An elevator type material irradiation device

Abstract

The application discloses a lifting type material irradiation device, which comprises a cooling mechanism and an irradiation mechanism which are connected with each other, and a lifting mechanism which is used for driving the cooling mechanism and the irradiation mechanism to move linearly; the irradiation mechanism comprises an outer tube, at least one sample tube is arranged in the outer tube, an independently-adjusted heating structure is arranged outside each sample tube, and an air gap is arranged between each sample tube and the outer tube; the lifting type material irradiation device further comprises a gas leading-out mechanism and at least two gas leading-in mechanisms which are used for adjusting heat exchange temperature difference of the air gap, and the gas leading-in mechanisms and the gas leading-out mechanism are communicated with the air gap; the independently-adjusted heating structures are used for independently adjusting the temperature of each sample tube, so that the temperature difference between the sample tubes is reduced, and the temperature range is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of research reactor irradiation technology, specifically to a lifting-type material irradiation device. Background Technology

[0002] For irradiation test reactors, conducting irradiation tests on materials and fuels is one of the most important applications. Materials irradiation testing involves loading standardized material test samples into a materials irradiation device and placing them in the active core region of the research reactor. The reactor's neutrons and gamma rays then cause irradiation damage to the materials to study their radiation resistance. The materials irradiation device is responsible for sample loading, measurement, and control of irradiation test parameters.

[0003] Ideally, during a single irradiation test, the number of material samples within the irradiation device should be as large as possible, and the irradiation temperature range of all samples should be as small as possible. Due to the small size and complex structure of the research reactor core, the inherent characteristics of the axial distribution of neutron flux within the reactor, and the differences in neutron flux between the positive and negative sides (the side closer to the core center is the positive side, and the side away from the core neutrons is the negative side), coupled with the changes in neutron flux within the reactor during its operation, the heat release rate of material samples at different locations within the irradiation device varies significantly and fluctuates, leading to substantial differences in the irradiation temperature distribution of the samples within the irradiation device. Among these factors, the axial distribution and variation of the heat release rate within the research reactor are the most significant constraints on the number of samples loaded into the irradiation device and the size of the sample irradiation temperature range.

[0004] Therefore, while ensuring the number of samples loaded, the material irradiation device must be improved to reduce the irradiation temperature range of all samples. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lifting material irradiation device, which improves the uniformity of axial temperature distribution of the sample inside the outer tube by using a heating structure that allows for lifting and independent adjustment of the entire material irradiation device, thereby reducing the irradiation temperature range of all samples.

[0006] This invention provides a lifting material irradiation device, comprising a cooling mechanism and an irradiation mechanism connected to each other, and a lifting mechanism for driving the cooling mechanism and the irradiation mechanism to move linearly; the irradiation mechanism includes an outer tube, inside which at least one sample tube is disposed, each sample tube is provided with an independently adjustable heating structure, and an air gap is provided between each sample tube and the outer tube; the lifting material irradiation device further includes a gas extraction mechanism and at least two gas introduction mechanisms for adjusting the heat exchange temperature difference of the air gap, both the gas introduction mechanism and the gas extraction mechanism being connected to the air gap.

[0007] When the above technical solution is adopted, 1. the independently adjustable heating structure adjusts the temperature of each sample tube individually so as to reduce the temperature difference between each sample tube and thus narrow the temperature range.

[0008] 2. By setting an air gap between the sample tube and the outer tube, different inert gases with significantly different thermal conductivity can be introduced into the air gap. By controlling the mixing ratio of the different inert gases, the thermal conductivity of the mixed gas formed after mixing the different inert gases can be changed, thereby adjusting the heat exchange temperature difference of the air gap and achieving temperature control.

[0009] As a possible preferred embodiment, the heating structure includes a heating element, a heating element fixing structure, and at least one temperature sensor to improve the sensitivity of temperature regulation.

[0010] As a possible preferred embodiment, the heating element fixing structure includes a clamping block sleeved and tightly attached to the outside of the sample tube, the clamping block having at least one groove, and the heating element disposed within the groove; to achieve stable fixing of the heating element.

[0011] Preferably, the heating element fixing structure further includes a clamping member that presses the heating element tightly against the bottom of the groove; this not only further increases the stability of the heating element fixing, but also accelerates the heat transfer speed between the heating element and the sample tube, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency.

