Radioactive Debris Trap Settling Chamber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current debris trapping devices in nuclear power plants are inadequate in removing a high concentration of fine particles and metal chips from the primary heat transport system without disrupting the primary flow, and there is a need for a simple yet effective solution that can be installed in any steam generator.
Innovation Solution
A radioactive debris trap made entirely of metal, featuring an outer and inner cylinder with small holes at the top and a settling chamber, designed to allow debris to settle due to gravitational force exceeding the upward drag force, with a mechanism for secure attachment and remote removal to minimize radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If debris trapping devices are installed to remove fine particles and metal chips from the primary heat transport system, then debris removal capability is improved, but the primary flow may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The debris trap is divided into multiple sections: an inlet section, a settling chamber with debris removal holes, and an outlet section. This segmentation allows the trap to capture debris while maintaining separate flow paths, preventing disruption to the main primary coolant flow through the steam generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The debris trap acts as an intermediary device installed in the primary outlet plenum, intercepting debris particles before they can cause damage downstream. The trap uses a settling chamber with controlled holes to allow debris to be removed while the primary flow continues uninterrupted through the steam generator.
2Reliability
If a debris trap is designed to capture high concentration of debris particles, then debris removal efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris trap utilizes the natural settling of debris particles in the primary coolant flow. The trap structure includes a settling chamber where debris automatically settles and is removed through holes, without requiring external power sources, moving parts, or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism maintains high debris capture efficiency while keeping the device结构简单.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the debris trap is designed for easy removal to minimize radiation exposure, then operational safety is improved, but the attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The debris trap employs a dynamic attachment system with removable support brackets that can be securely fastened during operation and easily removed when needed. The brackets are designed to maintain strong attachment security during normal operation while allowing for safe removal by robotic systems to minimize radiation exposure to personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual handling mechanisms with robotic removal systems. The debris trap includes attachment brackets that can be securely mounted during operation but are designed to be removed by robotic systems, eliminating the need for personnel to directly handle the radioactive debris trap and minimizing radiation exposure.
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
Effectively captures a higher concentration of debris particles without disrupting the primary flow, ensuring secure installation, easy removal, and efficient particle retention, with the ability to be installed in any steam generator, reducing operational issues and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of holes are sized to ensure that the gravitational force exerted on the debris entrained in the primary flow is larger than the upward drag force exerted on that debris by the flow itself
Implementation Method 2
the upward drag force exerted on that debris by the flow itself
Data Source
AI summary
A radioactive debris trap to be installed in a steam generator for removing debris in the primary flow of a nuclear power plant's primary heat transport system. The debris trap includes an outer cylinder and a coaxial inner cylinder both having a top end and a bottom end. A top plate connects the top ends of the outer and inner cylinders. A bottom plate which encloses the trap is connected to the bottom end of the outer cylinder. There is a gap between the bottom end of the inner cylinder and the bottom plate through which primary flow enters a settling chamber located in an annular gap between the outer and inner cylinders. Several small holes are located at the top end of the outer cylinder through which liquid exits the debris trap. A means for fixedly connecting the debris trap to the steam generator is provided on the outer surface of the outer cylinder. Also included is a means for removing the radioactive debris trap from the steam generator without exposing personnel to excessive radiation.