Nuclear Air Accumulating Isolating Venting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and eliminating air and gas accumulation in nuclear fluid piping systems are inadequate, as they require radiation exposure, are time-consuming, expensive, and do not allow for continuous monitoring or instantaneous isolation of gases, leading to potential reactor failures and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A weld-free device that accumulates, isolates, and vents trapped gases from piping systems, featuring a standpipe with a float and scale for continuous monitoring, an isolation valve for easy servicing, and a design that prevents gas re-entry, ensuring the system remains 'full' under varying pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If ultrasonic testing is used to detect air accumulation, then gas detection capability is improved, but radiation exposure and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high point device automatically detects and vents gas accumulation without requiring external ultrasonic testing equipment or personnel intervention. The device serves itself by using the accumulated gas to drive the float mechanism, which automatically opens the vent valve when gas is detected, eliminating the need for periodic manual inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system (float and vent valve mechanism) that translates gas accumulation into automatic venting action. This intermediary mechanism replaces the need for ultrasonic testing equipment and personnel, providing continuous monitoring without radiation exposure or time consumption associated with manual inspections.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If periodic venting is performed to eliminate gas, then gas removal is achieved, but system operation is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve is designed to dynamically respond to gas accumulation levels through the float mechanism. When gas accumulates and raises the fluid level, the float rises and automatically opens the vent valve. When gas is vented and the level drops, the float descends and closes the valve, providing dynamic, automatic control without interrupting system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides continuous gas detection and venting capability, eliminating the need for periodic shutdowns for manual inspection and venting. The automatic float-controlled valve maintains continuous system operation by continuously monitoring and venting gas as needed, ensuring uninterrupted coolant flow through the reactor core.
3Reliability
If manual inspection and venting procedures are followed, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but radiation exposure and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high point device automatically demonstrates compliance with regulatory requirements for gas-free operation. The continuous operation of the float mechanism and automatic venting provides verifiable evidence that the system is functioning as required, eliminating the need for manual inspections, radiation exposure, and complex procedural documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism provides continuous visual feedback on gas accumulation status and automatic feedback control by triggering venting when gas is detected. This feedback system ensures regulatory compliance is maintained continuously and provides operators with immediate information about system status without requiring manual inspection or interpretation.
4Measurement precision
If ultrasonic testing equipment is connected frequently, then detection accuracy is maintained, but worker radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains continuous detection accuracy through its self-operating float mechanism that is always present in the high point location. The float automatically responds to gas accumulation without requiring external ultrasonic equipment or personnel entry into radioactive areas, eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places a mechanical intermediary (float and vent valve assembly) permanently in the high point location to continuously detect and respond to gas accumulation. This intermediary performs the detection function without requiring periodic insertion of ultrasonic probes by personnel, eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining detection accuracy through continuous 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
The device reduces radiation exposure, simplifies maintenance, allows for continuous monitoring of gas accumulation, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements by providing a reliable means to detect and isolate gases, thereby preventing reactor failures and improving operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a float movable in the standpipe indicating the level of trapped gas to a scale
Implementation Method 2
the Bernoulli vacuum in standpipe 14 will not be sufficient to allow the isolated gas to reenter system pipe 16
Data Source
AI summary
A device for isolating, accumulating, indicating and venting gas in a fluid system pipe includes a coupling affixed to a system pipe. The coupling includes an isolation valve. A standpipe is attached to the coupling. The standpipe holds a float trapped between a flow retaining orifice and a closed upper end save for an angled hole therein that allows gas to flow around the float. An indicator exterior to the pipe indicates the float's level in the standpipe regardless of system pressure changes. A vent valve attached above the standpipe allows controlled ventilation of the gas flowing from the system pipe through the standpipe and through the vent valve. Accumulation of gas from the system pipe lowers the float in the standpipe, at which point the user vents the gas, causing the float to rise with the rising fluid level.