ES2424589A1 - Method and system for handling and transporting radioactive waste containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and system for handling and transporting radioactive waste containers. Said system comprises a self-propelled transport platform (10) configured to transport a container (1) in a horizontal position (H) arranged on a loading frame (2), said transport platform (10) being configured to move from a first position (A) to a second position (B) and a self-propelled gantry frame (20) configured to move to the second position (B), having lifting and lowering means (30) for the container (1) and settlement means (40) configured to seat the gantry frame (20) on the ground, in the second position (B) said transport platform (10) being configured to be positioned under the gantry frame (20).

Description

5 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and system for handling and transport of radioactive waste containers, specially designed to carry out all the operations foreseen in the handling of the container, from its

10 reception at the nuclear power plant until it is loaded to the expedition transport, for its subsequent transfer to the A.T.C. (Centralized Temporary Warehouse).

Background of the invention

15 Various procedures and systems for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste are currently known.

A first solution is found in self-propelled vehicles that comprise cargo porches. Each of these vehicles features a U-shaped chassis with

20 two horizontal arms that move through a track system or large wheels, between which the container is housed in an upright position. The arms support a telescopic gantry configured to raise and lower the container, always maintaining its vertical position. Once the container is loaded in the vehicle's gantry, the entire assembly is moved to the destination position, where the

25 container is unloaded on the ground, being upright.

This solution has notable drawbacks, the first being the impossibility of carrying out a significant number of usual handling operations, such as the need to load and unload the container in

30 horizontal position, or flip it. Another drawback to highlight is the lack of access to buildings that involves the transport of such heavy loads in an upright position, and more taking into account the considerable height of the vehicle.

A second solution is found in self-propelled vehicles that comprise loading platforms. Each of these vehicles has a platform-shaped chassis that moves through a conventional wheel system. The platform supports a load frame on which the container is housed horizontally. Once the container is loaded on the vehicle platform, with the assistance of auxiliary cranes, the whole assembly is moved to the position of

5 destination, where the container is unloaded on the ground, again with the assistance of auxiliary cranes, being in a horizontal position.

This solution has notable drawbacks, the first being the impossibility of carrying out a significant number of handling operations

10 usual, such as the need to load, unload or flip the container, without the assistance of qualified auxiliary elements in accordance with the applicable regulations in force. Another drawback to highlight are the high point loads on the wheel system, which apart from the oversizing required in vehicle design, hinder and slow down its maneuverability.

The present invention satisfactorily solves the problems set forth above, by means of a method and system for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste that improves the performance of existing vehicles and effectively combines them to simplify, with the least number of

20 elements, all the operations planned in the handling of containers of radioactive waste, from its reception in the nuclear power plant until its loading to the expedition transport, for its subsequent transfer to the A.T.C. (Centralized Temporary Warehouse). Simplify the necessary infrastructure in the temporary storage slab by not requiring any fixed lifting means valid for the

25 handling of irradiated fuel containers.

Description of the invention According to a first object of the present invention, a procedure for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste is described below.

30 inside the nuclear power plant. Said method comprises the steps of: a.1) arranging a self-propelled transport platform in a first position, said platform loaded with a container in a horizontal position disposed on a load frame; b.1) move the transport platform from the first position to a

35 second position;

c.1) move a self-propelled gantry to the second position,

said portico having means of lifting and lowering the container; d.1) set the maneuver gantry on the floor of the second position; and e.1) position the transport platform under the maneuver gantry.

5 According to the previous procedure, which is called the base procedure, once the different components of the system are positioned, a large number of operations can be carried out.

10 One of them consists in positioning the load frame on the ground, the container being arranged horizontally on said frame. To do this, after step e.1), the basic procedure comprises the steps of: f.1) hooking the lifting and lowering means to the load frame; g.1) hoist the load frame next to the container while maintaining the horizontal position

15 thereof, until downloading its weight from the transport platform; h.1) remove the transport platform from the maneuver gantry; and i.1) lower the load frame next to the container while maintaining the position

horizontal of the same, until depositing it on the floor of the second position.

