Containment vessel with window

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a containment shell (1) comprising a wall (10) defining a space (12) made of a material of the concrete type and at least one observation module (30) comprising at least one window (33) arranged in an opening (32) of the wall (10), said window comprising a frame (36) in which is housed at least one optical block (34) providing protection against high-energy and / or neutron radiation, said frame fitting in the opening (32), the observation module further comprising a protection element (37) comprising a sash (38) carrying a glass (39) and arranged to close the opening at a surface inside the shell, said observation module thus comprising at least one interface (I) between two surfaces (S), characterized in that it further comprises at least one sealing system (40) arranged at the at least one interface (I).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a confinement container for storing or processing specific products, in particular products that emit radiation, in particular gamma radiation. Background Art

[0002] These containment shells consist of walls formed from concrete, forming an enclosed space. To enable visibility into the shell's interior, an observation system is placed within the walls. This system includes a window frame embedded in the concrete wall. The window frame has an opening into which a window is positioned. The window comprises a frame within which are arranged multiple glass sheets forming a radiation-resistant barrier. The window frame is preferably also equipped with a protective glass positioned between the window and the shell. This protective glass provides additional protection.

[0003] The installation of such windows requires good airtightness. To this end, simple O-ring seals are used and placed at the interface between the protective glass and the window frame. These seals prevent the potentially contaminated air inside the housing from coming into contact with the window and the exterior of the housing.

[0004] However, it has been observed that simple seals often perform poorly under the effects of radiation and time, which may lead to leakage.

[0005] The occurrence of these leaks then leads to the need for maintenance operations, which involve removing the window to replace the seal. Such maintenance operations are laborious and expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the problems of the prior art by proposing a containment shell having a reliable and durable sealing.

[0007] The subject of the invention relates to a containment shell comprising a wall made of a concrete-type material defining a space and at least one observation module comprising at least one window arranged in an opening in the wall, said window comprising a frame in which at least one optical block providing protection against high-energy and / or neutron radiation is housed, said frame being fitted in the opening, said observation module also comprising a protective element comprising a window frame carrying glass and being arranged to close the opening at a surface on the inside of the shell, said observation module thus comprising at least one interface (I) between the two surfaces,

[0008] The containment vessel is characterized in that it further comprises at least one sealing system disposed at at least one interface, the sealing system comprising at least one sealed chamber at the periphery of the interface, the chamber being filled with a neutral gas, and the sealing system comprising a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device for injecting a certain amount of neutral gas into the chamber based on a value provided by the pressure measuring device. According to one example, the sealed chamber is formed by a joint member mating with two surfaces forming the interface.

[0009] According to one example, the joint comprises a single seal shaped so as to have at least two bearing points on one surface of the interface and at least one bearing point on the other surface of the interface.

[0010] According to one example, the joint comprises two seals, each seal being annular, the two seals being concentrically arranged between the two surfaces forming the interface.

[0011] According to one example, the skeleton comprises at least one channel enabling sealed mounting of a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device, said channel opening into the sealed chamber.

[0012] According to one example, said at least one interface of the observation module comprises two closed chambers, each of which is associated with a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device enabling a quantity of neutral gas to be injected into the chamber.

[0013] According to one example, each chamber belongs to a separate sealing system.

[0014] According to one example, the two chambers are formed by a single joint.

[0015] According to one example, the joint comprises a single seal shaped so as to have at least two bearing points on one surface of the interface and at least three bearing points on the other surface of the interface, so as to form two separate chambers.

[0016] According to one example, the viewing module comprises a frame arranged in a wall, the frame having an opening.

[0017] According to one example, at least a sealing system is arranged at the interface between said window and / or said protective element and the frame.

[0018] According to one example, each interface has one sealing system.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for managing the leak tightness of a shell according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0020] - measuring the pressure in the closed chamber by means of a pressure measuring device;

[0021] - compare the measured pressure with a reference pressure value;

[0022] - If the measured value is lower than the reference value, a gas injection device is activated to inject a certain amount of neutral gas into the chamber, the amount of gas injected by the gas injection device enabling the pressure in the closed chamber to reach the reference pressure value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is given in a purely non-limiting and illustrative manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] - Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the containment shell;

[0025] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a sealing system according to the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a joint forming a closed chamber;

[0027] - Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a joint forming two closed chambers;

