Remote Control Rod Drive Decoupling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current uncoupling tools for control rod drives in nuclear reactors require manual operation, leading to prolonged exposure to radiation and increased operator burden, as they necessitate manual jacking and positioning of piston tubes during decoupling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable system comprising an attachment subsystem, a drive subsystem, and a probe that securely attach to the control rod drive, allowing for the application of force and monitoring of decoupling processes without human intervention, using clamping surfaces, motors, and communication interfaces to facilitate remote operation and minimize radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual uncoupling tools are used for control rod drives, then operators can perform decoupling procedures, but operators experience prolonged radiation exposure and increased operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
A remotely operable uncoupling tool serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the control rod drive mechanism. The tool includes a joining structure that attaches to the control rod drive and a driving jack with a displacement platform that contacts the piston tube, allowing operators to perform decoupling from a remote location without direct manual manipulation in the radiation field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated remote control system. The driving jack mechanically applies force to the piston tube through the displacement platform, substituting the need for operators to manually jack and position piston tubes, thereby reducing both radiation exposure and operational complexity
2Productivity
If manual jacking and positioning of piston tubes is performed, then control rod drive decoupling can be achieved, but the process requires prolonged operator intervention and time
Solution Approach 1:
The joining structure is pre-configured with clamping surfaces that can quickly attach to the control rod drive without requiring time-consuming manual assembly. The driving jack is pre-positioned with the displacement platform ready to contact the piston tube, enabling immediate application of force when remotely activated
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control system performs the decoupling operations autonomously once activated. The driving jack automatically applies the necessary force to move the piston tube, and the system self-monitors the decoupling process through the probe, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention and significantly reducing the time required for the procedure
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional uncoupling tools are used, then control rod drives can be decoupled, but the process requires manual tools and complex positioning procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The remotely operable uncoupling tool is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines the joining structure for attachment, the driving jack for force application, the displacement platform for piston tube contact, and the probe for monitoring. This universal design replaces multiple separate manual tools and procedures with a single remotely operated device, simplifying both the toolset and operational steps
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement platform is nested within or integrated with the driving jack structure, which itself is attached to the joining structure. This nested configuration allows the entire mechanism to be compact yet functional, reducing the complexity of tool assembly and deployment while maintaining all necessary functions for decoupling operations
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
Enables efficient, tool-free, and time-saving control rod drive decoupling with reduced radiation exposure for operators, enhancing productivity and safety by allowing remote operation and real-time monitoring of decoupling procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a drive subsystem selectively expandable or retractable to provide a remotely applied force to the piston tube
Implementation Method 2
The clamps may include clamping surfaces that fit about a flange of the control rod drive to secure the driving jack against the piston tube
Data Source
AI summary
Systems join with a control rod drive and expand or contract to displace elements necessary for decoupling. Joining structures affix to on sides of the control rod drive allow discriminatory jacking by a powered drive also in contact with the control rod drive. A moveable piston tube can be displaced by this jacking with hundreds or thousands of pounds of force with respect to the control rod drive. Probes and other instrumentation and sensors are useable in the systems to accurately measure any of piston tube displacement, temperature, malfunction; drive power status, displacement or speed; and communications status. Manual interaction with the systems are not required during the jacking, and installation and removal of the systems requires no tools or great amount of time or effort. Through remote operation and brief installation, human exposure to radiation about control rod drives is minimized.