Nuclear Reactor Bolt Cleaning Device with Retractable Pins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for cleaning the accommodating means of bolts on a nuclear reactor vessel are inefficient, requiring operator presence, limited in movement and adjustment, and unable to effectively clean adjacent bolts with guide bolts in place, especially when the cover is removed.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable mechanical sensors, retractable positioning pins, and a brush mechanism that can move along the flange or cover, equipped with suction and sealing systems, allowing for precise positioning and cleaning of bolts from various angles and distances, including adjacent to guide bolts, with remote operation options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning operation is used, then operator can perform the cleaning task, but operator presence increases radiation exposure and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is equipped with automatic navigation and positioning systems that enable it to move and clean accommodating means autonomously without operator intervention. The device includes sensors for detecting the position of accommodating means, automatic brush deployment mechanisms, and self-navigation capabilities along the reactor vessel flange, allowing the system to perform cleaning tasks independently and eliminate the need for operator presence in radiologically controlled areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated robotic system that uses mechanical arms, automated brush mechanisms, and computer-controlled movement. The device incorporates automated positioning systems, sensor-based navigation, and programmable cleaning sequences that substitute human operators with a mechanized system, thereby improving productivity while eliminating radiation exposure to personnel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning device is designed with fixed structure, then manufacturing is simpler, but device cannot adapt to different accommodating means positions and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device incorporates dynamic and adjustable structural elements including telescopic arms with variable length, articulating joints for multi-axis movement, and repositionable cleaning heads. These dynamic components allow the device to adapt its configuration to reach accommodating means at various positions and distances around the reactor vessel flange, providing versatility while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal cleaning capabilities that can handle different types and positions of accommodating means through a single multi-functional platform. The system includes adjustable positioning systems, multiple cleaning tools that can be deployed as needed, and a flexible structural framework that can accommodate various geometries of the reactor vessel flange and bolt holes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If brush is lowered to clean accommodating means through cover holes, then cleaning can be performed with cover in place, but device cannot access adjacent bolts with guide bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device incorporates retractable positioning pins that can be independently deployed and retracted. When guide bolts are present, the corresponding positioning pins are retracted to avoid interference, while other pins remain extended to maintain positioning and cleaning capabilities. This segmented approach allows the device to adapt its configuration dynamically based on the presence of guide bolts, enabling access to all accommodating means including those adjacent to guide bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning pins are designed with dynamic retractability, allowing them to be extended or retracted based on real-time detection of guide bolt presence. The system includes sensors that detect whether a guide bolt occupies a particular accommodating means, and automatically adjust the positioning pin configuration accordingly. This dynamic adaptation enables the device to clean accommodating means adjacent to guide bolts by retracting only the necessary pins while maintaining cleaning operations on other locations.
4Measurement precision
If device uses traditional movement mechanism, then structure is simpler, but device cannot precisely position and move between adjacent accommodating means
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with sensor-based detection and automated control mechanisms. The system incorporates sensors that detect the precise location and orientation of accommodating means, combined with computer-controlled movement systems that automatically calculate and execute positioning commands. This substitution of mechanical sensing and control with automated systems achieves high positioning precision while managing complexity through integrated control algorithms and sensor fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the device's position relative to the reactor vessel flange and accommodating means. The system uses this feedback information to automatically adjust its position and orientation, ensuring precise alignment with target accommodating means. The feedback loop includes sensors for detecting flange geometry, bolt hole positions, and device orientation, with real-time adjustments made by the control system to maintain positioning accuracy.
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 device enables efficient, ergonomic, and adjustable cleaning of bolts on nuclear reactor vessels, reducing contamination risks and improving decontamination processes by allowing precise movement and cleaning of bolts from different angles and positions, including adjacent to guide bolts, even when the cover is removed.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning of the accommodating means of the bolts must be carried out by removing all the contaminated particles therefrom
Implementation Method 2
suction means for cleaning residue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device comprises brushing means that can be moved vertically, a suction means and means for positioning in the accommodating means adjacent to the one for cleaning, and is formed by a fixed body (1) and a mobile body (2) which carries the brushing means, which can be moved upwards and downwards along the fixed body, along lateral pillars, wherein the fixed body (1) comprises a lower body having two parts connected in an annular joint (4) with a hollow centre through which the brushing means pass, and the mobile body also comprises an upper body having two parts connected to one another. The brushing means can be extended and are provided with a first protective covering and a second covering as a suction duct. Same comprises adjustable and/or retractable positioning pins, and sensors for adjusting the position on the edge of the working surface. Also included is an operating method.