ORNL-TT-2026-02

UT-Battelle, LLC, acting under its Prime Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the management and operation of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is seeking commercialization partners for its Cryogenic DT Fusion Pellet Injection System. The ORNL Technology Transfer Office will accept license applications through April 27, 2026 for the following patent pending technologies:

5675 - SOLID CONVEYANCE WITH SINGLE PHASE CHANGE METHOD FOR CRYOGENIC EXTRUSION RECIRCULATION

A cryogenic extrusion recirculation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a cryogenically-cooled extruder configured to form solid deuterium-tritium pellets and discharge the pellets through an extruder nozzle. Excess solid extrusion discharged from the extruder nozzle is received by a cryogenically-cooled auger, which conveys the excess material into a restrictive section. The excess material consolidates in the restrictive section as a solid fuel plug. A heater section is positioned downstream of the restrictive section and applies energy to the leading portion of the solid fuel plug, converting the leading portion of the solid fuel plug into a gaseous phase. This gaseous phase is then recirculated into the cryogenically-cooled extruder to support continuous pellet formation in a controlled and efficient manner. Other embodiments include one or more cryopumps in lieu of the cryogenically-cooled auger for converting the excess material into a gaseous phase for recirculation.

6044 - TRITIUM-COMPATIBLE CRYOGENIC SCREW EXTRUDER FOR PLASMA ENERGY PELLET INJECTION

A cryogenic screw extruder for the continuous production of deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion fuel pellets is provided. The cryogenic screw extruder includes a cryogenically-cooled barrel that maintains extrusion temperatures in the range of 9 K to 20 K. Hermetic separation is achieved through a tritium-compatible rotary seal, which may include a magnetic coupler seal, a ferrofluidic seal, or a labyrinth seal. In embodiments employing the magnetic seal, internal bearings are lubricated using radiation-resistant deuterated hydrocarbon-based grease. In embodiments employing a ferrofluidic seal, the ferrofluid includes a radiation-hard base oil and a tritium-compatible surfactant to ensure long-term stability. In embodiments employing a labyrinth seal, a deuterium purge gas is supplied to the seal. The cryogenic screw extruder enables reliable solidification and extrusion of fusion fuel gases at cryogenic temperatures, while maintaining tritium containment and precise control of continuous pellet formation.

6047 - TRITIUM-COMPATIBLE CRYOGENIC PELLET GAS GUN

A tritium-compatible pellet gas gun for a deuterium-tritium (D-T) pellet fueling apparatus is provided. In one aspect, the tritium-compatible pellet gas gun includes a pellet sizer assembly that provides in situ adjustment of pellet length during injector operation. The pellet sizer assembly includes a guillotine slide that is actuated by a pusher tube, the guillotine slide being operable to restrict the orifice of the extruder nozzle to reduce pellet length with fine resolution. The tritium-compatible pellet gas gun also includes dual flexible metal bellows seals that maintain hermetic separation between the D-T fuel region, a guard vacuum, and the ambient environment, while still permitting linear motion. This configuration allows the pellet length to be reduced by up to 50% without venting or warming the D-T pellet fueling apparatus.

6052 - PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE FOR CRYOGENIC FUSION FUELS

A pressure relief device for use in deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion fueling systems is provided. In one aspect, the pressure relief device includes a valve body, a valve housing, and a tapered valve seal. The valve body and the valve housing are formed from tritium-compatible materials such as stainless steel or titanium, while the tapered valve seal is formed from a copper alloy. A helical compression spring allows the valve body to open under a differential pressure of at least 1 bar to relieve excess system pressure, while ensuring reliable reseating to restore a tight seal once pressures normalize. In addition, the pressure relief device supports operation as a check valve under differential pressures of 1 bar or greater. To provide redundant safety protection, the pressure relief device is configured with a burst disc in parallel, ensuring that excess pressure can be relieved even in the unlikely event of valve failure.

Applications and Industries

• Fusion energy fueling systems that handle cryogenic tritium
• Advanced nuclear and energy research facilities
• Cryogenic engineering and containment systems