Telescopic Riser Sluicer for Nuclear Tank Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning systems for nuclear waste storage tanks lack the reach to effectively clean entire tanks, are inefficient, and suffer from end effector failures and limited functionality, leading to high operational costs and environmental exposure.
Innovation Solution
A large riser extended reach sluicer system with a telescopic mast and tool changer capability, allowing for adjustable reach, multiple end effector functions, and a failsafe mechanism to prevent accidental separation, enabling efficient cleaning and sample collection while reducing waste left in the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a longer arm cleaning system is used to reach the entire tank, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the installation becomes impossible in tanks with high waste depth
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple segments: a fixed base unit in the riser and a telescopic boom arm that can extend and retract. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extended reach without requiring a single excessively long arm, enabling installation in tanks with high waste depth while maintaining full cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom arm incorporates telescopic capability with extendable sections that can dynamically adjust its length. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt its reach based on waste depth and tank configuration, solving the contradiction between needing long reach for full coverage and maintaining installability in various tank conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple machines are placed around the tank perimeter to clean the entire tank, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed as a universal platform that can clean the entire tank from a single riser location. The telescopic boom and rotatable end effector enable one machine to perform the work of multiple machines, reducing operational costs while maintaining full cleaning coverage through centralized operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cleaning functions and capabilities are merged into a single integrated system. The combination of telescopic extension, rotation, and interchangeable end effectors allows one machine to consolidate the functionality of multiple perimeter-mounted machines, achieving full tank coverage with reduced operational complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If the end effector is designed for single functionality, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different waste types and operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different tool heads and functional attachments. This multi-functional design allows a single base unit to perform various operations such as cutting, grinding, sampling, and cleaning by simply changing the end effector attachment, thereby increasing adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector system incorporates quick-change mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of functional capabilities. Operators can rapidly swap between different end effectors based on the specific waste type or operation required, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
4Productivity
If the end effector is positioned closest to the waste for optimal cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the reliability decreases due to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the end effector from the main machine body, making it a distinct, replaceable component. This segmentation allows the end effector to be quickly replaced when it fails or becomes worn, minimizing downtime and maintaining cleaning effectiveness without compromising overall system reliability. The main boom and control systems remain protected and functional.
Data Source
AI summary
Extended reach sluicer systems, devices, and methods for breaking up and retrieving chemical, radioactive, hazardous materials and/or other waste and/or other material from storage tanks with mechanical arms and nozzles to break up and transfer tank material. And this invention can work with tanks having high temperature or low temperature conditions.