Nuclear Reactor Waste Suction Unit Using Flexible Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating waste inside a nuclear reactor pressure vessel during decommissioning are inefficient, requiring separate equipment and processes that complicate the separation of the reactor vessel from bio-protective concrete.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a suction unit with flexible inserts, including a camera, manipulator, chemical injector, stirrer, ultrasonic generator, and air injector, which is inserted through through-pipes in the reactor vessel to suck, treat, and collect waste, without the need for additional structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate equipment and processes are used for treating waste inside the reactor pressure vessel, then the waste treatment can be performed, but the separation of the reactor vessel from bio-protective concrete becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions (suction, treatment, and collection of waste) into a single integrated apparatus. The suction unit with flexible inserts is inserted through existing through-pipes in the reactor vessel, and waste is suctioned, treated, and collected through the same apparatus, eliminating the need for separate equipment and simplifying the decommissioning process while maintaining effective waste treatment
2Ease of operation
If additional structural modifications are made to the reactor vessel for waste treatment, then waste can be accessed, but the decommissioning process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes through-pipes that were already installed in the reactor vessel during its operational phase for in-core instrument nozzles. By preparing and using these pre-existing openings, the system gains direct access to the waste inside the reactor vessel without requiring additional structural modifications or time-consuming cutting operations during decommissioning
Solution Approach 2:
The through-pipes originally designed for in-core instrument nozzles are repurposed for waste treatment operations. The same openings serve multiple functions: during operation, they accommodate measurement instruments; during decommissioning, they provide access for the suction unit to remove waste, eliminating the need for separate access points
3Force
If rigid suction equipment is used inside the reactor pressure vessel, then the suction force can be strong, but the equipment cannot adapt to the internal geometry and waste distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs flexible inserts made of elastomeric material within the suction unit. These flexible members can deform and adapt to the internal geometry of the reactor pressure vessel and the distribution of waste, while still maintaining effective suction force. The flexibility allows the inserts to conform to irregular surfaces and access waste in difficult-to-reach areas
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 enables efficient treatment of waste inside the nuclear reactor pressure vessel by physically crushing, chemically dissolving, and stirring solids within the waste, allowing for easy collection and processing, thereby simplifying the decommissioning process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit inserted into the nuclear reactor pressure vessel through a plurality of through-pipes passing through a lower portion of the nuclear reactor pressure vessel to suck waste inside the nuclear reactor pressure vessel
Implementation Method 2
physically crushing the solid contained in the waste by using a manipulator included in the plurality of inserts
Implementation Method 3
chemically dissolving the solid contained in the waste by using a chemical injector included in the plurality of inserts
Implementation Method 4
stirring the waste by using a stirrer and an ultrasonic generator included in the plurality of inserts
Implementation Method 5
stirring the waste by using a stirrer and an ultrasonic generator included in the plurality of inserts
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for treating waste of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel includes: a suction unit inserted into the nuclear reactor pressure vessel through a plurality of through-pipes passing through a lower portion of the nuclear reactor pressure vessel to suck waste inside the nuclear reactor pressure vessel; a waste treatment part connected to the suction unit to treat the waste; and a lower collection part connected to the waste treatment part to be positioned under the nuclear reactor pressure vessel with the suction unit therebetween.