New fusor for neutron production

For posts specifically relating to fusor design, construction, and operation.
Post Reply
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

Hello all, I have built multiple IEC demo fusors and I have decided that I would like to get into a real working fusor that produces neutrons. I need advice on what I need to bring it to that level. What I currently have is: a 7500v NST rectified for negative DC, a Single stage 3cfm vacuum pump, and a geiger counter (for use with silver for neutron detection). I am looking for lower price range items so advice on ebay sellers and places to get deals on things would help. Thanks.
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
charlie_mccartney
Posts: 139
Joined: Sat Jun 29, 2013 3:45 pm
Real name: Charlie McCartney
Location: Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by charlie_mccartney »

two stage rotary vane with diffusion pump, 30kv at least, deuterium system, SS chamber. Pretty much a entirely new system.
Charlie McCartney
charlie.mccartney1104@gmail.com
charliespersonalproject.weebly.com
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

Could I do it without the diffusion pump and just the 2 stage?
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
User avatar
Richard Hull
Moderator
Posts: 14992
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2001 9:44 am
Real name: Richard Hull

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Richard Hull »

My first fusion in 1999 was with just a two stage mechanical pump and did fusion, but at very poor levels. Wasted a lot of deuterium gas too.

A diffusion or turbo pump is needed for any serious work.

Richard Hull
Progress may have been a good thing once, but it just went on too long. - Yogi Berra
Fusion is the energy of the future....and it always will be
The more complex the idea put forward by the poor amateur, the more likely it will never see embodiment
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

Thanks I guess I'm gonna have to.
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

Anyone know a place to get a reasonably priced diffusion pump? 120v preferably.
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
User avatar
Carl Willis
Posts: 2841
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2001 7:33 pm
Real name: Carl Willis
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Contact:

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Carl Willis »

My definition of a "reasonable" diffusion pump and a "reasonable" price is something with a rated speed of 20-100 liters per second, and $100-200 on the surplus market. Such pumps are at the smallest end of the commercial lineup, and entirely sufficient for fusor use. They show up on eBay all the time.

You also need oil for the pump. You might pay more for the oil than for the pump. The smaller the pump, the less of this costly oil it requires. The smaller pumps also heat up faster and use less electricity and cooling water (some use water, some use an air fan).

-Carl
Carl Willis
http://carlwillis.wordpress.com/
TEL: +1-505-412-3277
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

Thanks ebay actually has some great prices!
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

I know that xrays are dangerous but what about neutrons are they hazardous to come in contact with? From a fusor of course.
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
User avatar
Carl Willis
Posts: 2841
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2001 7:33 pm
Real name: Carl Willis
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Contact:

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Carl Willis »

There is a separate forum for this subject, complete with some very useful FAQs.
Carl Willis
http://carlwillis.wordpress.com/
TEL: +1-505-412-3277
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

Sorry didn't notice that.
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
charlie_mccartney
Posts: 139
Joined: Sat Jun 29, 2013 3:45 pm
Real name: Charlie McCartney
Location: Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by charlie_mccartney »

If you believe you will be producing enough neutrons to be dangerous use some lead shielding. This will be the last step and until you are ready to produce neutrons do not worry about it.
Charlie McCartney
charlie.mccartney1104@gmail.com
charliespersonalproject.weebly.com
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

Really in the FAQ it said I don't really need that It said I should use lead shielding on the view port for xrays and just stand back.
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
charlie_mccartney
Posts: 139
Joined: Sat Jun 29, 2013 3:45 pm
Real name: Charlie McCartney
Location: Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by charlie_mccartney »

If you have a good 316SS shell then yes, that is all you need.
Charlie McCartney
charlie.mccartney1104@gmail.com
charliespersonalproject.weebly.com
User avatar
Carl Willis
Posts: 2841
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2001 7:33 pm
Real name: Carl Willis
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Contact:

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Carl Willis »

There is another forum for this subject.

I don't like to repeat myself...
Carl Willis
http://carlwillis.wordpress.com/
TEL: +1-505-412-3277
User avatar
Isaac Boehm
Posts: 62
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:13 pm
Real name: Isaac Boehm

Re: New fusor for neutron production

Post by Isaac Boehm »

Just to let you guys know this is a joint effort between me and forum member Liam Foyle.
I can't think that it would be terrible of me to say – and it is occasionally true – that I need physics more than friends. -Robert J Oppenheimer
Post Reply

Return to “Fusor Construction & Operation (& FAQs)”