Lance Unit Internal Stop for Radionuclide Target Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Nuclide Activation Systems in nuclear reactors are inefficient due to the need for complex dummy target systems and limited monitoring capabilities, as existing instrumentation tubes cannot optimally position irradiation targets for neutron flux and require complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A lance unit with separate nuclide activation and nuclear monitoring tubes, featuring an internal stop to position irradiation targets at optimal neutron flux areas, allowing for efficient radionuclide production without impairing monitoring capabilities and eliminating the need for magnetic dummy targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing instrumentation tubes are converted into nuclide activation tubes, then radionuclide production is enabled, but monitoring capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional tubes: dedicated nuclide activation tubes for radionuclide production and dedicated monitoring tubes for core monitoring. This segmentation allows each tube type to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between enabling radionuclide production and maintaining monitoring capabilities.
2Reliability
If instrumentation tubes cover the entire core length for monitoring, then monitoring coverage is complete, but target positioning for optimal neutron flux is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Separate activation tubes from monitoring tubes, allowing activation tubes to be positioned specifically in high neutron flux areas while monitoring tubes maintain their comprehensive core coverage. This resolves the conflict between complete monitoring coverage and optimal target positioning for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different tube types are assigned to different locations based on their functional requirements: monitoring tubes distributed throughout the core for comprehensive coverage, and activation tubes positioned in specific high-flux regions for optimal radionuclide production.
3Reliability
If dummy targets are inserted to fill lower areas, then monitoring capability is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Remove the unnecessary dummy targets from the system by providing dedicated activation tubes that are naturally positioned in high-flux areas. This extracts the problematic element (dummy targets) while maintaining the desired functionality through properly designed dedicated tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
Replace the complex dummy target system with simple, dedicated activation tubes that serve their purpose without requiring additional dummy components. The dedicated tubes are the appropriate solution for their specific function without needing supplementary elements.
4Ease of operation
If magnetic target removal system is used, then target retrieval is enabled, but magnetic targets cannot be used economically
Solution Approach 1:
Replace the complex magnetic target removal system with a simpler pneumatic or gravitational target ejection system. The dedicated activation tube design enables direct target ejection without requiring magnetic manipulation, substituting a complex mechanical-magnetic system with a simpler mechanism that improves economic efficiency.
5Adaptability or versatility
If Nuclide Activation System is connected to nuclear monitoring system, then integrated operation is achieved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating the activation system with the monitoring system for coordinated operation, the control functions are segmented into separate control units: one for monitoring and one for activation. This allows integrated operation while managing control complexity through functional segmentation.
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 effective and cost-efficient radionuclide production by optimizing target positioning within the nuclear reactor core, simplifying handling and control, and maintaining uninterrupted monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one irradiation target to be exposed to neutron flux in the nuclear reactor to form a radionuclide
Data Source
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AI summary
A lance unit (32) for usage in a nuclear reactor core (15) is described., comprising a nuclide activation system (22), a nuclear monitoring system (14), a tube system (28) and a yoke (34) holding the tube system (28), wherein the nuclear monitoring system (14) has at least one nuclear monitoring tube (16) for accommodating monitoring members (18) that monitor the nuclear reactor core (15), wherein the nuclide activation system (22) has a nuclide activation tube (24) for accommodating at least one irradiation target (26) to be exposed to neutron flux in the nuclear reactor (12) to form a radionuclide, wherein the at least one nuclear monitoring tube (16) and the nuclide activation tube (24) are part of the tube system (28), wherein the nuclide activation tube (24) has an internal stop(40) configured to stop the at least one irradiation target (26), and wherein the internal stop (40) of the nuclide activation tube (24)is located at a different height with regard to the lower end of the nuclear monitoring tube (16). Further, a nuclide activation and nuclear monitoring system(10) and a method of producing radionuclides are described.