Vented Nuclear Fission Fuel Module Gas Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear fission reactors face challenges with fuel rod swelling, cracking, and rupture due to the accumulation and pressure exerted by fission product gases, which can lead to cladding breaches and uncontrolled release of radioactive materials, necessitating frequent reactor shutdowns and reduced design life.
Innovation Solution
A vented nuclear fission fuel module system that includes a nuclear fission fuel element capable of generating gaseous fission products, with a valve body and valve for controllably venting these products into a reactor vessel, utilizing a flexible diaphragm and removable cap to manage pressure and prevent cladding damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If fission product gases are accumulated in fuel rods, then nuclear energy can be continuously generated, but fuel rod swelling and cladding breaches occur due to increased internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful gaseous fission products from the fuel rod system by providing dedicated vent paths and collection chambers. The vent ports in fuel rod extensions and the fission product gas collection chamber work together to remove accumulated gases, preventing pressure buildup that would compromise cladding integrity while allowing continuous reactor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including the fission product gas collection chamber, vent ports, and flexible diaphragm that act as mediators between the fuel elements and the reactor environment. These intermediaries safely channel and contain fission gases, preventing direct contact with cladding and enabling pressure management without compromising structural integrity.
2Reliability
If venting system is added to fuel modules, then fission product gases can be safely released, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system is segmented into modular components distributed throughout the fuel assembly. Individual fuel rod extensions with vent ports, collection chambers, and removable caps create a distributed venting network that manages fission gases locally rather than requiring a single complex centralized system. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to discard harmful fission product gases through controlled venting pathways. The flexible diaphragm with hole allows selective passage of gases while retaining fuel materials, and the removable cap enables periodic maintenance and resetting of the venting system, simplifying long-term operation.
3Reliability
If frequent reactor shutdowns are implemented, then cladding breaches can be prevented, but productivity decreases due to reduced operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system enables continuous operation of the reactor by continuously managing fission product gases. The flexible diaphragm and vent ports provide ongoing pressure relief capabilities, eliminating the need for periodic shutdowns to prevent cladding breaches. This maintains continuous electricity generation while preserving cladding integrity through active gas management.
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 system effectively manages fission product gases, reducing the risk of fuel rod swelling and cladding breaches, allowing for extended reactor operation and reduced frequency of shutdowns by safely venting gases, thus enhancing reactor safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible diaphragm for moving the valve
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include methods of assembling a vented nuclear fission fuel module. Given by way of non-limiting example and not of limitation, an illustrative method of assembling a vented nuclear fission fuel module includes receiving a nuclear fission fuel element capable of generating a gaseous fission product. A valve body is coupled to the nuclear fission fuel element, and the valve body defines a plenum therein for receiving the gaseous fission product. A valve is disposed in communication with the plenum for controllably venting the gaseous fission product from the plenum. A flexible diaphragm is coupled to the valve for moving the valve. A cap is mounted on the valve, and a manipulator extendable to the cap for manipulating the cap is received.