Nuclear Fuel Assembly Inspection Device for In-Pool Dimensional Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel assembly inspection devices are time-intensive, require large spaces, and involve complex installations, often necessitating the use of multiple equipment parts that can only perform one inspection at a time, and may block the refuelling machine during reactor shutdowns, limiting their efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous inspection device that performs dimensional and visual checks of fuel assemblies within the fuel assembly pool, using a travelling positioning device and inspection column with integrated cameras and measuring probes, allowing for simultaneous measurements of length, torsion, and deflection without moving the fuel assemblies outside their storage cells, thereby reducing operation time and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate inspection devices are used for visual checks, torsion measurement, and deflection measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inspection functions (visual inspection cameras, torsion measurement probes, deflection measurement probes) into a single integrated inspection device. The device includes an inspection block with water-tight cameras for visual inspection, ultrasonic probes for torsion measurement, and LVDT sensors for deflection measurement, all mounted on one structure that can be positioned around the fuel assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection device is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform visual inspection, torsion measurement, and deflection measurement simultaneously. The device includes multiple types of sensors and cameras that can inspect different parameters of the fuel assembly in one operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices
2Reliability
If fuel assemblies are moved outside storage cells for inspection, then inspection completeness is improved, but risk of damage increases and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device changes the inspection approach from moving the fuel assembly horizontally to bringing the inspection block vertically down around the fuel assembly in its storage position. The inspection block can be lowered from above to surround the fuel assembly at different heights, allowing comprehensive inspection without lateral movement
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection block acts as an intermediary structure that can be positioned around the fuel assembly without moving it. The block includes cameras and sensors that can inspect the fuel assembly from multiple angles and positions while the assembly remains in its storage cell, eliminating the need to move the assembly itself
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inspection devices are installed in the fuel pool, then inspection capability is improved, but refuelling machine accessibility is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device is designed as a segmented, modular system where the inspection block can be independently positioned and operated. The device can be lowered to specific positions around the fuel assembly and retracted, allowing the refuelling machine to pass through or operate in the same space at different times without permanent obstruction
4Reliability
If comprehensive inspection of all fuel assembly sides is performed, then inspection completeness is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system enables continuous inspection by positioning the inspection block to surround the fuel assembly and perform visual inspection, torsion measurement, and deflection measurement in a continuous operation. The device can inspect all sides of the fuel assembly without requiring multiple separate operations or repositioning events
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
Enables quick and precise inspections of fuel assemblies during reactor shutdowns without blocking the refuelling machine, ensuring operator safety and reducing the need for extensive installation and operation time, while minimizing the risk of fuel assembly damage and interference with other fuel assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
inspection means having special water- and radiation-tight cameras
Implementation Method 2
inspection means having special water- and radiation-tight cameras
Implementation Method 3
ultrasonic or LVDT sensor measurements are used
Implementation Method 4
ultrasonic or LVDT sensor measurements are used
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (10) for inspection of nuclear fuel assemblies (30) placed in the storage rack (40) of the fuel pool (20), with the said device (10) for inspection of fuel assemblies (30) comprising an inspection device with at least one camera (2.2.6) for scanning the surface of the fuel assembly (30), with the said device (10) comprising at least an inspection column (2) designed to execute an extension movement into the fuel pool (20), equipped with at least one camera (2.2.6) and at least one measuring sensor, a travelling positioning device (1) adapted for connection with the said connection device of the inspection column (2) to lift the fuel assembly (30) from the storage rack (40) of the fuel pool (20) and to pull the said fuel assembly (30) into the inspection column (2).