A system and method for disposing of retired flaw detection sources

Abstract

A system for disposing retired flaw detection sources includes a conveying mechanism, a source storage device, and a disposal device which are detachably connected in sequence. The disposal device is provided with a cutting layer, a buffer layer, and a source storage bin which are stacked and distributed vertically in sequence. The conveying mechanism is used to move the retired source between the source storage device and the cutting layer. A vertical chamber is provided in the disposal device. The buffer layer includes a first switch located at the top and a second switch located at the bottom. Both the first switch and the second switch can open and cut off the vertical chamber. The buffer layer is detachably connected to the source storage bin. The disposal device is provided with another second detachable surface between the first switch and the second switch. The housing, the first switch, and the second switch of the disposal device all have a radioactive shielding function. The disposal of retired sources is free from the limitation of the shielded hot chamber, which is convenient and quick, reduces the frequency of using the manipulator in the hot chamber, prolongs the service life of the manipulator, reduces costs, and improves the working efficiency of the hot chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of industrial flaw detection, and in particular to a system and method for disposing of retired flaw detection sources. Background Art

[0002] At present, radioactive isotopes have been applied in many fields, especially in the field of industrial flaw detection. The radioactive source carrier used for industrial nondestructive testing is the flaw detection source braid. The source braid is a cylindrical composite structure of stainless steel and tungsten alloy. Because the radioactive sources used for industrial flaw detection are mostly high specific activity radioactive sources, in order to avoid mis-irradiation with gamma rays, the inversion and volume reduction of the radioactive source and the source braid mostly rely on the manipulator operation of the shielded hot cell. As a shielding body for radioactive sources, the hot cell generally needs to be equipped with an MJ-1 type manipulator to undertake multiple production activities such as gamma knife source production, flaw detection source production, and disposal of retired flaw detection sources. It is expensive and has many technical review requirements. Each startup of the hot cell is a consumption for the hot cell and the manipulator. Because the hot cell undertakes many functions, there are often time conflicts in the production plans of multiple products, and it is urgent to release some functions of the hot cell. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention includes providing a retired flaw detection source disposal system, which makes the disposal of retired sources free from the limitations of the shielded hot chamber, convenient and quick, reduces the frequency of use of the manipulator in the hot chamber, extends the service life of the manipulator, reduces costs, and improves the working efficiency of the hot chamber.

[0004] Another object of the present invention includes providing a method for disposing of retired NDT sources, which is beneficial for disposing of retired sources without being restricted by the shielding hot chamber and releasing some functions of the hot chamber.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention are implemented by the following technical solutions:

[0006] A system for disposing of retired flaw detection sources comprises a conveying mechanism, a source storage device and a disposal device which are detachably connected in sequence; the disposal device is provided with a cutting layer, a buffer layer and a source storage bin which are stacked and distributed vertically in sequence; the conveying mechanism is used for moving the retired source between the source storage device and the cutting layer; a vertical chamber is provided in the disposal device; the buffer layer comprises a first switch member located at the top and a second switch member located at the bottom; both the first switch member and the second switch member can open and cut off the vertical chamber; the buffer layer is detachably connected to the source storage bin; the disposal device is provided with another second detachable surface between the first switch member and the second switch member; the housing, the first switch member and the second switch member of the disposal device all have a radioactive shielding function.

[0007] Furthermore, the cutting layer is provided with a cutting tool table, which is arranged in the vertical chamber and is equipped with a hydraulic power mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, an observation window is provided in the cutting layer, and an endoscope is configured in the observation window. The observation window is used to observe the actual cutting situation of the retired source braid.

[0009] Furthermore, the first switch member and the second switch member are both configured as drawer-type cover plates.

[0010] Further, the drawer-type cover is made of lead plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the disposal device is arranged in a cylindrical shape, and a cylinder is arranged in the vertical chamber.

[0012] Furthermore, the cylinder comprises a three-layer structure including an outer layer made of stainless steel material, a middle layer made of lead plate, and an inner layer made of stainless steel material.

[0013] Furthermore, a vertically adjustable platform is provided on the outer wall of the disposal device, and the source storage device is placed on the vertically adjustable platform.

