Devices and systems for material transportation

Various embodiments relate to devices for transporting high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). A device may include at least one section, wherein each section of the at least one section includes a number of storage tubes. Each storage tube, which is configured to receive and hold a container, extends from adjacent a first end of the section toward a second, opposite end of the section. Each section further includes a number of flux traps, wherein each storage tube of the number of storage tubes is at least partially surrounded by a flux trap of the number of flux traps Associated systems are also disclosed.

FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to devices and systems for material transportation. More specifically, various embodiments of the disclosure relate to devices and systems for transporting material, such as nuclear reactor fuel (e.g., high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU)). Yet more specifically, various embodiments of the disclosure include a device that includes a number of compartments for receiving containers of material and a number of flux traps for surrounding the containers. Yet other embodiments of the disclosure include containers for holding a material, and systems including a package, and a device configured to be secured within the package and hold a number of containers.

BACKGROUND

The current generation of light water nuclear reactors (LWRs) is designed to use low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel with235U enriched to 5 wt % or less. Supporting systems, such as fuel production facilities and transportation systems, and associated regulations, are primarily designed for the requirements of LEU LWRs. Recently, however, interest has been increasing in a new generation of nuclear reactors, including non-LWR designs with higher fuel enrichment. Many next-generation nuclear reactor designs require uranium fuel enriched to 5 to 20 wt %235U, which is referred to as “high-assay low-enriched uranium” or “HALEU.”

Transporting HALEU includes many challenges, including various technical challenges and regulatory hurdles. Current U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved transportation package designs for uranium hexafluoride (UF6) with enrichments above 5 wt % provide relatively small payloads (e.g., ≤116 kilograms). Furthermore, in accordance with various regulatory requirements (e.g., U.S. regulatory requirements), transportation package designs for fissile material enriched above 5 wt % need to consider water infiltration in the containment as part of criticality safety evaluations.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the disclosure include a device. A device may include at least one section, wherein each section of the at least one section includes a number of storage tubes. Each storage tube, which may be configured to receive and hold a container, extends from adjacent a first end of the section toward a second, opposite end of the section. Further, each section of the at least one section includes a number of flux traps, wherein each storage tube of the number of storage tubes is at least partially surrounded by a flux trap of the number of flux traps.

According to one or more other embodiments of the disclosure, a device includes a first portion and a second portion positioned adjacent the first portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion includes a number of sleeves, wherein each sleeve of the number of sleeves extends from adjacent a top plate of an associated portion toward a baseplate of the associated portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion further includes a number of flux traps, wherein each sleeve of the number of sleeves is at least partially encased by a flux trap of the number of flux traps.

Other embodiments include a system. The system may include a package and a basket configured to be positioned within the package. The basket may include a first, upper tier section and a second, lower tier section. Each of the first, upper tier section and the second, lower tier section may include a number of compartments, wherein each compartment of the number of compartments is configured to receive a container. Each of the first, upper tier section and the second, lower tier section may further include a number of sleeves, wherein each sleeve of the number of sleeves at least partially surrounds an associated compartment of the number of compartments.

According to one or more other embodiments of the disclosure, a system includes a number of containers and a basket. The basket includes a number of tubes, wherein each tube of the number of tubes is sized and configured to receive and secure a container of the number of containers. The basket further includes a number of flux traps, wherein each flux trap surrounds an associated tube of the number of tubes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the disclosure in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make, use, and otherwise practice the invention. Furthermore, specific implementations shown and described are only examples and should not be construed as the only way to implement the disclosure unless specified otherwise herein. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced by numerous other partitioning solutions. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Development and commercialization of various advanced nuclear reactors (e.g., small modular reactors, microreactors, and fission batteries) have been increasing. Many advanced nuclear reactor concepts currently being investigated for deployment require fuel with higher enrichments. As noted above, some next-generation nuclear reactor designs require HALEU fuel, which is characterized by an enrichment between 5 and 20 wt %235U. This has led to new regulatory and technical challenges in designing systems and devices for transporting fissile material. According to various regulations, payloads of standard UF6packaging models decrease significantly with increased enrichment, providing less than 116 kilograms (kg) of payload to transport UF6with enrichment above 5 wt %. As will be appreciated, increasing HALEU package capacity is desirable to reduce the number of shipments necessary (i.e., to transport HALEU) and thus increase efficiency in the nuclear industry.

