Explore NSD Fusion GmbH's Product & Design Approach

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the product and design approach of NSD Fusion GmbH, a company involved in neutron generation technology. Participants explore the implications of using different fusion reactions, particularly D-T and D-D, in the context of neutron generation for applications such as explosives detection and neutron radiography.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about NSD Fusion GmbH's approach, suggesting it may be related to previous efforts by Daimler-Chrysler and G. Miley in inertial electrostatic confinement for neutron generators.
  • Another participant describes NSD's design as resembling an IEC (Inertial Electrostatic Confinement) device in cylindrical geometry, contrasting it with the spherical geometry of traditional fusors.
  • There is a discussion about the neutron flux produced by D-T fusion, with references to the necessary neutron yield for commercial viability, suggesting a target of ~10^12 N/sec.
  • Participants note that D-D fusion systems produce lower energy neutrons compared to D-T, but D-D reactions avoid the complexities associated with tritium, which is more expensive and regulated.
  • One participant emphasizes that achieving 14.1 MeV neutrons necessitates the use of D-T fusion, which has historical applications in neutron howitzers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the advantages and disadvantages of D-T versus D-D fusion reactions, particularly regarding neutron yield, cost, and complexity. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on the optimal approach for NSD Fusion GmbH's technology.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding neutron yields and the implications of using tritium in commercial products, highlighting the complexity of the fusion reactions discussed.

mheslep
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Can anyone expound on product/design approach of the neutron-generator company NSD-Fusion GmbH?
http://www.nsd-fusion.com/core-tech.php

I'm guessing this is a spin off of the attempt by Daimler-Chrysler & G. Miley to build inertial electrostatic based N generators a few years back. Here they list N flux at 10^8 N/sec w/ D-T fusion:
http://www.nsd-fusion.com/14mev.php
I'm recalling from somewhere that the Daimler-C people thought one needed ~10^12 N/sec (~1 Watt) to make a commercially viable device, and it probably needed to be D-D.

AFAICT, of all the N gen. firms - Schlumberger, BakerHughes, Thermo Scientific, - NSD Fusion is the only one attempting a go w/ a renewable, accelerator based fusion scheme.

Any comments? My particular interest is in explosives detection.

Mark
 
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Looks like an IEC - in cylindrical geometry - as opposed to a 'fusor' in spherical geometry.

Basically a [fast] neutron source for neutron radiography, or if thermalized, for neutron activation analysis.

D-D systems produced a lower level of 14 MeV n's, and one doesn't have to worry so much about T, although the D-D reaction produces T + p in ~50% of the reactions, and the T will more likely react with a D than D-D for a given energy.

D+D has a much lower reaction rate parameter the D+T, by almost 2 orders of magnitude at T ~ 50-70 keV, D+T would provide a greater neutron yield at lower energy input.
 
Astronuc said:
...

D+D has a much lower reaction rate parameter the D+T, by almost 2 orders of magnitude at T ~ 50-70 keV, D+T would provide a greater neutron yield at lower energy input.

Yes. T would also add cost/complexity for a commercial product: T is controlled, licensed & therefore expensive; D is not.

Mark
 
But if one wants 14.1 MeV neutrons, one must use D+T. Also, D+T has been historically used in 'neutron-howitzers'. The deuterons are accelerated into a tritiated source (metal hydride).
 

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