A high radiation-resistant, long-life monitoring system

By separating the lens from the camera module through fiber optic image transmission bundle and remote electronic focusing design, the problem of easy damage to existing radiation-resistant monitoring systems in high-radiation environments is solved, achieving high reliability and underwater monitoring, and improving the real-time monitoring capability and operational safety of the equipment.

CN119881999BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-14NUCLEAR POWER INSTITUTE OF CHINA
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411783965.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-06
Publication Date
2025-11-14
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing radiation-resistant monitoring systems are easily damaged in high-radiation environments, resulting in low equipment reliability, inability to function properly, and a lack of underwater operation capability and environmental adaptability.

Method used

The lens and camera module are placed in the radiation and non-radiation zones respectively by using fiber optic image transmission bundles. Combined with remote electronic focusing and waterproof design, it achieves high radiation resistance and underwater monitoring function. The optical system filters and shields gamma rays to protect key components.

Benefits of technology

It improves the reliability and efficiency of the equipment in high-irradiation environments, enables real-time underwater monitoring and remote operation, reduces the radiation dose to operators, and enhances the efficiency of modular installation and replacement of the equipment.

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Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of nuclear testing technology, specifically relating to a high-radiation-resistant, long-life monitoring system. It includes a non-radiation zone system and a radiation zone system. The radiation zone system operates in a radiation environment, focusing the light from the target object and transmitting it to the non-radiation zone system via an optical fiber image bundle. The non-radiation zone system focuses the light from the optical fiber image bundle and projects it onto the image sensor of a camera module through an optical coupling system, transmitting image data via a connector communication cable. The beneficial effects of this invention are: by using an optical fiber image bundle structure, the lens and camera module are respectively positioned in the radiation zone and non-radiation zone, avoiding prolonged exposure of the camera module and key sensor chips and circuits to high radiation, thus achieving high radiation resistance.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear testing technology, specifically relating to a high-radiation-resistant, long-life monitoring system. Background Technology

[0002] A high-radiation-resistant, long-life monitoring system is mainly used for air or underwater monitoring in strong radioactive environments. It improves the reliability of remote monitoring equipment in reactor silo monitoring and measurement, refueling maintenance, spent fuel inspection and isotope development, while reducing size and weight and improving the efficiency of modular installation and replacement.

[0003] The high-radiation-resistant, long-life monitoring system is used to image targets in high-radiation environments. The target images are then displayed on a remote host computer via fiber optic image transmission and long-distance communication, facilitating remote observation and operation by personnel. In addition to the functions of a typical camera optical system, the optical system effectively filters and shields against rays (such as gamma rays) that can significantly damage chips and circuits in the camera's image processing system, protecting the camera and improving reliability.

[0004] In high-radiation environments, shielding materials such as lead layers are required to shield radiation sources from neutron rays, alpha rays, and gamma rays, rendering the internal workings invisible. Ordinary monitoring systems, due to the lack of radiation-resistant design in their sensors, glass, and circuitry, often experience significant performance degradation or rapid damage in high-radiation environments, leading to serious consequences such as low equipment reliability and inoperability. Existing radiation-resistant monitoring systems typically employ image sensor chips and image processing chips with certain radiation resistance capabilities, and improve the overall radiation resistance of the monitoring system through redundancy. The total radiation dose tolerance can reach the 5000 Gy level; however, in environments with higher radiation doses, the chips are easily damaged, malfunctioning and unable to operate normally. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a highly radiation-resistant, long-life monitoring system that can reliably monitor environments with high radioactivity, has underwater operating capabilities, and is highly adaptable to various environmental conditions such as temperature and pressure. Combined with auxiliary functions such as electric focusing and autofocus, it enables real-time monitoring of nuclear and industrial high-radioactivity scenarios, improving work efficiency and reliability, and reducing the radiation dose and safety of operators.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A high radiation resistance and long lifespan monitoring system includes a non-radiation zone system and a radiation zone system. The radiation zone system operates in a radiation environment, focuses the light from the target object in the radiation environment, and transmits it to the non-radiation zone system through an optical fiber image transmission bundle. The non-radiation zone system focuses the light from the optical fiber image transmission bundle and projects the light onto the image sensor of the camera module through an optical coupling system, and transmits image data through a connector communication cable.

[0007] The radiation zone system includes a protective glass window, a sealing ring, an objective lens, a second housing, a focusing mechanism, an air inlet, a cable connector, and an optical fiber image transmission bundle. The upper part of the second housing is provided with a cable connector and an optical fiber image transmission bundle, which passes through the upper part of the second housing and extends into the interior of the second housing. The focusing mechanism is located below the optical fiber image transmission bundle, and the objective lens is located below the focusing mechanism.

