In-Plane Supporting Force Inspection for Steam Generator U-Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supporting force measurement devices in steam generators primarily measure the supporting force of vibration suppression members in directions orthogonal to the in-plane direction, failing to accurately assess the force in the direction along the curvature circle of the U bend portions of heat transfer tubes.
Innovation Solution
A supporting force inspection device that includes a vibration force generation part to vibrate the heat transfer tubes along the plane of the curvature circle, coupled with an acceleration sensor to detect the vibration state, allowing for precise measurement of the supporting force of vibration suppression members in the in-plane direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a supporting force measurement device measures the supporting force of vibration suppression members in directions orthogonal to the in-plane direction, then the measurement can be performed with conventional methods, but the supporting force in the in-plane direction cannot be accurately assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new measurement dimension by using an acceleration sensor to detect vibration acceleration in the in-plane direction (along the curvature circle of the U bend), complementing the conventional orthogonal direction measurements. This dimensional addition enables comprehensive three-dimensional supporting force assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by generating controlled vibrations in the heat transfer tube along the in-plane direction and using an acceleration sensor to detect the vibration acceleration. The supporting force is then calculated from the detected vibration characteristics, enabling indirect measurement of the in-plane supporting force.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the heat transfer tubes are allowed to be movable in the in-plane direction to accommodate thermal expansion, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but clearance may be formed between the heat transfer tubes and anti-vibration members due to production errors, assembly errors, wear and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controlled mechanical vibration to actively probe the clearance between the heat transfer tube and anti-vibration members. By generating vibrations and analyzing the acceleration response, the system can detect and quantify the clearance that forms due to thermal expansion, wear, and assembly errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the acceleration sensor to detect vibration characteristics and calculating the supporting force based on the detected signals. This feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring of the clearance and supporting force, allowing for assessment of vibration suppression effectiveness under varying operating conditions.
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
Enables accurate inspection of the supporting force of vibration suppression members interposed between the U bend portions of heat transfer tubes, improving the assessment of anti-vibration effectiveness and reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor to detect the vibration state
Implementation Method 2
a vibration force generation part to vibrate the heat transfer tubes along the plane of the curvature circle
Data Source
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AI summary
A supporting force inspection device for inspecting a supporting force of a vibration suppression member interposed between bend portions of a plurality of heat transfer tubes of a steam generator includes: an acceleration sensor for detecting a vibration state of the bend portion; a sensor holding part disposed inside the heat transfer tube and configured to hold the acceleration sensor; and a vibration force generation part configured to generate a vibration force for vibrating the heat transfer tube along a plane in which a curvature circle of the bend portion exists. The vibration force generation part is configured to cooperate with the sensor holding part and vibrate the heat transfer tube along the plane in which the curvature circle exists.