Remote Repair Device for Sealing Damaged Container Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Containers storing radioactively contaminated water face challenges in repairing damaged flange locations without releasing the water, as direct access is often restricted due to shielding or contamination concerns.
Innovation Solution
A guide arrangement with a centering and fixing mechanism, along with a pivoting arm and accommodating element, allows for remote-controlled application of adhesive to seal damaged base elements within the container, enabling repair without draining the water. This system includes a mast for height adaptation, pivotable wings for centering, and a crane for safe introduction and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct repair methods are used on damaged flange locations, then repair accessibility is improved, but personnel safety deteriorates due to exposure to contaminated water
Solution Approach 1:
A remotely operable repair device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the damaged flange location. The device includes a carrier with a repair head that can be positioned at the damaged location through water without requiring personnel to enter the contaminated environment. The repair head applies sealing material to the damaged flange through a remotely controlled mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair system is divided into separate functional components: a carrier for transport, a repair head for applying sealing material, and a remotely operable mechanism for positioning and operation. This segmentation allows the repair function to be performed remotely while keeping the operator outside the contaminated zone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive application is performed remotely, then personnel safety is improved, but repair precision deteriorates due to limited access control
Solution Approach 1:
A guide arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism to provide precise positioning of the repair head at the damaged flange location. The guide arrangement includes guide elements that extend into the container and guide the carrier horizontally and vertically, ensuring accurate positioning despite remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arrangement provides feedback through its mechanical structure, constraining the carrier to follow a predetermined path that leads precisely to the damaged location. This mechanical feedback system ensures the repair head reaches the correct position without requiring complex sensing or control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the container is drained for repair access, then repair accessibility is improved, but containment requirements deteriorate due to inability to maintain shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The remotely operable repair device serves as an intermediary that enables repair operations to be performed through the container wall or opening without draining the contents. The device can position and apply sealing material to internal components while the container remains filled and sealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair head is pre-loaded with sealing material before insertion into the container. The carrier is positioned and the repair head is prepared in advance, then the entire assembly is inserted through an opening in the container wall, allowing repair to begin immediately without draining or opening the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for repairing damage to a bottom of a container filled with water is disclosed. The device comprises a guiding device, which can be placed on the bottom of the container and which has a centering device for centering the guiding device between wall sections of the bottom elements. The devices further comprises a fixing device for fixing the guiding device on the bottom of the container, a carrier, which can be guided along the guiding device and on which at least one pivot arm is arranged, and an accommodating element arranged at a free end of the pivot arm, for accommodating adhesive, with which part of a wall section of the bottom elements can be covered.