Concrete Drum Liquid Extraction Without Damaging Waste Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system to safely and effectively remove liquid waste that has leaked and remains in concrete drums storing concentrated radioactive waste, which poses potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A liquid waste removal system comprising a fixed support, transfer pipe, and crane for securing and draining the concrete drum, along with a drilling, filtering, and waste collection system to extract and separate liquid waste while preventing damage to the containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a transfer pipe is inserted into the concrete drum to remove liquid waste, then liquid waste can be discharged effectively, but the container inside the drum may be damaged during the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid waste discharge efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer pipe is inserted through the concrete drum wall without penetrating the container, utilizing the space between the drum and container. The pipe navigates through the annular space or leaks paths without直接接触 the container, allowing waste removal while preserving container integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The concrete drum itself serves as an intermediary structure that allows the transfer pipe to access liquid waste without directly contacting the container. The pipe exploits existing leakage paths or spaces within the drum-container system, using the drum structure as a protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the concrete drum is fixed securely to prevent movement, then safety is improved, but the drum cannot be tilted for effective liquid waste drainage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrum stabilityVSAvoiddrum tilting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system transitions from a static fixed state during insertion to a dynamic tilted state during drainage. The drum can be securely held in a horizontal position for safe pipe insertion, then tilted to an angled position for effective gravity-driven waste drainage, optimizing both safety and operational efficiency at different stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drum undergoes periodic position changes: first held fixed in a stable position for insertion operations, then tilted for drainage, and finally returned to a stable position. This periodic adjustment of the drum's orientation optimizes both safety during insertion and drainage efficiency during removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 removes liquid waste from concrete drums, ensuring safety by preventing container damage and minimizing leakage, allowing for safe handling and processing of radioactive waste.

Implementation Method 1

a filtering part, which is connected to the drilling part and filters the liquid waste and solid waste within the concrete drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a transfer pipe penetrating one side of the concrete drum and discharging the liquid waste out of the concrete drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4654218A1Radioactive liquid waste removal system
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO LTD
  • EP4654218A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4654218A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4654218A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A liquid waste removal system for removing liquid waste remaining within a concrete drum that houses a container filled with concentrated waste liquid is disclosed. A liquid waste removal system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is for removing liquid waste remaining inside a concrete drum that houses a container filled with radioactive waste, includes: a fixed support supporting and fixing the concrete drum; and a transfer pipe penetrating one side of the concrete drum and discharging the liquid waste out of the concrete drum.