Electromagnetic Capsule Removal Device for Nuclear Rodlets

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Solution Overview

Problem

The removal of irradiated burnable absorber capsules from nuclear reactor rodlets is challenging due to forces such as corrosion, friction, gravity, and backpressure, which can cause capsules to become stuck or lodged within the rodlets.

Innovation Solution

A ferromagnetic capsule removal device is used, which locks onto the BA capsule using an electromagnetic flux and moves it along a longitudinal axis, overcoming the forces acting on the capsule and allowing for controlled extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical removal methods are used, then the structure is simple, but the capsules become stuck due to corrosion, friction, gravity, and backpressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule removal reliabilityVSAvoidremoval device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical removal systems with an electromagnetic-based system. A solenoid generates an electromagnetic flux that magnetizes the ferromagnetic BA capsule, creating magnetic attraction forces that overcome corrosion, friction, gravity, and backpressure to reliably extract the capsule from the rodlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the BA capsule by inducing magnetization through the solenoid's electromagnetic flux. This parameter change (from non-magnetic to magnetized state) enables the capsule to be attracted and pulled out by the magnetic force, overcoming the forces that cause it to become stuck.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If electromagnetic flux is applied to lock the capsule, then the capsule can be moved against resisting forces, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextracting forceVSAvoidremoval device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical gripping or pulling mechanisms with a solenoid that generates electromagnetic flux. This substitution provides a more reliable way to generate the necessary extracting force to overcome corrosion, friction, gravity, and backpressure without the complexity of mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic property of the BA capsule by inducing magnetization through the solenoid. This parameter change enables the capsule to interact with the electromagnetic field, allowing the system to exert control forces on the capsule without complex mechanical contact mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the capsule is removed from the rodlet, then the Co-60 can be recycled, but the capsule may become lodged during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule removal efficiencyVSAvoidcapsule extraction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical removal methods that may fail due to friction and corrosion with an electromagnetic pulling system. The solenoid-induced magnetic force acts on the ferromagnetic capsule to pull it out of the rodlet, providing a more reliable extraction method that overcomes the forces causing capsules to become lodged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic state of the capsule during the removal process. By inducing magnetization through the solenoid's electromagnetic flux, the capsule becomes responsive to magnetic forces that can reliably pull it from the rodlet, ensuring successful removal and enabling Co-60 recycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device effectively removes irradiated burnable absorber capsules from rodlets, ensuring safe and controlled extraction even in the presence of significant forces, thereby facilitating the recycling of radioactive Co-60 capsules.

Implementation Method 1

a solenoid positioned around the capsule removal tunnel and configured to electrically induce an electromagnetic flux in a BA capsule comprising a ferromagnetic material, wherein the electromagnetic flux locks the ferromagnetic BA capsule to the BA capsule removal module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic flux: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

BA capsule comprising a ferromagnetic material, wherein the electromagnetic flux locks the ferromagnetic BA capsule to the BA capsule removal module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250095873A1Method of magnetically removing an irradiated capsule from a burnable absorber rodlet

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for removing irradiated Co-60 capsules from a plurality of burnable absorber rodlets. The apparatus comprises a solenoid that induces an electromagnetic flux into a Co-60 capsule and locks the Co-60 capsule in parallel with the apparatus. The apparatus is slideable along a longitudinal axis of the burnable absorber rodlet and causes the Co-60 capsule to overcome a plurality of forces exerted on it.