Welding-free target capsule for isotope production and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of isotope production, in particular to a welding-free target capsule for isotope production and a manufacturing method of the welding-free target capsule. The welding-free target capsule comprises a target material used for generating isotopes under bombardment of high-energy particles; the first metal film covers one side of the target material; the second metal film covers the other side of the target material; wherein the first metal film and the second metal film are made of materials with ductility; the edge of the first metal film and the edge of the second metal film are attached to each other on the peripheral side of the target material and are folded into an annular sealing structure. In the invention, the metal film with good ductility is used as a coating material of the target material, and the sealing structure is formed by folding the connecting part of the metal film, so that the target capsule can be ensured to efficiently dissipate heat in a water-cooling environment, the manufacturing mode of the sealing structure can be improved, the manufacturing steps of the sealing structure are simple and easy to implement, and the manufacturing cost of the target capsule is further reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of isotope production technology, and in particular to a weld-free target capsule for isotope production and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Isotopes have wide applications in medicine, industry, and scientific research. During isotope production, the target material needs to withstand bombardment by high-energy particles, resulting in a series of nuclear reactions. Simultaneously, the energy of these high-energy particles is deposited within the target capsule and converted into heat. If this heat is not removed, thermal runaway can occur, leading to accidents such as melting of the target's encapsulation material and leakage of radioactive materials. Therefore, it is necessary to cool the target capsule during the isotope production process.

[0003] In existing technologies, target capsules are typically cooled using water. However, direct contact between the target and water poses a risk of radioactive contamination. The target's own radioactive material, as well as radioactive materials generated by high-energy particle beams, may gradually dissolve into the water, contaminating the cooling circulating water. This contamination is not only difficult to control but can also continuously disperse throughout the system via the water circulation process, seriously threatening equipment safety and the safety of operators. Therefore, directly placing the target in the cooling circulating water is entirely unacceptable. It is necessary to completely encapsulate the target using a material with excellent thermal conductivity, forming a barrier to ensure safe system operation and continuous isotope production.

[0004] Currently, target capsules are typically manufactured using a metal membrane welded to a support frame to create a sealed structure for containing the target material. However, due to the thinness of the metal membrane, welding is difficult, resulting in poor flatness after welding. Furthermore, the heat released during the welding process can damage the target material. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to solve the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a weld-free target capsule for isotope production and its manufacturing method, to optimize the sealing structure of the target capsule, reduce the difficulty of manufacturing the sealing structure, and simultaneously ensure that the target capsule has high heat dissipation efficiency.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a weld-free target capsule for isotope production, comprising: Target materials are used to produce isotopes under bombardment by high-energy particles; A first metal film is provided covering one side of the target material; A second metal film is disposed on the other side of the target material; The first metal film and the second metal film are made of a ductile material; The edges of the first metal film and the edges of the second metal film are attached to and folded together on the outer periphery of the target material to form an annular sealing structure.

[0007] The weld-free target capsule for isotope production provided by the present invention further includes a support frame for bearing compressive stress during the bending process of the first metal film and the second metal film; The support frame is configured as a ring structure and is sleeved on the outer periphery of the target material, and the sealing structure is sleeved on the outer periphery of the support frame.

[0008] According to the present invention, a weld-free target capsule for isotope production is provided, wherein the sealing structure is provided with a first rolled edge, a second rolled edge, a third rolled edge and a fourth rolled edge stacked sequentially outward along its radial direction; The first and third rolled edges are formed by bending the first metal film, and the second and fourth rolled edges are formed by bending the second metal film.

[0009] According to the present invention, a weld-free target capsule for isotope production further includes a sealing material, wherein the sealing material is coated on the surface where the first rolled edge contacts the second rolled edge, and the sealing material is coated on the surface where the second rolled edge contacts the third rolled edge.

[0010] According to the present invention, a weld-free target capsule for isotope production further includes a sealing material, wherein the sealing material is placed at the bent root of the first and third rolled edges, and at the bent root of the second and fourth rolled edges.

[0011] According to the present invention, a weld-free target capsule for isotope production is provided, wherein the first metal film and the second metal film are made of copper-based alloy, titanium-based alloy, or nickel-based alloy.