[0008] The axis of the objective lens is perpendicular to the end face of the optical fiber image bundle, so that all the passing light rays are focused on the end face of the optical fiber image bundle.

[0009] The protective glass window is installed directly in front of the objective lens and perpendicular to the objective lens axis.

[0010] The sealing ring is installed between the protective glass window and the second housing.

[0011] The inflation port is located at the top of the second housing.

[0012] The non-radiation zone system includes a first housing, an eyepiece, a core, and a cable. One end of the first housing is fitted with an optical fiber image transmission bundle, and the other end of the first housing is fitted with an eyepiece. The core and cable are arranged on the top of the first housing, and the core and cable are interconnected.

[0013] The eyepiece projects the light transmitted from the optical fiber image bundle onto the camera mechanism, and the eyepiece axis is perpendicular to the end face of the optical fiber image bundle.

[0014] The axis of the eyepiece is perpendicular to the end face of the image sensor of the mechanism. The mechanism converts the light signal into an electrical signal, processes the signal, and outputs it to the host computer through a cable.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0016] (1) Achieving high radiation resistance through fiber optic image bundle

[0017] This invention utilizes an optical fiber image transmission bundle structure to arrange the lens and camera module in the irradiated and non-irradiated areas respectively, thereby preventing the camera module, key sensor chips, and circuits from receiving high radiation exposure for extended periods and achieving high radiation resistance.

[0018] (2) Imaging system focusing realization

[0019] The optical system of this invention employs remote electronic control for focusing, allowing operators to monitor and adjust various system parameters via computer without entering the radiation zone or interrupting operations. During adjustment, the zoom and focusing processes are monitored in real-time through a back-end image display unit to achieve optimal results.

[0020] (3) Waterproof design of system structure

[0021] In the waterproof design of the system structure, polyurethane rubber sealing rings are used for tight waterproofing. Polyurethane rubber material has good lifespan and elasticity, and the contact surface of the sealing ring is smooth and defect-free, which can ensure the underwater sealing effect in high radiation areas. The camera image output signal and electrical control signal are also connected through waterproof joints to achieve good overall waterproof performance. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a high radiation resistance and long lifespan monitoring system provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the radiation zone system;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the non-radiation zone system.

[0025] In the diagram: 1 Non-radiation zone system, 2 Radiation zone system, 11 Eyepiece, 12 First housing, 13 Rear lens, 14 Camera mechanism, 15 Cable, 16 Optical image transmission bundle, 21 Protective glass window, 22 Sealing ring, 23 Objective lens, 24 Second housing, 25 Focusing mechanism, 26 Air inlet, 27 Cable connector, 28 Optical image transmission bundle. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution provided by this invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific implementation examples. The following embodiments are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention. The scope of protection of this invention should include all the contents of the claims. All similar implementations that achieve the same effect through substantially the same method fall within the scope of protection of this invention. Through the following embodiments, those skilled in the art can implement all the contents of the claims of this invention.

[0027] The present invention provides a high-radiation-resistant, long-life monitoring system for imaging targets in high-radiation environments. The target image is then displayed on a remote host computer via fiber optic image transmission and long-distance communication, facilitating remote observation and operation by operators. In addition to the functions of a conventional camera optical system, its optical system can also effectively filter and shield against rays (such as gamma rays) that can significantly damage chips and circuits in the camera's image processing system, thus protecting the camera and improving its reliability.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a high radiation-resistant, long-life monitoring system includes two parts: a non-radiation zone system 1 and a radiation zone system 2. The radiation zone system 2 operates in a radiation environment, focusing the light from the target object in the radiation environment and transmitting it to the non-radiation zone system 1 through an optical fiber image transmission bundle. The non-radiation zone system 1 focuses the light from the optical fiber image transmission bundle and projects the light onto the image sensor of the camera module through an optical coupling system, and finally transmits the image data through a connector communication cable.

