Nuclear Air Accumulation Device with Magnetic Float Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and removing air and gases from fluid piping systems in the nuclear industry are inadequate, as they often require radiation exposure and cannot remain connected due to temperature limitations, failing to ensure systems are 'full' and compliant with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A device that includes a pipe fitting, standpipe, magnetic float, and vent valve to indicate and remove trapped gases from the primary fluid flow path, allowing for continuous monitoring and venting without radiation exposure, designed to meet the specific requirements of the nuclear industry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic test examinations are performed to detect air in piping systems, then air detection capability is improved, but radiation exposure of workers increases and additional time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs permanent air detection devices and vents within the piping system that continuously monitor for air accumulation before it becomes a problem. This preliminary action eliminates the need for periodic ultrasonic testing, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining continuous air detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic testing method with a permanent integrated air detection device that uses visual indicators (float mechanism) to detect air accumulation. This substitution eliminates the need for external ultrasonic equipment and radiation exposure while providing continuous monitoring
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic probes are reconnected each time examination is performed, then measurement capability is maintained, but time consumption increases and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air detection device is permanently installed within the piping system during initial system setup. This preliminary installation eliminates the need for repeated connection and disconnection of ultrasonic probes, saving time and reducing radiation exposure from repeated access
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent air detection device continuously monitors the system without requiring external intervention or reconnection. The system serves itself by providing continuous air detection capability, eliminating the need for periodic ultrasonic testing operations
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing vents are used to periodically vent suspect locations, then gas removal capability is provided, but air accumulation detection capability is lacking and radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air detection and gas venting functions into a single integrated device. The float indicator detects air accumulation while the attached vent valve provides gas removal capability, eliminating the need for separate ultrasonic testing and venting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The float indicator provides visual feedback about air accumulation in the piping system. When air is detected, the float rises to indicate the presence of gas, providing information feedback that triggers appropriate venting action through the attached valve
4Device complexity
If materials and construction practices from outside nuclear industry are used, then device complexity is reduced, but compliance with nuclear industry requirements fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses materials and construction practices that are homogeneous with existing nuclear industry standards. The device is constructed from nuclear-grade materials and follows accepted construction practices, ensuring compliance while maintaining relatively simple device design
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
The device effectively monitors and removes gases from piping systems, reducing radiation exposure, improving compliance with regulatory requirements, and ensuring piping systems remain 'full', thus enhancing safety and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic float (22) freely movable in the standpipe (18) and an indicator (30) external to the standpipe (18) but which moves vertically with the magnetic float (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for accumulating, isolating, indicating and venting accumulated gas in a fluid system pipe includes a main pipe fitting affixed to a system pipe in which a hole has been drilled. A standpipe attached to the pipe fitting houses a magnetic float. A magnetic-float level indicator exterior to the pipe indicates the magnetic float's level. A valve attached to the standpipe above the magnetic float allows controlled ventilation of the gas in the standpipe and thus in the piping system. Gas from the system pipe accumulates in the standpipe, removed from the primary fluid flow path of the system pipe. In the standpipe, as the liquid/gas interface drops, the float drops to a pre-determined level, at which point the user vents the gas from the piping system, causing the magnetic float to rise indicating that gas is again at acceptable levels in the piping system.