Sealed Connection Device for Nuclear Fuel Jar Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for filling jars with nuclear fuel materials, such as MOX pellets, face challenges in precise and safe dosage due to the toxicity and tendency of powders to disperse, requiring complex and precise positioning with suction systems that generate waste and are prone to filter clogging.
Innovation Solution
A sealed connection device with a cylindrical duct and a movable ring that makes a leaktight contact with the container's filling orifice, decoupled from the duct to avoid disturbing weighing measurements, eliminating the need for suction systems and reducing waste generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction system with filters is used to contain powders, then powder containment is improved, but device complexity and waste generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the suction system and filters from the containment approach. Instead of using active suction to contain powders, the design relies on passive containment through sealed connections between the filling device and container, removing the complex filtration subsystem entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical suction system with a sealed mechanical connection system. The filling device connects directly to the container through sealed interfaces, using mechanical sealing rather than pneumatic containment to prevent powder escape.
2Reliability
If filters are used in the suction system, then powder containment is improved, but maintenance frequency and waste management increase due to filter clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes filters and suction systems from the design, eliminating the maintenance burden associated with filter clogging and replacement. Containment is achieved through sealed mechanical connections that require no consumable filtering elements.
3Ease of operation
If the filling device contacts the container during filling, then positioning is simplified, but weighing measurements are disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a sealed but mechanically decoupled connection as an intermediary between the filling device and container. This allows the filling operation to proceed with simplified positioning while the decoupling mechanism prevents transmission of forces that would interfere with weighing measurements.
4Measurement precision
If precise positioning is used to avoid contact with the container, then weighing accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed but decoupled connection acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for precise positioning control. The mechanical decoupling allows for greater positioning tolerance while maintaining weighing accuracy, simplifying the overall system requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for filling a jar with a powder material, for example for the production of nuclear fuel, comprising a connection device between the jar and a system for feeding material, the device comprising: a stationary connection portion (I) connected to the feeding system; a connection portion (II) movable relative to the stationary connection portion (I) intended for being connected to the filling opening of the container (4), the movable connection portion (II) comprising, at a downstream end thereof, a lip seal for performing a tight connection by contact with the contours of the filling opening of the jar, said downstream end being connected to the stationary connection portion (I) by a bellows (42) such as to provide mechanical disengagement between the downstream end of the movable connection portion (II) and the stationary connection portion (I).