Aerosol Sampling System for Fractured Specimen Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aerosol sampling devices, such as wearable cascade impactors and cyclone separators, are poorly suited for predictive analysis of aerosol release from fractured specimens, particularly spent nuclear fuel, and lack the capability to accurately measure aerosols generated during mechanical stress like bending, torsion, or compression.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a test enclosure, load apparatus, and aerosol sampling pack that applies mechanical loads to specimens, allowing for the sampling of aerosols within a specific particle diameter range (0.5 to 10 μm) generated during fracture, including configurations for use in hot cells and secondary safety systems like fume hoods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wearable cascade impactors and cyclone separators are used for aerosol sampling, then personal levels of exposure can be indicated and tracked, but predictive analysis of aerosol release from fractured specimens cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol exposure prediction capabilityVSAvoidapplicability to fractured specimen testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the testing process into distinct functional modules: a test enclosure for containing the specimen, a load apparatus for applying mechanical stress, and an aerosol sampling pack for collecting particles. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve predictive analysis capability that neither wearable devices nor traditional lab equipment could provide alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test enclosure acts as an intermediary between the load apparatus and the aerosol sampling pack, containing the fractured specimen and directing aerosol flow to the sampler. This intermediary structure enables the system to capture aerosols at the source during mechanical fracture, bridging the gap between applying mechanical loads and measuring aerosol release for predictive analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional aerosol sampling devices are used, then sampling can be performed, but accurate measurement of aerosols generated during mechanical stress is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol concentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration for mechanical loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges three previously separate functions into one integrated setup: mechanical loading capability (load apparatus), aerosol generation environment (test enclosure), and aerosol sampling (aerosol sampling pack). This combination enables accurate measurement of aerosols generated during mechanical stress by ensuring the sampler is positioned to capture particles at their source during the actual fracture event, rather than relying on wearable devices that sample ambient air after release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If a complete test enclosure is used to fully contain the specimen, then aerosol sampling is improved, but accessibility for loading and operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol capture efficiencyVSAvoidspecimen loading and device operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test enclosure incorporates dynamic opening mechanisms that allow the enclosure to transition between closed and open states. During normal operation, the enclosure is closed to contain aerosols for accurate sampling. During loading operations, the enclosure can be opened to allow specimen insertion and adjustment. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both complete containment during testing and easy accessibility during setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables predictive analysis of aerosol exposure from fractured specimens, effectively sampling respirable aerosols from spent nuclear fuel and other materials, enhancing safety assessments and compliance with regulations by accurately quantifying aerosol release during mechanical stress scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

The load apparatus is configured to impart a mechanical load (e.g., tension, bending, torsion, shear forces, or compression) on the test specimen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical stress and fracture: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 2

Cascade impactors and cyclone separators are wearable aerosol sampling devices that sample and separate aerosols according to their inertia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial separation: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS12111237B2System for aerosol sampling during mechanical load

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 UT BATTELLE LLC

AI summary

A system for sampling aerosols, for purpose of predictive analyses, from fractured test specimens is provided. The system includes a test enclosure, a load apparatus, and an aerosol sampling pack in fluid communication with the test enclosure. The test enclosure is sized to partially or completely receive the test specimen therein, and the load apparatus is configured to impart a mechanical load (e.g., tension, bending, torsion, shear forces, or compression) on the test specimen. The aerosol sampling pack receives solid aerosols that are generated upon fracture of the test specimen.