[0012] Preferably, the vertical distance between the clamping member and the inner wall of the outer tube is less than the vertical distance between the clamping block and the inner wall of the outer tube. By reducing the heat exchange area of ​​the outer side of the clamping member in the air gap, the heating power requirement of the heating element is reduced, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0013] As a possible preferred embodiment, the sample tubes are distributed along the axial direction of the outer tube; a top plate and a bottom plate are respectively provided at both ends of the outer tube along its axial direction, and a block is provided between the sample tubes and the bottom plate. By providing a block, the control dead zone in the process of adjusting the composition of the mixed gas in the outer tube can be effectively reduced, and the sensitivity of the mixed gas adjustment and temperature control system can be effectively improved.

[0014] Preferably, a heat insulation layer is nested outside the sample tube near the block, and the heat insulation layer is sealed to the outer tube wall. Preferably, a lower isolation layer is also nested outside the sample tube near the block, and the lower isolation layer is disposed between the heating structure and the heat insulation layer. This effectively reduces the impact of axial heat leakage from the sample tube on the sample temperature.

[0015] As a possible preferred embodiment, the irradiation mechanism further includes a lower support member, one end of which is in close contact with or connected to the heat insulation layer, and the other end of which is connected to or in close contact with the outer tube. As a possible preferred embodiment, the gas introduction mechanism communicates with the lower end of the air gap. As a possible preferred embodiment, there are two gas introduction mechanisms, one for introducing helium and the other for introducing argon.

[0016] As a possible preferred embodiment, the irradiation mechanism further includes an upper support member, and a compression spring is provided between the upper support member and the sample tube, with the two ends of the compression spring respectively in close contact with or connected to the upper support member and the sample tube.

[0017] Preferably, a pressure plate and an upper isolation layer are provided between the compression spring and the sample tube, the upper isolation layer is nested outside the sample tube, and the compression spring is in close contact with or connected to the pressure plate.

[0018] As a possible preferred embodiment, the lifting material irradiation device further includes a top mounting platform, on which the lifting mechanism and a top guide cylinder are disposed. A device flange is disposed within the top guide cylinder, and the device flange is fixedly connected to the cooling mechanism. The top guide cylinder serves to provide a constrained channel for the axial movement of the irradiation mechanism and the cooling mechanism.

[0019] As a possible preferred embodiment, the cooling mechanism includes a connecting cylinder with several water inlets. The upper end of the connecting cylinder is connected to the lifting mechanism, and its lower end is connected to the outer pipe. This allows for synchronous movement of the cooling mechanism and the irradiation mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting material irradiation device in the embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the irradiation mechanism in the embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the irradiation mechanism in the embodiment.

[0023] Wherein: 1-Thermocouple lead tube, 2-Outlet pipe, 3-Lifting mechanism, 4-Device flange, 5-Top guide tube, 6-Top mounting platform, 7-Connecting pipe, 8-Irradiation mechanism, 9-Electric heating wire lead tube, 10-Inlet pipe, 11-Top plate, 12-Upper support, 13-Compression spring, 14-Pressure plate, 15-Upper isolation layer, 16-Upper electric heating wire, 17-Clamping block A, 18-Air gap, 19-Irregularly shaped filling block, 20-Outer tube, 21-Sample section, 22-Clamping block B, 23-Lower electric heating wire, 24-Lower isolation layer, 25-Insulation layer, 26-Blocking block, 27-Base plate, 28-Thermocouple, 29-Inlet pipe, 30-Lower support. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0025] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0026] Furthermore, 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 that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying 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 utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Due to the small size and complex structure of the reactor core, the inherent characteristics of the axial distribution of neutron flux within the reactor, and the differences in neutron flux between the positive and negative sides (the side closer to the core center within the material irradiation device is the positive side, and the side away from the core neutrons is the negative side), coupled with the changes in neutron flux within the reactor during its operation, the heat release rate of material samples at different locations within the material irradiation device varies significantly and fluctuates. This, in turn, leads to substantial differences in the irradiation temperature distribution of the samples within the material irradiation device. Among these factors, the axial distribution and variation of the heat release rate of the materials within the reactor are the most significant constraints on the number of samples that can be loaded into the material irradiation device and the size of the irradiation temperature range for the samples.

