Radioactive Cask Canister Extraction Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transferring canisters containing radioactive material from a cask to a receiver housing result in significant friction, leading to particle tearing and corrosion risks due to contact with the inner surface of the cask, which compromises the integrity of the canister during long-term storage.
Innovation Solution
A cask design featuring a canister extraction/insertion assembly that allows the canister to be moved along a longitudinal direction without contact with the inner surface, using a carriage and support structure that change positions from a drawn-together to a drawn-apart configuration via guide ramps, minimizing friction and preventing particle tearing during extraction and insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the canister is transferred horizontally from cask to receiver housing by pulling or pushing, then the transfer operation can be performed, but significant friction occurs between the canister outer surface and cask inner surface, leading to particle tearing and corrosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the canister from a horizontal transfer configuration to a vertical transfer configuration. The canister is extracted vertically from the cask using a lifting device, eliminating the horizontal sliding friction that causes particle tearing. The vertical extraction path changes the dimension of movement from horizontal to vertical, allowing the canister to be removed without contact friction against the cask inner surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an extraction device with a support structure that acts as an intermediary between the canister and the cask. This device includes a support surface that contacts the canister bottom and a lifting mechanism that raises the canister vertically. The intermediary device bears the canister weight and facilitates friction-free extraction, preventing direct contact between the canister outer surface and cask inner surface.
2Device complexity
If the canister is placed horizontally in the cask, then the cask structure can be simplified, but friction during insertion and extraction causes particle stripping from the canister surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insertion and extraction operation from horizontal sliding to vertical lifting. The canister is inserted vertically into the cask and extracted vertically, eliminating the sliding friction that strips particles from the canister surface. This dimensional change maintains canister surface integrity while still achieving the desired transfer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device serves as an intermediary that enables vertical insertion and extraction operations. The device includes a support structure with a bearing surface that contacts the canister, and a lifting mechanism that performs the vertical movement. This intermediary system protects the canister from direct frictional contact with the cask during insertion and extraction operations.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the canister is extracted from the cask, then long-term storage can be achieved, but the friction during extraction compromises canister integrity through particle tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements vertical extraction instead of horizontal sliding extraction. The canister is lifted vertically from the cask using a lifting device, which eliminates the frictional contact that causes particle tearing during extraction. This dimensional change ensures canister integrity is maintained while enabling long-term storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device with its support structure acts as an intermediary that facilitates friction-free extraction. The support surface contacts the canister bottom, and the lifting mechanism raises the canister vertically, preventing direct frictional contact between the canister outer surface and cask inner surface during extraction, thus preserving canister integrity for long-term storage.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a cask for a canister containing radioactive material, comprising a canister extraction assembly and designed so that it can bring the canister to an extraction position inside the cask housing in which this canister is free of any contact with the inner surface. Also, one of two elements from among a carriage and a support structure of the assembly is provided with a guide ramp cooperating with a ramp follower provided on the other of the two elements, the ramp being designed so that a relative translational movement between the carriage and the structure, in the longitudinal direction of the cask, causes the changeover of the two elements from a drawn-together position to a drawn-apart position, or conversely.