[0012] According to the present invention, a weld-free target capsule for isotope production is provided, wherein the support frame is made of a metal material or a non-metal material.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a weldless target capsule, applicable to any of the above-described weldless target capsules for isotope production, wherein the weldless target capsule comprises a target material, a first metal film, a second metal film, and a support frame; The manufacturing method includes: S1, covering the upper end face of the support frame with the first metal film, bending the first metal film along the outer periphery of the support frame to form a first rolled edge surrounding the outer periphery of the support frame, and then bending the first metal film again to form a third rolled edge flush with the lower end face of the support frame. S2. The target material is embedded in the annular hole of the support frame; S3. Cover the lower end face of the support frame with the second metal film, and bend the second metal film along the outer peripheral edge of the third rolled edge so that the second metal film forms a second rolled edge parallel to the peripheral side wall of the support frame. S4. Bend the second rolled edge so that it overlaps the third rolled edge to achieve the first seal; S5. Continue to bend the third rolled edge and the second metal film so that the second metal film forms a fourth rolled edge surrounding the outer periphery of the support frame, thereby achieving a second seal.

[0014] According to the method for manufacturing the weld-free target capsule provided by the present invention, during the process of bending the second metal film, a sealing material is applied to both sides of the second rolled edge; Alternatively, sealant can be applied to the bends of the first and third rolled edges, and the bends of the second and fourth rolled edges. The seal is achieved through the compression during the edge-rolling process.

[0015] According to the method for manufacturing a weld-free target capsule provided by the present invention, when the target material is made of a hard solid disc, the first metal film and the second metal film are directly used to cover the target material, and the first metal film and the second metal film are bent with the target material as a support.

[0016] The above-described one or more technical solutions of this invention have at least one of the following technical effects: The target capsule in this application uses a highly ductile metal film as the coating material for the target, and forms a sealed structure by folding the connecting part of the metal film. This not only ensures efficient heat dissipation and stable isotope production in a water-cooled environment, but also improves the manufacturing method of the sealed structure, making the manufacturing steps of the sealed structure simple and easy, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the target capsule.

[0017] The target capsule manufacturing process in this application does not require welding equipment; it only requires bending and stacking of the metal film using mechanical equipment. This allows the target capsule encapsulation process to be carried out not only in ordinary laboratories but also conveniently in negative pressure glove boxes, vacuum chambers, or nuclear-grade hot chambers.

[0018] In addition to the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical features of the technical solutions constituted by the present invention, and the advantages brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions as described above, other technical features of the present invention and the advantages brought about by these technical features will be further explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, or will be learned through the practice of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a weld-free target capsule provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a weld-free target capsule during the edge-rolling and bending process, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is another cross-sectional view of the weld-free target capsule during the edge-rolling and bending process provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is another cross-sectional view of the weld-free target capsule during the edge-rolling and bending process provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a sealing structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another sealing structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure label: 1. Target material; 2. First metal film; 21. First edge curl; 22. Third edge curl; 3. Second metal film; 31. Second edge curl; 32. Fourth edge curl; 4. Support frame; 5. Sealing material; 6. Cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, a weld-free target capsule for isotope production is described.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the weld-free target capsule mainly includes a target material 1, a first metal film 2, and a second metal film 3.

[0030] When the target material 1 is bombarded by high-energy particles, it will produce a series of nuclear reactions and generate a large number of isotopes.

[0031] A first metal film 2 is disposed on one side of the target material 1. A second metal film 3 is disposed on the other side of the target material 1. Both the first metal film 2 and the second metal film 3 are made of materials with good ductility.

[0032] Specifically, the edges of the first metal film 2 and the second metal film 3 are attached to and folded into an annular sealing structure on the outer periphery of the target material 1. Specifically, the sealing structure includes multiple layers of alternating rolled edges.

[0033] Furthermore, the target material 1 is not limited to a solid disc or cylinder, and can be of any shape. For example, the target material 1 can be made of solid powder, flakes, or liquid.

[0034] To accommodate the relatively low strength of the target material 1, the target capsule also includes a support frame 4. The support frame 4 is used to withstand compressive stress during the bending process of the first metal membrane 2 and the second metal membrane 3, so as to prevent damage to the target material 1.

[0035] Specifically, the support frame 4 is configured as a ring structure. Furthermore, the support frame 4 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the target material 1. A sealing structure is sleeved on the outer periphery of the support frame 4. Simultaneously, along the axial direction of the support frame 4, the end faces of both ends of the support frame 4 are flush with the end faces of the target material 1.

[0036] During the production of the target capsule, the target material 1 is placed inside the annular hole of the support frame 4, and the target material 1 and the support frame 4 are covered with the first metal film 2 and the second metal film 3. Then, using the edge of the support frame 4 as support, the first metal film 2 and the second metal film 3 are bent and folded to form a sealing structure.

[0037] During the fabrication of the sealing structure, the support frame 4 provides the reaction force required when the material is bent. This ensures that the target 1 is free from any compressive stress throughout the fabrication process, guaranteeing the integrity of the target 1.