Further, some regulations require subcriticality of the content of a transportation package even in the most reactive credible conditions during transport, except when transporting packages for UF6with an enrichment below 5 wt %. Thus, criticality safety evaluations of HALEU transportation systems and devices must take into account water leaking into a containment system, potentially complicating the demonstration of subcriticality. Furthermore, the anticipated physical form of uranium that needs to be transported for HALEU fuel production could be different from that of UF6.

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to solutions for relatively large-capacity and economical transportation of materials, such as reactor fuel. More specifically, various embodiments disclosed herein related to devices and systems for transporting relatively large amounts of reactor fuel, such as HALEU. For example, and as described more fully below, devices and/or systems described herein may allow for transportation of material (e.g., HALEU) with a payload of up to, for example, approximately 350 kg to approximately 400 kg (e.g., such as approximately 376 kg) of fissile material per package and, for example, approximately 1750 kg to approximately 2000 kg (e.g., such as approximately 1881 kg (e.g., five (5) packages at 376 kg/package)) of HALEU per legal weight truck (LWT).

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide criticality control through separation and distribution of reactor fuel in individual containers (i.e., to provide configuration control) and the utilization of tubes (e.g., flux traps) (i.e., to provide neutron absorption). Further, various embodiments comply with various regulatory requirements, such as U.S. regulatory requirements (e.g., requirements related to radiation level thresholds, subcriticality requirements, thermals requirements (i.e., capability to withstand the regulatory range of extreme temperatures), and structural, confinement, and containment requirements). Further, various embodiments described herein meet various subcriticality and mechanical performance requirements, and provide an increased payload compared to conventional systems and/or devices.

According to some embodiments, a device (also referred to herein as a “basket”) may include a structure and a number of compartments for receiving a number of containers (e.g., canisters), wherein each container may be configured to receive and hold material (e.g., reactor fuel, such as HALEU). Further, according to various embodiments, each compartment of the device may be at least partially surrounded by a tube (e.g., a flux trap) (e.g., for criticality control). Further, in accordance with some embodiments, the device may be configured to be positioned and secured within a package (e.g., type B packaging) for transportation.

Moreover, some embodiments include a system including a package, a device (e.g., a basket) configured to be inserted into the package, and a number of containers configured to be inserted into the device. According to other embodiments, a system may include a device (e.g., a basket) and a number of containers configured to receive and hold material, such as HALEU.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Conventional transportation packages include large packages for transporting low-enriched uranium (LEU,235U<5 wt %), medium-to-small-sized packages for transporting HALEU (5 wt %<235U<20 wt %), and small-sized packages for transporting HALEU and high-enriched uranium (HEU,235U>20 wt %).FIG.1illustrates a relationship100between transportable fissile material quantities and uranium enrichment levels. As illustrated inFIG.1, an example large package, may be used to transport 2,277 kg of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) enriched up to 5 wt %. An example medium-to-small-sized package may transport 116 kg of UF6enriched up to 12.5 wt %. Further, small-sized packages may be used to transport 24.9 kg of UF6enriched up to 100 wt %.

As described more fully below, devices and systems, according to various embodiments, may be configured to transport, for example, approximately 1600 kg to approximately 1900 kg UF6enriched up to approximately 20 wt %. More specifically, in a more specific, non-limiting example, devices and systems disclosed herein may be configured to transport approximately 1881 kg UF6enriched up to approximately 20 wt %.

FIG.2depicts example packaging (also referred to herein as a “package” or “device”)200. According to some embodiments, packaging200may be type B packaging. As will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, unlike type A packaging, which is designed to survive normal transport conditions and minor accidents, type B packaging is sturdier and designed to survive severe accident scenarios.

