A nuclear fuel assembly transport container and method of using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a nuclear fuel assembly transport container and a method for using the same, belonging to the technical field of nuclear fuel assembly transport equipment, comprising an outer shell assembly and an inner shell assembly, wherein an inner cavity is arranged inside the outer shell assembly, and the inner shell assembly is fixedly installed in the inner cavity; two inner shell assemblies are provided, both of which are outer rectangular parallelepiped structures, and the cross section of the inner shell assembly is square, and the two inner shell assemblies are arranged side by side in the inner cavity of the outer shell assembly, so that the cross section of the inner shell assembly is arranged in a rhombus shape. The nuclear fuel transport container disclosed in the present disclosure increases the operable space inside the traditional container and can ensure the critical safety of the nuclear fuel assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of nuclear fuel assembly transportation equipment, and in particular relates to a nuclear fuel assembly transportation container and a method for using the same. Background Art

[0002] Nuclear fuel transport containers are mainly used to transport nuclear fuel assemblies from nuclear fuel plants to nuclear power plants. Since nuclear fuel assemblies belong to Class I radioactive materials, under normal transportation conditions and transportation accident conditions, the containers should be able to ensure the integrity of the containment system and the criticality safety of the fuel assemblies to ensure safety.

[0003] The various nuclear fuel transport assembly transport containers currently in use have limited internal space, which makes it inconvenient to load and unload the nuclear fuel assemblies. Furthermore, the critical safety of the nuclear fuel assemblies cannot be guaranteed after being impacted, and thus the safety is relatively low. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the defects or shortcomings in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a nuclear fuel assembly transport container and a method of using the same, which increases the operable space inside the container and can ensure the critical safety of the nuclear fuel assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a nuclear fuel assembly transport container, comprising an outer shell assembly and an inner shell assembly, wherein an inner cavity is provided inside the outer shell assembly, and the inner shell assembly is fixedly installed in the inner cavity;

[0007] There are two inner shell components, both of which are outer rectangular structures. The cross-section of the inner shell components is square. The two inner shell components are arranged side by side in the inner cavity of the outer shell component, so that the cross-section of the inner shell components is arranged in a diamond shape.

[0008] Furthermore, the shell assembly includes an upper shell assembly and a lower shell assembly, the upper shell assembly and the lower shell assembly overlap each other to form an elliptical column structure, a plurality of bolt holes are provided on both sides of the shell assembly, and the upper shell assembly and the lower shell assembly are fixedly connected on both sides by bolts.

[0009] Furthermore, the top surface of the upper shell component is an arc-shaped structure, the bottom surface is an inverted "W"-shaped structure, a cavity is provided between the top surface and the bottom surface, and the cavity is filled with polyurethane foam material; the top surface of the lower shell component is a "U"-shaped structure, the bottom surface is an arc-shaped structure, a cavity is provided between the top surface and the bottom surface, and the cavity is filled with polyurethane foam material.

[0010] Furthermore, an inner cavity capable of accommodating the inner shell assembly is formed between the upper shell assembly and the lower shell assembly, a moderator material is provided on the inner wall of the cavity, and a layer of ceramic fiber paperboard is arranged around the moderator material.

[0011] Furthermore, dustproof sealing strips are provided at the connection points on both sides of the upper shell assembly and the lower shell assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, a connecting piece is provided between the two inner shell assemblies, the cross section of the connecting piece is triangular, the bottom surface of the connecting piece is fixed to the top surface of the lower outer shell assembly through a rubber shock-absorbing pad, the side surface of the connecting piece is provided with a moderator material, and the top of the connecting piece is provided with a quick release device.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner shell assembly consists of a V-shaped base and an inverted V-shaped cover plate, one side of the base is connected and fixed to the side of the connecting piece, and the other side of the base is fixed to the side wall of the top surface of the lower outer shell assembly through a rubber shock-absorbing pad.

[0014] Furthermore, the cover plate is closed on the base, one end of the cover plate is connected to one end of the base through a hinge, and the other end of the cover plate is connected to a quick-open locking device at the top of the triangular connector.