[0030] While ensuring the quantity of samples loaded, improving the material irradiation device to reduce the irradiation temperature range of all samples is the most effective technical means to solve the above problems.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the present invention provides a lifting material irradiation device, including a cooling mechanism and an irradiation mechanism 8 connected to each other, and a lifting mechanism 3 for driving the cooling mechanism and the irradiation mechanism 8 to move linearly. The lifting mechanism 3 drives the cooling mechanism and the irradiation mechanism 8 to move up and down, which can realize the timely removal of the material irradiation device from the reactor core and into the active zone, as well as the cooling of the research reactor.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the irradiation mechanism 8 includes an outer tube 20, inside which at least one sample tube is disposed. Each sample tube is equipped with an independently adjustable heating structure. By setting up an independently adjustable heating structure, the temperature of each sample tube can be individually controlled to reduce the temperature difference between the sample tubes. Thus, while meeting the requirement of loading the required number of samples into the sample tubes, the irradiation temperature range of all samples can be narrowed.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, an air gap 18 is provided between each sample tube and the outer tube 20. The lifting material irradiation device also includes a gas extraction mechanism and at least two gas introduction mechanisms for adjusting the heat exchange temperature difference of the air gap 18. Both the gas introduction mechanism and the gas extraction mechanism are connected to the air gap 18. The air gap 18 is used to contain the mixed gas obtained after entering through the gas introduction mechanism. By adjusting the proportion of each gas in the mixed gas, the thermal conductivity of the mixed gas can be changed, thereby effectively improving the sensitivity of temperature regulation and further narrowing the irradiation temperature range of all samples.

[0034] In practical applications, the aforementioned mixed gas can be, but is not limited to, a mixture of helium and argon in a certain proportion.

[0035] To further narrow the irradiation temperature range for all samples, as shown in Figure 2, each sample tube can be divided into several sample-loading areas. Each sample tube corresponding to a specific area can have an independently adjustable heating structure on its exterior. This allows for individual temperature adjustment of each sample, further reducing the temperature range. In practical applications, the number of sample areas is typically 1-3.

[0036] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG2, the heating structure includes, but is not limited to, a heating element, a heating element fixing structure, and at least one temperature sensor. The heating element is used to heat the sample in the sample tube, and the temperature sensor is used to transmit the temperature on the sample tube to an externally connected control system in real time, so as to adjust the heating power of the heating element and / or adjust the gas ratio in the mixed gas in the gas gap 18.

[0037] The heating element described above can be a common heating element in this field, such as an electric heating wire made of resistance wire. The specific number of electric heating wires can be selected according to the actual application, and will not be elaborated here. The above-mentioned heating element is fixed to avoid poor contact between the heating element and the sample tube, which could result in limited heating or slow temperature rise.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the heating element fixing structure includes, but is not limited to, a clamping block sleeved and tightly attached to the outside of the sample tube. At least one groove is provided on the clamping block, and the heating element is disposed within the groove. The arrangement of the heating element within the groove can be selected according to actual conditions. For example, when the heating element is made of heating wire, the heating wire can be wound around the clamping block and placed within the groove.

[0039] To make the heating more uniform and further reduce the local temperature difference, the grooves are opened along the circumferential direction of the clamping block to form through slots.

[0040] To improve heat transfer, further reduce local temperature differences, and prevent the heating element from not tightly adhering to the bottom of the groove, as shown in Figure 3, the heating element fixing structure also includes a clamping member to firmly press the heating element against the bottom of the groove. This prevents the heating element from becoming loose during operation.

[0041] In practical applications, the clamping component is selected according to the shape of the heating component. For example, the clamping component can be an irregularly shaped filling block 19.

[0042] To reduce the energy consumption required for heating the irradiation mechanism 8, as shown in Figure 3, the vertical distance between the clamping member and the inner wall of the outer tube 20 is less than the vertical distance between the clamping block and the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0043] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG3, when the groove is opened along the circumferential direction of the clamping block to form a through groove, and both the clamping member and the clamping block are annular structures, then the outer diameter of the clamping member is smaller than the outer diameter of the clamping block.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the temperature sensor described above can be a commonly used temperature sensor, such as thermocouple 28. In practical applications, the number of thermocouples 28 is selected according to the actual situation. For example, considering cost and the actual allowable temperature range, the optimal number of thermocouples 28 is selected.

[0045] In practical use, the above-mentioned lifting irradiation device is used vertically. As shown in Figure 2, the sample tubes are distributed along the axial direction of the outer tube 20. As shown in Figure 2, when the number of sample tubes is greater than or equal to 2, multiple sample tubes are arranged overlappingly, with adjacent sample tubes separated.

