Long-term Radiation Rugged Rotary Vacuum and Water Seals in Heavy-Ion Accelerators

The Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Physic’s Isotope Development and Production for Research and Applications Program has identified a need for materials that will survive high radiation environments to support next generation rare isotope beam facilities. Specifically, long-lifetime, rotary vacuum and water seals are needed to survive 0.5 – 15 MGy/month. Current gaskets and seals do not offer the combined mechanical and radiation survivability needed for years of service. The objective of this program is to develop and demonstrate advanced rotary vacuum and water seals with extreme radiation durability. The approach involves the synthesis of innovative polyorganosiloxanes that offer combined low air and water permeability with extreme radiation durability. In Phase I, advanced polyorganosiloxanes shall be developed and exposed to harsh irradiation for a durability study to reach a Technology Readiness Level 5. Permeation, sealing, and thermomechanical testing shall be conducted pre- and post- irradiation. Technology Readiness Level 7 shall be reached via experiments in a representative rare isotope high radiation environment. Commercial applications and other benefits: Radiation durable rotary vacuum and water seals shall be manufactured for use with rare isotope beam facilities for the stable production of new and rare isotopes. These isotopes shall benefit advanced imaging needs within the medical community.