Vaned Filtering Element for Nuclear Sump Strainers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear power plant strainers face challenges in maintaining fluid flow due to the 'thin-bed effect' where a mat of debris forms, causing high hydraulic resistance, which can threaten the functionality of Emergency Core Cooling Systems (ECCS) sump recirculation pumps, and existing solutions do not adequately address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A vaned filtering element with porous screens formed into hollow vanes is introduced, increasing the filtration surface area and reducing water velocity, thereby minimizing the thin-bed effect by spreading debris deposition over a larger area, thus reducing flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surface area of ECCS strainers is increased to reduce the thin-bed effect, then the filtration effectiveness is improved, but the device size increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the flat two-dimensional screen surface into a three-dimensional structure by adding vanes that extend outwardly. This dimensional change allows the filtering element to achieve significantly larger surface area within the same device envelope, directly resolving the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and device compactness
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple vanes are arranged in a compact configuration where they nest together, allowing the filtering element to pack maximum surface area into a minimal volume. The vanes are positioned to utilize space efficiently, creating a nested structure that maximizes filtration area without proportionally increasing device size
2Device complexity
If conventional flat-surface fins are used, then the device structure is simple, but the filtration surface area is insufficient causing high head loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curved or angled vanes instead of flat surfaces, creating a three-dimensional filtering structure. This curvature allows light and fluid to interact with the filtering surface from multiple angles, dramatically increasing the effective filtration area without requiring a proportionally larger device, thereby reducing head loss while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering element is segmented into multiple discrete vanes rather than using a single flat surface. This segmentation allows the total filtration area to be distributed across multiple surfaces, increasing the overall filtering capacity and reducing head loss while keeping each individual vane structurally simple
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 vaned filtering element significantly increases the filtration surface area, reducing the thickness of debris and flow resistance, allowing for efficient debris removal while maintaining compactness and compatibility with existing systems, thereby enhancing the reliability of ECCS sump recirculation pumps.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fluid permeable screens formed from at least one layer of porous material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to filters used to remove debris from water being sucked into a piping system. It has particular application for use in nuclear power plants, which, after a loss of coolant accident, must pump cooling water back into the reactor core from a collection sump. This water may contain various types of debris that must be removed before the water is sent back into the reactor cooling system. Filtering of the debris is realized with the component known as “strainers”. There are restrictions on the space available for installing strainers. The vaned filtering element, for example a vaned fin, of the present invention is designed to reduce the space required for strainer installation by increasing strainer surface area per unit volume, while maximizing the quantity of debris that can be filtered from the water.