Sliding Motor-Driven Lids for Spent Nuclear Fuel Transfer Casks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transfer casks for spent nuclear fuel require complex and time-consuming procedures for installation and movement, increasing the risk of radiation exposure for workers due to their weight, volume, and the need for separate components like transfer collars and lid opening/closing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A sliding type transfer cask with reduced weight and volume, featuring an integrated opening/closing portion coupled to the lower portion of the transfer container, which includes a neutron shielding body, a support portion, base plate, lid assembly, and motors for easy installation and movement, simplifying the transfer process by integrating the transfer collar, lid opening/closing apparatus, and lower lid into a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (transfer collar, lid opening/closing apparatus, lower lids) are designed and installed, then the transfer cask can perform its function, but the work requires too much time and the procedure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the transfer collar, lid opening/closing apparatus, and lower lids into a single integrated lower lid assembly. This merging of previously separate components simplifies the installation procedure while maintaining all necessary functions for transferring spent nuclear fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lower lid assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the transfer collar for guiding the canister, provides the lid opening/closing mechanism, and forms the lower closure for the transfer cask. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Productivity
If much work time is spent because of a complicated procedure, then the transfer can be completed, but a possibility that a worker is exposed to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated lower lid assembly is designed and prepared beforehand as a complete unit, allowing for quick installation without time-consuming assembly procedures during the transfer operation. This preliminary preparation reduces the time workers are exposed to radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple functions into one integrated assembly, the installation time is significantly reduced, thereby minimizing the duration of worker exposure to radiation during the transfer process.
3Reliability
If the transfer cask uses traditional design with separate components, then it can perform transfer function, but the weight and volume are not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate components into a single integrated lower lid assembly, eliminating the need for separate transfer collars, lid opening/closing apparatus, and lower lids. This merging reduces the overall weight and volume of the transfer cask while maintaining all necessary transfer functions.
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 solution reduces the complexity and time required for transferring spent nuclear fuel, decreases radiation exposure, and simplifies the installation and movement process by integrating key components, thereby reducing operator exposure and operational time.
Implementation Method 1
a first lid portion sliding between the support portion and the base plate to open and close part of the first through-hole, and a second lid portion sliding between the support portion and the base plate to open and close a remaining portion of the first through-hole
Implementation Method 2
a neutron shielding body disposed around an outer circumference of the transfer container to shield neutrons
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sliding type transfer cask for transferring spent nuclear fuel. The sliding type transfer cask includes a transfer container having a space for accommodating a canister; a neutron shielding body disposed around an outer circumference; and an opening/closing portion coupled to a lower portion of the transfer container. The opening/closing portion includes a support portion that has a first through-hole communicating with the transfer container and supports the transfer container; a base plate that is arranged below the support portion; and a lid assembly that includes a first lid portion and a second lid portion. The first lid portion includes a first lid and a first motor for sliding the first lid. The second lid portion includes a second lid and a second motor for sliding the second lid.