up to 100 MeV. EFFECT: enhanced service life of target assembly and installation as a whole; reduced radiation hazard for personnel during repairs of installation. 2 dwg