Emergency Pneumatic Supply System for Nuclear Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumatic supply systems in nuclear power plants require extensive piping, isolation devices, and complex valving configurations, leading to increased installation and maintenance time and potential exposure to radioactivity, necessitating a more compact and remotely operable emergency pneumatic source within containment areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact emergency pneumatic supply system comprising a hermetically sealed pressure vessel, solenoid coil, core, and control system, where the core punctures a seal to release pneumatic fluid for actuating devices within containment, allowing for remote operation and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive piping and isolation devices are used in current pneumatic supply systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pneumatic supply function and isolation function into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body incorporates both the pneumatic supply port and isolation port, eliminating the need for separate piping and isolation devices. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining system reliability through the integrated design that provides both functions in one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a pneumatic supply valve and an isolation valve. The single device can control pneumatic fluid supply to the actuator while also providing isolation capability, making it a multi-functional component that replaces multiple separate devices in traditional systems.
2Reliability
If extensive piping and valving configurations are used, then system reliability is improved, but installation and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pneumatic supply and isolation functions into one valve assembly, the number of components to be installed and maintained is significantly reduced. The integrated design requires fewer connection points and less complex routing, directly reducing installation time while maintaining reliability through the combined functionality.
3Reliability
If longer installation and maintenance time is required, then system reliability can be maintained, but operator exposure to radioactivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly reduces the time operators must spend in radioactive environments during installation and maintenance. By combining multiple functions into one device, the overall task duration is shortened, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining system reliability through the robust integrated design.
4Reliability
If accumulators and excessive valving configurations are used, then pneumatic fluid loss prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly integrates the pneumatic supply control and isolation functions, eliminating the need for separate accumulators and multiple valving configurations. The integrated design provides equivalent or superior fluid loss prevention while reducing device complexity by consolidating functions into a single component.
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 system provides a nearly radiation-proof and leak-proof emergency pneumatic fluid supply, reducing installation and maintenance time while minimizing operator exposure to radioactivity and requiring fewer components compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating device for moving the instrument
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention takes the form of an apparatus or system that provides an alternate source of the pneumatic fluid to a system inside containment of a nuclear powerplant. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a nearly radiation-proof and nearly leak-proof, pneumatic fluid supply for some systems of the nuclear powerplant. These systems may include, but is not limited to, actuators, valves, and the like. An embodiment of the present invention may comprise a device that may propel an object with a sufficient force to puncture a seal of a pressure vessel. The released pneumatic fluid may be ported to an actuator, valve, or the like, for immediate operation of a system of the nuclear powerplant. Alternately, in an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic fluid may be used to resupply a depleted accumulator, or the like.