Translational Blocking Device for Nuclear Reactor Solid Body Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aeroball measurement and nuclide activation systems in nuclear reactors face challenges in space efficiency and complex production due to the use of rotation valves and ball valves, which are cumbersome and difficult to seal effectively for stopping solid bodies with high kinetic energy.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device with a continuous channel and a translational actuator that moves to open or close the channel, allowing for simple production and space-saving design, capable of stopping solid bodies without rotating components, and allowing propellant fluid passage while blocking solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotation valves and ball valves are used to stop solid bodies, then the stopping function is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple main bodies arranged in succession, each with its own channel. The actuator is segmented to extend through multiple main bodies, with each segment controlling a specific channel. This segmentation allows independent control of multiple conduits while simplifying the overall structure compared to traditional rotation valves.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotating valve body that opens and closes channels through rotation, the invention inverts the approach by using a translational actuator that moves linearly to block or open channels. The actuator extends through the main bodies in a straight line, blocking channels by simply moving into position rather than rotating to align openings.
2Reliability
If rotation valves and ball valves are used to stop solid bodies, then the stopping function is achieved, but the production complexity and sealing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex rotational sealing mechanism with a simple translational blocking mechanism. The actuator moves linearly to block channels, eliminating the need for complex rotary seals. This inversion of the motion type dramatically simplifies both manufacturing and sealing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and main bodies are designed as simple, easily replaceable components with straightforward sealing requirements. Rather than complex valves requiring precision rotary seals, the design uses simple translational blocks that can be manufactured more economically and replaced if needed.
3Device complexity
If translational actuator is used instead of rotation valve, then the space requirements and production simplicity are improved, but the ability to handle high kinetic energy solid bodies must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple main bodies are merged into a single integrated structure with continuous channels running through them. The actuator merges its blocking function across multiple channels by extending through all main bodies simultaneously. This combining approach maintains the ability to handle high kinetic energy bodies while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses rounded or curved surfaces in the actuator and main body design to facilitate the movement of spherical solid bodies. The channels are designed with appropriate curvature to guide the balls through, and the actuator surfaces are shaped to smoothly deflect or stop the high-velocity spheres without causing damage or jamming.
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 blocking device effectively stops solid bodies with minimal space requirements and simplified production, ensuring safe and efficient operation in nuclear reactors by using a translational actuator to control the channel's openness, maintaining permeability to propellant gas while blocking solids.
Implementation Method 1
a conduit system which is used to transport the solid bodies by means of a propellant fluid, in particular a propellant gas
Implementation Method 2
During the transport through the conduit system, the balls each receive a high level of kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
an actuator arranged inside the main body, which is adjustable relative to the main body between an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 4
the channel for the solid bodies is passable in the open position and is closed in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a blocking device (5) for stopping solid bodies that have been irradiated or that are to be irradiated in a conduit system (2) which is used to transport the solid bodies by means of a propelling fluid into and out from a nuclear reactor (1). The blocking device has at least one main body (52) with a continuous channel (521) for the solid bodies and an actuator (58), which is arranged inside the main body (52) and which is adjustable relative to the main body (52) between an open position and a closed position in such a way that the channel (521) for the solid bodies is open in the open position and is closed in the closed position. The actuator (58) can be brought from the open position into the closed position and from the closed position into the open position by being displaced relative to the at least one main body (52). The blocking device can be used in particular as part of an aeroball measurement system (3) or as part of a nuclide activation system (4).