Radioactive Material Cask Void Layer Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment casks for radioactive materials face inefficiencies in manufacturing time and cost due to the need for homogenization treatment, which is labor-intensive and often ineffective in preventing void layers that reduce heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
Filling void layers formed between the inner and intermediate shells with a low melting point metal, eliminating or reducing the need for homogenization treatment, thereby enhancing heat dissipation and reducing manufacturing time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If homogenization treatment is performed to prevent void layer formation, then adhesion between lead layer and steel shells is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex homogenization treatment process (multiple heating, cooling, and manual steps) while maintaining adhesion quality through a simplified pouring process that forms void layers naturally, then fills them separately with low-melting-point metal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adhesion problem into two separate functions: (1) the lead layer provides gamma ray shielding, and (2) void layers are filled with low-melting-point metal to ensure thermal conduction and adhesion, eliminating the need for complex homogenization treatment
2Temperature
If homogenization treatment is performed to prevent void layers, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex homogenization treatment process and replaces it with a simpler two-step process: pouring lead to form void layers, then filling those void layers with low-melting-point metal, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining heat dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter by using low-melting-point metal that melts at lower temperatures than the lead pouring process, allowing the void layers to be filled after lead solidifies, simplifying the overall thermal management process
3Ease of manufacture
If void layers are left unfilled, then manufacturing process is simpler, but heat dissipation is significantly reduced and internal temperature exceeds allowable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces low-melting-point metal as an intermediary substance that fills the void layers between the lead layer and steel shells, providing thermal conduction pathways without requiring complex manufacturing processes or high-temperature treatments
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 use of low melting point metals in void layers improves heat dissipation, prevents temperature rises, and simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating or reducing the scope of homogenization treatment, leading to safer and more cost-effective cask production.
Implementation Method 1
a low melting point metal which improves heat dissipation by filling void layers formed between the inner shell and the solidified lead
Implementation Method 2
lead solidified from a molten lead poured between the inner shell and the intermediate shell to serve as a gamma ray shielding material
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a containment cask for storage or transport of radioactive material, without employing a homogenization treatment. Pouring a molten lead between an inner shell 2 and an intermediate shell 3 to serve as a gamma ray shielding material, allowing the lead to cool, and subsequently, filling either one or both of a first void layer 9a formed at a boundary between the inner shell 2 and the poured lead 5a or a second void layer 9b formed at a boundary between the intermediate shell 3 and the poured lead 5a, using a low melting point metal 10 in a closely adhering state. To provide the cask 1 with a good heat-dissipating effect, by filling the void layers 9a, 9b that prevent the cask 1 from dissipating heat, with the low melting point metal 10 that has a superb thermal conductivity.