Hylenr Completes Phase 1 LCF Reactor Tests at Texas A&M

Hyderabad-based deeptech company Hylenr has completed Phase 1 of an independent validation study of its Lattice Confinement Fusion (LCF) reactor at Texas A&M University, examining thermal performance, radiation emissions, residual gas composition and post-reaction material characteristics.

The study focused on the BRT-NiUCS-2 reactor, a small modular system using hydrogen-loaded nickel-palladium catalyst materials. Multiple devices and catalyst samples were prepared and tested under controlled laboratory conditions in the Nuclear Engineering Department at Texas A&M University.

Titled 'Validation of Anomalous Heat and Nuclear Signatures in the BRT-NiUCS-2 Reactor: Phase 1 LCF Investigation,' the research was co-authored by Hylenr and Texas A&M University and presented at the 27th International Conference on Condensed Matter Nuclear Science (ICCF-27), held in Niagara Falls, Canada, from August 31 to September 4.

The study reported elevated helium, argon and neon signals in the active reactor during Residual Gas Analysis (RGA). Helium and argon signals were reported at levels approximately two to three orders of magnitude above background, while no corresponding increase in nitrogen was observed.

Thermal measurements using thermocouples and calibrated infrared imaging showed the active reactor operating at higher temperatures than the calibration device under comparable input-power conditions. SEM/EDX analysis also identified morphological and compositional changes in catalyst samples after the reaction.

Radiation monitoring using Geiger–Müller and neutron detectors detected no gamma or X-ray emissions, while neutron counts remained statistically indistinguishable from background during the approximately five-day monitoring period.

Hylenr said that Phase 2 will focus on testing multiple independent reactors, quantitative calorimetry and improved characterisation of loading parameters. The company also plans isotopic-ratio measurements and advanced analytical techniques, including Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Ram Ramaseshan, Co-Founder and Board Member, Hylenr, said  that the objective was to subject the technology to independent testing across thermal measurements, gas analysis and material characterisation.

Prof. Lin Shao, Professor of Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University, said that the Phase 1 research used complementary analytical techniques to examine the reactor and establish priorities for further investigation.

Hylenr said that the staged validation process is intended to establish repeatability, quantify energy output and define engineering requirements for scalable systems as the company works toward potential commercial applications.