Absorbent sphere shutdown device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of nuclear reactor safety, and particularly relates to an absorber ball shutdown device. The absorber ball shutdown device includes a ball storage tank, a first pipe, a first plate, a second pipe, and a lifting component. The ball storage tank has a receiving cavity adapted to store absorber balls. The first pipe is connected to the ball storage tank and has a ball outlet, and the ball outlet communicates with the receiving cavity. One end of the second pipe is adapted to extend into the first pipe, and a ball inlet is provided at one end of the second pipe. Moreover, the second pipe is movable relative to the first pipe in the height direction of the ball storage tank so that the ball inlet communicates with or is misaligned with the ball outlet. One end of the first plate is connected to the end of the second pipe extending out of the first pipe, and the lifting component can contact the first plate to lift the second pipe. The absorber ball shutdown device of the present invention can avoid jamming and improve the stability and safety of reactor operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of nuclear reactor safety, and particularly relates to an absorber ball shutdown device. Background Art

[0002] A nuclear reactor, also known as an atomic energy reactor or a reactor, is a device that can maintain a controllable self-sustaining chain nuclear fission reaction to realize the utilization of nuclear energy.

[0003] There are mainly two ways to shut down a nuclear reactor. One is to control the number of neutrons in the reactor core by driving the insertion depth of control rods into the reactor core. The other is to shut down the reactor by absorbing neutrons with absorber balls containing boron carbide. The absorber ball shutdown system releases absorber balls into the core reaction layer through an absorber ball shutdown device to achieve the purpose of safe shutdown.

[0004] In related technologies, when the absorber ball shutdown system operates, a motor is required to drive the movement of a ball screw and a valve rod, so that the absorber balls in the ball storage tank fall into the core reflector layer to achieve safe shutdown. This shutdown method requires transmission structures such as ball screws. Not only is the structure complex, but also because the transmission structure is arranged in a closed chamber and the transmission structure is in a working environment with a relatively high temperature, it is not convenient for lubrication. Therefore, the transmission structures are in dry friction and are prone to jamming, resulting in the inability of the absorber ball shutdown device to achieve safe shutdown. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related technologies to some extent. For this purpose, an embodiment of the present invention provides an absorber ball shutdown device to avoid jamming and improve the stability and safety of reactor operation.

[0006] The absorber ball shutdown device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a ball storage tank having an accommodation cavity therein for storing absorber balls; a first pipe connected to the ball storage tank, the first pipe having a ball outlet communicating with the accommodation cavity; a second pipe and a first plate, one end of the second pipe being adapted to extend into the first pipe, the one end of the second pipe being provided with a ball inlet, and the second pipe being movable relative to the first pipe in the height direction of the ball storage tank so that the ball inlet communicates with or is misaligned with the ball outlet, and one end of the first plate being connected to the end of the second pipe extending out of the first pipe; a lifting member that can contact the first plate to lift the second pipe.

[0007] The absorber ball shutdown device according to an embodiment of the present invention avoids jamming and improves the stability and safety of reactor operation.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lifting component includes a first wheel, a second wheel, a transmission chain, and a second plate. The outer peripheral surface of the first wheel is in contact with the transmission chain, the outer peripheral surface of the second wheel is in contact with the transmission chain, the second plate is provided on the transmission chain, and the second plate can be in contact with the first plate to lift the second pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a holding component. The holding component is adapted to generate a magnetic force. The first plate is a magnetic plate, and the magnetic poles of the holding component are opposite to those of the first plate so as to bring the holding component into contact with the first plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the holding component includes a first coil and an iron core, and the first coil is wound around the iron core.

[0011] In some embodiments, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a limiting member, and the limiting member is sleeved on one end of the second pipe extending out of the first pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a third plate, a fourth plate, and a first travel switch. One end of the third plate is connected to the limiting member, one end of the fourth plate is connected to the ball storage tank, the first travel switch is installed at one end of the fourth plate, and when the third plate moves into contact with the first travel switch, the ball inlet is communicated with the ball outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a second travel switch, and the second travel switch is installed at one end of the fourth plate away from the ball storage tank.

