Debris Trap for Nuclear Fuel Bundle Orifices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Debris falling from moving fuel bundles in nuclear reactors can cause operational issues and failures by entering other bundles, necessitating a solution to prevent debris from falling into adjacent bundles during fuel bundle changes.
Innovation Solution
A debris trap system comprising a shaft with a pivot actuator and a debris capture tray, which can pivot between an insertion and capture position, featuring a conical tray cavity larger than the fuel bundle orifice, and optionally includes a vacuum port for debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fuel bundles are moved to change locations, then reactor operation flexibility is improved, but debris falls into other bundles causing operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The debris trap is positioned in advance at the bottom of the fuel bundle before debris can fall. The trap is inserted into the orifice and held in place by a retention mechanism, creating a pre-positioned barrier that intercepts debris before it can enter adjacent bundles. This preliminary positioning allows the system to proactively prevent debris contamination during fuel bundle relocations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a debris trap is inserted into the fuel bundle orifice, then debris prevention is improved, but the trap must be removed and repositioned for each bundle location change
Solution Approach 1:
The debris trap incorporates a movable retention mechanism that allows it to be dynamically inserted into and removed from the fuel bundle orifice. The trap can be quickly positioned at the bottom of a bundle, secured temporarily, and then removed when the bundle is relocated to a new position. This dynamic retention system enables rapid deployment and repositioning of the trap without requiring permanent installation or complex removal procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A debris trap catches debris falling through a fuel bundle orifice in a nuclear reactor. The debris trap includes a shaft and a debris capture tray attached to an end of the shaft. The debris capture tray includes a tray cavity sized larger than the fuel bundle orifice.