Induced Fluid Flow for Nuclear Coolant Deposition Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolant cleanup methods in nuclear power facilities fail to effectively remove complexed metal ions, particularly radioactive isotopes like Cobalt and Cesium, which deposit on surfaces and pose radiation exposure risks when these surfaces dry out, as these methods do not adequately address particulate deposition in reactor coolants.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that induce a fluid flow of approximately 2 meters per second to prevent the settling of particulates on surfaces, using a combination of pressurized fluid sources, local pumps, and multi-stage filters to remove contaminants, including metallic conjugates, by creating a flow that keeps metallic particulates in suspension and prevents re-deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional coolant cleanup methods are used, then filtration and demineralization are provided, but complexed metal ions and radioactive particulates are not effectively removed and deposit on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by inducing fluid flow and maintaining particulates in suspension before they can settle and deposit on surfaces. The flow induction occurs continuously during coolant operations, preventing deposition rather than addressing it after formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies hydraulic principles by using induced fluid flow through the coolant medium to keep particulates suspended. The flow field created by the hydraulic system prevents particulate settling on surfaces, directly addressing the deposition problem through fluid dynamic control.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fluid flow is induced to prevent particulate settling, then deposition is reduced, but additional equipment and energy consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flow induction system is designed to be multi-functional, serving both to prevent particulate deposition and to enhance the effectiveness of filtration and demineralization processes. The same induced flow that prevents settling also improves the efficiency of existing cleanup equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing coolant circulation infrastructure to provide flow induction, rather than requiring completely separate systems. The induced flow works with the natural coolant movement already present in the facility, reducing the need for additional independent equipment.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If filtered and chemically treated fluid is discharged against structures, then deposition prevention is enhanced, but fluid treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flow induction function with the existing filtration and chemical treatment systems. Rather than creating separate systems, the induced flow is integrated with the coolant circulation that already passes through filters and treatment equipment, combining multiple functions into a unified approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The induced fluid flow acts as an intermediary mechanism that enhances the effectiveness of filtration and chemical treatment. The flow field created serves as a mediator between the treatment equipment and the surfaces, ensuring treated fluid effectively reaches and maintains cleanliness on contacted surfaces.
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
The induced fluid flow effectively prevents the deposition of radioactive contaminants on surfaces, reducing radiation exposure and facilitating their removal through conventional scrubbing and filtering, thereby maintaining a safer operating environment.
Implementation Method 1
causing a flow around the structures. Example embodiments use a fluid source and discharge the fluid from the source against the structure in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The discharged fluid flow and ambient fluid surrounding the structure may be the same or different
Implementation Method 3
multi-stage filters to remove contaminants, including metallic conjugates, by creating a flow that keeps metallic particulates in suspension
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile apparatuses move within contaminated fluid to create fluid flows against structures that remove and prevent contaminant deposition on structure surfaces immersed in the fluid. Unsettling flows in water may exceed approximately 2 m/s for radionuclide particles and solutes found in nuclear power plants. Mobile apparatuses include pressurized liquid from a pump or pressurized source that can be chemically and thermally treated to maximize deposition removal. When spraying the pressurized liquid to create the deposition-removing flow, mobile apparatuses may be self-propelled within the fluid about an entire surface to be cleaned. Mobile apparatuses include filters keyed to remove the contaminants moved into the coolant by the flow, and by taking in ambient fluid, enable such filtering of the ambient fluid along with a larger flow volume and propulsion. Propulsion and the pressurized liquid in turn enhance intake of ambient fluid.