Steam Generator Dismantling Assembly for Remote Radiation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decommissioning nuclear power plant steam generators poses significant health and financial challenges due to the need for safe handling of radioactive materials, with current methods risking exposure to radiation and requiring expensive transportation to specialized facilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a structure with a mechanical assembly for dismantling steam generators into manageable segments, using tools like circular saws, oxy acetylene torches, and decontaminating members within a controlled environment to minimize human exposure and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual dismantling methods are used, then human exposure to radiation increases, but the complexity of the dismantling system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A remote manipulator system acts as an intermediary between operators and the steam generator, allowing dismantling operations to be performed from a distance. The manipulator includes a base, arm, and end effector that can be controlled remotely to cut, grasp, and move contaminated components without direct human contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated remote manipulator system. The system uses mechanical arms with cutting tools and grippers that can be precisely positioned and controlled through remote interfaces, substituting human hands and tools with automated mechanical systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If steam generators are transported to specialized facilities, then safe handling of radioactive materials is improved, but decommissioning costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of transporting contaminated equipment is extracted and eliminated. Instead of moving the steam generator to a specialized facility, the dismantling capability is brought to the current location through a self-contained remote manipulator system with integrated cutting and decontamination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote manipulator system is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform multiple operations: cutting with various tools, grasping and moving components, decontaminating surfaces, and positioning segments. This universal system replaces the need for specialized transportation facilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If steam generators are dismantled into manageable segments, then ease of disposal and recycling is improved, but the complexity of the dismantling process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is divided into discrete segments through controlled cutting operations. The remote manipulator positions cutting tools to sever the generator into manageable sections that can be individually handled, transported, and processed for disposal or recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator system incorporates dynamic positioning and adaptive control capabilities. The arm can move along tracks or rails to reach different positions, and the end effector can adjust its orientation and gripping force based on the workpiece geometry, enabling flexible segmentation operations.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If decontamination operations are performed during dismantling, then radiation contamination is reduced, but the time required for decommissioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
Decontamination operations are performed preliminarily during the dismantling process itself, rather than as a separate subsequent step. The remote manipulator applies decontamination treatments to components immediately after cutting or before handling, preventing contamination spread and reducing overall decommissioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated process: cutting, segmenting, and decontaminating are performed in sequence or parallel by the same remote manipulator system without breaking the workflow. This combines what would traditionally be separate operations into one continuous process.
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
Enables safe and cost-effective decommissioning of steam generators by reducing radiation exposure and eliminating the need for expensive transportation, while effectively dismantling and decontaminating the components.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one dismantling member may be an oxy acetylene torch
Data Source
AI summary
A system for decommissioning a steam generator, comprising a structure defining a chamber for receiving the steam generator; and a mechanical assembly within the chamber for dismantling the steam generator.