Nuclear Reactor Top Guide Inspection Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inspection methods for top guide structures in boiling water reactors are time-consuming, dose-intensive, and lack stability, making them inefficient for thorough visual examination.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based inspection tool with a support structure and actuators that allows the camera to move along the grid beams, providing stable and detailed visual inspection within the cells formed by the grid beams, using a combination of vertical and horizontal slides driven by air motors and a pneumatic clamp for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera is hung from a refuel bridge or auxiliary bridge by a cable, then the inspection can be performed, but the inspection is time-consuming and lacks stability
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool incorporates actuators that enable the camera to move dynamically along the grid beams, transitioning from a static suspended position to an active moving inspection system. This allows the camera to traverse multiple inspection points without requiring repeated manual positioning, significantly reducing total inspection time while maintaining operational ease through automated movement control.
2Ease of operation
If a camera is hung from a refuel bridge or auxiliary bridge by a cable, then the inspection can be performed, but the inspection expends too much dose
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool is self-contained with an integrated camera, support structure, and actuation system that operates autonomously along the grid beams. This eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention and cable handling by inspectors, allowing the tool to perform inspections independently while minimizing human presence in high-radiation areas, thereby reducing overall radiation exposure.
3Ease of operation
If a camera is hung from a refuel bridge or auxiliary bridge by a cable, then the inspection can be performed, but the method lacks stability
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the camera and the grid beams, providing a stable mounting platform. The support structure contacts the grid beams at multiple points and includes actuators that precisely position and secure the camera, eliminating the instability associated with cable-suspended cameras while maintaining easy access to inspection areas.
4Measurement precision
If an ultrasonic inspection instrument is used to inspect the top guide structure, then volumetric inspection is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool is designed with a camera that can be positioned and oriented to capture images from multiple angles and perspectives along the grid beams. This single visual inspection system provides comprehensive examination capability comparable to volumetric inspection, achieving thorough inspection coverage without the added complexity of multiple specialized instruments.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for inspecting a cell formed by grid beams of a top guide structure in a nuclear reactor is provided. The tool includes a camera; a support structure coupled to the camera for contacting at least one of the grid beams to support the camera within the cell; and at least one actuator moving the camera with respect to the support structure and along one of the grid beams, the at least one actuator coupling the camera to the support structure. A method for inspecting a cell formed by grid beams of a top guide structure in a nuclear reactor is also provided.