Packaging200may include, for example, an Optimus® type B packaging (e.g., Optimus-L packaging) made by the Nuclear Assurance Company (NAC) International of Peachtree Corners, Ga. NAC's Optimus-L packaging may provide sufficient payload capacity and relative ease of handling. According to some embodiments, package200may include a stainless steel cask containment vessel (CCV) with a bolted closure system and foam outer packaging (OP), as will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

As will be appreciated, Optimus-L packaging may include one or more lift lugs, one or more lids, closure bolts, a port cover lid O-rings, one or more body portions, and tie-down arms.

As will be described more fully below, package200may be configured to receive (i.e., within body216) a device (e.g., a basket), which may be configured to receive and hold a number of containers (e.g., of reactor fuel, such as HALEU). More specifically, for example, as described more fully below, a device that is configured to receive and secure a number of (e.g., eighteen (18)) containers of material (e.g., reactor fuel) may be positioned and secured within package200. According to one non-limiting example, package200, which includes a device with eighteen (18) containers of reactor fuel, may weigh approximately 3,788 kg. Further, for example, up to five (5) packages200, each including a device with eighteen (18) containers of reactor fuel, and weighing approximately 18,940 kg (i.e., 3,788 kg*5) may be transportable via a LWT.

FIG.3Aillustrates an example device300, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Device300, which may also be referred to as a “two-tiered basket,” a “tiered basket,” or simply a “basket,” may include two sections (e.g., two substantially structurally identical sections)302and304, wherein section304is positioned, for example, on top of section302to form device300. Each section302/304includes a structure (e.g., a “basket structure”)316(seeFIG.3D) including a top plate310, a baseplate312, and ribs314. For example, at least some of ribs314may extend from a first end of a section (e.g., adjacent top plate310) toward a second end of the section (e.g., to adjacent baseplate312). Each section302and304may also include a disk317spaced between top plate310and baseplate312. For example only, sections302and304may be bolted together (e.g., via one or more interface bolts321). In some examples, device300may include one or more lifting lugs305.

FIG.3Bis top view of device300, andFIG.3Cis a view of device300taken along lines A-A ofFIG.3A. As shown inFIG.3B, device300includes a number of (e.g., nine (9)) compartments306for receiving a container320/400(seeFIG.3Dand/orFIG.4). For example, each compartment306may include, and/or may be referred to as, a sleeve, a storage tube, a tube, or a pipe, for receiving and holding an associated container in a fixed position (e.g., relative to other containers secured by device300). For example, each compartment306may include one or more metals. More specifically, for example, each compartment306may include aluminum or another material (e.g., another suitable metal).

Although each section302/304of device300is illustrated as including nine (9) compartments306(or eighteen (18) compartments306per device300), the disclosure is not so limited, and a device including more or less than nine (9) compartments per section (or more or less than eighteen (18) compartments306per device) is within the scope of the disclosure. Further, according to some embodiments, one section of a device (e.g., section302of device300) may include a different number of compartments306than another section of the device (e.g., section304of device300).

As shown inFIG.3C, device300includes compartments306, a number of tubes (also referred to herein as “flux traps,” “neutron flux traps” “neutron absorbers,” “hex sleeves” or simply “sleeves”) (e.g., for criticality control)308, and ribs314. According to various embodiments, each tube308may include a neutron absorber material. As will be appreciated, a flux trap may be formed by the interaction of two neutron absorber materials some distance apart. For example, neutrons originating in HALEU (i.e., within compartments306) that are able to pass through the surrounding neutron absorber enter the space between absorbers. When a neutron moderator is present in that space (e.g., in this case water intrusion) neutrons lose energy in the moderator and cannot subsequently encounter HALEU without passing through the absorber material a second time. Low energy neutrons are much more likely to be absorbed in the second pass through the absorber material, which renders the system subcritical (safe). The effectiveness of a flux trap is in part dependent on the degree to which the absorber material surrounds the separated masses of HALEU. Gaps in the surrounding “coverage” create pathways for neutrons to reach HALEU without passing through absorber a second time, diluting the effectiveness of the flux trap. Accordingly, a flux trap may be formed by the interaction of two or more separated pieces of absorber material and acts to greatly reduce neutronic interaction between separate masses of HALEU. As a more specific example, tubes308may include hexagonal tubes (e.g., hexagonal flux traps).

