Multi-Detector Array for Surface Contamination Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for detecting surface contamination on elongated objects, such as pipes and rods, face challenges with measurement accuracy, especially on objects with small diameters, due to poor geometry and limited detection areas, and lack the ability to save and communicate measurement results, which are essential for regulatory compliance in nuclear power plant dismantling.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with multiple detectors arranged around the object, adjustable to different diameters, and connected to measurement electronics and data processing systems, allowing for automatic detection and storage of results, and integration into a communication network for regulatory compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional handheld contamination measuring devices are used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to poor measurement geometry on curved surfaces and small diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into multiple independent detectors arranged in a linear array, each capable of measuring a specific sector of the pipe circumference. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complete surface coverage while maintaining simple individual detector designs, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point simultaneous measurement by arranging detectors in a linear array across the pipe circumference. This dimensional expansion from one detector to multiple detectors enables complete surface coverage and improved measurement precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple detectors are arranged to cover the entire pipe surface, then measurement completeness improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear array detector design enables a single device configuration to measure complete pipe surfaces regardless of diameter size. The same detector array can be used for small-diameter pipes and large-diameter pipes by adjusting only the distance from the pipe surface, providing universal applicability that improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability to different pipe diameters by changing the distance parameter between the detector array and the pipe surface, rather than redesigning the detector arrangement. This parameter adjustment allows complete surface coverage for various diameters while maintaining a fixed, simple detector configuration.
3Productivity
If manual measurement methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but productivity and measurement time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The linear array of detectors enables continuous measurement along the pipe circumference, eliminating the need for sequential point-by-point measurements. Multiple detectors operate simultaneously to capture radiation levels across the entire pipe surface, dramatically improving productivity and reducing measurement time.
4Loss of information
If analog contamination measuring devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but information storage and communication capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces analog mechanical measurement devices with an electronic digital system. The detector array outputs electronic signals that can be directly stored, processed, and transmitted, eliminating information loss while adding only moderate electronic complexity to the otherwise simple mechanical structure.
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 accurate and efficient detection of surface contamination on objects of various diameters, reducing measurement time and personnel effort, while ensuring reliable results and automated documentation for regulatory approval.
Implementation Method 1
at least four detectors (24) are arranged around an elongated object (10) at a predetermined distance (14) to detect ionizing radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a test device (16) for detecting surface contamination on elongated objects (10) with a prismatic cross-section, wherein the elongated object (10) is movable in the direction of its longitudinal extent through the test device (16). The test device (16) comprises at least two detectors (24) for detecting the surface contamination, which are arranged on the circumference of the elongated object (10) and at an equal distance (14) from the elongated object (10), wherein the elongated object (10) is rotatable in the circumferential direction through the test device (16).