In-Situ Neutron Imaging of Hydride-Based Storage Systems

G. O. MEYER; M. ARDITO; E.M. BORZONE; J. MARÍN; F. A. SÁNCHEZ; A. BARUJ

Rio de Janeiro

Conferencia; International Conference on Hydrogen Storage, Embrittlement and Applications (Hy-SEA 2014); 2014

U.F. Rio de Janeiro

Neutron Imaging (also known as Neutron Radiography or Neutrography) is a non-destructive transmission imaging technique that allows analyzing objects using a collimated neutron beam and a specific detector plate. The resulting images are a bidimensional representation of the total neutron scattering cross section of different parts of the object. Hydrogen, having a relatively large neutron scattering cross section, can be readily sensed with this technique. A Neutron Imaging facility has been recently implemented at the RA-6 experimental nuclear reactor in Centro Atómico Bariloche. The facility can be used to in-situ study the behavior of hydrogen storage and purification devices based on the use of hydride forming materials. As an example, we have designed and built a storage device oriented at study the heat-induced hydrogen release from a hydride. We have recorded the different steps of the dehydration process, some of which are shown in Fig. 1 a-c. The results shows the technique potential as a tool for modelling and optimization of hydrogen storage and purification processes.