A mox fuel rod helium pressurization device

Abstract

The application discloses a MOX fuel rod helium pressurizing device, which comprises a container, a glove box and a vacuum pump, the container is communicated with the glove box, a quick opening cover is arranged at the communication position of the container and the glove box, a feeding port is arranged on the glove box, a sealing door is arranged on the feeding port, a MOX fuel rod is fed into or out of the glove box through the feeding port, an air inlet and a first exhaust port are arranged on the container, the vacuum pump is connected with the first exhaust port and used for vacuumizing the container, an air inlet valve is arranged on the air inlet, and the air inlet is used for feeding in helium. The MOX fuel can be subjected to the helium pressurizing operation, so that the situation that the helium in the fuel rod is completely leaked and cannot be detected is avoided, and the accuracy of helium leakage detection is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear engineering technology, and specifically relates to a MOX fuel rod helium compression device. Background Technology

[0002] The nuclear fuel assemblies used in fast neutron reactors are MOX fuel assemblies. MOX fuel rods are filled with helium. To ensure the sealing of MOX fuel rods, helium leak detection is required.

[0003] In the existing helium leak detection process, there is no helium compression operation. If all the helium in the MOX fuel rod leaks, it will be undetectable, affecting the accuracy of helium leak detection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art by providing a MOX fuel rod helium compression device, which can perform helium compression operation on MOX fuel to avoid undetectable leakage of all helium in the fuel rod, thereby ensuring the accuracy of helium leakage detection.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is:

[0006] This invention provides a helium compression device for MOX fuel rods, including a container, a glove box, and a vacuum pump. The container and the glove box are connected, and a quick-opening cover is provided at the connection point. The glove box has a feed inlet with a sealing door. The MOX fuel rod enters and exits the glove box through the feed inlet. The container has an air inlet and a first exhaust port. The vacuum pump is connected to the first exhaust port and is used to evacuate the container. The air inlet has an air inlet valve for introducing helium gas.

[0007] Preferably, the container is further provided with a second exhaust port, the glove box is further provided with a first air inlet and a second air inlet, the inlet of the vacuum pump is connected to the first exhaust port, the first exhaust port is provided with a first valve, the outlet of the vacuum pump is connected to the first air inlet, the first air inlet is provided with a second valve, the second exhaust port is connected to the second air inlet, and the second exhaust port is provided with an exhaust valve.

[0008] Preferably, the device further includes a feeding device located inside the glove box for placing MOX fuel rods and feeding MOX fuel rods into the container.

[0009] Preferably, the feeding device includes a guide rail, a first frame, a slider, and a support. The guide rail is laid between the feed inlet and the quick-opening cover. The slider slides on the guide rail. The support is mounted on the slider. The first frame is mounted on the support. The MOX fuel rod is mounted on the first frame.

[0010] Preferably, a plurality of first rollers are mounted on the first frame, and MOX fuel rods are placed on the first rollers.

[0011] Preferably, the device further includes a roller conveyor located inside the container for carrying MOX fuel rods fed in by the feeding device.

[0012] Preferably, the roller conveyor includes a second frame and a second roller. The second frame is fixed inside the container and extends along its length from the inlet of the container into the depth of the container. The second roller is mounted on the second frame.

[0013] Preferably, a cushioning pad is provided on the inner side of the second frame.

[0014] Preferably, the device further includes an exhaust system connected to the glove box for discharging helium gas from the device.

[0015] Beneficial effects:

[0016] The MOX fuel rod helium compression device of this invention can perform helium compression before helium leak detection of MOX fuel, thereby avoiding the inability to detect leaks due to complete helium leakage from the fuel rod and ensuring the accuracy of helium leak detection. Furthermore, by incorporating containers and a glove box, the entire helium compression process is completed in a sealed environment, preventing the diffusion of contaminants from the MOX fuel rod and ensuring the safety of operators and the environment. In addition, the device has a simple overall layout, is easy to operate, and facilitates maintenance and replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the MOX fuel rod helium compression device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Top view;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the roller conveyor structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A sectional view.

[0023] In the diagram: 1-Container, 2-Inlet valve, 3-Pressure gauge, 4-Exhaust valve, 5-Third pipe, 6-Glove box; 7-Glove hole; 8-Second valve; 9-Second pipe; 10-Vacuum pump; 11-First valve; 12-First pipe; 13-Sealed door; 14-Feeding device; 15-Quick-opening cover; 16-Roller conveyor; 17-Guide rail; 18-First frame; 19-Slider; 20-Bracket; 21-First roller; 22-Second frame; 23-Second roller; 24-Buffer pad; 25-Base plate. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "above" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience and simplification of the description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, 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 number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "setting," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, this embodiment discloses a MOX fuel rod helium compression device, including a container 1, a glove box 6, and a vacuum system. The container 1 and the glove box 6 are connected, and a quick-opening cover 15 is provided at the connection between the two. The glove box 6 is provided with a feed port and a sealing door 13. The MOX fuel rod enters and exits the glove box 6 through the feed port. The container 1 is provided with an air inlet and a first exhaust port. The vacuum system is connected to the first exhaust port and is used to evacuate the container. The air inlet is provided with an air inlet valve 2 and is used to connect to an external helium gas delivery pipeline to introduce helium gas.