As illustrated inFIG.3C, ribs314may be positioned at least partially between some compartments306. As noted above, in at least some embodiments, ribs314may extend from adjacent top plate310to adjacent baseplate312. More specifically, for example, ribs314may be coupled to top plate310and baseplate312of an associated section (e.g., section302or section304) of device300. Further, device300may include ribs319, which may be coupled to ribs314, may be positioned between a center compartment306of a section and other compartments (e.g., exterior compartments)306of the section. In some embodiments, disk (also referred to as “intermediate ribs” or “ribs”)317may provide stiffness (e.g., lateral stiffness) to device300and specifically, to ribs314.

For example, each compartment306may be at least partially surrounded by a flux trap308. Stated another way, each compartment306may be at least partially encased by a flux trap308. In some embodiments, each compartment306may be fully encased (i.e., fully surrounded) by a flux trap308. In a non-limiting example, each flux trap308may include a nonstructural borated aluminum sleeve (e.g., approximately 21% natural boron carbide (e.g., for criticality safety) with, for example, an approximately one (1) cm thick wall). As will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, flux traps308may be designed for and provide criticality control.

FIG.3Dis a perspective view of device300depicting a number of containers320(i.e., within compartments306), structure316(e.g., including top plate310, disk317, baseplate312one or more ribs (not shown inFIG.3D; see ribs314/319inFIG.3C)), and flux traps308. By way of example, each container320may include a canister (e.g., a stainless steel canister).

As a non-limiting example, at least some components of device300may be include metal (e.g., aluminum). More specifically, for example, flux traps308, top plate310, baseplate312, disk317, ribs314, and/or ribs319may include one or more metals (e.g., aluminum and/or other suitable metals). More specifically, for example, structure316may include an aluminum basket structure and flux traps308may include a borated aluminum (e.g., a borated aluminum hex sleeve). Yet more specifically, for example, flux traps308may include a BORTEC® metal matrix composite made by DWA Technologies, Inc. of Chatsworth, Calif. It is noted that the materials for structure316and/or flux traps308may be selected based on a type of material (e.g., type of reactor fuel) being transported. As illustrated inFIG.3D, in at least some embodiments, flux traps308(and associated compartments306; seeFIG.3Band/orFIG.3C) may extend from adjacent top plate310(i.e., of an associated section of device300) through disk317to adjacent baseplate312(i.e., of the associated section of device300).

According to some embodiments, device300may include a height H (seeFIG.3A) of, for example only, approximately 115 cm to approximately 125 cm (e.g., such as approximately 119.4 cm). In some examples, each individual section302and304of device300may include a height of, for example, approximately 58 cm to approximately 62 cm (e.g., such as approximately 59.7 cm) and hold up to nine (9) containers, for a total capacity of eighteen (18) containers per device300. Further, for example, top plate310and base plate312may have a thickness of approximately 1.8 cm to approximately 2.2 cm (e.g., such as approximately 1.9 cm) and a diameter of approximately 75 cm to approximately 90 cm (e.g., such as approximately 82.5 cm), and ribs314/317/319may have a thickness of approximately 1.0 cm to approximately 1.5 cm (e.g., such as approximately 1.3 cm).

According to some embodiments, device300may include one or more recesses313(seeFIG.3B) in the plates (i.e., top plate310and/or baseplate312), disks317, and/or ribs314/319that may reduce the weight of device300. As noted herein, top plate310may include a number of (e.g., nine) compartments306(see e.g.,FIGS.3B and3D) with a diameter of, for example approximately 12 cm to approximately 18 cm (e.g., such as approximately 15.2 cm) that allow for loading of a container (e.g., container400ofFIG.4) into compartments306. For example, one compartment306may be located in the center of top plate310, and other compartments306may be equally spaced around a longitudinal axis of device300at a radius of, for example only, approximately 25 cm to approximately 30 cm (e.g., such as approximately 28.3 cm). Further, in some embodiments, top plate310and baseplate312may include a number of (e.g., eight) penetrations311(e.g., circular penetrations) (seeFIG.3B; not shown inFIG.3D). Each penetration311may be configured to receive an attachment device (e.g., interface bolt321; seeFIG.3A) for attaching baseplate312of section302to top plate310of section304.

