Radioactive Pool Cleaning Tool with Segmented Filtration and Pump Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning tools for radioactive storage pools are difficult to move and install, and maintenance operations are cumbersome, with a high risk of contamination due to radioactive elements.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool with a liquid filtration device and pump system where the filtration device is positioned downstream of the liquid inlet to prevent radioactive contaminants from reaching the pump, allowing independent access and easy maintenance, and a pumping unit integrated with a cover and pressure pipe for facilitated movement and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filtration device is positioned downstream of the liquid inlet to retain radioactive elements, then the contamination risk to the pump is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the specific arrangement of components
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is divided into distinct functional modules: a tank for liquid storage, a filtration device for contaminant removal, and a pump for liquid circulation. Each module is separated and connected through defined interfaces (inlet/outlet openings), allowing independent maintenance while achieving the goal of protecting the pump from radioactive contamination through strategic positioning of the filtration device downstream of the inlet.
2Ease of repair
If the pump and filtration device are made independently accessible, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple openings and access points
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is designed with multiple distinct openings (first opening for pump access, second opening for filtration device access) that allow independent maintenance of each component. This segmentation enables technicians to access and service the pump or filtration device separately without disassembling the entire system, significantly improving maintenance ease despite the increased number of openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump and filtration device are designed as extractable components that can be removed from the tank through their respective openings. This extraction capability allows for easy replacement, repair, or maintenance of individual components without affecting the overall system structure, achieving high maintenance accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning tool is designed with a compact integrated structure, then the ease of movement and installation is improved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates due to difficult access to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining a compact integrated structure for easy movement and installation, the tank incorporates strategically positioned openings that provide access to the pump and filtration device. The pump can be accessed through the first opening and the filtration device through the second opening, both located on the tank wall. This segmentation allows the tool to remain compact for operational ease while providing sufficient access for maintenance activities.
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
Reduces contamination risks, simplifies maintenance, and facilitates the movement and installation of the cleaning tool by ensuring the filtration device retains radioactive elements before they reach the pump, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid filtration device... The filtration device is situated between the inlet and the pump to fluidly connect the liquid inlet to the pump... the filtration device is designed to retain these elements before they reach the at least one pump
Implementation Method 2
at least one pump... The cleaning tool is configured to aspire liquid from the pool from the inlet, then through the filtration device, before having it pass through at least one pump
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for cleaning a pool, particularly in a radioactive environment. The tool comprises a liquid filtering device, a pump, and a tank. The tank comprises an inlet for liquid from the pool. The tank at least partly houses the filtering device and the pump. The filtering device is arranged between the inlet and the pump so as to fluidically connect said inlet and pump.