Quick-connect fuel element storage and transport device

Abstract

This invention discloses a quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device. The device includes a transportation component, a storage component, and an opening / closing component. The transportation component includes a transportation tank and a transportation tank cover detachably connected to the tank. The transportation tank has a first filling section, and the transportation tank cover has a second filling section. Both the first and second filling sections contain a flame-retardant medium. The storage component is located within the transportation tank and includes a storage cylinder cover, a storage cylinder, and a storage base connected in sequence. The storage cylinder has multiple discharge ports spaced circumferentially around its surface. The storage base has mounting holes. The opening / closing component includes a main shaft, a base plate, and multiple arc-shaped baffles. The main shaft is rotatably mounted within the mounting holes and connected to the base plate. Each arc-shaped baffle corresponds to one of the discharge ports and is connected to the base plate. This device is safe, reliable, and highly efficient in loading, effectively reducing manual labor during the loading process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of reactor engineering technology, and in particular to a quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device. Background Technology

[0002] The pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (PBT) is an advanced nuclear reactor with inherent safety, suitable for efficient power generation and high-temperature heating, and is one of the preferred reactor types in nuclear energy systems. Utilizing the advantageous geometry of spherical fuel elements, the PBT can achieve refueling without reactor shutdown. The transportation, storage, and retrieval of fuel elements in high-temperature reactors are crucial issues related to reactor loading efficiency. In related technologies, PBT fuel elements are mainly stored in bundles within new fuel storage containers on-site. Loading requires manual removal of each bag and element from the new fuel tank, resulting in low loading efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0004] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention propose a quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device, which features safe, reliable, and efficient loading.

[0005] The quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device of this invention includes: a transportation component, a storage component, and an opening and closing component. The transportation component includes a transportation tank and a transportation tank cover detachably connected to the transportation tank. The transportation tank has a first filling part, and the transportation tank cover has a second filling part. Both the first filling part and the second filling part contain a flame-retardant medium. The storage component is disposed in the transportation tank. The storage component includes a storage cylinder cover, a storage cylinder, and a storage base connected in sequence. The storage cylinder has multiple discharge ports, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the storage cylinder. The storage base has mounting holes. The opening and closing component includes a main shaft, a base plate, and multiple arc-shaped baffles. The main shaft is rotatably disposed in the mounting holes and is connected to the base plate. The multiple arc-shaped baffles correspond one-to-one with the multiple discharge ports and are connected to the base plate.

[0006] The quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device of this invention protects and isolates the spherical fuel elements stored in the storage component during fuel transportation. During the loading process, the transport tank lid is opened, the storage component is removed, and installed on the automatic loading equipment. By driving the main shaft to rotate and causing the base plate to rotate, the arc-shaped baffle moves and opens the discharge port, allowing the spherical fuel elements to be automatically discharged from the discharge port into the automatic loading equipment. This device features safe, reliable, and efficient loading, effectively reducing manual labor during the loading process.

[0007] In some embodiments, the transport tank includes an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, an annular sealing plate, a first sealing plate, and a second sealing plate. The outer cylinder is sleeved on the inner cylinder. The upper ends of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are respectively connected to the annular sealing plate. The lower end of the inner cylinder is connected to the first sealing plate, and the lower end of the outer cylinder is connected to the second sealing plate. The inner cylinder, the outer cylinder, the annular sealing plate, the first sealing plate, and the second sealing plate together define the first filling portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the transport tank lid is engaged within the annular sealing plate, and the transport assembly also...

[0009] Includes a first fastener, the transport tank cover has a first through hole, the annular sealing plate has a first assembly hole, the first fastener passes through the first through hole, and the first end of the first fastener is fitted into the first assembly hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cylinder gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the storage cylinder cover is engaged within the storage cylinder body, the storage assembly further includes a second fastener, the storage cylinder cover has a second through hole, the storage cylinder body has a second mounting hole, the second fastener passes through the second through hole, and a first end of the second fastener engages within the second mounting hole.

[0012] 0 In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage cylinder gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder is covered with a neutron absorbing plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, an annular guide groove is provided on the lower end face of the storage cylinder, the annular guide groove extends along the axial direction of the storage cylinder, and a plurality of discharge ports divide the annular guide groove into multiple arc-shaped guide grooves, at least a portion of the arc-shaped baffle is located within the annular guide groove.

[0015] 5. In some embodiments, the opening and closing assembly further includes a locking pin, and the outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder is provided with a pin hole.

[0016] The locking pin is connected to the base plate, and at least a portion of the locking pin fits into the pin hole.

