Starfire Industries LLC

Matthew David Coventry

Brian Edward Jurczyk

Robert Andrew Stubbers

Darren Adam Alman

Michael Jerome Schaus

An associated particle-based inspection apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a grounded target region and a neutron generator that produces a neutron and one or more corresponding charged particles. The apparatus further includes an associated particle imaging (API) detector comprising a particle detector that detects the one or more corresponding charged particles, wherein the particle detector comprises at least one particle detector element that facilitates determining a trajectory, origination time, and a velocity of the neutron based upon a detection, by a particular one of the at least one particle detector element, of the corresponding charged particles.

Associated particle detection for performing neutron flux calibration and imaging

A wellbore inspection apparatus and a corresponding method of operation are described. The wellbore inspection apparatus comprises a neutron generator that produces, by a fusion reaction, a neutron and a corresponding charged particle. An associated particle imaging (API) detector comprises a particle detector array that detects the corresponding charged particle. The particle detector array comprises a plurality of particle detector elements that facilitate determining a trajectory of the neutron based upon a detection, by a particular one of the plurality of particle detector elements, of the corresponding charged particle. A gamma-ray detector assembly comprises a set of gamma-ray detector elements, and a set of collimating structures, where adjacent pairs of the set of collimating structures define a gamma-ray path for a gamma-ray arising from an inelastic collision of the neutron.

Azimuthal associated particle imaging neutron generator for neutron x-ray inspection system gamma imaging for oil and gas technologies

The design of a compact, high-efficiency, high-flux capable compact-accelerator fusion neutron generator (FNG) is discussed. FNG's can be used in a variety of industrial analysis applications to replace the use of radioisotopes which pose higher risks to both the end user and national security. High efficiency, long lifetime, and high power-handling capability are achieved though innovative target materials and ion source technology. The device can be sealed up for neutron radiography applications, or down for borehole analysis or other compact applications. Advanced technologies such as custom neutron output energy spectrum, pulsing, and associated particle imaging can be incorporated.

Long-life high-efficiency neutron generator

The design of a compact, high-efficiency, high-flux capable compact-accelerator fusion neutron generator (FNG) is discussed. FNG's can be used in a variety of industrial analysis applications to replace the use of radioisotopes which pose higher risks to both the end user and national security. High efficiency, long lifetime, and high power-handling capability are achieved though innovative target materials and ion source technology. The device can be scaled up for neutron radiography applications, or down for borehole analysis or other compact applications. Advanced technologies such as custom neutron output energy spectrum, pulsing, and associated particle imaging can be incorporated.

Long life high efficiency neutron generator

Embodiments utilize high energy particles generated by nuclear reactions involving neutron radiation and neutron-sensitive materials to generate and maintain an electric potential gradient between an electrode and a region separated from the electrode by an electric insulator. System and methods contemplated by the invention thereby enable passive detection of neutrons without an externally applied electric potential bias by maintaining a charge accumulation facilitated by nuclear reactions involving neutrons. The charge accumulation produces an electric potential gradient within an electric insulator that separates the charge accumulation from an exterior region.

Neutron radiation sensor

Aspects of the invention relate to several methods to deposit and regenerate target materials in neutron generators and similar nuclear reaction devices. In situ deposition and regeneration of a target material reduces tube degradation of the nuclear reaction device and covers impurities on the surface of the target material at the target location. Further aspects of the invention include a method of designing a target to generate neutrons at a high efficiency rate and at a selected neutron energy from a neutron energy spectrum.

Growing community of inventors

Champaign, IL, United States of America

Matthew David Coventry