Molten Salt Coupon Sampler With Axial Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional corrosivity sampling methods for molten salt reactors are burdensome and impractical, particularly in systems that cannot be readily taken off-line, due to difficulties in installing and removing coupons and maintaining them in an inert environment.

Innovation Solution

A coupon sampler system that includes a lower assembly with an in-line portion for receiving molten salt flow and an upper assembly fluidically coupled with the lower assembly, featuring a coupon device that can be axially moved into and out of the molten salt flow, and an inert gas system to maintain an inert environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional coupon extraction methods are used in molten salt reactors, then corrosion monitoring can be performed, but the process becomes burdensome and impractical due to system shutdown requirements and difficulty in maintaining inert environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcoupon installation and removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupon sampler is divided into separate modular components including a coupon holder assembly, sampling chamber, and external actuation mechanisms. This segmentation allows the coupon to be accessed and replaced without requiring system shutdown or complex disassembly, directly resolving the operational burden while maintaining corrosion monitoring reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An inert atmosphere sealing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the corrosive molten salt environment and the coupon storage/handling zone. This intermediary maintains the inert environment during coupon extraction and installation, eliminating the need for system shutdown while protecting coupon integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional coupon designs are used, then material testing can be conducted, but the ability to arrange coupons in and out of direct operational flow is hindered, reducing homogenous flow exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion test validityVSAvoidcoupon positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupon holder incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the coupon to be dynamically positioned between different flow exposure configurations. The actuation mechanism enables smooth transitions between fully immersed, partially immersed, and protected positions, providing versatility while ensuring valid corrosion testing through controlled homogenous flow exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional sampling methods are used, then corrosion data can be obtained, but the ability to maintain coupons in inert environment after sampling is limited, reducing testing validity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion test accuracyVSAvoidtime to maintain inert environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inert atmosphere is established and maintained in the sampling chamber before coupon extraction begins. Sealing mechanisms are pre-positioned and actuation sequences are predetermined to ensure continuous inert environment protection from the moment the coupon leaves the molten salt until it is securely stored, eliminating time loss and ensuring test accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates rapid and efficient installation and removal of coupons, maintains the coupon in an inert environment post-sampling, and enhances the validity of corrosion testing by ensuring the coupon remains isolated from reactive environments.

Implementation Method 1

conventional designs may further limit the ability to maintain the coupon in an inert environment after sampling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInert atmosphere:

Implementation Method 2

an actuation mechanism operatively coupled with the coupon device and configured to move the coupon device axially into and out of the flow of the molten salt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation:

Implementation Method 3

a first isolation valve integrated with the lower assembly pipe portion that is configured to block flow through the lower channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve closure: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20250035537A1Coupon Sampler, System and Methods of Use Thereof

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

A coupon sampler for a reactor system includes a lower assembly having an in-line portion configured to receive a flow of a molten salt, and a lower assembly pipe portion extending transverse from the in-line portion and defining a lower channel therethrough. The coupon sampler further includes an upper assembly fluidically coupled with the lower assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper assembly pipe portion defining an upper channel therethrough and cooperating with the lower channel to define a sampling channel of the coupon sampler. The coupon sampler further includes a coupon device disposed fully within the sampling channel. The coupon sampler further includes an actuation mechanism operatively coupled with the coupon device and configured to move the coupon device axially into and out of the flow of the molten salt.