20 Some operations require separate handling of the container, for example to prepare your shipment from the plant site. For this, after step i.1), the process of the present invention comprises the steps of: j.1) hooking the lifting and lowering means to the container;

25 k.1) hoist the container maintaining its horizontal position, until its weight is unloaded from the load frame; l.1) place one or more shock absorption elements on the load frame; and m.1) lower the container maintaining its horizontal position, until it is deposited on the load frame.

As an alternative to positioning the load frame on the ground, the container being arranged horizontally on said frame, some operations require the container to be turned upside down on the ground, isolated from the frame. To do this, after step e.1), the procedure

base comprises the stages of: f.2) hook the lifting and lowering means to the container; g.2) hoist the container causing it to tip over a support axis

of the load frame, until adopting an upright position and unloading its weight

5 of the load frame; h.2) remove the transport platform from the maneuver gantry; and i.2) lower the container maintaining its vertical position, until

deposit it on the floor of the second position.

10 Preferably, during step g.2) there is a relative movement between the transport platform and the maneuver gantry, the position of both being synchronized so that the lifting and lowering means maintain a vertical hitch to the container.

15 Another alternative to the horizontal positioning of the container-load frame assembly on the ground, or to the individualized vertical positioning of the container on the ground, it is also possible to load the container onto a new load frame, arranged on another transport platform, or in any other vehicle For this, after step e.1), the basic procedure includes the steps of:

20 f.3) hook the lifting and lowering means to the container; g.3) hoist the load frame next to the container while maintaining the horizontal position

(H) of the same, until downloading its weight from the transport platform; h.3) remove the transport platform from the maneuver gantry; i.3) position a new load frame under the maneuver gantry; Y

25 j.3) lower the container maintaining its horizontal position, until it is deposited on the new load frame.

Preferably, to arrange a transport platform loaded with a container in a horizontal position disposed on a load frame, step a.1) 30 comprises the steps of:

a.1.1. move a portico of maneuvers until it is above the container in a horizontal position arranged on the load frame;

a.1.2. hook the lifting and lowering means to the load frame;

a.1.3. hoist the load frame next to the container maintaining its horizontal position 35;

a.1.4. position the unloaded, or empty, transport platform, until it is under the maneuver gantry; Y

a.1.5. lower the load frame next to the container maintaining its horizontal position, until it is loaded onto the transport platform.

5 Preferably, to seat the maneuver gantry on the floor of the second position, step d.1) comprises the stage of:

d.1.1. lower the maneuvering gantry, varying the height relative to the ground of some end wheel assemblies arranged between some bases of settlement

10 with a flat base that extend inferiorly from lower ends of said maneuvering portico, until said settlement bases are supported on the floor of the second position.

By default, settlement bases are enabled with elements that allow

15 absorb soil irregularities. However, in some exceptional cases it may be necessary to manually place these elements before setting the porch. In that case, before stage d.1.1 it includes the stage of:

d.1.0. place one or more polyurethane elastomer sheets under the bases of

settlement to absorb the irregularities of the soil of the second position.

According to a second object of the present invention, a system for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste is described below. Said system comprises:

25 • a self-propelled transport platform configured to transport a container in a horizontal position disposed on a load frame, said platform configured to move from a first position to a second position; Y

• a self-propelled gantry configured to move to the

30 second position that has: - lifting and lowering means of the container; and - settlement means configured to seat the maneuver gantry

on the floor of the second position; said transport platform configured to position itself under the 35 maneuver gantry.

Preferably, the transport platform comprises:

• a bearing structure configured to support the load frame and the container, on which there is also a control equipment cabin;

5 • a plurality of wheel assemblies spaced apart under the supporting structure to distribute the load, where each wheel assembly is configured to rotate independently of the rest and vary its height from the ground; Y

• First self-propelled means.

10 Preferably, the maneuver gantry comprises:

• a structure formed by two pairs of legs, between which a passage opening configured to accommodate the transport platform is defined, each pair of legs attached inferiorly to a lower end;

15 • a quadrilateral structure that joins the two pairs of legs superiorly;

• extreme wheel assemblies arranged under the lower ends, where each extreme wheel assembly is configured to rotate independently of the rest and vary its height from the ground; Y

20 • a few second self-propelled means.