[0028] - Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an observation module hosting multiple sealing systems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention relates to containment vessels and, more particularly, to vessels enabling the containment of materials that generate high energy radiation (eg, X-radiation, gamma radiation) and / or neutron radiation.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, such a shell 1 comprises a wall 10 delimiting a space 12. This wall 10 is made of a material of the concrete or reinforced concrete type, but may be made of any material making it possible to manufacture a containment shell, such as steel or lead.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, the housing 1 includes an observation module 30 that enables an operator to observe what is happening inside the housing 1. This observation module 30 includes at least one window 33. This window 33 includes an optical block 34, which includes at least one glass sheet 35. Preferably, the optical block 34 includes a plurality of glass sheets 35 assembled together. The optical block 34 is arranged in a frame 36. Optionally, the glass sheets can be bonded, or a filler material can be used to fill the space or gap between the optical block 34 and the frame 36.

[0032] The window 33 is then placed in the opening 32 of the wall 10. The frame 36 and the opening 32 are such that the frame 36 carrying the optical block 34 is embedded in the opening 32. Fastening means such as screws are used to ensure a secure fastening.

[0033] In the case where the wall 10 is made of a material of the concrete type, a skeleton 31 is provided. This skeleton 31 is then integrated and embedded in the wall 10. The skeleton 31 then comprises the through-opening 32.

[0034] Preferably, the window 33 is inserted into the opening 32 on the operator's side, ie via the surface of the skeleton 31 outside the housing 1 .

[0035] Optionally, the viewing module 30 further comprises a protective element 37. The protective element 37 is used to protect the window 33 from invasion from the inside of the shell 1. To this end, the protective element 37 is arranged at the opening 32, on the inner surface of the frame 31, that is, on the surface of the frame facing the inside of the shell.

[0036] The protective element 37 comprises a window frame 38 carrying a glass 39. The window frame 38 is used to fix the protective element 37 to the frame.

[0037] Judiciously, according to the invention, the housing 1 also comprises at least one sealing system 40. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sealing system 40 is arranged at one of the interfaces I of the viewing module 30. Such an interface I is defined as a common joint surface between two surfaces S of different parts. For example, the interface I exists between the frame 36 and the skeleton 31 or between the window frame 38 and the skeleton 31.

[0038] The sealing system 40 according to the present invention includes a sealed chamber 42 arranged at the interface of the observation module 30 to be sealed. This sealed chamber 42 is associated with a pressure measuring device 44 and a gas injection device 46. In practice, the sealed chamber 42 is filled with a neutral gas, such as nitrogen. This neutral gas is pressurized to a defined / reference pressure p. The pressure measuring device 44 is configured to measure the pressure within the sealed chamber 42. Consequently, the measuring device 44 generates a signal representing the measured pressure. The pressure measuring device has a sensitivity of 50 Pa, preferably 20 Pa, more preferably 10 Pa, and ideally 5 Pa. This signal is received by a computing unit (not shown), which compares the measured pressure value with the defined pressure p of the chamber. If the measured value differs from the defined pressure p, a leak is indicated. Consequently, the computing unit issues a command, which is sent to the gas injection device 46. The gas injection device 46 (not shown in detail) comprises (for example and not by way of limitation) a storage element, such as a gas cylinder or tank, in which the gas is stored, either pressurized or unpressurized. This storage element is associated with a valve and a flow meter that can be controlled by the calculation unit. Thus, the calculation unit can calculate the amount of gas to be injected into the sealed chamber 42 based on the pressure difference between the measured pressure and the defined pressure p. The controllable valve and the flow meter together serve to inject the correct amount of gas into the outlet pipe leading to the sealed chamber. This injection of gas into the sealed chamber advantageously ensures a durable seal of the observation module 30.

[0039] The change in pressure depends on the pressure difference between the pressure in the sealed chamber 42 and one or more pressures on both sides of the sealing system 40. If the pressure in the sealed chamber is lower than the external pressure, a leak is manifested in the form of an increase in the pressure in the sealed chamber. Conversely, if the pressure in the sealed chamber is higher than the external pressure, a leak is manifested in the form of a decrease in the pressure in the chamber.

[0040] In the event of a pressure drop, the pressure in the chamber is readjusted, whereas in the event of a pressure increase, an alarm is activated or the gas injection device 46 is able to vent the excess pressure.

[0041] Ideally, the pressure in the sealed chamber 42 will be greater than the pressure in the shell 1 so that a leak at the sealing system results in a transfer of gas from the chamber 42 to the shell.

