Pressurized Flange Cap Sealing for Radioactive Gas Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for nuclear waste containers fail to prevent the release of radioactive gases in case of a leak, posing a significant risk to the environment and safety.
Innovation Solution
A containment system with a first and second flange, a containment gasket, and a pressurising device to ensure the integrity of the system, comprising a first and second flange, a containment gasket, and a pressurising device, with a cap, and a second flange, a containment gasket, and a pressurising device, with a one-way valve, to prevent gas leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple lid and gasket system is used to seal the container, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing radioactive gas leaks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into multiple functional segments: a first flange for initial sealing, a cap for additional sealing, and a pressurising device for active gas control. Each segment addresses a specific aspect of containment, allowing the system to maintain simplicity in individual components while achieving high reliability through their coordinated function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurising device performs preliminary action by actively pressurizing the internal space before any leak can occur, creating a pressure differential that prevents radioactive gases from escaping through the gaskets. This proactive approach ensures reliability without requiring complex passive sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a pressurising device is added to control radioactive gases, then the reliability of preventing gas leaks is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurising device is designed to automatically maintain positive pressure within the container without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by continuously pressurizing the internal space to prevent gas leakage, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms or manual operation while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts and flanges are used to tighten the containment system, then the reliability of sealing is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into distinct modular components: a first flange with horizontal tightening bolts for initial sealing, and a cap with vertical tightening bolts for additional sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a systematic manner, improving reliability while maintaining operational efficiency through clear assembly procedures.
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 system effectively prevents radioactive gas leaks during storage and transport by using a flange and gasket system with a pressurising device, ensuring containment and minimizing the risk of gas release.
Implementation Method 1
a device for pressurising the space between the container and the cap and controlling against gas leakage
Implementation Method 2
This pressurising device preferably comprises a one-way valve that allows the introduction of a pressurised fluid into said space
Data Source
AI summary
A radioactive gas containment system for nuclear waste containers comprising: a first flange (1) for fixing the system to a nuclear waste container (C); bolts (11) for horizontally tightening the first fixing flange (1) against the container (C); a cap (2) for covering an upper portion of the container (C); a containment gasket (3) arranged between the cap (2) and the first fixing flange (1); bolts (4) for vertically tightening the cap (2) against the first fixing flange (1) and the containment gasket (3) arranged between the cap (2) and said first fixing flange (1); and a device (5) for pressurising the space between the container (C) and the cap (2) and controlling the radioactive gases.