[0014] A method for disposing of retired flaw detection sources, using the above-mentioned retired flaw detection source disposal system, the method for disposing of retired flaw detection sources comprises:

[0015] Step S1. Disposal conditions: connect the conveying mechanism, the source storage device, and the disposal device in sequence, start the conveying mechanism, convey the retired source braid to the cutting layer, start the cutting tool station in the cutting layer, and cut off the retired source braid;

[0016] Step S2. Storage condition: open the first switch to allow the cut retired source cladding to fall into the buffer layer, then close the first switch and open the second switch to allow the cut retired source cladding to fall into the source storage bin, then close the second switch, reversely start the conveying mechanism to convey the cut retired source braid back to the source storage device, disconnect the connection between the conveying mechanism, the source storage device and the disposal device, and move the source storage device away from the disposal device;

[0017] Step S3. Transferring conditions: Separate the upper and lower parts of the disposal device at the second detachable surface, send the entire portion below the second detachable surface into the shielded hot chamber, open the second switch, and empty the retired source cladding in the source storage bin.

[0018] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. It makes the disposal of retired sources free from the restrictions of the shielded hot chamber, which is convenient and quick, reduces the frequency of use of the manipulator in the hot chamber, extends the service life of the manipulator, reduces costs, and improves the working efficiency of the hot chamber;

[0020] 2. The disposal device adopts a three-section structure, which can be separated, small in size, easy to move, and can be hoisted by a workshop crane;

[0021] 3. Fast disposal time, low disposal environment requirements (decommissioned sources can be disposed of only in the control area), high safety factor, and freeing up manpower;

[0022] 4. The cutting layer and the storage bin can be separated, which is convenient for their daily maintenance, emptying and cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0024] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system is provided for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Icons: 100- conveying mechanism, 200- source storage device, 210- source pipe connection, 220- device connection, 300- disposal device, 310- cutting layer, 311- cutting tool table, 312- observation window, 320- buffer layer, 321- first switch member, 322- second switch member, 323- second detachable surface, 330- source storage bin, 340- vertical chamber, 350- vertical adjustable platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that if the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate an orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use, it is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish the description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In addition, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" do not mean that the components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical", which does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 The present embodiment provides a decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system, comprising a conveying mechanism 100, a source storage device 200, and a disposal device 300 which are detachably connected in sequence, the disposal device 300 is provided with a cutting layer 310, a buffer layer 320 and a source storage bin 330 which are stacked and vertically distributed in sequence, the conveying mechanism 100 is used for the decommissioned source to move between the source storage device 200 and the cutting layer 310, a vertical chamber 340 is provided in the disposal device 300, the buffer layer 320 comprises a first switch member 321 located at the top and a second switch member 322 located at the bottom, the first switch member 321 and the second switch member 322 can both open and cut off the vertical chamber 340, the buffer layer 320 and the source storage bin 330 are detachably connected, the disposal device 300 is provided with another second detachable surface 323 between the first switch member 321 and the second switch member 322, the housing of the disposal device 300, the first switch member 321, and the second switch member 322 all have a radioactive shielding function.

[0034] The inventors found that in the field of industrial flaw detection, in terms of radioactive material processing, hot cells, as radiation source shielding bodies, involve multiple production activities such as gamma knife source production, flaw detection source production, and disposal of retired flaw detection sources. They are expensive, have many technical review requirements, and are damaged every time they are used. Because hot cells have many functions, there are often time conflicts in the production plans of multiple products, and it is urgent to release some functions of hot cells.

[0035] The inventors found that compared with other production activities, the disposal of retired sources has lower risks and a relatively simple operating process.

[0036] Therefore, the inventors have invented a decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system, which can carry out relevant disposal of decommissioned flaw detection sources outside the hot room. Specifically, the decommissioned flaw detection source braids in the source storage device 200 are transported to the cutting layer 310 of the disposal device 300 by the conveying mechanism 100 for cutting, and the conveying mechanism 100 can also be reversely started to transport the decommissioned flaw detection source braids in the cutting layer 310 back to the source storage device 200.

[0037] The conveying mechanism 100, the source storage device 200 and the treatment device 300 are detachably connected in sequence. Optionally, a vertically adjustable platform 350 is provided. The source storage device 200 is placed on the vertically adjustable platform 350. The vertically adjustable platform 350 is arranged at the outer wall of the treatment device 300. The vertically adjustable platform 350 can adjust its own vertical height. Figure 1 The conveying mechanism 100 and the source storage device 200 are detachably connected at the source pipe connection 210, and the source storage device 200 and the treatment device 300 are detachably connected at the device connection 220. Before treatment, the conveying mechanism 100, the source storage device 200 and the treatment device 300 are sequentially connected. After the treatment is over, the three are disassembled, that is, the source pipe connection 210 and the device connection 220 are disconnected, and the source storage device 200 is moved away from the treatment device 300.

