Lead-Cast Metal Reinforcement for Nuclear Transport Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging for nuclear fuel assemblies using lead or its alloys for radiological protection lacks mechanical resistance, leading to plastic deformations and gamma ray leakage during transport, particularly under free fall conditions and elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcing metal armature embedded with a lead block, where the metal frame is cast over its length and equipped with retaining elements to prevent relative movement, enhancing mechanical connection and stability, thereby preventing longitudinal discontinuities and gamma radiation leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lead or its alloys are used for radiological protection, then protection against gamma rays is satisfactory, but mechanical resistance is mediocre
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining lead (for radiological protection) with a metal reinforcement structure (for mechanical strength). The lead is cast onto the metal reinforcement, creating a composite structure that integrates the protective function of lead with the mechanical strength of metal, thereby resolving the contradiction between gamma ray protection and mechanical resistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If prefabricated lead elements are used, then radiological protection is provided, but significant plastic deformations occur during free fall tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating lead with a metal reinforcement structure. The metal reinforcement provides structural integrity and resistance to plastic deformation during free fall tests, while the lead maintains the gamma ray barrier function. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between providing radiological protection and maintaining reliability under mechanical stress.
3Temperature
If lead elements are subjected to high temperatures during transport, then normal transport conditions are met, but settling occurs creating empty spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining lead with a metal reinforcement structure. The metal reinforcement acts as a stable framework that maintains structural integrity at high temperatures, preventing the lead from settling and creating empty spaces. This resolves the contradiction between tolerating transport temperatures and maintaining structural stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If empty spaces form between lead elements, then longitudinal discontinuities appear, but gamma ray leakage is prevented by the invention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where the metal reinforcement structure provides continuous structural support to the lead. This framework prevents the formation of empty spaces and longitudinal discontinuities that would otherwise lead to gamma ray leakage. The composite structure ensures both continuity of radiological protection and prevention of harmful radiation leakage.
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 significantly enhances the mechanical resistance and integrity of the radiological protection device, preventing gamma ray leakage and ensuring compliance with regulatory criteria during transport and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the invention relates to packaging for the transport and/or storage of nuclear materials, of the type comprising a radiological protection device made from lead or one of its alloys, in order to form an effective barrier against gamma rays
Implementation Method 2
each prefabricated element in lead or in one of its alloys is likely to undergo significant plastic deformations during the regulatory tests known as free fall tests on an undeformable target
Implementation Method 3
a radiological protection structure comprising at least one reinforcing metal armature extending in said longitudinal direction and married by a block made of lead or one of its alloys, cast on said reinforcing metal frame
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container for transporting and/or storing nuclear materials, comprising a lateral body extending along a longitudinal direction (X), this body being equipped with a radiological shield. According to the invention, the radiological shield comprises at least one radiological shielding structure (26) comprising at least one metal reinforcement (30) extending along the direction (X) and married by a block (32) made of lead or one of its alloys, which block is cast onto the reinforcement, the latter being equipped with at least one element (34) for retaining the cast block, along the direction (X). Furthermore, the reinforcement (30) is embedded in the cast block (32) over at least part of its length along this direction (X).