Segmented Reactor Vessel Removal Without Crane Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing reactor pressure vessels from pits, such as in nuclear power plants, often require expensive crane upgrades or structural modifications due to the vessel's mass exceeding the crane's capacity, and segmenting the vessel can result in loss of suspension, necessitating floor penetration or extensive support measures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves segmenting the container shell without losing suspension, cutting it into sections along the longitudinal direction, ensuring the remaining mass is within the crane's capacity and the load on supporting claws is within permissible limits, allowing for support-free hanging and easy lifting and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the container is pulled out as a single unit, then the lifting capacity requirement increases, but the crane modifications and structural changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container shell is divided into multiple segments by making longitudinal cuts from the upper edge to the bottom, creating separable sections that can be removed individually while the remaining structure stays suspended by support claws
2Quantity of substance
If the container is segmented into ring-shaped sections, then the lifting capacity requirement decreases, but the suspension is lost and structural modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The container shell is segmented longitudinally rather than horizontally, creating sections that can be removed without affecting the suspension system
Solution Approach 2:
The support claws are positioned and secured to the container shell before segmentation begins, ensuring continuous suspension throughout the cutting and removal process
3Quantity of substance
If longitudinal cuts are made to segment the container, then the segment mass decreases, but the cutting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container shell is divided into segments by longitudinal cuts that extend from the upper edge to the bottom, creating manageable sections while maintaining the suspension structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting process is localized to specific longitudinal sections of the container shell, allowing precise segmentation without affecting the entire structure or suspension system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for removing a container (10) having a circumferential wall (18) and a bottom (16) from a space by disassembling the container into one or more segments (A, B, C) and removing them from the space using a lifting tool, wherein the container is suspended in the space by means of holding elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) projecting above the circumferential wall. The segmentation of the container (10) is carried out without support while suspended.