[0017] In some embodiments, a drive hole is provided on the lower end face of the spindle. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the storage component and the opening / closing component of the quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] Transport tank 101, inner cylinder 1011, outer cylinder 1012, annular sealing plate 1013, first sealing plate 1014, second sealing plate 1015, first filling part 1016, transport tank cover 102, second filling part 1021, first fastener 103.

[0023] Storage cylinder cover 201, storage cylinder body 202, discharge port 2021, annular guide groove 2022, pin hole 2023, storage base 203, second fastener 204.

[0024] Main spindle 301, drive hole 3011, base plate 302, arc-shaped baffle 303, locking pin 304. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 0. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] The described embodiments are exemplary and intended to explain the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0027] The quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device of this invention includes a transportation component, a storage component, and an opening and closing component. The transportation component includes a transportation tank 101 and a transportation tank cover 102 detachably connected to the transportation tank 101. The transportation tank 101 has a first filling portion 1016, and the transportation tank cover 102 has a second filling portion 1021. Both the first filling portion 1016 and the second filling portion 1021 contain a flame-retardant medium. The storage component is located inside the transportation tank 101 and includes a storage cylinder cover 201, a storage cylinder 202, and a storage base 203 connected in sequence. The storage cylinder 202 has multiple discharge ports 2021, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the storage cylinder 202. The storage base 203 has mounting holes. The opening and closing assembly includes a main shaft 301, a base plate 302, and multiple arc-shaped baffles 303. The main shaft 301 is rotatably disposed in the mounting hole and is connected to the base plate 302. The multiple arc-shaped baffles 303 correspond one-to-one with multiple discharge ports 2021 and are connected to the base plate 302.

[0029] Understandably, the spherical fuel elements are placed inside a storage assembly. During transportation, the storage assembly is placed inside a transport assembly, which protects and isolates the storage assembly, thus protecting the fuel. Once the fuel elements arrive at the site, the storage assembly is removed from the transport assembly and installed on an automatic loading device (not shown in the figure). Then, the opening and closing assembly is controlled to open the discharge port 2021, allowing the spherical fuel elements to be automatically discharged into the automatic loading device, effectively reducing manual input during the loading process.

[0030] The first filling part 1016 and the second filling part 1021 are filled with a flame-retardant medium with a buffering function. The flame-retardant medium is polyurethane foam or other rigid foam filler with flame-retardant and buffering functions, so that the storage component is covered by the flame-retardant medium, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the device in the process of transporting spherical fuel.

[0031] Optionally, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the transport tank 101 is arranged vertically, with an opening at its upper end. A transport tank cover 102 is detachably mounted on the opening of the transport tank 101. The storage cylinder 202 is arranged vertically, with openings at both its upper and lower ends. The upper end of the storage cylinder 202 is detachably connected to the storage cylinder cover 201, so that the storage cylinder cover 201 seals the opening at the upper end of the storage cylinder 202. The lower end of the storage cylinder 202 is detachably connected to the upper end face of the storage base 203 (for example, by fasteners such as bolts), so that the storage base 203 seals the opening at the lower end of the storage cylinder 202.

[0032] The mounting hole extends vertically, and the main shaft 301 is rotatably mounted in the mounting hole via bearings. The base plate 302 is cylindrical, and a shaft hole is opened on the lower end face of the base plate 302. The upper end of the main shaft 301 is located in the shaft hole and connected to the base plate 302 via a spline to drive the base plate 302 to rotate. The lower end of the arc-shaped baffle 303 is connected to the upper end face of the base plate 302, and each arc-shaped baffle 303 corresponds to blocking one discharge port 2021. Thus, during the loading process, the main shaft 301 is connected to the drive mechanism of the automatic loading equipment. By driving the main shaft 301 to rotate and driving the base plate 302 to rotate, the opening and closing of the discharge port 2021 is controlled to realize the automatic discharge of the spherical fuel element.

[0033] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, there are two discharge ports 2021 and two arc-shaped baffles 303. The two discharge ports 2021 are symmetrically arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder 202. The discharge ports 2021 are square and their size is larger than that of the spherical fuel element. The discharge ports 2021 are located at the lower part of the storage cylinder 202 so that the spherical fuel element stored at the bottom layer of the storage cylinder 202 is discharged from the discharge port 2021 first.

