Nuclear Filter Frame Labyrinth Sealing for Debris Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filters in nuclear power plants are not effective in preventing debris and particles from flowing through the passage between the filter and the mounting structure, which can lead to defects in fuel rods and other components, requiring costly and time-consuming replacements.
Innovation Solution
A filter with a filter frame that includes protruding parts and recesses along its circumference, creating a labyrinth-like channel when mounted, which obstructs the flow of debris and particles between the filter and the mounting part, thereby enhancing protection against contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is mounted in a component without protruding parts and recesses, then the assembly is simple, but debris and particles can flow through the passage between the filter and mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter frame incorporates protruding parts and recesses that create a labyrinthine (curved/twisting) passage between the filter and mounting structure. This curved path configuration obstructs debris and particles from flowing through, while maintaining a relatively simple overall filter frame structure without requiring complex additional components
2Reliability
If the filter passage is made tight to prevent debris flow, then contamination protection improves, but cooling liquid flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passage between the filter and mounting structure is segmented into multiple sections by the protruding parts and recesses, creating a labyrinthine path. This segmentation allows the passage to remain relatively open (reducing flow resistance) while the twisted configuration obstructs debris flow, effectively resolving the contradiction between tight sealing and flow resistance
3Strength
If welding is used to secure the filter to the mounting structure, then mounting strength improves, but assembly and disassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter frame uses protruding parts and recesses that create a mechanical interlocking connection with the mounting structure. This dynamic connection provides sufficient mounting strength through the labyrinthine path obstruction while allowing for easy assembly by inserting the filter frame and automatic engagement of the protruding parts with recesses, and easy disassembly by applying force to release the interlocking connection
Data Source
AI summary
A filter for separating particles from a cooling liquid in a nuclear power plant includes a filter part arranged in a filter frame cooperating with a mounting part of a component of the nuclear power plant for mounting of the filter in the component. The filter frame includes a protruding part and/or a recess extending along an extension direction substantially perpendicular to a plane extending along a surface portion of an outer surface of the filter frame. The protruding part and/or the recess are arranged along the entire circumference of the filter frame along an outer edge of the filter frame. The protruding part and/or the recess are arranged to create an obstacle for the particles flowing between the filter frame and the mounting part. A filter arrangement and a fuel assembly are also described.