[0015] Furthermore, a neutron absorbing material and a cork rubber pad are arranged on the inner wall of the inner shell assembly, and the cork rubber pad is arranged on the outer side of the neutron absorbing material.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for using a nuclear fuel assembly transport container, using a nuclear fuel assembly transport container as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Remove the fixing bolts on both sides of the housing assembly, and lift the upper housing assembly as a whole through the lifting ears on the top of the housing assembly;

[0018] Turning the container over so that the inner shell assembly and the lower outer shell assembly are tilted as a whole to a vertical position;

[0019] Open the inner shell cover device, remove the top end plate and the push rod of the inner shell cover assembly, connect the nuclear fuel assembly operating tool to the fuel assembly, open the quick-open locking device of the inner shell assembly from top to bottom, and open the cover of the inner shell assembly;

[0020] After the nuclear fuel assembly is loaded into or removed from the inner shell assembly, the cover plate of the inner shell assembly is closed, the quick-open locking device is locked in sequence, and finally the inner shell flip cover device is closed;

[0021] Turn the container over to a horizontal position, reinstall the upper shell assembly, reinstall the fixing bolts, and install the lead seal.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0023] 1. By arranging the inner shell assembly in a diamond shape, the operating space of the nuclear fuel assembly can be increased, making it easier to load and unload the nuclear fuel assembly.

[0024] 2. By arranging a moderator material inside the outer shell assembly and a neutron absorbing material inside the inner shell assembly, the neutron absorbing material cooperates with the moderator material to ensure the critical safety of the fuel assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the housing assembly in this embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the upper housing assembly in this embodiment 1;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the lower shell assembly and the inner shell assembly in this embodiment 1;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the inner shell assembly and the connector in this embodiment 1;

[0029] Figure 5 This is an expanded view of the inner shell assembly structure in this embodiment;

[0030] Among them, 1. outer shell assembly; 2. inner shell assembly; 3. upper outer shell assembly; 4. lower outer shell assembly; 5. reinforcing ribs; 6. bottom support; 7. forklift frame; 8. connecting parts; 9. rubber shock absorbers; 10. quick-open locking device; 11. base; 12. cover plate; 13. inner shell flip device; 14. push rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are all illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms in the present disclosure have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure. As used herein, unless otherwise explicitly stated in the present disclosure, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "include" and / or "include" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof;

[0034] For the convenience of description, if the words "up", "down", "left" and "right" appear in the present disclosure, they only indicate that they are consistent with the up, down, left and right directions of the drawings themselves, and do not limit the structure. They are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0035] Terminology explanation section: The terms "install", "connect", "connect", "fixed" and the like in the present disclosure should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be an internal connection between two elements, or an interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] A typical implementation of the present disclosure is as follows: Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, a nuclear fuel assembly transport container comprises an outer shell assembly 1 and an inner shell assembly 2. The outer shell assembly 1 is provided with an inner cavity, and the inner shell assembly 2 is fixedly installed in the inner cavity.

[0038] The shell component 1 is made of 06Cr19Ni10 stainless steel, and includes an upper shell component 3 and a lower shell component 4. The upper shell component and the lower shell component cover each other to form an elliptical column structure. A plurality of bolt holes are provided on both sides of the shell component, and the upper shell component and the lower shell component are fixedly connected on both sides by bolts.

[0039] The top surface of the upper shell component 3 is arc-shaped, and the bottom surface is an inverted "W"-shaped structure. A cavity is provided between the top surface and the bottom surface. The cavity is filled with polyurethane foam material, which can play a role in shock absorption, heat insulation, and buffering. The density of the polyurethane material filled in the middle and both ends of the cavity is different. The density is high at the two ends and low in the middle. The high density has a good energy absorption effect and can play a better protective effect in vertical falls. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 5 are provided on the top surface of the upper shell component to improve the structural strength of the upper shell component 3. The top surface of the upper shell component 3 is also provided with a lifting lug for the overall lifting of the container.

[0040] The top surface of the lower shell component 4 is a "U"-shaped structure, and the bottom surface is an arc. A cavity is provided between the top surface and the bottom surface, and the cavity is filled with polyurethane foam material. The density of the polyurethane material filled in the middle and the two ends of the cavity is different. Bottom supports 6 are provided at both ends of the bottom surface of the lower shell component 4, and a forklift frame 7 is provided between the two bottom supports for stacking and carrying the container as a whole.

