Self-Powered Cask Transporter for Spent Fuel Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for handling nuclear waste casks are inefficient, requiring significant manual labor, outdated technology, and numerous single-use components, leading to high costs and maintenance challenges, while also necessitating additional infrastructure for storage and transfer.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a self-powered cask transporter with an upper handling mechanism featuring hydraulic cylinders and pivoting paddles to align and secure casks, allowing for gravity-assisted alignment and secure transfer of spent nuclear fuel casks between storage and processing facilities, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If current systems are used to handle casks, then casks can be handled, but significant manual labor and outdated technology are required leading to high costs and maintenance challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The cask is designed with self-aligning features where the cask's own geometry and weight enable it to automatically align with the penetration and transporter without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms. The handling mechanism uses the cask's trunnions and gravity to achieve precise positioning and alignment during transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling mechanism is designed with multi-functional capabilities that can perform multiple operations (lifting, aligning, securing, transferring) using a unified system. The same mechanism handles both the alignment and transfer operations, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If current systems are used, then casks can be transferred, but a relatively large number of single use components are required making systems expensive and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system design allows for the recovery and reuse of components. The handling mechanism and transporter are designed to be reused across multiple operations rather than being single-use components. The cask itself is designed to be reused through multiple transfer cycles, eliminating the need for numerous single-use components and reducing maintenance requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If additional storage facilities are built, then more casks can be stored, but an acceptance building is required every time making installations difficult to streamline
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be used across different storage facilities and locations. The same handling mechanism and transporter can operate in multiple facilities without requiring custom acceptance buildings or specialized infrastructure for each location, enabling streamlined installations.
4Productivity
If manual handling methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but significant man hours are required reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to perform handling operations automatically using the cask's own features (trunnions, geometry, weight) and gravity. The self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual positioning operations, and the automated transfer system reduces manual labor while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive control interfaces.
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
The system streamlines the handling and transfer of nuclear waste casks, reducing costs and maintenance needs by automating the process, enhancing safety and efficiency through precise alignment and secure sealing, while minimizing the number of components and infrastructure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for vertically moving the tool relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
raising the cask from the transporter using a handling mechanism engaging only upper trunnions of the cask so that the cask self-aligns with the penetration using gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for removing spent fuel assemblies from a fuel building and transporting them to on-site facilities. A cask transporter is moved into the fuel building with an empty spent fuel storage cask, spent fuel assemblies are loaded into spent fuel storage cask, the cask is sealed, and the cask transporter moves the loaded spent fuel storage cask to a handling area for final disposal. Components of the system include a penetration cover, a lifting mechanism, a control system, a valve system, and the cask transporter.