[0038] The treatment device 300 includes a cutting layer 310, a buffer layer 320 and a source storage bin 330 which are vertically distributed in sequence. The treatment device 300 is also provided with a vertical chamber 340, which is extended in the cutting layer 310, the buffer layer 320 and the source storage bin 330. The cutting layer 310 is used to cut the retired source braids. For example, a cutting table 311 is provided in the cutting layer 310, and the cutting table 311 is provided in the vertical chamber 340. The cutting table 311 is equipped with a hydraulic power mechanism, and the hydraulic power mechanism drives the cutting table 311 to cut the retired source braids. After cutting, the retired source cladding falls downward in the vertical chamber 340 under the action of gravity.

[0039] The buffer layer 320 is provided with a first switch 321 and a second switch 322. The first switch 321 is located above the second switch 322. Both the first switch 321 and the second switch 322 can open and cut off the vertical chamber 340. Preferably, both the first switch 321 and the second switch 322 can adopt drawer-type covers. By operating the first switch 321 and the second switch 322, the retired source braids can be sequentially allowed to fall into the source storage bin 330 of the lower layer, wherein the part of the vertical chamber 340 located in the source storage bin 330 forms the storage space of the source storage bin 330.

[0040] In this solution, because of the high requirements for the disposal of radioactive materials, the buffer layer 320 and the source storage bin 330 are set to be detachably connected, such as Figure 1 The L-shaped folding part adjacent to the middle buffer layer 320 and the source storage bin 330 is provided with another detachable connection method between the first switch piece 321 and the second switch piece 322, and a second detachable surface 323 is formed. In the relevant operation process, the first switch piece 321 is first pulled out, and the second switch piece 322 is closed, and the retired source cladding in the cutting layer 310 falls onto the second switch piece 322; the first switch piece 321 is closed, and then the second switch piece 322 is opened to drop the retired source cladding into the source storage bin 330, and after all of them fall in, the second switch piece 322 is closed, and the part of the disposal device 300 below the second detachable surface 323 is sent into the shielded hot chamber, the buffer layer 320 is separated from the source storage bin 330, and the retired source cladding in the source storage bin 330 is emptied.

[0041] In this embodiment, the housing, the first switch 321, and the second switch 322 of the disposal device 300 all have a radioactive shielding function to cope with the strong radioactive nature of the decommissioned source. In this embodiment, it is necessary to ensure the radiation prevention of the external environment at all times. When the shell of the decommissioned source finally falls into the buffer shell or even the source storage bin 330, the first switch 321 needs to be returned to its position in advance, that is, the lower end opening of the cutting layer 310 is closed by the first switch 321 to prevent the radioactive rays in the inner cavity of the cutting layer 310 from escaping. The realization of the radioactive shielding function can also be achieved by other means, such as cast iron, and other special materials.

[0042] Optionally, the first switch member 321 and the second switch member 322 can both be made of lead plates. The disposal device 300 can be made into a cylindrical shape as a whole, which is convenient for transportation and the setting of the internal vertical chamber 340, and the coordination of each layer structure. The cylinder includes a three-layer structure consisting of an outer layer made of stainless steel material, a middle layer made of lead plate, and an inner layer made of stainless steel material. Due to the relatively soft material limitation of the lead plate itself, a layer of stainless steel needs to be set outside and inside it respectively, and the stainless steel material can also be made of other harder metal materials.

[0043] Furthermore, an observation window 312 is provided in the cutting layer 310, and the observation window 312 is equipped with an endoscope. The observation window 312 is used to observe the actual cutting situation of the retired source braid. When the cutting tool table 311 cuts the retired source braid, the observation window 312 is used to detect whether the retired source braid is completely cut.

[0044] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0045] 1. It makes the disposal of retired sources free from the restrictions of the shielded hot chamber, which is convenient and quick, reduces the frequency of use of the manipulator in the hot chamber, extends the service life of the manipulator, reduces costs, and improves the working efficiency of the hot chamber;

[0046] 2. The disposal device 300 adopts a three-section structure, which can be separated, has a small size, is easy to move, and can be hoisted by a workshop crane;

[0047] 3. At present, the equipment can be applied to the disposal of Ir-192 and Se-75 retired flaw detection sources loaded by flaw detectors. It has fast disposal time, low disposal environment requirements (retired sources can be disposed of only in the control area), high safety factor, and frees up manpower;