[0014] When the third plate comes into contact with the second travel switch, the first plate comes into contact with the holding component, and the ball inlet is misaligned with the ball outlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first pipe includes a first section and a second section, and the cross-sectional area of the first section in the width of the ball storage tank is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second section in the width of the ball storage tank.

[0016] In some embodiments, the number of the ball inlets and the ball outlets is multiple, and the multiple ball outlets correspond to the multiple ball inlets one by one.

[0017] In some embodiments, a flange member is further included, and one end of the flange member is connected to the housing. Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the absorber ball shutdown device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Reference Numerals:

[0020] The first tube 1, the second tube 2, the first plate 3,

[0021] The lifting component 4, the first wheel 401, the second wheel 402, the transmission chain 403, the second plate 404,

[0022] The ball storage tank 5, the accommodation cavity 501,

[0023] The bracket 6, the first hole 601,

[0024] The holding component 7, the first coil 701, the iron core 702,

[0025] The limiting member 8, the third plate 9, the fourth plate 10, the first travel switch 11, the second travel switch 12, the flange member 13. Specific embodiments

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below by referring to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the absorber ball shutdown device of the embodiment of the present invention includes a ball storage tank 5, a first tube 1, a second tube 2, a first plate 3, and a lifting component 4. The ball storage tank 5 has an accommodation cavity 501 therein. The accommodation cavity 501 is adapted to store absorber balls. The first tube 1 is connected to the ball storage tank 5. The first tube 1 has a ball outlet, and the ball outlet communicates with the accommodation cavity 501. One end of the second tube 2 is adapted to extend into the first tube 1. A ball inlet is provided at one end of the second tube 2. And the second tube 2 is movable relative to the first tube 1 in the height direction of the ball storage tank 5 so that the ball inlet communicates with or is misaligned with the ball outlet. One end of the first plate 3 is connected to the end of the second tube 2 extending out of the first tube 1. The lifting component 4 can contact the first plate 3 to lift the second tube 2.

[0028] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the ball storage tank 5 has an accommodation cavity 501 therein to be adapted to hold absorber balls. The shape of the ball storage tank 5 can be cylindrical, or the shape of the ball storage tank 5 can be other existing shapes, for example, frustum-shaped. The first tube 1 extends vertically, the second tube 2 extends vertically. The lower end of the first tube 1 is a hollow structure, that is, a ball dropping channel. The first tube 1 is also provided with a ball outlet. The second tube 2 is provided with a ball inlet, and the ball inlet communicates with the ball dropping channel so that the absorber balls fall into the reactor.

[0029] The first tube 1 is adapted to extend into the ball storage tank 5, and the first tube 1 is connected to the ball storage tank 5. The ball outlet of the first tube 1 is adapted to allow absorber balls to pass through. And the absorber balls in the ball storage tank 5 can enter the ball inlet through the ball outlet hole, and then the absorber balls fall into the ball dropping channel, and then the absorber balls enter the nuclear reactor, and then the nuclear reactor shuts down.

[0030] The lower end of the second tube 2 is adapted to extend into the first tube 1, and the second tube 2 can move in the vertical direction to connect or misalign the ball inlet and the ball outlet holes.

[0031] The upper end of the second tube 2 is connected to the first plate 3, and the lifting member 4 can be connected to the first plate 3 to lift the first plate 3. For example, the lifting member 4 lifts the first plate 3 upward, and then the first plate 3 drives the second tube 2 to lift upward to move the ball inlet away from the ball outlet. When it is necessary to move the second tube 2 and the first plate 3 downward, or when the ball absorption and stacking device suddenly loses power, in the case where the lifting member 4 is powered off or stops working, that is, when the lifting member 4 no longer gives an upward lifting force to the first plate 3, the second tube 2 and the first plate 3 descend under the action of gravity, and then the ball inlet and the ball outlet holes are connected, facilitating the absorption ball to enter the falling ball channel, and then shutting down the reactor.