[0030] Before helium compression, close the inlet valve 2 and evacuate container 1 to a vacuum using the vacuum system; then, open the inlet valve 2 and allow pressurized helium gas to enter container 1 through the inlet, and maintain this pressure for a period of time to complete the helium compression.

[0031] In this embodiment, a pressure gauge 3 is also provided on the container 1 to detect the pressure inside the container 1, thereby helping the operator to ensure that the pressure inside the container reaches the preset pressure requirement during the helium compression operation by controlling the amount of helium gas introduced.

[0032] In some embodiments, the vacuum system includes a vacuum pump 10, a second exhaust port on the container 1, and a first air inlet and a second air inlet on the glove box 6.

[0033] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the inlet of the vacuum pump 10 is connected to the first exhaust port through the first pipe 12, and the first exhaust port is provided with a first valve 11. The outlet of the vacuum pump 10 is connected to the first air inlet through the second pipe 9, and the first air inlet may be provided with a second valve 8. The second exhaust port is connected to the second air inlet through the third pipe 5, and the second exhaust port is provided with an exhaust valve 4.

[0034] Before helium compression, close the inlet valve 2 and the exhaust valve 4, open the first valve 11 and the second valve 8, and start the vacuum pump 10 to draw the gas (air) in container 1 into the glove box 6, thereby making container 1 a vacuum. Then, close the first valve 11 and open the inlet valve 2 to introduce pressurized helium into container 1 until the pressure gauge 3 detects that the pressure in container 1 has reached the preset pressure requirement. Then, close the inlet valve 2 and maintain the pressure for a period of time to perform helium compression. After helium compression is completed, open the exhaust valve 4 to discharge the remaining helium in container 1 through the glove box 6.

[0035] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the device also includes a support frame. Container 1 and glove box 6 are both located on the top platform of the support frame and are arranged in a straight line. Vacuum pump 10 is located below the top platform of the support frame. The first exhaust port is located at the bottom of container 1, and the first air inlet is located at the bottom of glove box 6. The first valve 11 and the second valve 8 are both located below the top platform of the support frame. The air inlet and the second exhaust port are located at the top of container 1, and the second air inlet is located on the side of glove box 6. This arrangement helps to reduce the size of the device.

[0036] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the device also includes a feeding device 14, which is located inside the glove box 6 and is used to place MOX fuel rods and feed MOX fuel rods into the container 1.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the feeding device includes a guide rail 17, a first frame 18, a slider 19, and a support 20. The guide rail 17 is laid and fixed inside the glove box 6, located between the feed inlet and the quick-opening cover 15. The slider 19 slides on the guide rail 17, the support 20 is mounted on the slider 19, the first frame 18 is mounted on the support 20, and the MOX fuel rod is placed on the first frame 18. The sealing door 13 on the glove box 6 is opened, and the MOX fuel rod is inserted into the first frame 18 inside the glove box 6. The slider 19 slides on the guide rail 17, causing the support 20, the first frame 18, and the MOX fuel rod to move along the guide rail 17, opening the quick-opening cover 15, thereby feeding the MOX fuel into the container 1.

[0038] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, a number of first rollers 21 are installed on the first frame 18. MOX fuel rods are placed on the first rollers 21. When the MOX fuel rods are pushed, the first rollers 21 rotate to transfer MOX fuel and reduce friction.

[0039] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the device also includes a roller conveyor 16, which is located inside the container 1 and is used to receive and carry the MOX fuel rods fed in by the feeding device 14.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, the roller conveyor 16 includes a second frame 22 and second rollers 23. The container 1 is preferably tubular and placed horizontally, with the inlet of the container 1 located at one end. A quick-opening cover 15 is placed over the inlet of the container 1 and is located inside the glove box 6. Correspondingly, the second frame 22 is elongated and fixed inside the container 1 by a base plate 25. One end of the second frame 22 is positioned near the inlet of the container 1, and the other end extends into the depth of the container 1; that is, the length of the second frame 22 extends from the inlet of the container 1 into the depth of the container 1. There are several second rollers 23, which are sequentially installed on the second frame 22 along its length. MOX fuel rods are carried on the second rollers 23 and can be transported on them.

[0041] In some implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, a buffer pad 24 is provided on the inner side of the second frame 22 to protect the MOX fuel rods.

[0042] In this embodiment, the buffer pad 24 is preferably a rubber pad.

[0043] In some implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device also includes an exhaust system connected to the top of the glove box 6, used to exhaust helium gas inside the device, for example, to exhaust the remaining helium gas discharged from the container into the glove box after the helium compression operation is completed.

[0044] It should be noted that the dimensions of the device in this embodiment can be specifically determined according to the dimensions of the MOX fuel rods in order to meet the helium compression operation of MOX fuel rods of different sizes.

