Nuclear Steam Dump Device Header Vessel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam dump devices in nuclear power plants do not efficiently guide steam into the condenser, leading to potential damage from vibration and thermal expansion, and do not optimize steam pressure and temperature reduction.
Innovation Solution
A steam dump device with an elongated header vessel featuring top and bottom perforated diaphragms with a 2:1 area ratio, an external baffle plates assembly with lateral steam openings, and sliding support feet for movement, enhancing steam cooling and guidance into the condenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional steam dump devices are used, then steam can be diverted from boiler to condenser, but the steam flow causes vibration and thermal expansion damage to the condenser neck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling structure between the steam source and condenser that actively cools the steam flow. This intermediary device includes cooling chambers with spray nozzles that inject water to cool the steam, preventing it from causing thermal expansion damage to the condenser neck while also reducing vibration through controlled flow management
Solution Approach 2:
The steam dump device is segmented into multiple functional sections: a header section for steam reception, multiple cooling chambers with successive cooling stages, and a discharge section. Each chamber contains spray nozzles and baffle plates that segment the steam flow, allowing progressive cooling and flow control to minimize vibration and thermal damage
2Reliability
If steam dump device cools steam before condenser, then condenser is protected from thermal damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: steam diversion, progressive cooling through multiple chambers, flow direction control via baffle plates, and vibration reduction. This consolidation achieves comprehensive protection while managing complexity through unified design rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including spray nozzles that can be activated as needed, adjustable flow paths through baffle plate configurations, and flexible connection to the bypass line. These dynamic features allow the system to adapt to varying steam conditions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
3Productivity
If steam pressure and temperature are reduced efficiently, then steam guidance into condenser is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs perforated diaphragms with arrays of holes as flow distribution elements. These porous-like structures efficiently distribute steam flow across multiple paths and facilitate pressure reduction. The standardized hole patterns can be manufactured using conventional punching or drilling techniques, balancing cooling efficiency with manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves efficient steam cooling by progressively changing physical parameters: pressure is reduced through restricted orifices in diaphragms, temperature is reduced through heat exchange with cooling water in chambers, and flow velocity is controlled through baffle plate geometries. These parameter changes are achieved through relatively simple geometric features that can be manufactured with standard tolerances
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 effectively reduces steam pressure and temperature, preventing condenser damage by optimizing steam flow and accommodating thermal expansion, thereby improving operational efficiency during start-up, run-down, and normal operations.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated header vessel (3) comprising a means for receiving steam and configured to cool down the steam in progress of passing through the header vessel, the elongated vessel (3) extending horizontally and comprising a top perforated diaphragm (41, 42) and a bottom perforated diaphragm (51, 52) opposed thereto
Implementation Method 2
configured to cool down the steam in progress of passing through the header vessel
Implementation Method 3
an external baffle plates assembly (9) partially enclosing the header vessel (3) and comprising a top plate (10) and a bottom plate (11), the baffle plates assembly (9) defining lateral steam openings (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear power plant with a steam dump device and condenser for the nuclear power plant.