Rotating Filter Sludge Removal with Continuous Backwash
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing radioactive sludge from storage ponds, such as those containing MAGNOX reactor fuel, face inefficiencies due to filter mesh clogging, leading to downtime for cleaning and increased radiation exposure for personnel.
Innovation Solution
A sludge removal apparatus with a rotating filter and continuous backwashing system, using a hydraulic drive motor and water jets to prevent clogging and maintain efficient sludge extraction, incorporating a filter with apertures to exclude larger particles and a framework for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mesh filter with 6 mm diameter holes is used to prevent larger debris from being sucked into the system, then the filter protects the suction system from blockages, but the filter blinds very quickly requiring downtime for backwashing and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is made rotatable rather than stationary, allowing it to be dynamically positioned between the suction duct and wash water duct. This enables the filter to be rotated into different orientations to access cleaning water flows and remove accumulated sludge without shutting down the system, thus maintaining productivity while preserving filter protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism where wash water is directed onto the filter surface through the rotatable structure. The filter can be automatically flushed with clean water to remove blinding material without requiring external intervention or system shutdown, enabling continuous operation and maintaining both reliability and productivity
2Productivity
If the filter is made rotatable to enable continuous cleaning, then the system can maintain continuous operation, but the device complexity increases with the addition of rotation mechanism and hydraulic drive
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic motor is used to drive the rotation of the filter assembly. The hydraulic system provides reliable and controllable rotation with a compact actuator, enabling the filter to be positioned for cleaning without complex mechanical linkages. This hydraulic actuation simplifies the overall mechanism while achieving continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable filter structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the filtering element during sludge removal, rotates to position the filter for cleaning, and allows wash water to be directed onto the filter surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cleaning mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining continuous operation capability
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
Ensures continuous operation by preventing filter clogging, reducing radiation exposure, and enhancing sludge extraction efficiency through fluidization and continuous cleaning, allowing for safe and effective retrieval of radioactive sludge.
Implementation Method 1
means for backwashing the filter during operation
Implementation Method 2
filter wash water is fed down the water supply duct and discharges through the filter, thereby acting as a continuous backwash
Implementation Method 3
the filter wash water also acts as a fluidising water jet to fluidise the settled sludge, improving extraction via the sludge suction duct
Implementation Method 4
sludge suction duct with open end portions alongside each other
Data Source
AI summary
A sludge removal apparatus includes a sludge removal head (10) with a sludge suction duct and an water supply duct with open end portions alongside each other, and a filter (32) adjacent to the open ends of the suction duct (36) and the water supply duct (38) so that the sludge is extracted through the filter (32). A drive mechanism moves the filter so that regions of the filter pass successively over the open ends of the suction duct, where it may become partially blinded with sludge, and then over the water supply duct where it is backwashed.