Movable Detector Matrix for Nuclear Ball Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball measuring systems in nuclear facilities require a large number of detectors for high spatial resolution, leading to increased maintenance needs and potential access issues when detectors fail, as each detector must be replaced and calibrated within the reactor control area.
Innovation Solution
A movable detector arrangement with a matrix of detectors on a platform that can be displaced relative to the detection area, allowing for fewer detectors to achieve higher spatial resolution and redundancy, enabling reduced maintenance access and automated calibration outside the control area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of detectors is used to measure power density distribution with high spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector arrangement is made movable relative to the detection area, allowing a smaller number of detectors to achieve high spatial resolution through continuous displacement and serial measurement at multiple positions, replacing the need for numerous stationary detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from a static two-dimensional detector array to a dynamic one-dimensional scanning system that moves through space, adding the dimension of time and position to achieve the same measurement capability with fewer detectors
2Measurement precision
If a large number of detectors is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of repair worsens due to increased access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The movable detector arrangement consolidates maintenance access to a single platform that can be repositioned, eliminating the need for multiple access points required by stationary detectors distributed throughout the detection area
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detectors are combined on a single movable platform, merging what would otherwise be separate maintenance access requirements into one unified access point, simplifying repair operations
3Device complexity
If detectors are stationary relative to the detection area, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases due to limited spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The detector arrangement is made movable relative to the detection area, allowing a smaller number of detectors to achieve high spatial resolution through continuous displacement and serial measurement at multiple positions, replacing the need for numerous stationary detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The detector platform performs continuous measurement during its displacement through the detection area, maintaining useful measurement action throughout the movement rather than requiring discrete stationary measurement points
4Ease of operation
If detectors are stationary, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases due to manual calibration and replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The movable detector platform enables automated calibration and measurement sequences that reduce the need for manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself to some extent and reducing operational overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and setup of the detector platform before measurement sequences begin, and can perform preliminary calibration operations, reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments during operation
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
This configuration reduces the number of access points needed for maintenance, enhances measurement accuracy and reliability, and allows for fully automatic calibration and measurement sequences, minimizing the need for personnel access and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation emitted by the balls is measured by the detectors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The assembly (1) has a detection region (4), a measuring platform (2), a control unit (8) and detectors (7) that are arranged on the measuring platform. The measuring platform is arranged at a distance relative to the detection region and movably mounted relative to the detection region in a transverse manner. The measuring platform is designed in form of a bar, which overstretches along a longitudinal axial direction (Y) to the detection region in a form of a matrix. An instrument box (9) is connected with the measuring platform. An independent claim is also included for a method for measurement of radiation distribution to radioactive activated balls in a ball measuring system.