Remote Calandria Shielding Ball Removal Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heavy water reactors, the separation and capture of activated shielding balls and cooling water during decommissioning pose a challenge due to radiation exposure risks for workers.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a head with an opening former, gate, camera, and sealer, along with a mover, allows for remote-controlled separation and capture of shielding balls from the end shield of a calandria, controlling movement and leakage, and includes a capture unit and transfer unit for safe discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers directly separate and capture shielding balls and cooling water during reactor decommissioning, then the task can be completed, but workers are exposed to radiation
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic manipulator system serves as an intermediary between the worker and the radioactive shielding balls. The manipulator includes a moving unit that transports the manipulator head to the calandria, a manipulator head with opening former and gate that forms openings in the end shield and controls ball discharge, and a capturing unit with receiving container. This intermediary device allows workers to operate from a safe distance while completing the separation and capture task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct human mechanical handling with an automated robotic mechanical system. The manipulator head uses an opening former to create openings in the end shield and a gate mechanism to control the discharge of shielding balls. The capturing unit automatically receives and contains the balls, eliminating the need for workers to physically handle radioactive materials.
2Productivity
If shielding balls are quickly discharged from the end shield, then productivity increases, but control over discharge amount and leakage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gate mechanism provides dynamic control over the discharge process. The gate can be adjusted to control the amount of movement of shielding balls discharged through the opening, allowing operators to regulate the flow rate and prevent leakage. This dynamic adjustment capability enables both quick discharge when needed and controlled release when precision is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge process is segmented into controlled stages through the gate mechanism. Rather than allowing uncontrolled bulk discharge, the gate divides the flow into manageable portions that can be regulated. The capturing unit also segments the reception process by providing a receiving container that systematically collects discharged balls.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for removing shielding balls from calandria of a heavy water reactor is provided. The device includes a head for moving the shielding balls positioned inside of an end shield of the calandria to an outside of the end shield; and a mover for moving the head to the end shield of the calandria. The head includes a head body, an opening former installed on the head body and configured to form an opening in the end shield, and a gate installed on the head body and configured to control an amount of the shielding balls discharged to the outside through the opening.