For example, compartments306may be constructed from, for example, tubing (e.g., 3-gauge tubing) with an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 12 cm to approximately 18 cm (e.g., such as approximately 15.2 cm) and attached (e.g., welded) to top plate310and baseplate312of device300. According to some embodiments, each compartment306may be encased by a flux trap (e.g., a hexagonal flux trap) with a side length of, for example, approximately 8 cm to approximately 12 cm (e.g., such as approximately 10.0 cm) and a wall thickness of, for example, approximately 1.0 cm to approximately 1.5 cm (e.g., such as approximately 1.3 cm). It is noted that flux traps308may or may not provide structural support to device300and/or containers320.

For example, device300may have a total mass of, for example, approximately 400 kg to approximately 450 kg (e.g., such as approximately 423.7 kg). According to some embodiments, after being positioned within device300, container320may contact and rest on baseplate312. In some embodiments, compartments306may prevent lateral displacement of container320relative to device300and/or other containers within device300. According to some embodiments, containers320of section304(i.e., a lower section of device300) may be restrained (i.e., against vertical displacement) via baseplate312of section302(i.e., an upper section of device300). Further, containers320within section302may be restrained (i.e., against vertical displacement) via a lid (e.g., a cask containment vessel (CCV) lid, such as lid212ofFIG.2) of an associated package (e.g., package200ofFIG.2).

With reference toFIGS.2and3D, device300, which may include one or more containers, as described more fully below, may be positioned and secured within package200. More specifically, device300may be positioned within body216and secured and enclosed within package200(e.g., via body218, lid212, port cover210, closure bolts208, lid closure bolts206, and lid204), as will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

FIG.4depicts a container (also referred to herein as a “device”)400, in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure. Container400, which may include a canister (e.g., a stainless steel canister) includes a body (also referred to herein as a “shell”)402, a lid (e.g., a top lid)404, a lid cover406, and a lid (e.g., a bottom lid)408. In some embodiments, lid cover406may include grooves410, which may enable lid cover406to be manipulated (e.g., rotated) (e.g., with a tool). For example, containers320shown inFIG.3Dmay include container400.

In some examples, container400may be configured to receive and hold a material (e.g., reactor fuel (e.g., UO2down-blended from highly enriched uranium)). As a non-limiting examples, a mass of container400may be approximately 12 kg to approximately 18 kg (e.g., such as approximately 14.8 kg) and an interior volume of container400may be approximately 6500 cm3to approximately 7500 cm3(e.g., such as approximately 7000 cm3), which may allow container400to receive and hold approximately 14 kg to approximately 28 kg of UO2powder, depending on an effective density of the UO2powder. As a more specific example, an inner volume of container400may be approximately 7017 cm3, providing space for approximately 20.9 kg of HALEU with a density of approximately 3 g/cm3.

For example, body402of container400may include tubing (e.g., 3-gauge tubing) with an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 12 cm to approximately 16 cm (e.g., such as approximately 13.97 cm), a wall thickness of approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 0.7 cm (e.g., such as approximately 0.58 cm), and length (e.g., between lid404and lid408) of, for example, approximately 50 cm to approximately 60 cm (e.g., such as approximately 54.9 cm). Lid408may have a thickness of, for example, approximately 1.3 cm to approximately 1.9 cm (e.g., such as approximately 1.6 cm). Further, lid cover406may include an annular base with a thickness of, for example, approximately 1.0 cm to approximately 2.0 cm (e.g., such as approximately 1.5 cm), and an opening (e.g., a circular opening) (i.e., to allow for insertion and removal of material (e.g., UO2powder) into/from body402). The opening may have a diameter of, for example, approximately 6 cm to approximately 9 cm (e.g., such as approximately 7.6 cm). In some embodiments, lid cover406may be part of a lid assembly including, for example, a number of (e.g., two) O-rings (e.g., self-energizing, elastomeric O-rings) (not shown) positioned between the annular base of lid404and lid cover406(e.g., to seal container400(e.g., after loading container with material)).

