Nuclear Reactor Flange Cleaning Apparatus with Adjustable Wheel Supports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning technologies for the flange of nuclear reactor vessels are inadequate as they fail to maintain precise positioning and effective debris removal, especially for varying flange diameters, and often re-deposit particles, posing safety risks during maintenance and fuel reloading operations.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled cleaning apparatus with adjustable angular and distance settings, featuring a central body with floating inner rollers and a suction system, ensures consistent pressure and effective debris removal, preventing re-deposition through a combination of cleaning rollers and a suction bell with a filter, and includes adjustable wheel supports and probes for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cleaning device is used for the flange, then the cleaning operation can be performed, but the device cannot adapt to varying flange diameters and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device incorporates adjustable wheel supports that can be positioned at different radial distances from the center of the flange, and the cleaning element can be adjusted to different distances from the flange edge. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device to adapt to flanges of different diameters and configurations without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning is performed, then the flange can be cleaned, but personnel are exposed to ionising radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to be self-propelled along the flange using drive wheels that engage with the flange surface. The device autonomously navigates the cleaning path without requiring manual handling, thereby protecting personnel from radiation exposure while maintaining operational simplicity through automatic movement along the flange perimeter.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If debris is placed on a roller for removal, then cleaning can be performed, but particles may come off and be re-deposited on the cleaned surface
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a suction system that uses pneumatic pressure differentials to remove debris from the flange surface. The suction bell creates a negative pressure zone that draws particles away from the cleaned surface through a filter, preventing re-deposition while maintaining a relatively simple device structure compared to mechanical removal systems.
4Measurement precision
If the cleaning device follows a fixed track, then the cleaning path is defined, but the device cannot maintain precise positioning for different flange configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates probes that detect the position of the flange edge and provide feedback to the positioning system. This feedback mechanism allows the device to automatically adjust its position and maintain precise alignment with the flange edge regardless of the flange diameter or configuration, combining positioning precision with adaptability.
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 apparatus ensures reliable and safe cleaning of the flange by maintaining consistent contact pressure and effective debris removal, preventing re-deposition and ensuring precise alignment, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency during maintenance and fuel reloading.
Implementation Method 1
a suction assembly fitted with a filter for collecting particles
Implementation Method 2
a suction assembly fitted with a filter for collecting particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device comprising pull means for moving the device in translation along the perimeter of the flange, and means for removing dirt from the flange, said device being formed mainly by: a central body provided with dirt removal means, said central body comprising an outer casing having a front support and a rear support attached thereto; a front wheel assembly supporting a front wheel support; a rear wheel assembly supporting a rear wheel support; a device for adjusting the angular position of the front wheel support in relation to the central body; and a device for adjusting the angular position of the rear wheel support in relation to the central body. The central body can be provided with a floating inner body.