Nuclear Reactor Shared-Path Instrumentation and Irradiation Target Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing short-lived radioisotopes require cumbersome and expensive on-site equipment, which can be cost-, space-, and safety-prohibitive, and do not allow for simultaneous use of nuclear reactor systems during operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides selective access to nuclear reactor internals through penetration pathways, allowing multiple systems to use the reactor simultaneously by inserting and removing irradiation targets from instrumentation tubes during operation, using a system selector to manage access and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional on-site equipment is used for producing short-lived radioisotopes, then radioisotope production is achieved, but the equipment becomes cumbersome and expensive, increasing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single nuclear reactor to serve multiple functions: power generation, irradiation of targets for radioisotope production, and simultaneous instrumentation maintenance. The shared-path system allows different systems (irradiation targets, instrumentation) to use the same reactor access pathways at different times, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reactor access system into multiple independent pathways (e.g., instrumentation tubes, irradiation target pathways) that can operate simultaneously or independently. This segmentation allows irradiation targets to be loaded/unloaded through one pathway while instrumentation uses another, enabling concurrent operations without interference and reducing the need for complex exclusive equipment for each function
2Productivity
If on-site irradiation and extraction equipment is deployed, then radioisotope production is enabled, but space requirements increase and safety hazards are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the irradiation target loading/unloading function from the reactor core area and places it in accessible external locations. Targets can be loaded and unloaded through penetration pathways in the reactor vessel wall or through instrumentation tubes that extend into the core, allowing operators to work in safer, accessible environments while maintaining proximity to the neutron flux for effective irradiation, thereby reducing safety hazards while preserving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures such as instrumentation tubes and penetration pathways that act as mediators between the external environment and the reactor core. These intermediaries allow the transfer of irradiation targets and instrumentation without requiring direct access to the high-radiation core area, reducing safety hazards for personnel while maintaining efficient radioisotope production through the intermediary pathways
3Productivity
If multiple systems access the reactor simultaneously, then productivity increases, but interference between systems occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reactor access system into multiple independent pathways including instrumentation tubes and irradiation target pathways. Each pathway can be dedicated to a specific function (instrumentation maintenance or target irradiation) while all pathways share the common reactor core. This segmentation enables simultaneous operations without interference because each system has its own dedicated access route, maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliability through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the conflict between simultaneous access and interference by adding a spatial dimension - using multiple separate pathways and tubes that extend into the reactor core from different locations. This dimensional approach allows instrumentation and irradiation targets to occupy the same three-dimensional space (reactor core) simultaneously without interfering with each other, as they access it through separate, non-interacting pathways from the external environment
4Object-affected harmful factors
If access to reactor internals is restricted, then safety is improved, but system flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary access pathways such as instrumentation tubes and penetration pathways that serve as mediators between the external environment and reactor internals. These intermediaries maintain radiation shielding while enabling flexible access for multiple functions (instrumentation maintenance, target loading/unloading) without requiring direct exposure to high-radiation areas, thereby preserving safety while enhancing adaptability and system flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal access pathways that can be used by multiple different systems and functions without requiring separate dedicated access routes for each function. The same instrumentation tube or penetration pathway can be used for loading irradiation targets, removing spent targets, or maintaining instrumentation, providing flexible multi-functional access that adapts to different operational needs while maintaining safety through consistent shielding
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods permit discriminate access to nuclear reactors. Systems provide penetration pathways to irradiation target loading and offloading systems, instrumentation systems, and other external systems at desired times, while limiting such access during undesired times. Systems use selection mechanisms that can be strategically positioned for space sharing to connect only desired systems to a reactor. Selection mechanisms include distinct paths, forks, diverters, turntables, and other types of selectors. Management methods with such systems permits use of the nuclear reactor and penetration pathways between different systems and functions, simultaneously and at only distinct desired times. Existing TIP drives and other known instrumentation and plant systems are useable with access management systems and methods, which can be used in any nuclear plant with access restrictions.