[0042] More specifically, the closed chamber 42 is formed by a joint 48. The joint 48 cooperates with the two surfaces S forming the interface I to form a chamber. The joint 48 is preferably designed so that it is located around the interface I, thereby forming a peripheral chamber 42. For example, if the two surfaces creating the interface are circular, the joint will be circular.

[0043] The engagement member 48 may have various forms.

[0044] Figure 5 The first form visible in FIG is a joint 48 comprising a single seal 48a. This single seal 48a is shaped so as to have at least two bearing points on one surface S forming the interface and at least one bearing point on the other surface S forming the interface. For example, a V-shaped or W-shaped seal may be used. This single seal may have a greater thickness at the bearing points to provide a larger contact area and thus better performance.

[0045] according to Figure 6 In the second embodiment, the joint 48 is formed of two sealing members 48b. Each sealing member 48b is annular. The two sealing members 48b are arranged concentrically. Preferably, the two sealing members 48b are parallel to each other. Thus, the space between the two concentric sealing members 48b defines a chamber 42, which contains the neutral gas.

[0046] Optionally, a groove or slot G is provided in the surface of the interface, enabling the engagement member 48 to rest therein. This ensures that the engagement member 48 is correctly positioned and thus functions in an optimal manner.

[0047] To enable the functions of measuring and filling the chamber with gas, the sealed chamber 42 is provided with at least one channel C through which a pressure measuring device 44 and a gas injection device 46 can function. This channel C includes an opening in which the outlet pipe of the gas injection device 46 and the pressure measuring device 44 are arranged. The pressure measuring device 44 (not shown in detail) can, for example and not by way of limitation, take the form of a single element comprising a sensor and a signal generating module, either in the same housing or in separate housings. The pressure measuring device 44 and the outlet pipe of the gas injection device 46 are sealedly mounted in the opening. For this purpose, a seal, such as an O-ring seal, is used.

[0048] It is also possible to arrange two channels C: a first channel C for the pressure measuring device 44 and a channel C for the gas injection device 46 .

[0049] A variant consists in having two pressure measuring devices 44 for measuring the pressure in the same closed chamber 42. This variant enables a redundancy effect that prevents sensor failure, thereby preventing the addition of gas to said closed chamber 42 without a pressure drop.

[0050] The one or more channels C are preferably arranged in the skeleton 31 so as to be accessible from the outside to the pressure measuring device 44 and the gas injection device 46. However, the one or more channels C may include rigid or flexible connections so as to be arranged as required.

[0051] Specifically, the sealing system 40 according to the present invention can be installed at at least one interface of the observation module 30, but can be installed at different locations, or even installed at each interface. Such an observation module 30 effectively includes a large number of parts fastened to each other, and each interface I between two parts can be sealed. For example, in Figure 9 In the embodiment, the frame 38 of the protective element 37 carrying the glass 39 comprises a support 38a and a counter-support 38b. The support comprises a support surface on which the glass rests, and the counter-support is arranged to be fastened to the support so that the glass can be inserted between the support surface and the counter-support. Thus, it is conceivable to provide a sealing system 40 according to the invention at the interface between the glass and the support surface and / or at the interface between the glass and the counter-support and / or at the interface between the support and the counter-support.

[0052] Another variant is to provide two sealing systems 40 according to the invention for each interface, each sealing system 40 being independent. This variant advantageously allows for better sealing. The two sealing systems 40 for the same interface 1 are arranged so that the two chambers 42 are at the same pressure or at different pressures.

[0053] An alternative to this variant is that the joint 48 is designed to define two separate closed chambers 42, such as Figure 7 Each closed chamber is equipped with at least one pressure measuring device 44 and at least one gas injection device 46. The two closed chambers can have the same pressure, but it is conceivable that the two closed chambers formed by the same joint 47 are at different pressures. In this case, the two closed chambers are formed by a single sealing member 48c, as shown. Figure 7 As shown, its shape enables the emergence of two separate closed chambers 42. However, as Figure 8 As shown, the two sealed chambers 42 may be formed by three concentrically arranged annular seals.

[0054] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples shown, but can be varied and modified in various ways that are obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0055] Thus, a sealing system for an interface between two surfaces comprises at least one closed chamber at the periphery of the interface, the chamber being filled with a neutral gas, and comprising a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device enabling a quantity of neutral gas to be injected into the chamber according to the value provided by the pressure measuring device. The sealing system is intended for use in chemical or biological applications, or for use with high-energy and / or neutron radiation.

