Laser Cutting Capture Bell for Radioactive Particle Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser cutting technologies for radioactive materials like corium in nuclear facilities fail to efficiently collect secondary radioactive elements close to the cutting area, leading to potential dispersion and contamination risks due to inadequate collection systems.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a power laser with a laser irradiation head and a capture bell equipped with a blowing nozzle and exhaust system to direct and collect elements produced by cutting, ensuring efficient capture and transport of particles, dust, fumes, and aerosols, minimizing dispersion and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser cutting is used to cut radioactive materials like corium, then cutting performance and ease of remote operation are improved, but dispersion and contamination risks of secondary radioactive elements increase due to inadequate collection systems
Solution Approach 1:
A capture bell is introduced as an intermediary device between the laser cutting zone and the environment. The bell collects secondary radioactive elements (aerosols, particles, dust, fumes) generated during laser cutting of corium, preventing their dispersion while allowing the laser cutting process to continue efficiently. The bell is removably connected to the laser irradiation head, creating a controlled collection zone that mediates between the cutting operation and contamination prevention requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a capture bell is added to collect secondary elements, then contamination risks are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture bell is designed as a separable, modular component that can be removably connected to the laser irradiation head. This segmentation allows the collection system to be attached only when needed for laser cutting operations involving radioactive materials, and removed or replaced when not needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective contamination control during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A blowing nozzle is integrated into the capture bell to emit compressed air flows that actively direct secondary elements toward the exhaust opening. This pneumatic mechanism enhances collection efficiency without requiring complex mechanical moving parts or sophisticated control systems, maintaining relative simplicity while improving contaminant capture capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If compressed air flow is used to direct elements toward exhaust, then collection efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blowing nozzle is configured to emit compressed air flows at specific angles (between 45 and 90 degrees relative to the laser beam axis) and at controlled distances from the cutting zone. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective direction of secondary elements toward the exhaust with minimal compressed air consumption, balancing collection efficiency against energy usage.
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 solution effectively captures and transports up to 100% of secondary radioactive elements, reducing contamination risks and extending the lifespan of containment enclosures by minimizing dispersion and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a power laser capable of cutting the part (4), comprising a laser irradiation head (1) capable of emitting a laser beam (2)
Implementation Method 2
capable of cutting the part (4), comprising a laser irradiation head (1) capable of emitting a laser beam (2)
Implementation Method 3
a blowing means (14) arranged around the light source and the optical module and capable of emitting a flow of compressed air via a blowing nozzle towards a point of impact of the laser beam on the part (4)
Implementation Method 4
said bell comprising a) a hollow part (5) comprising an exhaust (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for capturing and transporting elements produced when cutting a workpiece (4) using a power laser, said workpiece notably comprising radioactive elements, the device comprising a power laser able to cut the workpiece, comprising a laser-irradiation head (1) emitting a laser beam (2), and a stream of flushing air (3) and a bell for collecting the elements produced by the cutting operation which is connected removably to the laser-irradiation head (1), said bell comprising a) a hollowed part (5) comprising a discharge (7) and b) a blowing nozzle (6) able to emit a stream (8) of compressed air aimed towards the discharge (7) of the hollowed part (5). The invention also relates to a method for the laser cutting of a workpiece (4) and for collecting the elements produced during the cutting of the workpiece by implementing said device.