Authors: A.V. Altynov, V.D. Ananiev,, А.А. Belyakov, А.А. Bogdzel, М.V. Bulavin, А.Е. Verhoglyadov, Е.N. Kulagin, S.А. Kulikov, А.А. Kustov, A.A. Lubimtsev, Т.B. Petukhova, А.P.Sirotin, А.N. Fedorov, Е.P. Shabalin, D.Е. Shabalin, V.К. Shirokov

In the 80s last century, the idea of bulk neutron moderator with ice and methane was first proposed. But it could not be to realize.

At the end of the last century idea of creating a neutron moderator with the uses mesitylene appeared in a helium environment.

In 2005 work on the project balls-moderator started.

In 2011, the development of the project has been completed, and in 2012 the first launch of the moderator hosted.

The control system of flight balls based on the pressure difference during the flight of the ball between two points on the pipeline.

The system has three differential pressure sensor.

Data from the pressure sensor taken ADC La-20USB in real time buffered and packets are sent via the USB connector into PC.

In the program, data presented in the form of three graphs: balls passing, gas flow rate, the ratio of the speed of balls.

Controller KSMC-8

stepping motor

Adapter USB-CAN2

power supply: +12V (10А), +24V (10А)

After a series of starts moderator in 2012-2013, cold neutron yield obtained in thirteen times higher in relation to water moderator at 32 K. About half of the thermal neutron beam is transformed into cold neutrons.

On the moderator system has been received one patent and two more are under consideration.

In the future, It will get a new, more powerful refrigeration unit, which will operate at lower temperatures.