Integrated Nozzle Repair Device for Nuclear Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
In nuclear power plants, the existing configuration of independently configured machining, examination, and welding devices for nozzles leads to errors due to the need for frequent device replacement and poses safety risks due to radioactive contamination when performing repairs near the reactor vessel.
Innovation Solution
A machining, examination, and welding integral device is provided, where all three functions are integrated into a single housing, allowing for safe operation at the same position using a conveyance positioner, with a control unit managing the devices and using alloy 52/152 to prevent primary water stress corrosion cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If machining, examination, and welding devices are independently configured, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the need to frequently replace devices causes errors in operating position and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines machining unit, examination unit, and welding unit into a single integrated device that can perform all three functions. The device includes a machining unit with cutting tool, examination unit with sensor, and welding unit with electrode, all integrated into one system that can be positioned once and used for multiple operations without frequent replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is designed to perform multiple functions (machining, examination, and welding) through a single universal platform. The device can switch between different operations by activating appropriate modules, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing positioning errors associated with frequent device changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually replace devices for different processes, then device selection can be optimized for each task, but operator safety is compromised due to radioactive contamination in the reactor vessel vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into one device, the patent eliminates the need for operators to manually replace devices inside the radioactive environment. The integrated system can perform machining, examination, and welding operations without requiring operator intervention for device changes, thereby reducing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is designed to perform all operations autonomously without requiring operator intervention for device replacement. The system can switch between machining, examination, and welding modes automatically, allowing operators to remain outside the contaminated zone while the device performs all necessary operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple independent devices are used for machining, examination, and welding, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall operation time increases due to frequent device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges machining, examination, and welding functions into a single integrated device, eliminating the time required to replace devices between operations. The integrated system maintains all functional capabilities while enabling continuous operation without interruption for device changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device enables continuous operation by eliminating interruptions for device replacement. The system can transition between machining, examination, and welding operations without stopping or requiring physical device changes, thereby maintaining continuous productive action throughout the repair process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machining, examination, and welding integral device for a nozzle, and more particularly, to a machining, examination, and welding integral device for a nozzle in which machining, examination, and welding can be made in the nozzle by one device. To this end, there is provided a machining, examination, and welding integral device for a nozzle including: a pair of caps provided to be separated from each other; a welding unit provided between the pair of caps to weld a junction part of the nozzle and a pipe; a examination unit coupled to one side of the welding unit to check whether the junction part is defective; and a machining unit coupled to the top of the welding unit to remove the surface of a welded portion of the junction part and/or process the welded portion of the junction part.