Expandable Polymer Liner for Radioactive Waste Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional steel or high-density polyethylene liners for radioactive waste disposal are inefficient due to unwieldiness, volume wastage, and inability to accommodate varying container shapes, leading to inefficiencies in transport and disposal.
Innovation Solution
An expandable disposal liner system made of polymer fabric, integrated with a steel transfer container lid, allowing the liner to fit within specific cask dimensions and expand for optimal volume utilization during disposal, while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure and safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional steel or high-density polyethylene liners are used for radioactive waste disposal, then containment strength and structural integrity are maintained, but the liners become unwieldy and waste volume is wasted when not completely filled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible polymer fabric liner instead of rigid steel or high-density polyethylene containers. This flexible liner can be collapsed when not in use and deployed only when needed, eliminating the unwieldiness of traditional rigid liners while maintaining containment strength through the flexible material's ability to conform to waste shapes and provide structural integrity during disposal operations.
2Strength
If traditional rigid liners are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but volume is wasted when liners are not completely filled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, collapsible liner system that transitions from an expanded state during waste disposal to a collapsed state for storage and transport. This dynamic behavior allows the liner to be completely collapsed when not in use, eliminating wasted volume, yet expands to provide sufficient structural integrity and containment capacity when waste is being disposed of.
3Reliability
If traditional steel or polyethylene containers are used, then containment capability is provided, but they cannot operate in a variety of container shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymer fabric liner can be configured in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different container types and waste forms. The liner's flexibility allows it to adapt to cylindrical, conical, or other container geometries, providing containment capability across a variety of container shapes while maintaining reliability through the material's inherent strength and conformability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device and method for containing hazardous waste, including a container for hazardous waste, comprising a hangable bag having an interior volume, the hangable bag being constructed at least in part of collapsible material and configured to be lifted and configured to support an interior bladder, and the interior volume being variable; and an interior bladder, the interior bladder connectable with a through port to a lid.