Reactor Dismantling Frame With Integrated Fire Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

In nuclear power plant dismantling, thermal cutting methods using oxy-propane torches pose safety risks due to the lack of fire surveillance and extinguishing equipment, making it difficult to secure safety against fires during the cutting process.

Innovation Solution

A nuclear power plant dismantling apparatus and method featuring a frame unit with a cutting module and integrated fire extinguishing module that automatically supplies fire extinguishing fluid when a fire occurs, using a heat source to melt and release the fluid externally, while shielding the reactor to prevent contaminant release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If thermal cutting method using oxy-propane torch is used for dismantling nuclear power plant, then cutting and dismantling work can be performed, but fire safety cannot be secured due to lack of fire surveillance and extinguishing equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting and dismantling work efficiencyVSAvoidfire safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cutting module and fire extinguishing module into a single integrated dismantling apparatus. The fire extinguishing module is integrated within the frame unit, allowing simultaneous presence of cutting operations and fire suppression capabilities without requiring separate equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and ensuring fire safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fire extinguishing module is pre-positioned within the frame unit before cutting operations begin. The system includes pre-installed nozzles and fire extinguishing agents ready for immediate deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that fire safety measures are already in place before any fire hazard arises during thermal cutting, addressing the safety concern while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If fire extinguishing equipment is added to ensure fire safety during thermal cutting, then fire safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire safetyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fire extinguishing equipment is merged with the existing frame unit structure. The nozzles are integrated into the frame's peripheral portions, and the fire extinguishing agent storage is incorporated within the same structural framework. This merging approach adds fire safety functionality without creating a completely separate complex system, thus resolving the contradiction between improved safety and reduced device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If automatic fire extinguishing system is implemented, then fire response speed is improved, but interference with surrounding systems may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire response speedVSAvoidinterference with surrounding systems

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fire extinguishing nozzles are strategically positioned at specific peripheral portions of the frame unit where fires are most likely to occur during cutting operations. Each nozzle is oriented to target specific hazard zones near the cutting module. This localized approach enables rapid fire response at the occurrence site while directing extinguishing agents only where needed, minimizing interference with surrounding systems and maintaining operational precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Ensures fire safety during thermal cutting by automatically extinguishing fires without interfering with surrounding systems, thereby stabilizing the operating environment.

Implementation Method 1

melted by a heat source based on a fire to automatically supply a fire extinguishing fluid positioned therein to the outside when the fire occurs in the nuclear reactor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

a frame unit shielding the nuclear reactor to prevent contaminants in the nuclear reactor from being released to the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20250357016A1Method and apparatus for dismantling nuclear power plant

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO LTD

AI summary

There are provided a nuclear power plant dismantling method and apparatus. The nuclear power plant dismantling method includes: selecting a nuclear reactor to be dismantled; and performing nuclear power plant dismantling work on the nuclear reactor through a nuclear reactor dismantling apparatus, wherein the nuclear reactor dismantling apparatus includes: a frame unit shielding the nuclear reactor to prevent contaminants in the nuclear reactor from being released to the outside; a cutting module provided on the frame unit and performing cutting work on the nuclear reactor; a link fixing module having a hollow area formed therein, entering an internal space of the nuclear reactor to link the frame unit and the nuclear reactor with each other, and having a bar shape; and a purging module entering the hollow area of the link fixing module and performing purging on the inside of the nuclear reactor in order to secure safety in the cutting work.