[0056] According to one example, the closed chamber is formed by a joint cooperating with two surfaces forming an interface.

[0057] According to one example, the joint comprises a single seal shaped so as to have at least two bearing points on one surface of the interface and at least one bearing point on the other surface of the interface.

[0058] According to one example, the joint comprises two seals, each seal being annular, the two seals being concentrically arranged between the two surfaces forming the interface.

[0059] According to one example, two closed chambers are arranged, each of which is associated with a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device making it possible to inject a quantity of neutral gas into the chamber.

[0060] According to one example, the two chambers are formed by a single joint.

[0061] According to one example, the joint comprises a single seal shaped so as to have at least two bearing points on one surface of the interface and at least three bearing points on the other surface of the interface, so as to form two separate chambers.

[0062] The invention also relates to a partition wall between an external environment and an internal environment, comprising an opening in which an insert is arranged, with an interface between the surface of the wall and the surface of the insert, characterized in that at least one sealing system according to the invention is arranged at this interface.

[0063] According to one example, the wall and / or the insert comprises at least one channel enabling the sealing installation of a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device, said channel opening into the sealed chamber.

[0064] The invention also relates to a method for managing the tightness of a wall between an internal medium and an external medium according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0065] - measuring the pressure in the closed chamber by means of a pressure measuring device;

[0066] - compare the measured pressure with a reference pressure value;

[0067] - If the measured value is lower than the reference value, a gas injection device is activated to inject a certain amount of neutral gas into the chamber, the amount of gas injected by the gas injection device enabling the pressure in the closed chamber to reach the reference pressure value.

Claims

1. A containment shell (1) comprising a wall (10) made of a concrete type material defining a space (12) and at least one observation module (30), the observation module comprising at least one window (33) arranged in an opening (32) of the wall (10), the window comprising a frame (36) in which at least one optical block (34) providing protection against high-energy and / or neutron radiation is housed, the frame being fitted in the opening (32), the observation module also comprising a protective element (37) comprising a window frame (38) carrying a glass (39) and being arranged to close the opening at a surface on the inside of the shell, the observation module thus comprising at least one interface (I) between two surfaces (S), It is characterized by: The containment shell also includes at least one sealing system (40) arranged at at least one interface (I), the sealing system including at least one closed chamber (42) at the periphery of the interface, the chamber being filled with a neutral gas, and the sealing system including a pressure measuring device (44) for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device (46) enabling a certain amount of neutral gas to be injected into the chamber according to the value provided by the pressure measuring device.

2. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein: The closed chamber (42) is formed by a joint (48) cooperating with two surfaces (S) forming an interface (I).

3. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein: The joint (48) comprises a single seal (48a) shaped so as to have at least two bearing points on one surface of the interface and at least one bearing point on the other surface of the interface.

4. The container according to claim 2, wherein: The joint (48) comprises two sealing members (48b), each of which is annular, and the two sealing members are concentrically arranged between two surfaces forming an interface.

5. The container according to claim 2, wherein: The housing comprises at least one channel (C) enabling the sealed installation of a pressure measuring device (44) for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device (46), said channel opening into the sealed chamber.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein: Said at least one interface of the observation module comprises two closed chambers, each of which is associated with a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure in the chamber and a gas injection device enabling a quantity of neutral gas to be injected into the chamber.

7. Containment according to the preceding claim, wherein: Each chamber belongs to a separate sealing system.

8. The container according to claim 6, wherein: The two chambers are formed by a single joint.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein: The joint includes a single seal (48c) shaped to have at least two bearing points on one surface of the interface and at least three bearing points on the other surface of the interface to form two separate chambers.

10. Containment according to the preceding claim, wherein: The viewing module comprises a frame (31) arranged in a wall (10) and having an opening (32).

11. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein: At least a sealing system is arranged at the interface between the window and / or the protective element and the frame.

12. Containment according to the preceding claim, wherein: Each interface has a sealing system.

13. A method for managing the leak tightness of a housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - measuring the pressure in the closed chamber by means of a pressure measuring device; - Comparing the measured pressure with a reference pressure value (p); If the measured value is lower than the reference value, a gas injection device is activated that enables a certain amount of neutral gas to be injected into the chamber, the amount of gas injected by the gas injection device enabling the pressure in the closed chamber to reach the reference pressure value.

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