Submerged Tool Positioning Mast for Reactor Core Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inspections and maintenance operations in a nuclear reactor core consume valuable above-core space, which is shared with refueling bridges and cranes, necessitating the development of tooling that can be operated and supported outside this space while allowing alignment and positioning verification.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system that can be operated entirely submerged without overhead support or alignment, utilizing an annular clamp, an extendible shaft, a motor-driven telescoping mast, and articulators with self-leveling wrists to position tools and instruments within the reactor, powered by local or wireless means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inspections and maintenance operations are conducted using overhead equipment (cranes, bridges), then positioning and inspection can be accomplished, but valuable above-core space is consumed and conflicts with refueling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions inspection and maintenance operations from the vertical dimension (overhead equipment) to the horizontal dimension (submerged equipment operating within the core plane). The articulated arm system operates laterally from the reactor wall, enabling maintenance activities without occupying the vertical space above the core that is required for refueling bridges and cranes.
2Area of stationary object
If submerged tooling is used to avoid overhead space, then above-core space is freed for refueling operations, but positioning and alignment verification becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment verification methods with optical measurement systems. Laser trackers and other optical devices can operate through water to provide precise positioning and alignment data for the submerged articulated arm, eliminating the need for physical alignment marks or mechanical reference systems that would be difficult to implement underwater.
3Ease of operation
If overhead equipment is used for maintenance operations, then tools can be positioned and operated, but the equipment complexity and interference with refueling operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the maintenance system into modular segments: the articulated arm is divided into multiple adjustable segments that can be positioned independently, and the system is separated from overhead structures entirely. This segmentation allows the maintenance equipment to be supported from the reactor wall rather than requiring complex overhead bridges and cranes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods position tools about a flooded nuclear reactor during maintenance outages without support structures connected above the systems or reactor. Systems may include annular clamps for support from a reactor steam dam, a telescoping mast, a motor or other drive to extend or retract the mast, and/or an articulator to hold the payload and move the same about any degree of freedom. The telescoping mast may include several nested sections joined to a drive motor. Several different articulators are useable, including those with separate gearings for rotation about perpendicular axes and self-leveling wrists to orient tools in verifiable positions. Systems can be locally or remotely powered and controlled through powered and communicative connections to move about any position in a reactor annulus or core.