Vented Nuclear Fission Fuel Module Managing Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear fission reactors face challenges with fuel rod swelling, cracking, and rupture due to the accumulation of fission product solids and gases, which can lead to cladding breaches and uncontrollable release of fission products into the primary coolant system, requiring effective venting mechanisms to manage pressure and prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A vented nuclear fission fuel module system with a valve body and plenum structure that allows for controllable venting of gaseous fission products, using a flexible diaphragm and cap mechanism to manage pressure and prevent backflow, along with a sensor system for monitoring fission product pressure and type, ensuring safe and controlled release of gases into the coolant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fission products accumulate in fuel rods, then fuel rod swelling and cracking increase, but cladding integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful gaseous fission products from the fuel rod interior through a venting mechanism. The vent valve selectively opens to allow gas escape while retaining solid fission products and coolant, thereby reducing internal pressure that causes swelling and cracking, and protecting cladding integrity without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary venting system between the fuel pellets and the external environment. This system includes a vent valve, diaphragm, and filter assembly that mediates the release of gaseous fission products while preventing direct contact between harmful gases and the cladding, thus reducing mechanical stress and chemical interactions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If venting mechanisms are added to fuel rods, then fission product pressure is managed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated venting assembly. The vent valve, diaphragm, filter, and sealing mechanisms are combined into one compact unit that can be attached to the fuel rod, reducing overall device complexity while effectively managing fission product pressure through coordinated operation of its components
Solution Approach 2:
The venting mechanism incorporates self-regulating features where the diaphragm automatically responds to pressure differential to open or close the vent valve, and the filter automatically retains solid particles. This self-service operation reduces the need for external control systems, simplifying the overall device while maintaining effective pressure 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 reduces the risk of fuel rod swelling and cracking by managing fission product pressure, preventing cladding breaches, and ensuring safe venting of gases, thereby extending reactor life and maintaining reactor integrity.
Implementation Method 1
In operation, the pressure differential between the plenum and the外部环境 will cause the diaphragm to respond to open or close the vent valve
Implementation Method 2
Fission product gas released from the fuel element will be received into the plenum
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative embodiments provide a nuclear fission reactor, a vented nuclear fission fuel module, methods therefor and a vented nuclear fission fuel module system.