Modular Hazardous Waste Cells Using Pressure Differentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for storing hazardous waste, particularly nuclear waste, face challenges in effectively confining and controlling contamination, as they often require complex mechanical systems and generate secondary waste during processing, which complicates handling and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modularized system with isolated cells, each maintained at different pressures, allows for the processing and storage of hazardous waste through a series of steps including filling, baking, hot isostatic pressing, and cooling, using a container designed for vacuum operation and sealed with orbital welding to minimize contamination and secondary waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex mechanical systems are used to handle hazardous waste, then processing capability is improved, but system complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple isolated cells (first cell, second cell, third cell, etc.), each performing a specific function in the hazardous waste processing sequence. This segmentation allows complex processing to be achieved through simple, modular units that can be independently maintained and operated, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high processing capability.
2Productivity
If mechanical handling systems are used, then processing efficiency is improved, but secondary waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each cell is maintained at a negative pressure relative to adjacent cells, creating an inert environment that prevents contamination spread and eliminates the need for complex mechanical cleaning systems. This pressure differential approach enables efficient processing while minimizing secondary waste generation from mechanical handling and cleaning operations.
3Reliability
If cells are isolated from each other, then contamination control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation between cells is achieved through a simple pressure differential system where each cell is maintained at a negative pressure relative to its neighbors. This pneumatic approach provides effective contamination control without requiring complex mechanical barriers or interlocking mechanisms, thereby maintaining low system complexity while ensuring high reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple processing steps are performed in sequence, then waste processing quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sequential processing steps (filling, baking, hot isostatic pressing, cooling) are arranged in a continuous flow through multiple cells operated in parallel. While each individual container undergoes sequential processing, the system as a whole maintains continuous operation with no idle time between steps, as the next container can enter the first cell while the previous container progresses through subsequent cells, thereby maintaining high processing quality without excessive processing time.
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 modular system effectively contains and processes hazardous waste, reducing contamination risks and minimizing secondary waste generation by maintaining a sealed environment throughout the processing stages, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the first cell held at a first pressure and the second cell held at a second pressure, the first pressure being less than the second pressure
Implementation Method 2
sealed with orbital welding to minimize contamination and secondary waste
Implementation Method 3
hot isostatic pressing, and cooling
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modularized system for processing, storing and/or disposing of a hazardous waste material is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the modularized system includes a container configured to sealingly contain hazardous waste material; a first cell, the first cell comprising a first area for manipulating the container; and a second cell, the second cell comprising a second area for manipulating the container, the second cell being isolated from the first cell, the first cell held at a first pressure and the second cell held at a second pressure, the first pressure being less than the second pressure. The first cell can include a filling station and the filling station can include (a) a blender configured to mix the hazardous waste material with additives; (b) a hopper coupled to the blender; and (c) a fill nozzle coupled to the hopper and configured to transfer the hazardous waste material and additive mixture into the container. The filling station may further include an off-gas sub-system having a vacuum nozzle configured to couple to the container. The second cell can include a baking and sealing station configured to seal a filling port of the container. The baking and sealing station can include a welding station, a bake-out furnace and an off-gas system having a vacuum nozzle configured to couple to the container. The system may include a third cell and a fourth cell, the third cell being isolated from the first cell and the second cell, the second cell and third cell configured to allow the container to be transferred from the second cell to the third cell. The fourth cell being isolated from the first cell, the second cell and the third cell, the third cell and fourth cell configured to allow the container to be transferred from the third cell to the fourth cell.