Horizontal Canister Gas Leakage Detection via Temperature Difference Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting gas leakage in horizontally-installed canisters, used for storing radioactive waste, lack effective solutions as existing technologies are based on vertically-installed canisters and do not account for the unique temperature changes associated with horizontal silo storage, making it difficult to monitor helium leakage accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor temperature differences between specific points on the surface of a horizontally-installed canister, including the bottom, side surface lower, lid, and side surface upper portions, to detect gas leakage by identifying changes in temperature differences, utilizing multiple sensors to determine the occurrence of inert gas leakage based on established threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature monitoring methods from vertical concrete casks are applied to horizontal silo storage, then detection capability is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to different temperature distribution characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific monitoring points (bottom portion, lid portion, and side surface portions) that are most sensitive to temperature changes during gas leakage. Each point is strategically positioned to detect localized thermal effects, improving measurement precision while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the monitoring parameters from simple temperature readings to temperature differences between specific points. By calculating temperature differences (e.g., between bottom and lid portions), the system adapts to the horizontal configuration and improves detection accuracy for inert gas leakage.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are deployed to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the canister surface into four distinct monitoring regions (bottom portion, lid portion, side surface lower portion, side surface upper portion). Each region has specific sensors positioned to detect localized temperature changes, allowing precise measurement while keeping the sensor placement systematic and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor normal operational temperature distribution, detect gas leakage through temperature differences, and provide data for safety assessments. This multi-functionality justifies the sensor deployment without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
This approach allows for accurate detection of helium leakage by identifying temperature changes across the canister's surface, enhancing the sensitivity and responsiveness of gas leakage detection, ensuring reliable monitoring of pressure changes within the canister.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring at least two temperatures out of a temperature TB at a canister bottom portion, a temperature TSB at a canister side surface lower portion, a temperature TT at a canister lid portion, and a temperature TST at a canister side surface upper portion
Data Source
AI summary
In a canister horizontally installed and housed inside a concrete silo, at least two temperatures out of a temperature TB at a canister bottom portion to be one end portion in a lateral direction in a horizontally-installed attitude, a temperature TSB at a canister side surface lower portion located below a horizontal plane passing through a center of the canister, a temperature TT at a canister lid portion to be the other end portion in the lateral direction, and a temperature TST at a canister side surface upper portion located above the horizontal plane passing through the center of the canister are monitored, and occurrence of leakage of an inert gas inside the canister is detected when there is a change in a temperature difference between the at least two temperatures.