[0038] Furthermore, to ensure the stability of the target material 1 during high-energy particle bombardment and reduce the risk of radioactive material leakage, the first metal film 2 and the second metal film 3 must possess good ductility, good heat resistance, and the ability to withstand strong radiation, thus ensuring the stability of the target material 1 under high-temperature and irradiation environments. Preferably, the first metal film 2 and the second metal film 3 are made of copper-based alloys, titanium-based alloys, nickel-based alloys, or other alloy materials with good ductility.

[0039] In this embodiment, a metal film with good ductility is used as the coating material of the target material 1, and a sealing structure is formed by folding the connecting part of the metal film. This can not only ensure efficient heat dissipation and stable isotope production of the target capsule in a water-cooled environment, but also improve the manufacturing method of the sealing structure, making the manufacturing steps of the sealing structure simple and easy, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the target capsule.

[0040] Based on the above embodiments, another embodiment of the present invention introduces a weld-free target capsule for isotope production.

[0041] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the sealing structure is provided with a first rolled edge 21, a second rolled edge 31, a third rolled edge 22 and a fourth rolled edge 32 stacked sequentially from the inside to the outside along its radial direction.

[0042] The first rolled edge 21 and the third rolled edge 22 are formed by bending the first metal film 2. The second rolled edge 31 and the fourth rolled edge 32 are formed by bending the second metal film 3.

[0043] Because gaps are always left when the metal membrane is bent, making it difficult to achieve the required seal, the target capsule also includes a sealing material 5. The sealing material 5 can be a liquid material or a relatively soft solid material, such as graphite, copper wire, aluminum wire, indium wire, etc.

[0044] When making the sealing structure, the sealing material 5 can be applied to the surface where the first rolled edge 21 and the second rolled edge 31 are in contact, or the sealing material 5 can be applied to the surface where the second rolled edge 31 and the third rolled edge 22 are in contact.

[0045] Furthermore, sealing material 5 is placed at the bend roots of the first rolled edge 21 and the third rolled edge 22, and sealing material 5 is placed at the bend roots of the second rolled edge 31 and the fourth rolled edge 32. Specifically, the sealing structure has cavities 6 at the junction of the first rolled edge 21 and the third rolled edge 22, and at the junction of the second rolled edge 31 and the fourth rolled edge 32. The cavities 6 are filled with sealing material 5.

[0046] To prevent the target material 1 from being squeezed during the bending of the metal membrane, the support frame 4 is made of a high-strength material. The material can be a metal, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel. Alternatively, it can be a non-metallic material, such as ceramic or graphite.

[0047] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention also describes a method for manufacturing a weld-free target capsule. The weld-free target capsule includes a target material 1, a first metal film 2, a second metal film 3, and a support frame 4.

[0048] The manufacturing method includes: S1, covering the upper surface of the support frame 4 with the first metal film 2, bending the first metal film 2 along the outer periphery of the support frame 4 to form a first rolled edge 21 surrounding the outer periphery of the support frame 4, and then bending the first metal film 2 again to form a third rolled edge 22 flush with the lower surface of the support frame 4. The first metal film 2 can be manufactured by stamping, so that the first metal film 2 is formed into the above structure in one step, that is, stamped into the form of an outwardly turned-up cover.

[0049] S2. Insert the target material 1 into the annular hole of the support frame 4.

[0050] S3. Cover the lower end face of the support frame 4 with the second metal film 3, and bend the second metal film 3 along the outer peripheral edge of the third rolled edge 22, so that the second metal film 3 forms a second rolled edge 31 parallel to the peripheral side wall of the support frame 4. The second metal film 3 can be manufactured by stamping, so that the second metal film 3 is formed into the above structure in one step, that is, stamped into a bottle cap shape.

[0051] S4. Bend the second rolled edge 31 so that it overlaps the third rolled edge 22 to achieve the first seal.

[0052] S5. Continue to bend the third rolled edge 22 and the second metal film 3 so that the second metal film 3 forms the fourth rolled edge 32 surrounding the support frame 4, thus achieving a second seal.

[0053] Furthermore, during the bending of the second metal film 3, the sealing material 5 is applied to both sides of the second rolled edge 31; or, the sealing material is applied to the bending roots of the first rolled edge 21 and the third rolled edge 22, and the bending roots of the second rolled edge 31 and the fourth rolled edge 32; thereby achieving sealing through the compression of the rolling process. Thus, when the second rolled edge 31 contacts the first rolled edge 21 and the third rolled edge 22 respectively, the sealing material 5 can fill the gaps between the first rolled edge 21 and the second rolled edge 31, as well as the gaps between the second rolled edge 31 and the third rolled edge 22.