[0046] To further reduce heat loss and save energy, a cavity can be set between the bottom of the sample tube and the outer tube 20 to reduce heat transfer efficiency. To further improve the sensitivity of mixed gas regulation, as shown in Figure 2, a block 26 can be set in the cavity to effectively reduce the control dead zone in the mixed gas composition adjustment process in the outer tube 20 and effectively improve the sensitivity of mixed gas regulation and temperature control.

[0047] In practical applications, as shown in Figure 2, the block 26 can be a hollow aluminum alloy cylindrical structure, also made of aluminum alloy material, and filled with atmospheric pressure helium gas inside.

[0048] To further reduce the impact of axial heat leakage from the sample tube on the sample temperature, as shown in Figure 2, an upper isolation layer 15 is nested around the end of the sample tube facing the top of the outer tube 20. A pressure plate 14 is provided on the upper isolation layer 15, which simultaneously presses down both the upper isolation layer 15 and the end of the sample tube. A lower isolation layer 24 is nested around the end of the sample tube facing the bottom of the outer tube 20. A heat insulation layer 25 is provided on the lower isolation layer 24, which simultaneously supports both the lower isolation layer 24 and the end of the sample tube. Both the heat insulation layer 25 and the pressure plate 14 are sealed to the inner wall of the outer tube 20. To further reduce heat leakage from the sample tube, as shown in Figure 2, the sample tube is suspended inside the outer tube 20, with its upper and lower ends supported by corresponding support members.

[0049] In practical applications, as shown in Figure 2, the bottom of the outer tube 20 is a base plate 27 and its top is a top plate 11. An upper support member 12 is provided between the top plate 11 and the sample tube. As shown in Figure 2, the upper support member 12 can be a ring with support legs. The top of the ring is in contact with the lower surface of the top plate 11. The movable end of the support leg is connected to a compression spring 13, which is connected to the aforementioned pressure plate 14.

[0050] In practical applications, as shown in Figure 2, a lower support member 30 is provided between the base plate 27 and the aforementioned heat insulation layer 25. As shown in Figure 2, the lower support member 30 is a ring with support legs, and is made entirely of an alloy material with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum alloy, but not limited to this; the bottom of the ring contacts the base plate 27, and the upper part of the support legs abuts against the heat insulation layer 25.

[0051] In practical applications, the upper isolation layer 15 and the lower isolation layer 24 may, but are not limited to, consist of a hollow tube with an outer circle and an inner square and a square dummy sample in the middle; the outer diameter of the upper isolation layer 15 and the lower isolation layer 24 is consistent with the outer diameter of the adjacent sample tube, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the dummy sample is consistent with the cross-sectional area of ​​the sample contained in the adjacent sample tube.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the above-mentioned lifting material irradiation device may further include a top mounting platform for fixing the entire device to other devices to achieve the fixation of the entire device, and the above-mentioned lifting mechanism 3 is disposed on the top mounting platform.

[0053] In one specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a top guide cylinder 5 can also be fixedly or detachably connected to the top mounting platform to provide a constraint channel for the axial movement of the cooling mechanism and the irradiation mechanism 8, so that the irradiation mechanism 8 can accurately enter the active zone of the reactor core.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the lifting mechanism 3 and the cooling mechanism can be connected by a transmission assembly. In practical applications, the lifting mechanism 3 can be, but is not limited to, a motor, and the transmission assembly can be, but is not limited to, gears and chains.

[0055] In one specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a device flange 4 is provided inside the top guide cylinder 5. The device flange 4 is fixedly connected to the cooling mechanism and is connected to the lifting mechanism 3 via a transmission assembly.

[0056] In one specific embodiment, in order to make the above-mentioned lifting material irradiation device smaller in size and to prevent the gas introduction mechanism, gas exit mechanism, temperature sensor lead tube and heating element lead tube from being damaged by other devices or human actions around the lifting material irradiation device during the movement, thus causing irradiation failure, as shown in Figure 2, the gas introduction mechanism, gas exit mechanism, temperature sensor lead tube and heating element lead tube are all integrated on the above-mentioned device flange 4 and placed inside the cooling mechanism.

