Hinged Liner for Nuclear Fuel Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved shipping container for nuclear fuel assemblies that can accommodate different reactor designs, is lightweight, durable, and licensable, while also facilitating easier loading and unloading of nuclear fuel components, particularly those with hexagonal contours like VVER nuclear fuel assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The design features an elongated tubular liner with hinged walls that can be easily accessed for loading and unloading, a locking mechanism using radially extending arms, and a hold-down plate for secure transport, allowing the liner to be adapted for various fuel assembly designs and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fixed wall containers are used, then structural strength is maintained, but loading and unloading access is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is segmented into fixed portions and movable portions. The movable portions can be opened to provide access to the interior for loading and unloading operations, while the fixed portions maintain structural integrity during transport. This segmentation allows the container to transition between different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure incorporates dynamic elements where wall portions can move between closed and open positions. This dynamic capability allows the container to adapt its accessibility based on operational needs (loading/unloading vs. transport), resolving the contradiction between ease of access and structural strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized containers are designed for specific fuel assembly geometries, then fit and security are optimized, but versatility across different reactor designs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with universal features that allow it to accommodate multiple fuel assembly geometries (square, hexagonal, circular) through adjustable and movable wall portions. The standardized fixed portions provide a universal base structure while movable portions can be configured to match different fuel assembly shapes, enabling single container design to serve multiple reactor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates adjustable parameters such as movable wall positions and reconfigurable internal structures that can be modified to match different fuel assembly geometries. This allows the same container base design to adapt to varying dimensional requirements of different fuel types without requiring custom manufacturing for each geometry.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used, then container weight is reduced, but structural durability and strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs composite construction combining lightweight materials (such as aluminum or composite panels) with strategic reinforcement elements. The fixed wall portions use lightweight materials to reduce overall weight, while movable portions and critical structural points incorporate reinforcement to maintain durability and strength where needed, achieving an optimized weight-strength balance.
Data Source
AI summary
An unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly component transport system that includes a clamshell-type inner liner that opens either along its axial dimension or from the top to load and unload the fuel assembly being transported. The exterior dimensions of the liner conform to a generic overpack tubular container that protects the liner from impact loads and fires.