Multiport Slide Valve for Nuclear Reactor Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-valve systems for fluid circulation in nuclear reactors are complex, costly, and difficult to control, especially in the context of irradiation processes where precise fluid management is critical for thermal and hydraulic balance, and space-saving is essential.
Innovation Solution
A multiport slide valve with a cylindrical core and constrictions allows for six possible hydraulic configurations through a single sliding movement, reducing the number of valves needed and simplifying control, enabling easy manual operation and automatic switching between fluid communication modes using a return spring and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used for fluid circulation control, then fluid management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single multiport slide valve that can perform six different hydraulic configurations through one sliding movement. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate valves needed while maintaining comprehensive fluid management capability for normal circulation, emergency supply, and loading/unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single slide valve is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple fluid circulation modes: normal circulation mode, emergency supply mode, and loading/unloading mode. The valve core with its specific geometry (constrictions and channels) enables one component to perform what previously required multiple specialized valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used for fluid circulation control, then fluid management capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve operations into a single slide valve mechanism, the system reduces the number of control actions needed. One sliding movement simultaneously controls all fluid pathways, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate valve operations and reducing human error risk.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used for fluid circulation control, then fluid management capability is improved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges six different hydraulic configuration functions into a single compact slide valve assembly. This integration achieves space savings by replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate valves and associated piping with one unified component having a optimized internal geometry.
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of fluid management in nuclear reactors by allowing for efficient fluid circulation and emergency supply, while ensuring thermal-hydraulic stability and ease of operation, even in hostile environments.
Implementation Method 1
the core is mounted at least sliding in the central bore of the body such that: in a first sliding position, the main orifices facing each other are in two-to-two fluid communication by means of one of the constrictions while the two channels do not open into the main orifices; in a second sliding position, the two channels each open into one of the two main orifices located on the same side of the central axis of the body
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a novel valve with at least six possible ways, wherein the simple sliding movement of the core makes it possible to change the hydraulic configuration between the six ways.