Invention Reference Number
Currently there is no capability to test nuclear materials, sensors, and fuels at relevant temperatures and under radiation for nuclear thermal rocket propulsion technology. Additionally, the ability to test materials and sensors at high temperatures in a radiation field is very limited, and current solutions are expensive and not very modular for the user. ORNL has developed, a low cost, modular, vacuum furnace that is compatible with nuclear reactors and other irradiation facilities. The IN-pile Steady state Extreme Temperature testbed or INSET, is capable of reaching steady state temperatures of 2300C with a ramp time of just under 5 minutes. INSET is made out of low-neutron activation materials, enabling it to be handled shortly after an irradiation due to the lack of radioactivity induced in it. With a diameter of 8”, INSET can be placed in any reactor or irradiation facility with a cylindrical space big enough to fit it. Finally, INSET can be used outside of an irradiation facility as well as inside of one, enabling users to benchmark or test their materials in different environments before they irradiate them, allowing a separation of effects study to occur while using the same furnace / instrument.
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
