Non-Radioactive Alternative to Replace Radioactive Sources in Commercial Applications

This Starfire Industries Phase I SBIR project specifically addresses the need to replace Am-Be sources for the well-logging industry and other applications where sealed radioactive sources are being used. Market factors inhibiting DT fusion neutron generators from replacing Am-Be sources are: (1) still use radioactive tritium (licensing/export), (2) tube lifetimes are measured in hundreds of hours, (3) high cost of ownership and tube replacement, (4) neutron energies are too high for porosity and elemental analysis applications, and (5) there is difficulty overcoming "analysis inertia". Starfire Industries is proposing an innovative fusion neutron generator solution to improve output efficiency, extend lifetime, and reduce total cost-of-ownership, while enabling survivability in the harsh wellbore environment. Phase I will explore the feasibility of the technical approach. A novel option for the replacement of pulsed DT tubes is also presented. A commercialization partner has been identified for a Phase II Cost Match.