Shielded Cable Feedthrough Layout for Compact Nuclear Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feedthroughs for nuclear reactors are bulky, occupy significant installation space, and pose mechanical failure risks due to the weight of shielding materials, while also failing to effectively shield against radiation.
Innovation Solution
A compact cable feedthrough design with a tubular metal housing and successive shielding bodies made of different materials, including neutron and gamma absorbers, to create a hermetically sealed structure that shields against radiation, using materials like PEEK plastic, tungsten, and lead for effective radiation absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding material is added to the junction boxes to shield against gamma radiation, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but installation space occupied increases and mechanical failure risk increases due to weight
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is segmented into multiple independent shielding bodies arranged successively in the axial direction, each with different materials optimized for specific radiation types (neutron moderator, neutron absorber, gamma absorber), replacing the conventional single bulky junction box shielding structure
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding bodies are arranged in the axial direction (length dimension) rather than expanding the radial or horizontal dimensions, allowing effective radiation shielding within a compact installation footprint
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding material is added to the junction boxes to shield against gamma radiation, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but mechanical failure risk increases due to weight and lever action
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding mass is divided into multiple smaller shielding bodies distributed along the axial direction, reducing the concentrated weight at the terminal position and thereby minimizing the lever action on the feedthrough fastening
Solution Approach 2:
Different shielding bodies use composite material selections (plastics, metals, ceramics) with varying densities and shielding properties, optimizing the balance between radiation protection and mechanical load distribution
3Area of stationary object
If compact reactor design is implemented to reduce installation space, then space efficiency is improved, but radiation shielding effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is extended into the axial dimension with multiple successive shielding bodies, achieving comprehensive radiation protection (neutron and gamma shielding) within a compact radial footprint suitable for small modular reactors
Solution Approach 2:
The feedthrough employs composite material construction with different shielding bodies made from plastics, metals, and ceramics, each optimized for specific radiation types, achieving effective shielding in a space-efficient configuration
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
The design provides secure, compact, and radiation-secure feedthroughs that effectively limit radiation to specified values, reducing mechanical failure risks and optimizing space usage in reactors.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of shielding bodies, which are respectively interrupted by at least one opening, are arranged successively in the axial direction of the tubular housing... at least one of the shielding bodies includes a gamma absorber, in particular containing an element with an atomic number of more than 30
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the shielding bodies may include a neutron moderator in the form of a material containing hydrogen. With the neutron moderator, fast neutrons coming from a reactor are slowed in order to increase the cross section for neutron capture
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the shielding bodies includes a neutron-capturing material having an element with a capture cross section for thermal neutrons of more than 10 barns
Implementation Method 4
a tubular metal housing, the ends of which are respectively provided with a seal so that a hermetically closed interior is formed in the tubular housing between the seals
Implementation Method 5
the seals respectively include at least one insulating body through which at least one electrical feedthrough conductor is fed so that the feedthrough conductor is fixed in the respective seal while being electrically insulated from the tubular housing
Data Source
AI summary
A feedthrough for shielding against radioactive radiation includes electrical feedthrough conductors, a tubular metal housing, a connecting conductor, and shielding bodies. The tubular metal housing includes ends and seals, the ends including a seals so that an interior is formed in the tubular housing between the seals. The seals include an insulating body through which an electrical feedthrough conductor is fed so that the electrical feedthrough conductor is fixed in the seals while electrically insulated from the tubular housing. The connecting conductor extends in the interior and connects an electrical feedthrough conductor at one of the seals to an electrical feedthrough conductor at another of the seals. The shielding bodies, which are respectively interrupted by at least one opening therein, are arranged successively in an axial direction of the tubular housing, the connecting conductor being fed through the opening. The shielding bodies shield against radioactive radiation by way of shielding material.