[0041] When the upper shell assembly 3 and the lower shell assembly 4 are covered, an inner cavity that can accommodate the inner shell assembly is formed between the bottom surface of the upper shell assembly 3 and the top surface of the lower shell assembly 4, and a moderator material is arranged on the inner wall of the inner cavity. In this embodiment, the moderator material is a polyethylene material, and a layer of ceramic fiber paperboard is arranged around the moderator material. Dustproof sealing strips are arranged at the connection between the upper shell assembly 3 and the lower shell assembly 4 on both sides. When the upper shell assembly 3 and the lower shell assembly 4 are connected by bolts, the sealing of the inner cavity can be ensured.

[0042] The inner shell component 2 is made of 6000 series aluminum alloy material. There are two inner shell components. Both of the two inner shell components 2 are rectangular structures. Their length is the same as the inner cavity length of the outer shell component 1. The cross-section of the inner shell component 2 is square. The two inner shell components 2 are arranged side by side in the inner cavity of the outer shell component 1, so that the cross-section of the inner shell component 2 is arranged in a diamond shape. A connecting piece 8 is arranged between the two inner shell components 2.

[0043] The cross-section of the connecting piece 8 is triangular, and its length is the same as the length of the inner shell assembly. The bottom surface of the connecting piece 8 is fixed to the top surface of the lower outer shell assembly 4 through a rubber shock-absorbing pad 9. The side of the connecting piece 8 is provided with a moderator material, and the top of the connecting piece 8 is provided with multiple quick-open locking devices 10, and the multiple quick-open locking devices 10 are arranged along the length direction of the connecting piece 8.

[0044] The inner shell assembly 2 is composed of a V-shaped base 11 and an inverted V-shaped cover plate 12. One side of the base 11 is connected and fixed to the side of the connecting member 8, and the other side of the base 11 is fixed to the side wall of the top surface of the lower shell assembly 4 through a rubber shock-absorbing pad 9.

[0045] The cover plate 12 is covered on the base 11, one end of the cover plate 12 is connected to one end of the base 11 through a hinge, and the other end of the cover plate 12 is provided with a locking ring, which can cooperate with the quick-open locking device on the top of the connecting piece, thereby realizing the rapid opening or locking of the inner shell assembly.

[0046] Specifically, the quick-open locking device includes a locking block and a locking base. The locking block is arranged on the top of the locking base and is rotatably connected to the locking base. The locking block is an irregular rectangular structure. When in use, the locking ring passes through the locking block. The locking block is rotated to a certain angle, and the locking ring is stuck between the locking block and the locking base, thereby realizing the locking of the inner shell assembly. When the inner shell assembly needs to be opened, the locking block only needs to be rotated in the opposite direction to separate the locking ring from the locking block, thereby opening the inner shell assembly.

[0047] Neutron absorbing material and cork rubber pads are arranged on the inner wall of the inner shell assembly 2. In this embodiment, the neutron absorbing material is an aluminum-based boron carbide material. The cork rubber pad is arranged on the outside of the neutron absorbing material. The neutron absorbing material is combined with the moderator material to ensure the critical safety of the fuel assembly. The cork rubber pad can ensure that the fuel assembly is not scratched.

[0048] An inner shell flip cover device 13 is provided at one end of the inner shell assembly 2. The inner shell flip cover device is composed of two flaps and an end plate. The two flaps are connected to form a V-shaped structure by hinges, and the peripheral side of the end plate is connected to the flap by screws. One side of the inner shell flip cover device is rotatably connected to the base, and the other side is provided with a locking ring. The inner shell flip cover device is fixed to the top of the base through the cooperation of the locking ring and the quick-open locking device.

[0049] Before opening the inner shell assembly, it is necessary to open the inner shell flip cover device first. After the flip cover device is opened, the nuclear fuel assembly operating tool is connected to the upper tube seat of the nuclear fuel assembly to protect the fuel assembly. Then, the entire inner shell assembly is opened to ensure that the nuclear fuel assembly will not be damaged when the inner shell assembly is opened.

[0050] The end plate is provided with a push rod, which acts on the upper tube seat of the nuclear fuel assembly to ensure that the nuclear fuel assembly will not move in the length direction of the inner shell.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] This embodiment provides a method for using a nuclear fuel assembly transport container, using a nuclear fuel assembly transport container as described in Example 1, including the following steps:

[0053] Remove the fixing bolts on both sides of the housing assembly, and lift the upper housing assembly as a whole through the lifting ears on the top of the housing assembly;

[0054] The container is turned over so that the inner shell assembly and the lower outer shell assembly are tilted as a whole to a vertical position, so that the container meets the requirements for vertical operation of the nuclear fuel assembly.