[0048] 4. The cutting layer 310 and the source storage bin 330 can be separated, which is convenient for their daily maintenance, emptying and cleaning.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] This embodiment provides a method for disposing retired flaw detection sources, using the retired flaw detection source disposal system in Embodiment 1. The method for disposing retired flaw detection sources specifically includes the following steps:

[0051] Step S1. Disposal conditions: Place the source storage device 200 stably on the vertically adjustable platform 350, adjust the height of the vertically adjustable platform 350 to a suitable position, connect the conveying mechanism 100 with the source storage device 200 and the source delivery pipe connection 210, connect the source storage device 200 with the disposal device 300 at the device connection 220, start the conveying mechanism 100, convey the retired source braid to the cutting tool table 311 in the cutting layer 310, observe through the observation window 312 whether the retired source braid has been conveyed to the correct position, the observation window 312 refers to the observation position in the device, and an endoscope can be used for remote observation, start the hydraulic power mechanism in the cutting layer 310 to drive the cutting tool table 311 to move, cut off the retired source braid, and check through the observation window 312 whether the retired source braid has been completely cut;

[0052] Step S2. Storage condition: open the first switch 321 to make the cut retired source cladding fall into the buffer layer 320, then close the first switch 321, pull out the second switch 322, make the cut retired source cladding fall into the source storage bin 330, then close the second switch 322, start the conveying mechanism 100 in reverse, convey the cut retired source braid back to the source storage device 200, disconnect the connection between the conveying mechanism 100, the source storage device 200 and the disposal device 300, and move the source storage device 200 away from the disposal device 300;

[0053] Step S3. Transferring conditions: Separate the upper and lower parts of the disposal device 300 at the second detachable surface 323 , send the entire portion below the second detachable surface 323 into the shielding hot chamber, open the second switch 322 , and empty the retired source cladding in the source storage bin 330 .

[0054] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system, characterized in that: It comprises a conveying mechanism, a source storage device, and a disposal device which are detachably connected in sequence, the disposal device is provided with a cutting layer, a buffer layer, and a source storage bin which are stacked and distributed vertically in sequence, the conveying mechanism is used to decommission the source braid to move between the source storage device and the cutting layer, a vertical chamber is provided in the disposal device, the buffer layer comprises a first switch member located at the top and a second switch member located at the bottom, the first switch member and the second switch member can both open and cut off the vertical chamber, the buffer layer is detachably connected to the source storage bin, the disposal device is provided with another second detachable surface between the first switch member and the second switch member, the housing of the disposal device, the first switch member, and the second switch member all have a radioactive shielding function; The cutting layer is provided with a cutting tool platform, the cutting tool platform is arranged in the vertical chamber, and the cutting tool platform is equipped with a hydraulic power mechanism; The first switch component and the second switch component are both configured as drawer-type cover plates.

2. The decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that: An observation window is provided in the cutting layer, and the observation window is equipped with an endoscope. The observation window is used to observe the actual cutting situation of the retired source braid.

3. The decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drawer-type cover plate is made of lead plate.

4. The decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The treatment device is arranged in a cylindrical shape, and a cylinder is arranged in the vertical chamber.

5. The decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cylinder comprises a three-layer structure of an outer layer made of stainless steel material, a middle layer made of lead plate, and an inner layer made of stainless steel material.

6. The decommissioned flaw detection source disposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vertically adjustable platform is provided on the outer wall of the treatment device, and the source storage device is placed on the vertically adjustable platform.

7. A method for disposing of retired flaw detection sources, characterized in that: The retired NDT source disposal system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is adopted, and the retired NDT source disposal method comprises: Step S1. Disposal conditions: connect the conveying mechanism, the source storage device, and the disposal device in sequence, start the conveying mechanism, convey the retired source braid to the cutting layer, start the cutting tool station in the cutting layer, and cut off the retired source braid; Step S2. Storage working condition: open the first switch member to make the cut retired source cladding fall into the buffer layer, then close the first switch member, open the second switch member to make the cut retired source cladding fall into the source storage bin, then close the second switch member, reversely start the conveying mechanism to convey the cut retired source braid back to the source storage device, disconnect the connection between the conveying mechanism, the source storage device and the disposal device, and move the source storage device away from the disposal device; Step S3. Transferring conditions: Separate the upper and lower parts of the disposal device at the second detachable surface, send the entire portion below the second detachable surface into the shielded hot chamber, open the second switch, and empty the retired source cladding in the source storage bin.

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