Compression Sleeve for BWR Jet Pump Sensing Line Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
BWR jet pump sensing lines are prone to premature failure due to flow-induced vibration and radiation exposure, leading to inaccurate flow rate measurements and requiring lengthy and costly replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A compression sleeve with tapered ends and a mechanical coupling assembly is used to repair jet pump sensing lines, providing a seal and maintaining structural integrity despite deformation, fabricated from materials resistant to radiation and vibration, such as 99% heat-annealed Nickel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If jet pump sensing lines are welded or integrally coupled with the diffuser, then the sensing line is securely attached, but it becomes subject to flow-induced vibration and radiation degradation causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing line is divided into segments that can be independently replaced. Instead of replacing the entire sensing line, only the failed segment is removed and replaced with a new segment using the compression sleeve coupling mechanism, maintaining attachment strength while improving reliability through targeted replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression sleeve is made from material with different physical properties than the original sensing line, specifically designed to resist radiation-induced brittleness and maintain elasticity under radiation exposure. This parameter change in material properties allows the coupling to maintain strength while resisting the degradation that causes failure.
2Reliability
If the entire sensing line is replaced, then reliability is restored, but maintenance time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing line is segmented into replaceable portions. When failure occurs, only the failed segment is removed and replaced using the compression sleeve mechanism, rather than replacing the entire sensing line. This segmentation dramatically reduces maintenance time and cost while restoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire sensing line upon failure, the invention allows recovery and reuse of the intact portions of the sensing line. Only the failed segment is discarded and replaced, minimizing material waste and reducing maintenance time and cost.
3Reliability
If compression sleeve material is made highly resistant to radiation, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression sleeve is made from a composite or specially alloyed material that combines radiation resistance with manufacturability. The material is designed to maintain its properties under radiation exposure while still being workable during manufacturing, balancing durability with ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the compression sleeve are specifically adjusted through controlled manufacturing processes to achieve the desired radiation resistance. By controlling parameters such as grain structure, alloy composition, and heat treatment, the material achieves durability under radiation while remaining manufacturable.
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 solution enables effective and accurate measurement of core flow rates by preventing premature failure of jet pump sensing lines, reducing maintenance costs and extending operational cycles without the need for full line replacement.
Implementation Method 1
shaped ends to accommodate deformation and flow of the sleeve so as to form a seal between jet pump sensing line components
Implementation Method 2
fabricated from materials resistant to radiation and vibration, such as 99% heat-annealed Nickel
Data Source
AI summary
A compression sleeve for use in BWR jet pump sensing line repairs is configured to maintain its physical characteristics in an operating nuclear reactor environment. The sleeve includes shaped ends to accommodate deformation and flow of the sleeve so as to form a seal between jet pump sensing line components. A mechanical coupling assembly for repairing a jet pump sensing line is configured to include the compression sleeve.