[0055] Open the inner shell flip cover device, remove the top end plate and push rod of the inner shell flip cover assembly, connect the nuclear fuel assembly operating tool to the fuel assembly, open the quick-open locking device of the inner shell assembly from top to bottom, and open the cover of the inner shell assembly.

[0056] After the nuclear fuel assembly is loaded into or removed from the inner shell assembly, the cover plate of the inner shell assembly is closed, the quick-open locking devices are locked in sequence, and finally the inner shell flip cover device is closed.

[0057] Turn the container over to a horizontal position, reinstall the upper shell assembly, reinstall the fixing bolts, and install the lead seal.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A nuclear fuel assembly transport container, characterized in that: It comprises an outer shell component and an inner shell component, wherein an inner cavity is arranged inside the outer shell component, and the inner shell component is fixedly installed in the inner cavity; There are two inner shell components, both of which are outer cuboid structures, and the cross section of the inner shell components is square. The two inner shell components are arranged side by side in the inner cavity of the outer shell component, so that the cross section of the inner shell components is arranged in a rhombus shape; The housing assembly comprises an upper housing assembly and a lower housing assembly, the upper housing assembly and the lower housing assembly overlap each other to form an elliptical column structure, a plurality of bolt holes are arranged on both sides of the housing assembly, and the upper housing assembly and the lower housing assembly are fixedly connected on both sides by bolts; Neutron absorbing material and a cork rubber pad are arranged on the inner wall of the inner shell component, and the cork rubber pad is arranged on the outer side of the neutron absorbing material.

2. A nuclear fuel assembly transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the upper shell component is an arc-shaped structure, and the bottom surface is an inverted "W"-shaped structure. A cavity is provided between the top surface and the bottom surface, and the cavity is filled with polyurethane foam material. The top surface of the lower shell component is a "U"-shaped structure, and the bottom surface is an arc-shaped structure. A cavity is provided between the top surface and the bottom surface, and the cavity is filled with polyurethane foam material.

3. A nuclear fuel assembly transport container as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: An inner cavity for accommodating the inner shell assembly is formed between the upper shell assembly and the lower shell assembly. A moderator material is arranged on the inner wall of the cavity, and a layer of ceramic fiber paperboard is arranged around the moderator material.

4. A nuclear fuel assembly transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Dustproof sealing strips are arranged at the connection points on both sides of the upper shell component and the lower shell component.

5. A nuclear fuel assembly transport container as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting piece is provided between the two inner shell assemblies. The cross section of the connecting piece is triangular. The bottom surface of the connecting piece is fixed to the top surface of the lower outer shell assembly through a rubber shock-absorbing pad. Moderator material is provided on the side of the connecting piece. A quick release device is provided on the top of the connecting piece.

6. A nuclear fuel assembly transport container as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The inner shell component consists of a V-shaped base and an inverted V-shaped cover plate. One side of the base is connected and fixed to the side of the connecting piece, and the other side of the base is fixed to the side wall of the top surface of the lower outer shell component through a rubber shock-absorbing pad.

7. A nuclear fuel assembly transport container as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The cover plate is closed on the base, one end of the cover plate is connected to one end of the base through a hinge, and the other end of the cover plate is connected to a quick-open locking device on the top of the triangular connector.

8. A method for using a nuclear fuel assembly transport container, using a nuclear fuel assembly transport container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: Remove the fixing bolts on both sides of the housing assembly, and lift the upper housing assembly as a whole through the lifting ears on the top of the housing assembly; Turning the container over so that the inner shell assembly and the lower outer shell assembly are tilted as a whole to a vertical position; Open the inner shell cover device, remove the top end plate and the push rod of the inner shell cover assembly, connect the nuclear fuel assembly operating tool to the fuel assembly, open the quick-open locking device of the inner shell assembly from top to bottom, and open the cover of the inner shell assembly; After the nuclear fuel assembly is loaded into or removed from the inner shell assembly, the cover plate of the inner shell assembly is closed, the quick-open locking device is locked in sequence, and finally the inner shell flip cover device is closed; Turn the container over to a horizontal position, reinstall the upper shell assembly, reinstall the fixing bolts, and install the lead seal.

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