Nuclear Fuel Assembly Position Verification Using Optical Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During nuclear reactor core loading and unloading, there is a risk of nuclear fuel assemblies becoming attached to the upper core plate due to misalignment of S-shaped holes and centering pins, which can cause issues during reactor shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling the positions of nuclear fuel assemblies relative to the upper core plate by choosing a reference point, determining the positions of S-shaped holes and centering pins, and comparing these positions to ensure correct alignment, using image capturing and computational methods to assess distances between holes and pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the upper core plate is extracted without verifying the alignment of S-shaped holes and centering pins, then the unloading process is faster, but the risk of fuel assemblies becoming attached to the upper core plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by verifying the alignment between S-shaped holes and centering pins before extracting the upper core plate. The method involves capturing images of the fuel assemblies, determining the positions of S-shaped holes, comparing them with the known positions of centering pins, and confirming proper alignment before the extraction operation. This preliminary verification prevents fuel assemblies from becoming attached to the upper core plate during unloading.
2Manufacturing precision
If the positions of all fuel assemblies are manually verified before upper core plate installation, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the time required for core loading operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification with an automated optical measurement system. A digital imaging device captures images of the fuel assemblies, and a computer processing system automatically determines the positions of S-shaped holes, compares them with the known positions of centering pins, and verifies alignment. This substitution of mechanical manual inspection with optical-digital automation significantly reduces the time required for positioning verification while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital representation (image) of the fuel assembly positions and comparing it with the known theoretical positions of centering pins. The imaging device creates a visual copy of the actual positions, which is then processed by the computer to verify alignment. This copying approach enables rapid automated verification without physical measurement tools.
3Reliability
If a detailed verification method is implemented to ensure proper alignment, then the reliability of the positioning is improved, but the complexity of the control process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a multi-functional integrated system that combines digital imaging, automatic image processing, coordinate determination, and alignment verification in a single control process. The imaging device serves multiple purposes: capturing images, determining positions of S-shaped holes, and providing visual records. The computer processing system performs multiple functions: processing images, calculating positions, comparing with theoretical positions, and determining alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate verification devices and simplifies the overall control process while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the positions of a plurality of nuclear fuel assemblies (1) relative to an upper core plate (3) in a nuclear reactor core, the method including the following steps:choosing a reference point (13) in internals or in a reactor vessel;determining the positions of S-shaped holes of the nuclear fuel assemblies (1) relative to the reference point (13), each S-shaped hole being intended to cooperate with a corresponding centering pin of the upper core plate (3);acquiring the positions of the centering pins of the upper core plate (3) relative to the reference point (13); andcomparing the positions of the S-shaped holes and the positions of the pins and deducing therefrom whether the nuclear fuel assemblies (1) are correctly positioned relative to the upper core plate (3).