Radioactive Water Oxidation Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling radioactive contaminated water face challenges in reducing volume for safe disposal and reuse, leading to bulky transportation and extended storage in bunkers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a process chamber featuring a combustion zone for generating oxygen-rich gas and an oxidation zone, where radioactive material is oxidized, followed by separation into a gaseous fluid and non-gaseous residue, utilizing a cyclone separator and a cooling system for effective radiation shielding and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional storage methods are used for radioactive contaminated water, then the material can be stored for extended periods, but the volume remains bulky requiring large storage facilities and transportation infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical and chemical state of the radioactive material through oxidation. The contaminated water is converted from liquid to solid oxide form through chemical reaction with oxygen at high temperatures, fundamentally changing the storage requirements and volume characteristics of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by converting the radioactive material from liquid state (contaminated water) to solid state (oxidized residue) through high-temperature oxidation followed by rapid cooling. This phase change enables compact storage and eliminates the need for large-volume liquid storage facilities.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If radioactive contaminated water is stored in large volumes, then extended storage is possible, but transportation becomes bulky and requires specialized infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the material parameters through oxidation, converting lightweight liquid contaminated water into dense solid oxide residues. This parameter change reduces the volume and weight for transportation while maintaining long-term storage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase transition from liquid to solid through oxidation and rapid cooling creates a compact, stable form that is much easier and safer to transport. The solid oxide residues can be contained in standard containers rather than requiring specialized liquid storage infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If oxidation is performed at high temperatures, then complete oxidation of radioactive material is achieved, but the process requires significant energy input and temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the exothermic nature of the oxidation reaction itself to provide the heat required for complete oxidation. The radioactive material oxidizes spontaneously when exposed to oxygen at elevated temperatures, generating its own thermal energy and eliminating the need for external heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses oxygen as a strong oxidant to accelerate the oxidation process. By providing an oxygen-rich environment and initial heating, the reaction proceeds rapidly and completely at relatively low energy input, achieving thorough oxidation without requiring sustained high-energy input.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rapid cooling is applied to stabilize metal compounds, then the oxidized material is stabilized, but the cooling system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the radiation shielding system. The same water-cooled mantle that provides radiation shielding also serves as the cooling system for rapid cooling of the oxidized material. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling infrastructure and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system performs multiple functions: it provides radiation shielding during the oxidation process, controls the temperature during oxidation, and enables rapid cooling for stabilization. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems required and simplifies the overall apparatus design.
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
Achieves a significant reduction in radioactive material volume, enabling safe handling and compact disposal, while allowing for the recovery of clean water and potential electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
a process chamber with a combustion zone for generating an oxygen rich gas
Implementation Method 2
the process chamber is configured to use the oxygen rich gas for oxidizing the radioactive material to obtain oxidized material
Implementation Method 3
the radiation shield is at least partly provided by a cooling system of the process chamber, in particular by a cooling mantle and a cooling fluid contained within the cooling mantle
Implementation Method 4
a separation device operationally connected to an outlet of the process chamber and configured to at least partly separate the oxidized material into a gaseous fluid and a non-gaseous residue
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for treating radioactive material (36), in particular for cleaning radioactive contaminated water. The apparatus comprises a process chamber (10) with a combustion zone (12) for generating an oxygen rich gas (34) and an oxidation zone (14), which is arranged to receive the oxygen rich gas (34) from the combustion zone (12). The process chamber (10) further comprises a feed opening (16) for feeding the radioactive material (36) into the oxidation zone (14) and the process chamber (10) is configured to use the oxygen rich gas (34) for oxidizing the radioactive material (36) to obtain oxidized material (38). The apparatus further comprises a separation device (50) operationally connected to an outlet of the process chamber (10) and configured to at least partly separate the oxidized material (38) into a gaseous fluid (56) and a non¬ gaseous residue (58). This way a greatly reduced volume of the radioactive material (36) is achieved, enabling safe and efficient handling and/or compact and space-saving disposal of the radioactive material (36).