FAQ - Fusor Construction Journey in images from the beginning #5
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 4:44 pm
2004 - 2019 fusor IV
Fusor IV was a much smoother step thanks to all of the previous fusor experience. Still, more and better planning paid off in what would become my landmark fusor in which I would reach and far exceed the million n/s ISO mark. Very little materials transferred over to fusor IV. The big x-ray supply made it over as did the precision pump that has been with me for nearly 20 years. Fusor IV would see the use of the NIM bin system of nuclear instrumentation. I would obtain and use a superlative 3He tube for neutron detection that would far exceed my expectations. I would neutron activate many metals, (a long time goal).
Again, I took my time with the system as fusor III was still operational up until I modified the back wall, adding plywood over the studs to facilitate mounting items far more securely than weak wall board. Overall, from the first work on fusor IV until it was operational, a full year would pass. I did not have the huge investment in machines and materials that I saw in fusor III. I was now more skilled in using those tools after 4 years. The only major expense was three very nice rebuilt 2.75 conflat valves in the fore line isolation system. I also bought real conflat rings for the hemispheres saving a lot of useless machine work that was so tedious with fusor III. The total spent on fusor IV came to under $900...Money well spent.
I cover the construction in 16 images here. I hope that all of this series of FAQs will help to guide the would-be fusioneer in planning their system, should they actually get as far as assembling one.
If you have landed here first (post #5) and wish to go back to the first fusor post in this series of 5 history posts go here....
viewtopic.php?t=13050
Richard Hull
Fusor IV was a much smoother step thanks to all of the previous fusor experience. Still, more and better planning paid off in what would become my landmark fusor in which I would reach and far exceed the million n/s ISO mark. Very little materials transferred over to fusor IV. The big x-ray supply made it over as did the precision pump that has been with me for nearly 20 years. Fusor IV would see the use of the NIM bin system of nuclear instrumentation. I would obtain and use a superlative 3He tube for neutron detection that would far exceed my expectations. I would neutron activate many metals, (a long time goal).
Again, I took my time with the system as fusor III was still operational up until I modified the back wall, adding plywood over the studs to facilitate mounting items far more securely than weak wall board. Overall, from the first work on fusor IV until it was operational, a full year would pass. I did not have the huge investment in machines and materials that I saw in fusor III. I was now more skilled in using those tools after 4 years. The only major expense was three very nice rebuilt 2.75 conflat valves in the fore line isolation system. I also bought real conflat rings for the hemispheres saving a lot of useless machine work that was so tedious with fusor III. The total spent on fusor IV came to under $900...Money well spent.
I cover the construction in 16 images here. I hope that all of this series of FAQs will help to guide the would-be fusioneer in planning their system, should they actually get as far as assembling one.
If you have landed here first (post #5) and wish to go back to the first fusor post in this series of 5 history posts go here....
viewtopic.php?t=13050
Richard Hull