Preferably, the self-propelled means allow the autonomous displacement of the transport platform and the maneuvering gantry, thus having a generator set that generates the necessary energy for this purpose. In particular, an external power input can also be provided to enable the operation of the platform and / or the porch in enclosed spaces, keeping the generator stopped, and thus avoiding the accumulation of fumes and the accidental action of fire systems. Both the transport platform and the maneuver gantry can be operated by remote control, using a wired controller

30 electric, or wireless via radio frequency.

The wheel assemblies are therefore self-directional and independent, controlled both in angle of rotation and in height with respect to the ground. Its number is determined to adapt the point load on the ground or terrain to values below the maximum allowed in each installation. There is no set minimum value. A

Adequate number of wheel assemblies is able to move the transport platform and the maneuver gantry with total safety, both on flat terrain, and on the uneven slopes within the path to be traveled. The individual rotation of each set of wheels extends the maneuverability of the different operations and ensures the

5 system stability.

The height adjustment and a suspension equalization system ensures that the load of each wheel does not exceed the maximum allowed values. It also allows the adaptation to the orography of the land guaranteeing the contact of

10 all wheels and ensuring the stability of the set. Also set the maneuver gantry, varying the height from the bottom of the lower ends, until the base of the settlement is perched on the ground.

Preferably, the lifting and lowering means comprise: • a plurality of cables or arms movable in height with lower hooks configured to engage the load frame and the container; Y

• a motorized mechanism configured to raise or lower said cables or arms.

20 Preferably, the settlement means comprise:

• flat base seating base that extends inferiorly to each of the lower slats, each seating base being arranged between end wheel assemblies.

Brief Description of the Drawings A series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and which expressly relate to a preferred embodiment of said invention which are presented as a non-limiting example thereof are described very briefly below.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the self-propelled transport platform of the present invention, loaded with a container.

Figure 2 represents a side view of the transport platform with a container in a horizontal position on its load frame.

Figure 3 represents a rear view of the transport platform with a container in a horizontal position on its load frame.

5 Figure 4 represents a plan view of the transport platform with a container in horizontal position on its load frame.

Figure 5 represents a rear view of the transport platform with a container in a horizontal position on its load frame, on a terrain with 10% slope.

Figure 6 represents a perspective view of the maneuver gantry of the present invention, unloaded.

Figure 7 represents a perspective view of the system of the present invention.

Figure 8 represents a side view of the transport platform with a container in an upright position on its load frame, in the middle of a turning maneuver.

Figure 9 depicts a perspective view of the maneuver gantry of the present invention, loaded with a container in an upright position.

Figure 10 represents a perspective side view of the unloaded transport platform 25, and without the load frame.

Figure 11 represents a rear perspective view of the unloaded transport platform, and without the load frame.

30 Figure 12 represents a perspective view of the maneuver gantry loaded with a container in a horizontal position on its load frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively show a perspective view, a side view, a rear view and a plan view of the transport platform (10)

self-propelled system for handling and transporting containers (1) of radioactive waste (1) of the present invention. As can be seen, the transport platform (10) is configured to transport a container

(1) in horizontal position (H) disposed on a load frame (2), said

5 platform (10) configured to move from a first position (A) to a second position (B), figure 7.

The transport platform (10) comprises:

• a supporting structure (11) configured to support the load frame (2) and the

10 container (1), on which there is also a control equipment cabin (12);

• a plurality of wheel assemblies (13) spaced apart under the supporting structure (11) to distribute the load, where each wheel assembly (13) is configured to rotate independently of the rest and vary its height

15 with respect to the ground; Y

• first self-propelled means (14), represented by a generator set according to the present example.

Figure 5 shows a rear view of the transport platform (10) with a

20 container in horizontal position (H) on its load frame (2), on a terrain with a slope of 10% respectively. It shows the stability offered by the sets of wheels (13) adjustable in height, necessary to face the unevenness planned during the journey.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the self-propelled gantry (20) of the system for handling and transporting containers (1) of radioactive waste (1) of the present invention. As can be seen, the maneuver gantry (20) is configured to move to the second position (B), figure 7, and has:

30-lifting and lowering means (30) of the container (1); and - settlement means (40) configured to seat the maneuver gantry

(20) on the floor of the second position (B).