[0034] Therefore, the quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device of this invention protects and isolates the spherical fuel elements stored in the storage component during fuel transportation. During the loading process, the transport tank cover 102 is opened, the storage component is removed, and installed on the automatic loading equipment. By driving the main shaft 301 to rotate and causing the base plate 302 to rotate, the arc-shaped baffle 303 moves and opens the discharge port 2021, thereby automatically discharging the spherical fuel elements from the discharge port 2021 into the automatic loading equipment. This device features safe, reliable, and efficient loading, effectively reducing manual input during the loading process.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the transport tank 101 includes an inner cylinder 1011, an outer cylinder 1012, an annular sealing plate 1013, a first sealing plate 1014, and a second sealing plate 1015. The outer cylinder 1012 is fitted over the inner cylinder 1011. The upper ends of the inner cylinder 1011 and the outer cylinder 1012 are respectively connected to the annular sealing plate 1013. The lower end of the inner cylinder 1011 is connected to the first sealing plate 1014, and the lower end of the outer cylinder 1012 is connected to the second sealing plate 1015. The inner cylinder 1011, outer cylinder 1012, annular sealing plate 1013, first sealing plate 1014, and second sealing plate 1015 together define the first filling part 1016.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the outer cylinder 1012 is fitted over the inner cylinder 1011, and the outer cylinder 1012 and the inner cylinder 1011 are spaced apart in the inward and outward directions. The upper ends of the inner cylinder 1011 and the outer cylinder 1012 are flush, and the upper ends of the inner cylinder 1011 and the outer cylinder 1012 are respectively connected to the lower end face of the annular sealing plate 1013. The annular sealing plate 1013 is used to seal the annular opening between the inner cylinder 1011 and the outer cylinder 1012. The lower end of the inner cylinder 1011 is located above the lower end of the outer cylinder 1012. The first sealing plate 1014 and the second sealing plate 1015 are both circular. The first sealing plate 1014 is used to seal the opening at the lower end of the inner cylinder 1011, and the second sealing plate 1015 is used to seal the opening at the lower end of the outer cylinder 1012.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, at least a portion of the transport tank cover 102 is engaged within the annular sealing plate 1013. The transport assembly also includes a first fastener 103. The transport tank cover 102 has a first through hole, and the annular sealing plate 1013 has a first mounting hole. The first fastener 103 passes through the first through hole, and the first end of the first fastener 103 is fitted into the first mounting hole.

[0038] Understandably, the lower end of the transport tank cover 102 is engaged in the central through hole of the annular sealing plate 1013, and the transport tank cover 102 is connected and fixed to the transport tank body 101 by the first fastener 103. Specifically, the first fastener 103 is a bolt, and both the first through hole and the first mounting hole are bolt holes.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are multiple first fasteners 103, first through holes and first assembly holes, and they correspond one-to-one. The first through holes are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the transport tank cover 102, and the first assembly holes are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the annular sealing plate 1013.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cylinder 1011 gradually decreases from top to bottom. In other words, the outer shell of the transport tank 101 is a cylindrical structure, while the inner shell is a conical structure. The transport tank 101 is made of stainless steel. The space between the outer cylinder 1012 and the inner cylinder 1011 is used to fill flame-retardant media, and the inner cylinder 1011 is used to house storage components.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, at least a portion of the storage cylinder cover 201 is engaged within the storage cylinder body 202. The storage assembly also includes a second fastener 204. The storage cylinder cover 201 has a second through hole, and the storage cylinder body 202 has a second mounting hole. The second fastener 204 passes through the second through hole, and the first end of the second fastener 204 is fitted into the second mounting hole.

[0042] It is understood that the lower end of the storage cylinder cover 201 is engaged within the storage cylinder body 202, and the storage cylinder cover 201 is connected and fixed to the storage cylinder body 202 by the second fastener 204. Specifically, the second fastener 204 is a bolt, and both the second through hole and the second assembly hole are bolt holes.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, there are multiple second fasteners 204, second through holes and second assembly holes, and they correspond one-to-one. The second through holes are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the storage cylinder cover 201, and the second assembly holes are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the storage cylinder body 202 on the upper end surface of the storage cylinder body 202.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage cylinder 202 gradually decreases from top to bottom. In other words, the upper part of the storage cylinder 202 is a cylindrical structure, and the lower part is a conical structure.

[0045] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder 202 is covered with a neutron absorbing plate (not shown in the figure). For example, the neutron absorbing plate is a boron-aluminum plate, which is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder 202 by being covered with a stainless steel plate.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an annular guide groove 2022 is provided on the lower end face of the storage cylinder 202. The annular guide groove 2022 extends along the axial direction of the storage cylinder 202. Multiple discharge ports 2021 divide the annular guide groove 2022 into multiple arc-shaped guide grooves. At least a portion of the arc-shaped baffle 303 is located within the annular guide groove 2022.

[0047] Understandably, the arc-shaped baffle 303 is located inside the storage cylinder 202, and during transportation, the arc-shaped baffle 303 corresponds to the position of the discharge port 2021. During the loading process, the bottom plate 302 rotates to allow the arc-shaped baffle 303 to slide into the arc-shaped guide groove for storage, preventing the spherical fuel element from hitting the arc-shaped baffle 303 during its descent inside the storage cylinder 202.

