Modular Skid System for Rapid Nuclear Wastewater Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear wastewater remediation systems lack mobility, modularity, and scalability, making them inadequate for diverse remediation requirements, especially in emergency situations or large-scale industrial projects.
Innovation Solution
A mobile processing system designed to be transported and operated from standard intermodal containers, featuring modular skids that can be connected in various configurations to perform multiple wastewater remediation processes, and allowing for scalability by adding or removing process-specific modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional fixed wastewater treatment systems are used, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but mobility and rapid deployment capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The wastewater treatment system is divided into multiple independent skid modules, each capable of performing specific treatment functions. These modular skids can be independently transported and assembled at the treatment site, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining comprehensive treatment capability. The segmentation allows the system to be transported in parts and quickly assembled on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable arrangement. The modular skids can be assembled in different configurations depending on the specific treatment requirements and site conditions. The system adapts to diverse remediation scenarios through flexible module arrangement, achieving both rapid deployment and treatment effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate treatment systems are deployed to meet diverse remediation requirements, then treatment versatility is achieved, but system complexity and transportation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each skid module is designed with universal interfaces and standardized connections, allowing the same basic module type to serve multiple treatment functions. The system can accommodate diverse remediation requirements by configuring different combinations of universal modules, eliminating the need for completely separate specialized systems for each treatment scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment system is segmented into functional modules that can be independently selected and assembled. Each module performs a specific remediation function, and the overall system configuration is determined by combining the appropriate modules. This segmentation provides versatility while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized module designs.
3Ease of operation
If complete treatment systems are transported to each site, then self-sufficiency is achieved, but transportation costs and logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complete treatment system is segmented into smaller skid modules that can be transported using conventional transportation infrastructure. The modules are sized to fit standard shipping containers or trailers, dramatically reducing transportation logistics complexity and cost compared to moving a single large integrated system. The modules are assembled at the treatment site to form the complete self-sufficient system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single large three-dimensional structure to multiple smaller modular units. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the same total treatment capacity to be packaged more efficiently for transportation, fitting within standard shipping dimensions and reducing the volume and cost of transportation while maintaining the ability to assemble a complete self-sufficient system on-site.
4Reliability
If hazardous contaminants are transported off-site for processing, then specialized treatment is achieved, but transportation of hazardous materials and associated risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular treatment system acts as an intermediary between the contamination source and final disposal. The system is deployed directly at or near the contamination source, providing on-site treatment that eliminates the need to transport hazardous contaminants off-site. The treatment process occurs in a controlled environment at the source location, reducing transportation risks while maintaining reliable treatment through proven technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment system performs preliminary processing of contaminants at the source location before final disposal. By implementing treatment measures on-site, the system reduces the volume and hazard level of materials that would otherwise require off-site transportation. The preliminary treatment action occurs before any potential off-site movement, eliminating or reducing hazardous material transportation requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile processing system is disclosed for the removal of radioactive contaminants from nuclear process wastewater. The system is fully scalable, modular, and portable allowing the system to be fully customizable according to site-specific remediation requirements. It is designed to be both transported and operated from standard sized intermodal containers or custom designed enclosures for increased mobility between sites and on-site, further increasing the speed and ease with which the system may be deployed. Additionally, the system is completely modular wherein the various modules perform different forms or stages of wastewater remediation and may be connected in parallel and/or in series. Depending on the needs of the site, one or more different processes may be used. In some embodiments, one or more of the same modules may be used in the same operation.