[0029] The optical image transmission beam is a flexible structure, with its length set according to actual needs. It can be flexibly arranged to avoid irradiation of the radiation area. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the radiation zone system 2 includes a protective glass window 21, a sealing ring 22, an objective lens 23, a second housing 24, a focusing mechanism 25, an air inlet 26, a cable connector 27, and an optical fiber image transmission bundle 28. The second housing 24 is a frame structure. The cable connector 27 is installed on one side of the upper part of the second housing 24. The optical fiber image transmission bundle 28 is also installed on the upper part of the second housing 24, penetrating the upper part of the second housing 24 and extending into its interior. The focusing mechanism 25 is located below the optical fiber image transmission bundle 28, and the objective lens 23 is located below the focusing mechanism 25. 3. The axis of the objective lens 23 is perpendicular to the end face of the optical fiber image bundle 28, and can concentrate all the passing light onto the end face of the optical fiber image bundle 28. The protective glass window 21 is installed in front of the objective lens 23 and perpendicular to the axis of the objective lens 23 to provide protection for the objective lens 23. The sealing ring 22 is installed between the protective glass window 21 and the second housing 24 to prevent water from entering the lens and to prevent internal gas from leaking out. The air inlet 26 is located at the top of the second housing 24 to fill or vent inert gas or evacuate the camera, which can maintain a dry environment inside the second housing 24 and prevent the objective lens from fogging.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the non-radiation zone system 1 includes a first housing 12, an eyepiece 13, a core module 14, and a cable 15. The first housing 12 is a cylindrical structure with an optical fiber image transmission bundle 28 mounted at one end and an eyepiece 13 mounted at the other end. The core module 14 and the cable 15 are arranged on the top of the first housing 12 and are connected to each other. The eyepiece 13 projects the light transmitted from the optical fiber image transmission bundle 28 onto the camera core module 14. The eyepiece axis is perpendicular to the end face of the optical fiber image transmission bundle 28, and the distance is as close as possible, and the numerical aperture of the eyepiece is greater than or equal to the numerical aperture of the light. The axis of the eyepiece 13 is perpendicular to the end face of the image sensor of the core module 14. The core module 14 converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, processes the signal, and outputs it to the host computer through the cable.

[0031] Based on the distributed structure of fiber optic image bundles, key sensors and circuits with low radiation resistance are placed in non-radiation areas, while the structure in the irradiation area has high radiation resistance and waterproofing, enabling real-time monitoring in high-radiation environments and improving equipment reliability.

[0032] With its small, modular structure, the unit can be easily placed on any upstream equipment to enable monitoring of high-radioactivity areas.

[0033] The remote electronic control adjustment function of the high radiation resistance and long life monitoring system enables remote adjustment of various optical parameters such as light source intensity and focus. Operators can make remote adjustments through a computer software interface.

Claims

1. A high radiation resistance, long lifespan monitoring system, characterized in that: It includes a non-radiative zone system and a radiative zone system. The radiative zone system operates in a radiative environment, focuses the light from the target object in the radiative environment, and transmits it to the non-radiative zone system through an optical fiber image bundle. The non-radiative zone system focuses the light from the optical fiber image bundle and projects the light onto the camera's image sensor through an optical coupling system, transmitting image data through a connector communication cable. The radiation zone system includes a protective glass window, a sealing ring, an objective lens, a second housing, a focusing mechanism, an air inlet, a cable connector, and an optical fiber image transmission bundle. The upper part of the second housing is provided with a cable connector and an optical fiber image transmission bundle. The optical fiber image transmission bundle passes through the upper part of the second housing and extends into the interior of the second housing. The focusing mechanism is located below the optical fiber image transmission bundle, and the objective lens is located below the focusing mechanism. The axis of the objective lens is perpendicular to the end face of the optical fiber image bundle, so that all the passing light rays are focused on the end face of the optical fiber image bundle. The protective glass window is installed directly in front of the objective lens and perpendicular to the objective lens axis; The non-radiation zone system includes a first housing, an eyepiece, a core, and a cable. One end of the first housing is fitted with an optical fiber image transmission bundle, and the other end of the first housing is fitted with an eyepiece. The core and cable are arranged on the top of the first housing, and the core and cable are interconnected. The eyepiece projects the light transmitted from the optical fiber image bundle onto the camera mechanism, and the eyepiece axis is perpendicular to the end face of the optical fiber image bundle. The axis of the eyepiece is perpendicular to the end face of the image sensor of the mechanism. The numerical aperture of the eyepiece is greater than or equal to the numerical aperture of the light. The mechanism converts the light signal into an electrical signal, processes the signal, and outputs it to the host computer through a cable.

2. The high radiation resistance and long lifespan monitoring system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing ring is installed between the protective glass window and the second housing.

3. The high radiation resistance and long lifespan monitoring system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inflation port is located at the top of the second housing.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Underwater radioactive source multi-angle high-definition camera system

    CN210225565U

  • Visual centering device in underwater nuclear radiation environment

    CN213028276U