Self-Cleaning Filter System for Nuclear Sump Tanks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtering devices in nuclear power plants, particularly in sump tanks of emergency core cooling systems, face clogging issues due to foreign matter, leading to operational shutdowns and safety concerns during accidents, as they lack self-cleaning capabilities in passive modes.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning liquid purification system is designed with an aerator forming a gas-liquid mixture at the liquid-gas boundary, connected to a filtration unit via a hydraulic lock, allowing pulse feed of the mixture to accelerate debris removal and prevent re-entry of debris through a liquid-proof design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filtering elements are used to remove debris from coolant, then coolant quality is improved, but filtering elements become clogged with debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant qualityVSAvoidclogging of filtering elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic reverse flow pulses through the filtering elements using a gas-liquid mixture. This periodic action dislodges accumulated debris from the filter surfaces and transports it to a collection chamber, preventing permanent clogging while maintaining continuous filtration capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering system performs self-cleaning through the periodic reverse flow mechanism. The gas-liquid mixture automatically flushes the filtering elements without external intervention, enabling the system to maintain its own performance and eliminate debris accumulation autonomously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If filtering elements are cleaned by reverse liquid flow, then debris is removed from filter surfaces, but operation of filtering elements must be stopped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal from filter surfacesVSAvoidcontinuous operation of filtering elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation by implementing periodic reverse flow pulses rather than complete shutdowns. The gas-liquid mixture delivers short-duration cleaning pulses while the filtering elements remain in place, maintaining continuous coolant filtration without requiring system shutdown or element removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning process operates periodically through pulsed gas-liquid flow rather than continuous reverse flow. This periodic action removes debris accumulation while maintaining overall continuous operation of the filtration system, preventing both clogging and complete shutdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Extent of automation

If gas-liquid mixture is used for self-cleaning, then passive mode cleaning is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassive mode self-cleaning capabilityVSAvoidaerator and hydraulic lock structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerator and hydraulic lock structure enable the system to self-generate the gas-liquid mixture and deliver periodic cleaning pulses without external power or control systems. The hydraulic lock automatically regulates the pulse delivery, and the aerator passively generates the mixture using flow-induced aeration, achieving autonomous self-cleaning functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 continuous operation reliability and enhanced safety by enabling self-cleaning of filtering elements in passive mode, preventing clogging and maintaining coolant quality during accidents.

Implementation Method 1

an aerator which is designed in the form of an intake device located in the source of purified liquid on the liquid-gas boundary and designed with the capability of formation of a gas-liquid mixture when it enters the intake device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Implementation Method 2

the aerator is connected by a vertical downcomer to an accumulation chamber connected to the filtration unit with a hydraulic lock that is designed to be capable of pulse feed of the liquid-gas mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic lock: Hydraulic Accumulator

Implementation Method 3

a filtration unit with filtering elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12198823B2ECCS with self-cleaning filter system

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 JOINT CO ATOMENERGOPROEKT

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-cleaning liquid purification system and is designed for the use in sump tank filters in nuclear power plants, as well as in any submersible filters used in any sectors of the economy. A self-cleaning liquid purification system comprises a filtration unit with filtering elements, a clean liquid discharge pipe, and an aerator. The aerator is designed as an intake device located on the liquid-gas boundary in a source of liquid to be purified, the aerator is capable of forming a liquid-gas mixture when it enters the intake device. The aerator is connected with a vertical downcomer to an accumulation chamber that is connected to the filtration unit by a hydraulic lock that is designed to be capable of pulse feed of liquid-gas mixture. The technical result is improved operation reliability of the liquid purification system through ensuring its capability of self-cleaning in the passive mode.