Pit Gate Seal Rigidity Design for Nuclear Facility Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pit gates in nuclear power facilities face difficulties in smooth insertion and sealing due to the frictional forces generated by irregularities on the metal liner surfaces, which hinder the opening and closing processes.
Innovation Solution
A pit gate design featuring a seal portion with a low-rigidity portion that deforms easily under water pressure and a high-rigidity portion that provides sufficient sealing when water pressure is applied, allowing for smooth insertion and effective sealing by reducing friction and enhancing surface pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid seal portion is used, then sealing performance is improved, but insertion smoothness deteriorates due to large surface pressure and friction with liner irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portion is divided into two regions with different rigidity characteristics: a first region with low rigidity that deforms easily to reduce friction during insertion, and a second region with high rigidity that maintains sealing pressure. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the seal portion is changed spatially by positioning the low-rigidity first region and high-rigidity second region at different locations along the seal portion. This parameter change enables the seal to exhibit different mechanical behaviors (easy deformation vs. rigid support) at different positions, resolving the contradiction between insertion smoothness and sealing performance.
2Stress or pressure
If the seal portion is made highly rigid, then sealing pressure is improved, but insertion difficulty increases due to friction from liner irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portion is divided into two regions with different rigidity characteristics: a first region with low rigidity that deforms easily to reduce friction during insertion, and a second region with high rigidity that maintains sealing pressure. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal portion is segmented into functionally distinct zones: a first region designed for easy deformation during insertion and a second region designed for maintaining sealing pressure. This segmentation allows the seal to exhibit different mechanical behaviors at different positions, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and sealing pressure.
3Ease of operation
If the seal portion deforms easily, then insertion smoothness is improved, but sealing performance may deteriorate due to insufficient surface pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portion is divided into two regions with different rigidity characteristics: a first region with low rigidity that deforms easily to reduce friction during insertion, and a second region with high rigidity that maintains sealing pressure. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal portion is segmented into functionally distinct zones: a first region designed for easy deformation during insertion and a second region designed for maintaining sealing pressure. This segmentation allows the seal to exhibit different mechanical behaviors at different positions, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and sealing pressure.
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 design enables the pit gate to be inserted smoothly and sealed effectively, reducing water leakage and ensuring reliable operation even with irregularities on the liner surface.
Implementation Method 1
a low-rigidity portion which is relatively easily deformed by a load according to a water pressure from the pool portion side
Implementation Method 2
the high-rigidity portion is pressed against the pool portion wall surface by a load according to water pressure and is deformed. Accordingly, a surface pressure is generated between the high-rigidity portion and the pool portion wall surface
Data Source
AI summary
A pit gate includes a gate body which is inserted between a pool portion storing water and a canal portion connected to the pool portion and is configured to change a flow state of the water, and a seal portion (6) which is accommodated in a groove-shaped accommodation recess formed in the gate body and seals between the pool portion and the gate body. The seal portion (6) includes a low-rigidity portion (10) which is relatively easily deformed by a load according to a water pressure from the pool portion side, and a high-rigidity portion (11) which is provided on the pool portion side of the low-rigidity portion and is not easily deformed relatively by the load.