[0045] The working process of the MOX fuel rod helium compression device in this embodiment is described in detail below:

[0046] Open the sealing door 13, feed MOX fuel into the first frame 18 inside the glove box 6, and close the sealing door 13;

[0047] Push the first frame 18 along the slide rail 17 to the inlet of container 1 through the glove hole 7 on the glove box 6, open the quick-opening cover 15, push the MOX fuel rod on the first frame 18 to transfer it to the second frame 22 in container 1 under the rotation of the first roller 21, and continue to transfer it forward to the desired position under the rotation of the second roller 23, and close the quick-opening cover 13.

[0048] Close the inlet valve 2 and the exhaust valve 4, open the first valve 11 and the second valve 8, and start the vacuum pump 10 to draw the gas (air) in container 1 into the glove box 6 so that the container 1 reaches the required vacuum level.

[0049] Close the first valve 11 and open the inlet valve 2 to introduce pressurized helium into the container 1 until the pressure gauge 3 detects that the pressure inside the container 1 has reached the preset pressure requirement. Then close the inlet valve 2 and maintain the pressure for a period of time to compress the helium.

[0050] After helium compression is complete, open the exhaust valve 4 to discharge the remaining helium in container 1 into glove box 6, and then discharge the helium from glove box 1 through the ventilation system.

[0051] The MOX fuel rod helium compression device in this embodiment can perform helium compression before helium leak detection of MOX fuel, thus avoiding the inability to detect leaks due to complete helium leakage from the fuel rod, ensuring the accuracy of helium leak detection. Furthermore, by using containers and glove boxes, the entire helium compression process is completed in a sealed environment, preventing the diffusion of contaminants from the MOX fuel rod and ensuring the safety of operators and the environment. In addition, the device has a simple overall layout, is easy to operate, and facilitates maintenance and replacement.

[0052] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A MOX fuel rod helium pressurization device, characterized by, It comprises a container (1), a glove box (6) and a vacuum pump (10), The container is communicated with the glove box, and a quick-opening cover (15) is arranged at the communication position of the container and the glove box, a feeding port is arranged on the glove box, and a sealing door (13) is arranged on the feeding port, and the MOX fuel rod is fed into or out of the glove box through the feeding port, An air inlet and a first exhaust port are arranged on the container, the inlet of the vacuum pump is connected with the first exhaust port, the first exhaust port is used for vacuumizing the container, a first valve (11) is arranged on the first exhaust port, and an air inlet valve (2) is arranged on the air inlet; the air inlet is used for introducing helium. A second exhaust port is further arranged on the container, a first air inlet and a second air inlet are further arranged on the glove box, the outlet of the vacuum pump is connected with the first air inlet, a second valve (8) is arranged on the first air inlet, the second exhaust port is connected with the second air inlet, and an exhaust valve (4) is arranged on the second exhaust port; Before pressurizing helium, the air inlet valve and the exhaust valve are closed, the first valve and the second valve are opened, and the vacuum pump is started to pump the gas in the container into the glove box; then, the first valve is closed, the air inlet valve is opened, and the helium with pressure is introduced into the container, until the pressure in the container reaches the preset pressure requirement, the air inlet valve is closed, and the pressure is maintained for a period of time to pressurize the helium; after the pressurization of the helium is completed, the exhaust valve is opened, and the remaining helium in the container is discharged through the glove box.

2. The MOX fuel rod helium pressurization apparatus of claim 1, wherein, It further comprises a feeding device (14), The feeding device is arranged in the glove box and is used for placing the MOX fuel rod and feeding the MOX fuel rod into the container.

3. The MOX fuel rod helium pressurization apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The feeding device comprises a guide rail (17), a first frame (18), a sliding block (19) and a support (20), The guide rail is arranged between the feeding port and the quick-opening cover, the sliding block is slidably arranged on the guide rail, the support is arranged on the sliding block, and the first frame is arranged on the support; the MOX fuel rod is placed on the first frame.

4. The MOX fuel rod helium pressurization apparatus of claim 3, wherein, A plurality of first rollers (21) are arranged on the first frame, and the MOX fuel rod is placed on the first rollers.

5. The MOX fuel rod press-helium apparatus of any one of claims 2-4, wherein, It further comprises a roller way (16), The roller way is arranged in the container and is used for carrying the MOX fuel rod fed by the feeding device.

6. The MOX fuel rod helium pressurization apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The roller way comprises a second frame (22) and a second roller (23), The second frame is fixed in the container and extends in the length direction from the inlet of the container to the deep part of the container, and the second roller is arranged on the second frame.

7. The MOX fuel rod helium pressurization apparatus of claim 6, wherein, A buffer pad (24) is arranged on the inner side of the second frame.

8. The MOX fuel rod helium pressurization apparatus of claim 7, wherein, It further comprises an exhaust system, The exhaust system is connected with the glove box and is used for discharging the helium in the device.

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