Damaged Nuclear Fuel Storage Container with Composite Shielding and Venting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for handling and storing damaged nuclear fuel are inadequate due to inferior venting capabilities, handling difficulties, inability to meet tight tolerances, lack of adequate neutron shielding, and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A container system comprising an extruded tubular wall made of a metal matrix composite with neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement, a bottom cap with vent passageways, and a top cap with locking elements, designed to securely store and transport damaged nuclear fuel while providing effective neutron absorption and venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional container systems are used for damaged nuclear fuel, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but venting capabilities are inferior and handling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular components including a container body, removable top cap, and integrated venting assemblies. The venting system is segmented into separate vent ports with filters that can be independently accessed and maintained, improving venting capabilities while keeping manufacturing relatively simple through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
A removable top cap serves as an intermediary component that provides access to the container interior for fuel loading/unloading and allows maintenance of the venting system. The top cap includes integrated vent ports that mediate between the sealed container environment and external air, enabling controlled venting without compromising containment
2Device complexity
If conventional container systems are used for damaged nuclear fuel, then device complexity is reduced, but neutron shielding is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs composite construction combining neutron-absorbing materials with structural materials. The container body and top cap are formed from materials with high neutron absorption cross-sections, providing adequate neutron shielding while maintaining structural integrity. This integrated approach avoids adding separate shielding components, keeping device complexity manageable
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional container systems are used for damaged nuclear fuel, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but handling is difficult and tolerances cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates preliminary features such as precision-machined mounting surfaces, aligned vent ports, and integrated sealing elements that are built into the mold or manufacturing process. These preliminary actions ensure that tight tolerances are met during assembly without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving precision
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 container system effectively confines and dries damaged nuclear fuel, provides adequate neutron shielding, and facilitates safe handling and storage, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an extruded tubular wall made of a metal matrix composite with neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel rack apparatus includes a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a plurality of rectangular storage tubes coupled to and extending upward from the upper surface of the base plate, the storage tubes arranged in a side-by-side arrangement to form an array of the storage tubes. Each storage tube extends vertically along a longitudinal axis and includes an outer tube defining an inner cavity, and a neutron-absorbing inner plate-assemblage positioned within the outer tube that divides the inner cavity into a plurality of interior flux trap chambers and a fuel storage cell. The inner plate assembly includes a pair of angled chevron plates comprising boron. The chevron plates are arranged to define a hexagonal-shaped fuel storage cell forming triangular-shaped interior flux trap spaces between the chevron plates and the outer tube.