Suction Device for Reactor Vessel Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of foreign bodies from the bottom of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, especially with disruptive structures and at significant water depths, is challenging due to the dome-shaped, concave bottom and protruding connecting pieces, making manual recovery impractical and residue-free removal difficult.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained suction device is lowered to the reactor floor, equipped with a suction pipe and filter, allowing for the collection of foreign bodies from the bottom and connecting pieces, with the filtered water being released back into the reactor, enabling targeted and efficient removal of debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual recovery with manipulator is used, then individual foreign bodies can be removed, but the process becomes impractical due to the large number of foreign bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated suction system. A suction device with a suction head, pump, and filter automatically removes foreign bodies by creating negative pressure to draw them into collection containers, eliminating the need for manual manipulator operations while dramatically increasing removal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles through the suction pump that generates negative pressure to draw water and foreign bodies into the suction head. The hydraulic system circulates water through the filter and into collection containers, enabling automated removal of numerous foreign bodies without manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If the suction device is placed on the bottom, then access to the floor is improved, but the dome-shaped concave bottom and connecting pieces make residue-free removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suction head is designed with dynamic mobility to move across the dome-shaped bottom surface and around connecting pieces. The flexible positioning system allows the suction opening to adapt to the curved geometry and reach difficult-to-access areas, ensuring complete foreign body removal without leaving residues in crevices or on irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device incorporates a movable suction opening that can be positioned at different locations and orientations. This local adaptability allows the system to target specific areas on the curved bottom and around connecting pieces, ensuring thorough cleaning of each local region while maintaining overall system effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If the device is made compact to fit through core internals, then maneuverability is improved, but the suction and filtration capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: a compact suction head for maneuverability, a flexible hose connecting to filtration systems, and separate collection containers. This segmentation allows the suction portion to navigate tight spaces while the filtration and collection components can be positioned in areas with more space, maintaining both maneuverability and adequate capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The collection containers are designed to nest within each other or within the device housing when not in use, maximizing space efficiency. The filtration system is integrated into the device structure rather than requiring separate external equipment, maintaining compact dimensions while preserving sufficient foreign body collection capacity
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
The device allows for effective suction and filtration of foreign bodies from the reactor floor, including hard-to-reach areas, facilitating complete cleaning of the reactor bottom without contaminating the facility, and can be easily maneuvered through core internals for comprehensive coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pump (40) which conveys water from the suction opening (36) via the suction pipe (32) and the filter (38) to the outlet (42)
Implementation Method 2
a filter (38) for collecting the foreign bodies, an outlet (42) and a suction pump (40) which conveys water from the suction opening (36) via the suction pipe (32) and the filter (38) to the outlet (42)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (24) for removing foreign bodies (22) from the bottom (8) of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel (2) that is flooded with water (4) and comprises coupling connectors (10) projecting into the interior (20), which can be placed on one of the coupling connectors (10) and contains a suction device (30) which comprises a suction tube (32) having an intake opening (36) that can be moved relative to the remaining device (24), a filter (38), an outlet (42) and a suction pump (40) delivering water (4) from the intake opening (36) via the suction tube (32) and the filter (38) to the outlet (42). In a corresponding method, the device (24) is placed on one of the coupling connectors (10) and a suction device (30) is operated, wherein the suction pump (40) delivers water (4) from the intake opening (36) through the suction tube (32) via the filter (38) to the outlet (42), the intake opening (36) for taking in the foreign bodies (22) from the bottom (8) and/or the coupling connectors (10) is moved relative to the remaining device (24), and the foreign bodies (22) are collected in the filter (38).