Spent Ion-Exchange Resin Drying with Anchor Mixer and Blow-Down Choke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for drying spent ion-exchange resins (SIER) in nuclear power plants are inefficient, characterized by low energy efficiency and long drying periods, leading to increased power consumption and prolonged discharge times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a spent ion-exchange resins drying plant with a blow-down choke, an anchor mixer stirrer, and a water draining device, where the stirrer blades follow the internal surface of the cylindrical body and are equipped with one-way screw windings, and a water draining system to efficiently manage moisture and accelerate the drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional drying methods are used for spent ion-exchange resins, then the drying process can be completed, but the energy efficiency is low and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic mixing using an anchor mixer with screw windings that continuously agitates the resin during drying. This dynamic approach enhances moisture evaporation efficiency and reduces the overall drying time, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing power consumption compared to static drying methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the drying process by controlling temperature, vacuum pressure, and mixing intensity. By optimizing these parameters, the drying process achieves higher energy efficiency and lower power consumption while maintaining effective moisture removal from the resin
2Productivity
If conventional drying methods are used for spent ion-exchange resins, then the drying process can be completed, but the drying period is too long
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor mixer with screw windings creates continuous dynamic agitation of the resin during drying, preventing moisture accumulation and enhancing evaporation rates. This dynamic mixing significantly reduces the drying period while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The drying process operates continuously with constant mixing and moisture removal. The anchor mixer runs throughout the drying cycle to ensure continuous exposure of resin surfaces to heated air, maintaining uninterrupted moisture evaporation and reducing overall drying time
3Speed
If conventional drying methods are used for spent ion-exchange resins, then the drying process can be completed, but the discharge time of SIER is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor mixer with screw windings not only mixes during drying but also facilitates rapid discharge by creating mechanical movement and loosening the resin mass. This dynamic action accelerates the discharge speed and reduces the time required to empty the drying chamber
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 configuration reduces the drying period and power consumption while enhancing the discharge efficiency of SIER by effective mixing and moisture management, ensuring faster and more energy-efficient processing.
Implementation Method 1
external heater for the body
Implementation Method 2
vacuum pump which inlet is connected to condensate receiver
Implementation Method 3
water vapors condenser, connected to thermal reactor by main pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for drying Spent Ion-Exchange Resins (SIER), which can intensify the SIER drying process, reduce power consumption, and accelerate discharge of SIER when the drying process is completed. The apparatus comprises a sealed cylindrical body, and a blow-down choke installed in an upper part of the sealed cylindrical body and a nozzle to feed the spent ion-exchange resins is installed inside the body, and a nozzle to retrieve dried ion-exchange resins is installed in its bottom part and equipped with a locking device. An external heater is provided for the body, and a drive shaft that is installed in alignment inside the body, capable of rotation, and equipped with a stirrer. A lower part of the drive shaft with lower screw winding is installed in alignment inside the nozzle to retrieve dried ion-exchange resins. The nozzle to retrieve dried ion-exchange resins is equipped with a water draining device.