Calculating Lifting Mechanism for Radioactive Fuel Element Removal Machine

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on designing a lifting mechanism for a machine intended to remove radioactive fuel elements from cylindrical containers, weighing 70 kg each. Key considerations include the mechanical aspects of the design, with potential lifting devices such as hoists, cranes, and robotic arms being explored. The environment poses challenges, including a 4m long, 0.7m wide channel that is 2.5m deep with limited headroom and access. Important calculations for the lifting mechanism involve monitoring reactivity control, strain limits, and decay heat removal, especially since the cylinders are made of aluminum and the robot is expected to be contaminated after use. The conversation also touches on the implications of the robot's operation in a radioactive environment and the need for safety measures.
netgear87
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hello i am new to this forum..i have been set a problem whereby i am asked to design a machine to remove radioactive fuel elements which are contained in cylinders. i am asked to only look at the mechanical aspects (lifting device) of the design. Density and measurements were given and mass of each cyclinder was calculated at 70kg. The machine will be controlled remotely and vision systems can be used. For mobility, i have been looking into radio controlled bomb disposal vehicles and for the lifting devices research has been done on hoist, cranes, telescopic arm, robotic arm etc.

The problem section is 4m long and 0.7m wide. The channel is 2.5m deep and full of water and some sludge.The headroom above the floor is only 2m and access is from one side (see sketch).

My questions is, what are some of the possible calcuations one can do when designing/selecting an appropriate lifiting mechanism?
 

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How about an electromagnet?
 
oops i forgot to mention that the cylinders are aluminium and hence non magnetic.:approve:
 
Electromagnets work on aluminum too :P.
 
are the cylinders radioactive?
is the robot ever to come out of the hot area if it breaks?

dr
 
Aluminium is a paramagnetic material and is said to be 'non-magnetic'.
It is assumed that the robot is for 'one time' use only as it will be contaminated after retriving the cylinders.
 
netgear87 said:
My questions is, what are some of the possible calcuations one can do when designing/selecting an appropriate lifiting mechanism?
Reactivity control and reactivity rate control. As fissionable material is moved, temperature changed, moderator changed, its proximity to criticality must be monitored and controlled. Conceptually, link the lifting mechanism control with reactivity protection and analysis.
 
Oh yeah, decay heat removal provisions. Strain limiting in addition to stress limiting. The SL-1 accident was caused by uncontrolled strain recovery.
 
thanx:smile:
 
  • #10
hi i am working in non uniform beam design (backhoe loader ) anyone can help me what the methods can be used to calculate the dimensions?
 

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