[0032] Optionally, the falling ball shutdown device further includes a housing, and a ball storage tank 5, a first tube 1, a second tube 2 and a first plate 3 are arranged in the housing. By providing the housing, the stability and safety of the falling ball shutdown device can be improved.

[0033] In the ball absorption shutdown device according to the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the lifting member 4, the lifting member 4 can contact the first plate 3 to move the first plate 3 upward, or when it is necessary for the second tube 2 to fall to connect the ball inlet and the ball outlet, the second tube 2 and the first plate 3 descend under the action of gravity, and then the ball inlet and the ball outlet holes are connected, facilitating the absorption ball to enter the falling ball channel, and then shutting down the reactor. Compared with the related art that uses a transmission structure such as a ball screw in a sealed and high-temperature chamber where lubrication is impossible and the ball absorption shutdown device is prone to jamming, resulting in the inability of the ball absorption shutdown device to safely shut down, this application avoids jamming of the ball absorption and falling device and improves the stability and safety of the ball absorption and falling device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the lifting member 4 includes a first wheel 401, a second wheel 402, a transmission chain 403 and a second plate 404. The outer peripheral surface of the first wheel 401 contacts the transmission chain 403, and the outer peripheral surface of the second wheel 402 contacts the transmission chain 403. The second plate 404 is arranged on the transmission chain 403, and the second plate 404 can contact the first plate 3 to lift the second tube 2.

[0035] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction. The first wheel 401 rotates to drive the transmission chain 403 to rotate, the transmission chain 403 drives the second wheel 402 to rotate, one end of the second plate 404 is connected to the transmission chain 403, and the transmission chain 403 rotates to make the second plate 404 contact the first plate 3 to lift the first plate 3 upward, and then lift the second tube 2 upward to misalign the ball inlet and the ball outlet, improving the stability and safety of the ball absorption shutdown device.

[0036] In some embodiments, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a holding member 7. The holding member 7 is adapted to generate a magnetic force. The first plate 3 is a magnetic plate, and the magnetic poles of the holding member 7 are opposite to those of the first plate 3 so that the holding member 7 is in contact with the first plate 3.

[0037] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a bracket 6. The bracket 6 has a first hole 601. When the first plate 3 and the second tube 2 are lifted upward, at least a part of the first plate 3 extends out of the bracket 6 through the first hole 601. The lower end of the holding member 7 is installed at the upper end of the bracket 6. The holding member 7 is adapted to generate a magnetic force. For example, the holding member 7 is energized to generate a magnetic force. When the lifting member 4 lifts the first plate 3 upward to a certain height, the first plate 3 rises due to the magnetic force, driving the second tube 2 to rise. Further, the first plate 3 and the holding member 7 are in contact with each other due to the magnetic force. At this time, the ball inlet and the ball outlet are misaligned, and the absorber ball cannot enter the ball dropping channel. When the holding member 7 is de-energized, the magnetic force of the holding member 7 disappears, and the first plate 3 and the second tube 2 fall due to gravity, so that the ball inlet and the ball outlet are communicated. Further, the absorber ball enters the ball dropping channel through the ball inlet and the ball outlet, and then the absorber ball enters the nuclear reactor, improving the stability and safety of the absorber ball shutdown device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the holding member 7 includes a first coil 701 and an iron core 702. The first coil 701 is wound around the iron core 702.

[0039] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the lower end of the iron core 702 is connected to the bracket 6. The iron core 702 is adapted to wind the first coil 701. The first coil 701 is adapted to be energized so that the holding member 7 generates a magnetic force. Further, the holding member 7 and the first plate 3 can be in contact with each other due to the magnetic force, improving the stability and safety of the absorber ball shutdown device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a limiting member 8. The limiting member 8 is sleeved on one end of the second tube 2 extending out of the first tube 1.

