Nuclear Reactor Decommissioning Shielding System
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the decommissioning of a nuclear reactor, radioactive dust generated by cutting the reactor can contaminate peripheral devices and expose workers to harmful radiation.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear reactor decommissioning system that includes a cutting device, a lifting device, and a shielding device with a shielding tube and plate to block the diffusion of radioactive dust, along with a dust collecting device to intensively collect radioactive dust through ventilation parts on the shielding plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cutting device is used to cut the reactor, then the reactor can be dismantled, but radioactive dust is generated and may contaminate peripheral devices
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding device is introduced as an intermediary between the cutting device and the peripheral devices/lifting device. The shielding device includes a shielding tube with cylindrical members and a shielding plate that physically blocks radioactive dust generated during cutting from reaching and contaminating the lifting device and other peripheral equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (radioactive dust) is extracted and isolated from the system by using the shielding device to contain it within the reactor vessel, preventing its diffusion to peripheral devices. The shielding plate and tube create a barrier that extracts the dust from the potential contamination zone.
2Device complexity
If the shielding device length is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different cutting processes at various heights
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding tube is segmented into multiple cylindrical members that can be independently positioned. These members are connected through catching projections that allow them to interlock at different heights, enabling the shielding device to be adjusted to accommodate cutting operations at various positions along the reactor vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding device transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one. The cylindrical members can be moved vertically and locked at different positions using the catching projection mechanism, allowing the shielding device to adapt its length and position based on the cutting process requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shielding plate blocks all openings, then radioactive dust is contained, but ventilation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding plate is not uniformly sealed but has localized openings (ventilation parts) at specific positions. These ventilation parts allow controlled airflow and dust extraction while the rest of the shielding plate maintains the barrier function. The dust collecting device is positioned to utilize these localized openings for effective dust removal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A nuclear reactor decommissioning system according to an embodiment includes a cutting device to cut a reactor, a lifting device inserted inside the reactor to lift the reactor, and a shielding device that is positioned between the reactor and the lifting device and blocks radioactive dust generated by the cutting device from spreading.