The maneuver gantry (20) comprises: • a structure formed by two pairs of legs (21), among which a

passage opening (22) configured to accommodate the transport platform (10), each pair of legs (21) attached inferiorly to a lower end (23);

• a quadrilateral structure (24) that joins the two pairs of legs (21) superiorly;

5 • extreme wheel assemblies (25) arranged under the lower ends (23), where each wheel end assembly (25) is configured to rotate regardless of the rest and vary its height from the ground, as indicated the arrows; Y

• second self-propelled means (26), represented by a generator set 10 according to the present example.

The lifting and lowering means (30) comprise:

• a plurality of cables or arms (31) movable in height, ie above and

below according to the arrows, with lower hooks (32) configured to catch the load frame (2) and the container (1); Y

• a motorized mechanism (33) configured to raise or lower said cables or arms (31).

The settlement means (40) comprise:

20 • a flat-based seating base (41) that extends inferiorly from each of the lower slats (23), each seating base (41) being arranged between end wheel assemblies (25).

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the system of the present invention, in

25 which shows that the transport platform (10) is configured to position itself under the maneuver gantry (20). During the lifting and turning operations of the container (1) there is a relative movement (R) between the transport platform (10) and the maneuver gantry (20), synchronizing the position of both (10, 20) so that the lifting and lowering means (30) maintain a hitch

30 vertical to the container (1). As can be seen, one or more sheets of polyurethane elastomer (42) can be placed under the support projections before absorbing the irregularities of the floor of the second position.

Figure 8 shows a side view of the transport platform (10) with a container (1) in an upright position (V) on its load frame (2), in the middle of a turning maneuver, in which the gantry of maneuvers (20) has not been represented by questions of clarity. As can be seen, the container (1) turns in relation to a support axis (3) of the load frame (2), until adopting a

5 vertical position (V) and unload its weight from the load frame (2), as shown in figure 9.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the maneuver gantry (20) of the present invention, loaded with a container (1) in an upright position (V).

10 Figures 10 and 11 show respectively a side view and a rear perspective view of the unloaded transport platform (10), and without the load frame (2).

15 Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the maneuver gantry (20) loaded with a container (1) in a horizontal position (H) on its load frame (2).

Claims (9)

