Spent Nuclear Fuel Canister Coating Corrosion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposal canisters for spent nuclear fuel face challenges such as corrosion vulnerability, high manufacturing costs, and structural complexity, with existing solutions either being prone to corrosion or having high material costs and inadequate durability for long-term isolation.
Innovation Solution
A disposal canister comprising a metal container coated with a mixture of boron-containing ceramic powder and ferroalloy ceramic powder using High Velocity Oxy-fuel spray, combined with a polymer layer for enhanced corrosion resistance and durability, improving adhesion between materials and handling ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If carbon steel disposal container is used, then manufacturing cost is low, but corrosion resistance by groundwater is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by coating the carbon steel container with a ceramic layer containing boron-containing ceramic powder and ferroalloy ceramic powder. This composite structure combines the low cost of carbon steel with the corrosion resistance of ceramic, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of the carbon steel container by applying a ceramic coating layer. This parameter change transforms the surface from susceptible to corrosion to highly resistant, while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of the underlying carbon steel structure.
2Reliability
If copper-cast iron disposal container is used, then corrosion resistance by groundwater is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to high copper price
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where inexpensive carbon steel serves as the base material and is coated with a thin layer of boron-containing ceramic powder and ferroalloy ceramic powder. This composite approach provides corrosion resistance similar to copper-cast iron but at a fraction of the cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive copper with cheap carbon steel that is coated with affordable ceramic materials. The ceramic coating provides sufficient protection for the intended disposal period, making the overall solution cost-effective while maintaining adequate reliability.
3Reliability
If conventional disposal container structure is used, then isolation function is provided, but structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the structure by using a single integrated container design with a ceramic coating layer applied directly to the metal substrate. This eliminates the need for complex multi-material constructions while maintaining the isolation function through the protective ceramic layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the container structure and protective coating into a single integrated system. The ceramic coating is applied directly to the metal container, combining structural and protective functions in one unified design, thereby reducing overall complexity.
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 solution provides a disposal container with excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring safe handling and operation while maintaining structural integrity for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel.
Implementation Method 1
the ceramic member 20 is characterized in that the ceramic powder in which boron-containing ceramic powder and ferroalloy ceramic powder are mixed is coated on the outer circumferential surface of the metal container 11 by using High Velocity Oxy-fuel spray
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention provides a disposal canister of spent nuclear fuel comprising: a metal container 11 capable of charging the spent nuclear fuel; a ceramic member 20 formed on the outer surface of the metal container 11; and a polymer member 30 formed on the outer surface of the ceramic member 20. Furthermore, the present invention has an effect that there is provided a disposal canister of spent nuclear fuel, which has excellent corrosion resistance and durability, excellent adhesion among the different kinds of materials such as a metal, a ceramic and a polymer, and may increase safe and easy handling of a container, and comfortable working conditions.