[0057] In practical applications, as shown in Figure 2, the gas introduction mechanism consists of two inlet pipes 10, one for helium and the other for argon, which pass through and are fixedly connected to the device flange 4. The gas exit mechanism is a gas outlet pipe 2 that exits the mixed gas in the gas gap 18, passing through and being fixedly connected to the device flange 4.

[0058] In one specific embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the cooling mechanism can be a connecting pipe 7, the upper end of the connecting pipe 7 being fixedly connected to the flange 4 of the aforementioned device, and the lower end of the connecting pipe 7 being fixedly connected to the outer pipe 20.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the connecting pipe 7 has several water inlets for introducing the main cooling water of the research reactor.

[0060] In practical applications, the inlet pipe 10 and the outlet pipe 2 are connected to their respective hoses, and then connected to an external irradiation test gas supply device or exhaust gas treatment device.

[0061] In practical applications, thermocouple lead tube 1 contains multiple thermocouple leads, and heating wire lead tube 9 contains the leads of the heating wire. The upper ends of both are sealed to prevent gas leakage.

[0062] In practical applications, as shown in Figure 2, when there are two sample tubes, the lower sample tube is closer to the bottom of the outer tube 20, and the heating element on it is called the lower electric heating wire 23. The upper sample tube is closer to the top of the outer tube 20, and the heating element on it is called the upper electric heating wire 16. Similarly, the lower sample tube is closer to the bottom of the outer tube 20, and the clamping block on it is called clamping block B 22. The upper sample tube is closer to the top of the outer tube 20, and the clamping block on it is called clamping block A 17.

[0063] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lifting-type material irradiation device, characterized in that, It includes an interconnected cooling mechanism and an irradiation mechanism, as well as a lifting mechanism for driving the cooling mechanism and the irradiation mechanism to move linearly; The irradiation mechanism includes an outer tube, inside which sample tubes are disposed. The sample tubes are distributed along the axial direction of the outer tube, and the number of sample tubes is greater than or equal to two. Each sample tube is provided with an independently adjustable heating structure. An air gap is provided between each sample tube and the outer tube. The lifting material irradiation device also includes a gas extraction mechanism and at least two gas introduction mechanisms for adjusting the heat exchange temperature difference of the air gap. Both the gas introduction mechanism and the gas extraction mechanism are connected to the air gap. The heating structure includes a heating element, a heating element fixing structure, and at least one temperature sensor; the heating element fixing structure includes a clamping block sleeved and tightly attached to the outside of the sample tube, the clamping block having at least one groove, and the heating element disposed in the groove; the heating element fixing structure further includes a clamping member that tightly attaches the heating element to the bottom of the groove; the vertical distance between the clamping member and the inner wall of the outer tube is less than the vertical distance between the clamping block and the inner wall of the outer tube; the gas introduction mechanism is connected to the lower end of the gas gap.

2. The lifting material irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample tubes are distributed along the axial direction of the outer tube; the outer tube is provided with a top plate and a bottom plate at both ends along its axial direction, and a block is provided between the sample tubes and the bottom plate.

3. The lifting material irradiation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A heat insulation layer is nested on one end of the sample tube near the block, and the heat insulation layer is sealed to the outer tube wall.

4. The lifting material irradiation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A lower isolation layer is nested outside one end of the sample tube near the block, and the lower isolation layer is disposed between the heating structure and the heat insulation layer.

5. The lifting material irradiation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The irradiation mechanism also includes a lower support member, one end of which is in close contact with or connected to the heat insulation layer and the other end of which is in close contact with or connected to the outer tube.

6. The lifting material irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The irradiation mechanism also includes an upper support member, and a compression spring is provided between the upper support member and the sample tube, with the two ends of the compression spring respectively in close contact with or connected to the upper support member and the sample tube.

7. The lifting material irradiation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, A pressure plate and an upper isolation layer are provided between the compression spring and the sample tube. The upper isolation layer is nested outside the sample tube, and the compression spring is in close contact with or connected to the pressure plate.

8. The lifting material irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting material irradiation device also includes a top mounting platform, on which the lifting mechanism and a top guide cylinder are provided. A device flange is provided inside the top guide cylinder, and the device flange is fixedly connected to the cooling mechanism.

9. The lifting material irradiation device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cooling mechanism includes a connecting cylinder with several water inlets. The upper end of the connecting cylinder is connected to the flange of the device, and its lower end is connected to the outer pipe.

Images