1.-Procedure for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste, said procedure characterized by comprising the steps of: 5 a.1) arranging a self-propelled transport platform (10) in a first position (A), said platform (10) loaded with a container (1) in a horizontal position (H) arranged on a load frame (2); b.1) move the transport platform (10) from the first position (A) to a second position (B); 10 c.1) move a self-propelled gantry (20) to the second position (B), said gantry (20) having lifting and lowering means (30) of the container (1); d.1) set the maneuver gantry (20) on the floor of the second position (B); and e.1) position the transport platform (10) under the maneuver gantry (20). 2. Procedure for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste according to claim 1 characterized in that after step e.1) it comprises the steps of: f.1) hooking the lifting and lowering means (30) to the frame loading (2); 20 g.1) lift the load frame (2) next to the container (1) maintaining its horizontal position (H), until its weight is unloaded from the transport platform (10); h.1) remove the transport platform (10) from the maneuver gantry (20); and i.1) lower the load frame (2) next to the container (1) maintaining its horizontal position (H), until it is deposited on the floor of the second position (B). 3. Procedure for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste according to claim 2 characterized in that after step i.1) 30 comprises the steps of: j.1) hooking the lifting and lowering means (30) to the container (1); k.1) hoist the container (1) maintaining its horizontal position (H), until unload its weight from the load frame (2); l.1) place one or more impact absorption elements (4) on the load frame (2); Y m.1) lower the container (1) maintaining its horizontal position (H), until it is deposited on the load frame (2). 4.-Procedure for handling and transport of waste containers Radioactive according to claim 1 characterized in that after step e.1) it comprises the steps of: f.2) hooking the lifting and lowering means (30) to the container (1); g.2) hoist the container (1) causing it to tip over an axis of support (3) of the load frame (2), until adopting a vertical position (V) and 10 unload your weight from the load frame (2); h.2) remove the transport platform (10) from the maneuver gantry (20); and i.2) lower the container (1) maintaining its vertical position (V), until deposited on the floor of the second position (B). 15 5. Procedure for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste according to claim 4 characterized in that during step g.2) there is a relative movement (R) between the transport platform (10) and the maneuver gantry ( 20), the position of both (10, 20) being synchronized so that the lifting and lowering means (30) maintain a vertical hitch to the container (1). Method for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste according to claim 1 characterized in that after step e.1) it comprises the steps of: f.3) hooking the lifting and lowering means (30) to the container (one); 25 g.3) lift the load frame (2) next to the container (1) maintaining its horizontal position (H), until its weight is unloaded from the transport platform (10); h.3) remove the transport platform (10) from the maneuver gantry (20); i.3) position a new load frame (2) under the maneuver gantry (20); 30 and j.3) lower the container (1) maintaining its horizontal position (H), until it is deposited on the new load frame (2). 7. Procedure for handling and transport of radioactive waste containers according to any of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that step a.1) comprises the steps of: a.1.1. move a maneuver gantry (20) until it is on top of the container (1) in horizontal position (H) arranged on the load frame (2); a.1.2. hook the lifting and lowering means (30) to the load frame (2); 5 a.1.3. hoist the load frame (2) next to the container (1) maintaining its horizontal position (H); a.1.4. position the unloaded transport platform (10) until it is under the maneuver gantry (20); Y a.1.5. lower the load frame (2) next to the container (1) keeping the 10 horizontal position (H) thereof, until loaded onto the transport platform (10). 8. Procedure for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that step 15 d.1) comprises the stage of: d.1.1. lower the maneuvering gantry (20), varying the height relative to the ground of some end wheel assemblies (25) arranged between a flat base seating bases (41) that extend inferiorly to lower poles (23) of said gantry of maneuvers (20), until said 20 settlement bases (41) are supported on the floor of the second position (B). 9. Procedure for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste according to claim 8 characterized in that before step d.1.1 25 it comprises the stage of: d.1.0 place one or more sheets (42) of polyurethane elastomer under the seating bases (41) to absorb the irregularities of the floor of the second position (B). 30 10.-System for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste, said system characterized by: • a self-propelled transport platform (10) configured to transport a container (1) in a horizontal position (H) arranged on a loading frame (2), said platform (10) configured to move from a first position (A) 35 to a second position (B); Y • a self-propelled maneuver gantry (20) configured to move to the second position (B) which has: - lifting and lowering means (30) of the container (1); and - settlement means (40) configured to seat the maneuver gantry 5 (20) on the floor of the second position (B); said transport platform (10) configured to position itself under the maneuver gantry (20). 11. System for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste 10 according to claim 10 characterized in that the transport platform (10) comprises: • a supporting structure (11) configured to support the load frame (2) and the container (1), on which there is also a control equipment cabin (12); 15 • a plurality of wheel assemblies (13) spaced apart under the supporting structure (11) to distribute the load, where each wheel assembly (13) is configured to rotate independently of the rest and vary its height from the ground ; Y • first self-propelled means (14). 12. System for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste according to any of claims 10 to 11 characterized in that the maneuvering portico (20) comprises: • a structure formed by two pairs of legs (21), among which a 25 passage opening (22) configured to accommodate the transport platform (10), each pair of legs (21) attached inferiorly to a lower end (23);

•

a quadrilateral shaped structure (24) that joins the two pairs of legs (21) superiorly;

•

extreme wheel assemblies (25) arranged under the lower ends (23),

30 where each end wheel assembly (25) is configured to rotate independently of the rest and vary its height from the ground; Y • second self-propelled means (26). 13. System for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste 35 according to any of claims 10 to 12 characterized in that the lifting and lowering means (30) comprise: • a plurality of cables or arms (31) movable in height with lower hooks (32) configured to engage the load frame (2) and the container (1); Y 5 • a motorized mechanism (33) configured to raise or lower said cables or arms (31). 14. System for handling and transporting containers of radioactive waste according to any of claims 10 to 13 characterized in that the settlement means 10 (40) comprise: • a flat base seating base (41) that extends inferiorly to each of the lower ends (23), each settling base (41) being arranged between end wheel assemblies (25).  14 h   1 HOUR Fig 2 Fig. 3 12 one Fig. 4 H Fig. 5 10 13 10% 33 30 31 31 21 Fig. 6 41 22 25

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