Reversible Coolant Circuit for Power Plant Sensor Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power plant chemical control systems fail to ensure reliable operation, particularly in water-cooled reactors, due to sensor degradation in radiation fields and fluctuating water chemistry measurements, leading to inaccurate reagent injection and reduced sensor lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A power plant chemical control system with a flow-type coolant electrochemical indication sensor connected to a measurement data processing unit and a central programmable controller, featuring a reversible coolant supply circuit to maintain constant sample flow and extend sensor lifespan, and including additional sensors like dissolved oxygen, hydrogen, and conductivity sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sensors are installed in the active evaporation area and neutron field for direct measurement, then measurement responsiveness is improved, but sensor lifespan is reduced due to radiation degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two separate components: a radiation-resistant sensor installed in the neutron field for continuous monitoring, and a radiation-sensitive reference sensor installed outside the neutron field. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate in its optimal environment, resolving the contradiction between measurement responsiveness and sensor lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference sensor serves as an intermediary that provides stable baseline measurements outside the radiation field. The control system uses this reference to compensate for radiation-induced drift in the in-field sensor readings, maintaining measurement accuracy without exposing the reference sensor to degrading radiation conditions.
2Loss of information
If sensors are exposed to neutron radiation for direct in-situ measurement, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to radiation-induced material property changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the reference sensor's stable measurements are continuously compared with the in-field sensor readings. The control system automatically compensates for radiation-induced drift by adjusting the in-field sensor output based on the reference sensor data, maintaining measurement precision while preserving real-time monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the reference sensor (location outside neutron field) to create a stable baseline. By maintaining the reference sensor in non-radiation conditions while keeping the measurement sensor in the neutron field, the system achieves both real-time monitoring and accurate measurements through parameter differentiation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent control channels are used for pipeline corrosion monitoring, then measurement coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal reference sensor that serves multiple control channels simultaneously. Instead of having separate reference sensors for each measurement channel, a single reference sensor provides compensation data for all channels, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage across multiple pipelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the reference sensor function into a shared resource that benefits multiple control channels. By combining the reference measurement function into a single location rather than distributing it across multiple channels, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining adaptability through centralized compensation algorithms.
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 system ensures reliable and prolonged operation of sensors, providing accurate water chemistry parameters even in transient modes, reducing sensor replacement frequency and maintaining measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a flow-type coolant electrochemical indication sensor (14)
Implementation Method 2
hydraulically connected to a heat exchanger (17)
Implementation Method 3
a throttling device (18) with a reversible coolant supply circuit (19)
Data Source
AI summary
Chemical control system for a power plant including at least one coolant electrochemical indication sensor of a flow type electrically connected to the measurement data processing and transmission unit with its outlet connected to a central computer (CPC) controlling the actuator for injection of hydrogen and chemical reagents. The hydraulic inlet of the electrochemical sensor in use of the system is connected by a sampling tube to the power plant process circuit and its hydraulic outlet is hydraulically connected to the first heat exchanger and the first throttling device with a coolant supply circuit in series. The sampling tube is configured to pass a coolant sample to the coolant electromechanical sensor and the coolant supply circuit contains tubes and valves configured to reverse the flow of the coolant sample through the first throttling device.