[0041] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the limiting member 8 is sleeved on the upper end of the second tube 2, that is, the limiting member 8 is located between the first plate 3 and the ball storage tank 5. The second tube 2 can drive the limiting member 8 to move up and down. When the limiting member contacts the ball storage tank 5, the ball inlet and the ball outlet are communicated. Further, the absorber ball can enter the ball dropping channel through the ball inlet and the ball outlet, and then the absorber ball enters the nuclear reactor.

[0042] In some embodiments, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a third plate 9, a fourth plate 10, and a first travel switch 11. One end of the third plate 9 is connected to the limiting member 8, one end of the fourth plate 10 is connected to the ball storage tank 5, a first travel switch 11 is installed at one end of the fourth plate 10, and when the third plate 9 moves into contact with the first travel switch 11, the ball inlet and the ball outlet are communicated.

[0043] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, one end of the third plate 9 is connected to the limiting member 8, the fourth plate 10 extends vertically, the first travel switch 11 is arranged at the lower end of the fourth plate 10, and the downward movement of the second pipe 2 drives the limiting member 8 and the third plate 9 to move downward. When the third plate 9 comes into contact with the first travel switch 11, at this time, the ball inlet and the ball outlet are communicated.

[0044] Optionally, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a second travel switch 12. The second travel switch 12 is installed at one end of the fourth plate 10 away from the ball storage tank 5, that is, the second travel switch 12 is installed at the upper end of the fourth plate 10. When the third plate 9 comes into contact with the second travel switch 12, the first plate 3 comes into contact with the holding member 7, and the ball inlet and the ball outlet are misaligned.

[0045] Optionally, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a control component, which is correspondingly connected to the first wheel 401, the holding member 7, the first travel switch 11, and the second travel switch 12. The control component is adapted to control the rotation, stop, or power-off of the first wheel 401, is connected to the holding member 7 to turn on or off the magnetism of the holding member 7, and is correspondingly connected to the first travel switch 11 and the second travel switch 12. When the first plate 3 comes into contact with or separates from the first travel switch 11 and the second travel switch 12, the first travel switch 11 and the second travel switch 12 transmit signals to the control component. The control component may further include a display screen to display the states of the first wheel 401, the holding member 7, the first travel switch 11, and the second travel switch 12. Thus, the states of the first wheel 401, the holding member 7, the first travel switch 11, and the second travel switch 12 can be known and controlled without entering the housing, reducing the risk of nuclear radiation, and thereby improving the stability and safety of the absorber ball shutdown device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first pipe 1 includes a first section and a second section, and the cross-sectional area of the first section in the width of the ball storage tank 5 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second section in the width of the ball storage tank 5.

[0047] Specifically, the lower end of the first section is connected to the upper end of the second section. The cross-section of the first section in the left-right direction is smaller than that of the second section in the left-right direction. By making the cross-section of the first section in the left-right direction smaller than that of the second section in the left-right direction, the nuclear radiation transmitted through the second pipe 2 during the operation of the nuclear reactor can be reduced, or the escape of nuclear radiation substances through the second pipe 2 can be reduced, thereby improving the stability and safety of the absorber ball shutdown device. Optionally, the first section can be a solid pipe, the second section can be a hollow pipe, and the first section and the second section are integrally formed.

[0048] Optionally, a preset gap is provided between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2, that is, there is a gap between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2. The size of the preset gap is smaller than the diameter of the absorber ball to prevent the absorber ball from falling into the preset gap, and the preset gap also reduces the risk of nuclear radiation and the diffusion of nuclear radiation substances, thereby improving the stability and safety of the absorber ball shutdown device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the number of the ball inlet and the ball outlet is multiple, and the multiple ball outlets correspond to the multiple ball inlets one by one.

[0050] Specifically, a plurality of ball outlets are provided at the lower end of the first pipe 1, and a plurality of ball inlets are provided at the lower end of the second pipe 2. The plurality of ball outlets correspond to the plurality of ball inlets one by one, and the plurality of ball inlets are connected to the upper end of the ball dropping channel. Thus, the absorber ball can enter the ball dropping channel through the plurality of ball outlets and the plurality of ball inlets to improve the efficiency of the absorber ball entering the ball dropping channel, thereby improving the stability and safety of the absorber ball shutdown device.

