Modular Nuclear Water Purification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contaminants in water at nuclear power plants, such as PWR, BWR, and CANDU, cause clarity issues, increase radiation exposure, and reduce equipment reliability, making maintenance and waste management challenging.
Innovation Solution
A modular water purification system comprising interconnected modules, including a pump module, FOSAR module, particulate filtration module, demineralization module, degasification module, and cross-flow filtration module, designed to efficiently remove contaminants like activated corrosion products, silica, gases, and particulates, while managing radioactive waste effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional water purification systems are used in nuclear power plants, then contaminants can be removed from water, but the systems are complex, difficult to handle and store, and challenge radioactive waste management
Solution Approach 1:
The purification system is divided into separate modular components (pump module, FOSAR module, filtration modules, demineralization modules, degasification modules) that can be independently handled, stored, and assembled. Each module performs a specific purification function, allowing the complex purification task to be distributed across manageable units that fit within standard fuel pool racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular purification system is designed to be universally applicable across different nuclear power plant configurations and purification needs. The same basic module types can be combined in various arrangements to address different contaminant types and purification requirements, making the system adaptable to PWR, BWR, and CANDU reactors as well as different spent fuel pool configurations.
2Reliability
If traditional purification equipment is used, then water contamination can be addressed, but it increases radiation exposure to workers during maintenance activities
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the purification system into separate modules, workers can perform maintenance on individual modules rather than dealing with large complex systems. Modules can be removed, serviced, and replaced with minimal worker intervention in high-radiation areas, reducing cumulative radiation exposure during maintenance activities.
3Reliability
If conventional purification systems are deployed, then water quality can be improved, but equipment reliability decreases due to foreign objects and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple specialized filtration modules (FOSAR for large particles, particulate filtration for smaller particles) rather than a single complex filtration system. This segmented approach improves foreign object removal effectiveness while keeping each module's internal design relatively simple and standardized.
4Ease of operation
If modular purification modules are used, then the system becomes easier to handle and store, but requires multiple interconnected components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modules that can be individually handled and stored in fuel pool racks when not in use. This segmentation improves operability by allowing modules to be moved and assembled using existing fuel handling equipment, reducing the need for specialized heavy lifting equipment and simplifying logistics.
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 system reduces radiation exposure, improves water clarity and equipment reliability, and enhances safety by effectively removing contaminants, thereby simplifying maintenance and waste management in nuclear power plants.
Implementation Method 1
a FOSAR module configured to trap objects larger than 2.5 mm in diameter in a receptacle of the FOSAR module
Implementation Method 2
a particulate filtration module with filter media that is configured to trap particulates from a flow of fluid through the particulate filtration module
Implementation Method 3
an electrocoagulation module configured to be positioned upstream from the particulate filtration module so as to coagulate contaminants flowing through the electrocoagulation module before reaching the particulate filtration module
Implementation Method 4
a demineralization module that includes resin and is configured to trap ionic corrosion products from a flow of fluid through the demineralization module
Implementation Method 5
a cross-flow filtration module that is configured to separate a fluid flow through the cross-flow filtration module into (1) a relatively cleaner flow of water that exits the cross-flow filtration module via a first outlet, and (2) a relatively dirtier flow that exits the cross-flow filtration module via a second outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A modular water purification system for a nuclear power plant includes a plurality of modules that may be selectively connected together directly or through the use of intermediary adapters in a plurality of arrangements. The modules may include a pump module, a FOSAR module, a particulate filtration module, a cross-flow filtration module, a degasification module, and/or a demineralization module, among other possible modules. The modules may have common interfaces so that they can be interconnected (directly or through intermediary adapters) in a variety of configurations for different purposes within the context of the nuclear power plant (e.g., filtering pool water; collecting large objects via vacuuming). Various modules may have form factors and/or mounting structures that are similar enough to the fuel assemblies of the plant that (1) the plant's fuel assembly handling equipment can grab, move, and reposition the modules, and/or (2) the modules may be stored in the fuel pool's storage rack.