[0048] In terms of processing technology, an annular guide groove 2022 is first opened on the lower end face of the storage cylinder 202. The annular guide groove 2022 extends in the vertical direction. Then, a discharge port 2021 is opened on the outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder 202. The annular guide groove 2022 and the discharge port 2021 have overlapping parts.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the opening and closing assembly also includes a locking pin 304. A pin hole 2023 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder 202. The locking pin 304 is connected to the bottom plate 302, and at least a portion of the locking pin 304 engages within the pin hole 2023. Thus, during fuel storage, the bottom plate 302 is locked in place by the locking pin 304 to prevent rotation.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a drive hole 3011 is provided on the lower end face of the main shaft 301. The drive hole 3011 can be connected to the drive mechanism of the automatic loading equipment to drive the base plate 302 to rotate, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the discharge port 2021 to realize the automatic discharge function of the spherical fuel element.

[0051] The following describes in detail the loading method of the quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device of this embodiment is transported to the site. The transport tank cover 102 is opened, the crane lifts the storage component and places it on the transport vehicle, and the transport vehicle places the storage component on the storage rack.

[0053] Once a loading request is issued, the transport vehicle will transport the storage components to the automatic loading equipment and install the storage components in place using special tools.

[0054] Open the locking pin 304 of the base plate 302, start the drive mechanism of the automatic charging equipment, drive the main shaft 301 to rotate, open the discharge port 2021, and the spherical fuel element falls into the automatic charging equipment by gravity from the discharge port 2021 of the storage cylinder 202. Finally, the spherical fuel element is automatically loaded into the reactor core through the automatic charging equipment.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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.

[0056] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0057] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0059] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0060] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick connect fuel element storage and transport device characterized by, include: A transport assembly, comprising a transport tank and a transport tank cover detachably connected to the transport tank, the transport tank having a first filling portion and the transport tank cover having a second filling portion, wherein both the first filling portion and the second filling portion contain a flame-retardant medium; A storage assembly is disposed inside the transport tank. The storage assembly includes a storage cylinder cover, a storage cylinder body, and a storage base connected in sequence. The storage cylinder body is provided with multiple discharge ports, which are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the storage cylinder body. The storage base is provided with mounting holes. An opening and closing assembly includes a main shaft, a base plate, and multiple arc-shaped baffles. The main shaft is rotatably disposed in the mounting hole and connected to the base plate. A drive hole is provided on the lower end face of the main shaft. The multiple arc-shaped baffles correspond one-to-one with the multiple discharge ports and are connected to the base plate. The cross-sectional area of ​​the storage cylinder gradually decreases from top to bottom; The storage cylinder has an annular guide groove on its lower end surface. The annular guide groove extends along the axial direction of the storage cylinder. Multiple discharge ports divide the annular guide groove into multiple arc-shaped guide grooves. At least a portion of the arc-shaped baffle is located within the annular guide groove.

2. The quick connect fuel assembly storage and transport device of claim 1, wherein, The transport tank includes an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, an annular sealing plate, a first sealing plate, and a second sealing plate. The outer cylinder is fitted over the inner cylinder. The upper ends of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are respectively connected to the annular sealing plate. The lower end of the inner cylinder is connected to the first sealing plate, and the lower end of the outer cylinder is connected to the second sealing plate. The inner cylinder, the outer cylinder, the annular sealing plate, the first sealing plate, and the second sealing plate together define the first filling portion.

3. The quick connect fuel assembly storage and transport device of claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the transport tank cover is engaged within the annular sealing plate. The transport assembly further includes a first fastener. The transport tank cover has a first through hole, and the annular sealing plate has a first mounting hole. The first fastener passes through the first through hole, and a first end of the first fastener engages within the first mounting hole.

4. The quick connect fuel assembly storage and transport device of claim 2, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cylinder gradually decreases from top to bottom.

5. The quick connect fuel assembly storage and transport device of claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the storage cylinder cover is engaged within the storage cylinder body. The storage assembly further includes a second fastener. The storage cylinder cover has a second through hole, and the storage cylinder body has a second assembly hole. The second fastener passes through the second through hole, and the first end of the second fastener is fitted into the second assembly hole.

6. The quick-connect fuel element storage and transportation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder is covered with a neutron absorption plate.

7. The quick connect fuel assembly storage and transport device of claim 1, wherein, The opening and closing assembly also includes a locking pin. The outer peripheral wall of the storage cylinder is provided with a pin hole. The locking pin is connected to the bottom plate, and at least a portion of the locking pin is fitted into the pin hole.

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