[0054] In addition, when the target material 1 is made of a hard solid disc, since the strength of the target material 1 is sufficient to provide the reaction force required when the metal film is bent, the first metal film 2 and the second metal film 3 can be directly used to cover the target material 1, and the first metal film 2 and the second metal film 3 can be bent with the target material 1 as support.

[0055] At this time, the method of manufacturing the target capsule includes: S1, covering the upper end face of the target material 1 with the first metal film 2, bending the first metal film 2 along the outer periphery of the target material 1 so that the first metal film 2 forms a first rolled edge 21 surrounding the outer periphery of the target material 1, and then bending the first metal film 2 again to form a third rolled edge 22 that is flush with the lower end face of the target material 1.

[0056] S2. Cover the lower end face of the target material 1 with the second metal film 3, and bend the second metal film 3 along the outer peripheral edge of the third rolled edge 22 so that the second metal film 3 forms a second rolled edge 31 parallel to the peripheral sidewall of the target material 1.

[0057] S3. Bend the second rolled edge 31 so that it overlaps the third rolled edge 22, and then simultaneously bend the third rolled edge 22 and the second metal film 3 so that the second metal film 3 forms a fourth rolled edge 32 surrounding the outer periphery of the target material 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, a metal film with good ductility is used as the coating material of the target material 1, and a sealing structure is formed by folding the connecting part of the metal film. This allows the target capsule encapsulation process to be carried out not only in ordinary laboratories, but also conveniently in negative pressure glove boxes, vacuum boxes or nuclear-grade hot chambers.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0060] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0061] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0062] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms are not limited to the same embodiments or examples. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A weld-free target capsule for isotope production, characterized in that, include: Target materials are used to produce isotopes under bombardment by high-energy particles; A first metal film is provided to cover one side of the target material; A second metal film is disposed on the other side of the target material; The first metal film and the second metal film are made of a ductile material; The edges of the first metal film and the edges of the second metal film are attached to and folded together on the outer periphery of the target material to form an annular sealing structure.

2. The weldless target capsule for isotope production according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame for withstanding compressive stress during the bending process of the first metal film and the second metal film; The support frame is configured as a ring structure and is sleeved on the outer periphery of the target material, and the sealing structure is sleeved on the outer periphery of the support frame.

3. The weldless target capsule for isotope production according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sealing structure is provided with a first rolled edge, a second rolled edge, a third rolled edge and a fourth rolled edge stacked sequentially outward along its radial direction; The first and third rolled edges are formed by bending the first metal film, and the second and fourth rolled edges are formed by bending the second metal film.

4. The weldless target capsule for isotope production according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes sealing materials, The sealing material is applied to the surface where the first rolled edge contacts the second rolled edge, and the sealing material is applied to the surface where the second rolled edge contacts the third rolled edge.

5. The weldless target capsule for isotope production according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing material, which is placed at the bend root of the first and third rolled edges, and at the bend root of the second and fourth rolled edges.

6. The solderless target capsule for isotope production according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first metal film and the second metal film are made of copper-based alloy, titanium-based alloy, or nickel-based alloy.

7. The weldless target capsule for isotope production according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support frame is made of metal or non-metal materials.

8. A method for manufacturing a weld-free target capsule, characterized in that, The solderless target capsule for isotope production as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the solderless target capsule comprises a target material, a first metal film, a second metal film, and a support frame; The manufacturing method includes: S1, covering the upper end face of the support frame with the first metal film, bending the first metal film along the outer periphery of the support frame to form a first rolled edge surrounding the outer periphery of the support frame, and then bending the first metal film again to form a third rolled edge flush with the lower end face of the support frame. S2. The target material is embedded in the annular hole of the support frame; S3. Cover the lower end face of the support frame with the second metal film, and bend the second metal film along the outer peripheral edge of the third rolled edge so that the second metal film forms a second rolled edge parallel to the peripheral side wall of the support frame. S4. Bend the second rolled edge so that it overlaps the third rolled edge to achieve the first seal; S5. Continue to bend the third rolled edge and the second metal film so that the second metal film forms a fourth rolled edge surrounding the outer periphery of the support frame, thereby achieving a second seal.

9. The method for manufacturing the weld-free target capsule according to claim 8, characterized in that, During the bending of the second metal film, a sealing material is applied to both sides of the second rolled edge; Alternatively, sealant can be applied to the bends of the first and third rolled edges, and the bends of the second and fourth rolled edges. The seal is achieved through the compression during the edge-rolling process.

10. The method for manufacturing the weld-free target capsule according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the target material is made of a rigid solid disc, the first metal film and the second metal film are directly used to cover the target material, and the first metal film and the second metal film are bent with the target material as support.

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