SBIR-STTR Award

Transport of Methane Pellets for Advanced Cold Moderators
Award last edited on: 3/9/2005

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOE
Total Award Amount
$845,877
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
-----

Principal Investigator
Christopher A Foster

Company Information

Cryogenic Applications F Inc (AKA: Cryogenic Applications INC~Cryogenics Application F)

450 Bacon Springs Lane
Clinton, TN 37716
   (865) 435-5433
   foster_c_a@bellsouth.net
   N/A
Location: Single
Congr. District: 03
County: Anderson

Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
2003
Phase I Amount
$99,125
Existing and planned neutron facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source, generate pulses of cold neutrons for materials research. The efficiency of the beam line components, which convert the fast neutrons to a cold neutron beam, determines the usefulness of the facility. Existing solid methane moderators have a high efficiency, but they can’t be scaled to work on planned high power sources. However, a cold moderator using solid methane pellets should be capable of high power operation, and the technology for producing methane pellets has recently been demonstrated. This project will extend the technology to allow circulation of the pellets into and out of a remote moderator cell. In Phase I, the existing methane pellet machine will be modified to improve the flow characteristics of the pellets, which tend to stick together. The pellets will be sub-cooled to temperatures below 50 K and accumulated in a fluidized bed, capable of rapidly filling a moderator with a charge of pellets. A prototype pellet moderator system will be designed for construction and testing in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Compared to a conventional hydrogen moderator, a methane moderator using this cryogenic pellet technology would double the output of cold neutrons. The pellet technology also could be used for improving commercial dry ice pellet blasting machines.

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
2004
Phase II Amount
$746,752
The Spallation Neutron Source, presently under construction, will produce neutrons for scientific research. This project will develop a more efficient component, which will allow a future upgrade of the facility, to double the output of cold neutrons at a small percentage of the original cost Existing and planned neutron facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source, generate pulses of cold neutrons for materials research. The efficiency of the beam line components, which convert the fast neutrons to a cold neutron beam, determines the usefulness of the facility. Existing solid methane moderators have a high efficiency, but they can’t be scaled to work on planned high power sources. However, a cold moderator using solid methane pellets should be capable of high power operation, and the technology for producing methane pellets has recently been demonstrated. This project will extend the technology to allow circulation of the pellets into and out of a remote moderator cell. In Phase I, methods were developed to improve the flow characteristics of the pellets, which tend to stick together. A cryogenic rotary drum hopper was developed, which allowed the pellets to be stored without sticking. In Phase II, a full scale cryogenic pellet storage and transport system will be developed. The system will include a larger rotary drum with an indirect pellet cooling system. A pellet discharge chute will be designed to rapidly transfer the pellets to a remote prototype moderator. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Compared to a conventional hydrogen moderator, a methane moderator using this cryogenic pellet technology would double the output of cold neutrons. The pellet technology also could be used for improving commercial dry ice pellet blasting machines