[0051] In some embodiments, the absorber ball shutdown device further includes a flange member 13, and one end of the flange member 13 is connected to the housing.

[0052] Specifically, the upper end of the flange member 13 is detachably connected to the lower end of the ball storage tank 5. Further, the upper end of the flange member 13 can be connected to the housing, and the lower end of the flange member 13 is connected to the nuclear reactor pressure vessel. When the absorber ball shutdown device needs to be replaced, the flange member 13 is disassembled from the pressure vessel, and then the absorber ball shutdown device is replaced.

[0053] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0054] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0055] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as "mounted", "connected", "coupled", "fixed", etc. shall be construed in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or communicable with each other; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and may be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0056] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0057] In the present invention, terms such as "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0058] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An absorber ball shutdown device, characterized in that, Comprising: A ball storage tank, which has a receiving cavity inside, and the receiving cavity is suitable for storing absorption balls; A first pipe, which is connected to the ball storage tank, the first pipe has a ball outlet, and the ball outlet communicates with the receiving cavity; A second pipe and a first plate, one end of the second pipe is suitable for extending into the first pipe, a ball inlet is provided at one end of the second pipe, and the second pipe moves relative to the first pipe in the height direction of the ball storage tank so that the ball inlet communicates with or is misaligned with the ball outlet, and one end of the first plate is connected to the end of the second pipe extending out of the first pipe; A lifting component, the lifting component contacts the first plate to lift the second pipe, the lifting component includes a first wheel, a second wheel, a transmission chain and a second plate, the outer peripheral surface of the first wheel contacts the transmission chain, the outer peripheral surface of the second wheel contacts the transmission chain, the second plate is provided on the transmission chain, and the second plate contacts the first plate to lift the second pipe; A holding component, the holding component is suitable for generating a magnetic force, the first plate is a magnetic plate, and the magnetic pole of the holding component is opposite to the magnetic pole of the first plate to contact the holding component with the first plate; The holding component is energized to generate a magnetic force. When the lifting component lifts the first plate upward to a certain height, the first plate rises due to the magnetic force, drives the second pipe to rise, and then the first plate and the holding component contact each other due to the magnetic force. At this time, the ball inlet and the ball outlet are misaligned, and the absorption balls cannot enter the ball dropping channel; when the holding component is powered off, the magnetic force of the holding component disappears, and the first plate and the second pipe fall due to gravity, so that the ball inlet communicates with the ball outlet, and then the absorption balls enter the ball dropping channel through the ball inlet and the ball outlet, and then the absorption balls enter the nuclear reactor.

2. The shutdown device with absorber balls according to claim 1, wherein The holding component includes a first coil and an iron core, and the first coil is wound around the iron core.

3. The shutdown device with the neutron-absorbing balls according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a limiting member, and the limiting member is sleeved on the end of the second pipe extending out of the first pipe.

4. The shutdown device of the absorption ball according to claim 3, characterized in that, It further includes a third plate, a fourth plate and a first travel switch, one end of the third plate is connected to the limiting member, one end of the fourth plate is connected to the ball storage tank, the first travel switch is installed at one end of the fourth plate, and when the third plate moves and contacts the first travel switch, the ball inlet communicates with the ball outlet.

5. The shutdown device with absorption balls according to claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes a second travel switch, and the second travel switch is installed at the end of the fourth plate away from the ball storage tank. When the third plate contacts the second travel switch, the first plate contacts the holding component, and the ball inlet and the ball outlet are misaligned.

6. The shutdown device of the absorption ball according to claim 1, wherein, The first pipe includes a first section and a second section, and the cross-sectional area of the first section in the width of the ball storage tank is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second section in the width of the ball storage tank.

7. The shutdown device with absorber balls according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The number of the ball inlets and the ball outlets is multiple, and the multiple ball outlets correspond to the multiple ball inlets one by one.

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