Reactor Module Support Structure for Seismic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic forces transmitted to nuclear reactor modules can cause stress on connections, potentially leading to damage and the inadvertent release of radioactive materials, due to the amplification and cumulative increase of forces through intervening structures, which existing seismic isolation methods fail to adequately mitigate.
Innovation Solution
The support structure for reactor modules is designed to decouple seismic forces by positioning support members at specific heights and locations, such as near the containment vessel flange, to modify the frequencies, amplitudes, and accelerations of forces transmitted, using a combination of support members, damping devices, and retention systems to restrict movement and rotation, and seismically isolating the support structures from the reactor building walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If seismic isolation hardware is positioned between substructure and superstructure, then dynamic response of structure is minimized, but spectral response amplitudes require additional mechanisms to reduce
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including base isolation elements, intermediate support members, and upper support members. Each segment serves a specific function in the seismic isolation chain, allowing the system to reduce dynamic response while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Base isolation elements act as intermediary components between the reactor module support structure and the facility floor. These elements mediate the transmission of seismic forces, reducing the dynamic response of the reactor module while protecting against spectral response amplitudes through the isolation mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If support structure is seismically isolated from reactor building walls, then peak accelerations and forces are reduced, but connection integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates features that preemptively counteract seismic forces before they can cause damage. Base isolation elements and damping devices are pre-positioned to oppose horizontal accelerations, while retention systems are pre-configured to maintain connection integrity during seismic events by restricting excessive movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure modifies the parameters of transmitted forces by changing the frequency and amplitude characteristics through base isolation. The isolation elements alter the dynamic parameters of seismic forces, reducing peak accelerations and forces while maintaining connection integrity through controlled movement restrictions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If piping and connections are provided between reactor and secondary systems, then system functionality is enabled, but stress on connections increases during seismic activity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as an intermediary that protects connections between the reactor module and secondary systems. By isolating the reactor module from seismic forces through base isolation elements, the structure reduces stress transmitted to piping and connections, maintaining their strength while preserving system connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure provides beforehand cushioning for connections by incorporating base isolation elements and damping devices. These elements are positioned in advance to absorb and dissipate seismic energy before it can reach the piping and connections, protecting them from excessive stress while maintaining system functionality.
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
This configuration effectively reduces the peak accelerations and forces experienced by reactor modules, maintaining connection integrity and reducing the risk of damage during seismic events, thereby ensuring the safety and integrity of the reactor systems.
Implementation Method 1
Seismic isolation may be utilized to control or reduce the response of a component or structure to vertical and horizontal ground-input motions or accelerations. Seismic isolation may accomplish this by decoupling the motion of the component/structure from the driving motion of the substructure.
Implementation Method 2
To further reduce spectral response amplitudes (e.g., deflections, forces, etc.), other mechanisms may be employed that effectively reduce the peak amplitude to manageable levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for attenuating seismic forces in one or more reactor modules housed in a reactor building includes a mounting structure that may be configured to securely connect the support structure to a floor of the reactor building. A receiving area may be sized to receive a lower portion of a reactor module, and the support structure may be configured to at least partially surround the lower portion of the reactor module within the receiving area. The support structure may further include a retention system located near a top surface of the support structure. The retention system may be configured to contact the reactor module during a seismic event, and an upper portion of the reactor module may extend above the retention system without contacting the support structure.