Radioactive Packaging Fluidic System Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for radioactive materials during transport and storage often experiences insufficient radiological protection at fluidic communication systems, particularly during operations like drainage or cap seal changes, leading to higher dose equivalent rates than required.
Innovation Solution
The packaging incorporates a fluidic communication system with multiple distinct fluid circulation paths of smaller cross-sections, which increases the capacity to absorb gamma radiation and provides enhanced radiological protection by duplicating circulation paths, and optionally includes a tungsten plate for additional shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fluid communication path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radiological protection is insufficient leading to higher dose equivalent rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single fluid communication path into multiple distinct circulation paths (at least two) within the fluidic communication system. Each path provides an independent route for fluid flow, and the segmentation of the flow path increases the capacity to absorb gamma radiation through multiple interactions, thereby reducing the dose equivalent rate while maintaining functional simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested shielding structures where additional shielding elements are positioned within or around the fluidic communication system. The shielding components are integrated into the existing packaging structure, creating a nested configuration that enhances radiological protection without significantly increasing overall device complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple distinct fluid circulation paths are implemented, then gamma radiation absorption capacity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic communication system is segmented into multiple distinct circulation paths, each providing opportunities for gamma radiation interaction. The segmentation creates multiple interfaces and boundaries within the fluid path, increasing the effective absorption capacity for gamma radiation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the fluid circulation paths, such as increasing the total path length, adjusting the cross-sectional area distribution, or changing the material composition of path components. These parameter changes enhance gamma radiation absorption capacity by increasing the interaction probability between radiation and matter along the circulation paths
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
This design effectively reduces the dose rate during cap removal and enhances radiological protection by distributing gamma radiation absorption across multiple paths, while maintaining simplicity and efficiency in the packaging design.
Implementation Method 1
the fluidic communication system defines at least two distinct fluid circulation paths between said at least one fluid inlet opening and said at least one fluid outlet opening... increases the capacity to absorb gamma radiation occurring in all directions
Implementation Method 2
said fluid communication system being associated with a sealing plug covering said fluid outlet area so as to seal said at least one fluid outlet opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to packaging for transporting and/or storing radioactive substances, comprising several packaging elements (8) together delimiting a containment (4) for the radioactive substances, at least one of the packaging elements having passing through it at least one fluidic communication system (30) having, at the level of an interior surface (40) of the containment, at least one fluid inlet opening (38a, 38b) and, at the level of a fluid outlet (42) from the exterior surface (44) of the packaging element, at least one fluid outlet opening (39), the system being associated with a closure stopper (32) covering the fluid outlet zone (42). According to the invention, the system (30) defines at least two distinct paths (46a, 46ba) for the circulation of fluid between the fluid inlet opening (38a, 38b) and the fluid outlet opening (39).