Each of lid404and lid408may be coupled to body402. More specifically, for example, each of lid404and lid408may be welded to body402. As an example, a total length of container400(i.e., including body402and lids404and408) may be approximately 54 cm to approximately 63 cm (e.g., such as approximately 57.8 cm). Recesses410may be configured for use with a handling tool (e.g., as attachments points).

For example, a mass of a fully filled container400may be approximately 35.7 kg, and the total mass of the eighteen (18) fully filled containers may be, for example approximately 642.7 kg. As one example, a payload of eighteen (18) containers including HALEU may be approximately 250 kg to approximately 500 kg per package (e.g., per package200ofFIG.2), depending on the UO2powder density, which may vary for different production and packing methods. In one specific example, a total HALEU payload in eighteen (18) containers may be approximately 376.2 kg.

For example, a number of filled containers400may be positioned within a first section (e.g., section304) of device300, and thereafter, the first section (e.g., section304) and a second section (e.g., section302) of device300may be coupled together. Further, according to various embodiments, packaging (e.g., packaging200ofFIG.2) may include one or more tie-down points (e.g., tie-down arms220ofFIG.2) that may meet various regulatory requirements and may be used to mount a package (e.g., vertically) (e.g., on a transportation pallet). For example, multiple pallets may be mounted on a single LWT trailer. Further, because of the relatively small, lightweight nature of the packaging (e.g., packaging200ofFIG.2), specialized lifting equipment may not be necessary to load the packaging.

As noted above, according to some scenarios, up to five (5) packages (e.g., five packages200ofFIG.2), each including a device300with eighteen (18) containers of reactor fuel, and weighing approximately 18,980 kg (i.e., 3,788 kg*5) may be transportable via a legal-weight truck. According to various simulation results, measured radiation levels of an array of five packages were below regulatory thresholds for a non-exclusive-use conveyance configuration. Current U.S. regulations limit the gross vehicle weight of an LWT to approximately 36.287 kg. Trucks with a gross weight below this threshold may not require a special overweight permit. The payload of a five-axle, semi-trailer can be roughly estimated as 22.679.6 kg, which should be enough capacity to transport five fully loaded packages (e.g., package200ofFIG.2) with a total weight of approximately 18,940 kg plus accompanying pallets and tie-down equipment. Thus, various embodiments disclosed herein may enable for a HALEU payload of approximately 376.2 kg per individual package and approximately 1881 kg per LWT when using an array of five individual packages (e.g., with a UO2bulk powder density of 3 g/cm3).

It is noted that various values provided herein (e.g., dimensions, weights, densities, volumes, number of containers, etc.) are provided as examples only, and other values are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, package200, device300, container400, and/or portions thereof, may be smaller or larger than described, may weigh less than or more than described, may hold more material or less material than described. Further, for example, a device (e.g., device300ofFIG.3) may be configured to hold more than eighteen (18) containers or less than eighteen (18) containers. Moreover, other known and suitable packing configurations may be within the scope of the disclosure.

Based on various tests and/or simulations, various embodiments disclosed herein include devices and/or systems that may remain subcritical under various conditions (e.g., hypothetical accident conditions (HAC) and/or normal conditions of transport (NCT)), may provide sufficient radiological protection to operating personnel and the surrounding environment, may be structurally sound, may sufficiently contain and confine a material (HALEU), and may sustain required thermal loads.

As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as, for example, within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially or approximately met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90% met, at least 95% met, or even at least 99% met.

While the present disclosure has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not so limited. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed, including legal equivalents thereof. In addition, features from one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment while still being encompassed within the scope of the invention. Further, embodiments of the disclosure have utility with different and various detector types and configurations.