Air-lift apparatus and method of radioactive feed liquid transport

Abstract

The application discloses an air lifting device, which comprises a first lifting device and a second lifting device, and further comprises a lifting height adjusting device, wherein the lifting height adjusting device comprises a compressed air injector and a processing module; a vacuum port of the compressed air injector is communicated with a first tank; and the processing module regulates and controls the compressed air injector to output vacuum to the first tank so that the output of material liquid reaches a set height. The air lifting device can greatly increase the feeding height and adjust the lifting height. The application further provides a radioactive material liquid conveying method, which uses the air lifting device to convey radioactive material liquid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of radioactive liquid delivery, and particularly relates to an air lifting device and a radioactive liquid delivery method using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] During the operation of a nuclear facility, a large amount of radioactive liquid is generated, and the delivery mode of the radioactive liquid is crucial to the operation of the nuclear facility. Due to the radioactive characteristics of the radioactive liquid, leakage is not allowed during the delivery process, and direct maintenance by the staff is not allowed. At present, the commonly used delivery devices for nuclear facilities such as reprocessing plants include liquid lifters, steam jet pumps, and primary air lifters, etc. However, these devices have a small lifting height, and the lifting height is fixed, which is difficult to adapt to different lifting requirements. With the progress of technology, the requirements for waste minimization and radiation protection are increasing, and the whole society has higher requirements for economic benefits, energy saving, environmental protection, and safety. Therefore, the delivery mode of the radioactive liquid needs to be improved. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application aims to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and provides an air lifting device that can increase the supply height and adjust the lifting height on demand. A radioactive liquid delivery method is also provided.

[0004] The air lifting device of the present application comprises a primary lifting device, a secondary lifting device, and a lifting height adjusting device.

[0005] The primary lifting device comprises a primary air lifter and a primary tank. The feed inlet of the primary tank is connected to the liquid tank through the primary air lifter. The primary air lifter is used to deliver the liquid in the liquid tank to the primary tank. The discharge outlet of the primary tank is connected to the secondary lifting device. The secondary lifting device is used to output the liquid to a set height.

[0006] The lifting height adjusting device comprises an air injection ejector and a processing module. The vacuum port of the air injection ejector is connected to the primary tank. The processing module controls the output of the vacuum from the air injection ejector to the primary tank to make the liquid output reach the set height.

[0007] Preferably, an air inlet valve is arranged on the air inlet passage of the air injection ejector. The processing module is in communication connection with the air inlet valve. The processing module calculates the corresponding P1 of the air injection ejector to be reached according to the set height ΔH to be reached by the liquid output through the following formula:

[0008] P1 = ΔHρg - P0

[0009] Wherein, P0 is local atmospheric pressure, ρ is the density of the conveying liquid, g is the acceleration of gravity; the processing module regulates the air inlet valve according to the target vacuum P1 calculated by the processing module, so that the air injection device outputs corresponding vacuum.

[0010] Preferably, the secondary lifting device comprises a secondary air lifter, a secondary tank and a receiving groove, the secondary tank is a gas-liquid separation tank for separating the feed liquid and the air for lifting, the inlet of the secondary tank is communicated with the outlet of the primary tank through the secondary air lifter, and the liquid outlet of the secondary tank is communicated with the receiving groove, the receiving groove is located at a set height position and is used for receiving the feed liquid output from the secondary tank, and the secondary air lifter is used for conveying the feed liquid in the primary tank to the secondary tank.

[0011] Preferably, the primary tank is a constant liquid level tank, and an overflow port communicated with the feed liquid groove is further arranged on the constant liquid level tank.

[0012] Preferably, the setting height position of the overflow port of the primary tank is lower than that of the feed inlet.

[0013] Preferably, a liquid level alarm device is arranged at the position of the overflow port of the primary tank, the liquid level alarm device comprises a first liquid level gauge and an alarm, the first liquid level gauge is in communication connection with the processing module, is used for detecting the liquid level height in the primary tank in real time, and sends a first control signal to the processing module when the liquid level height is detected to be higher than a first set liquid level, the processing module sends an alarm signal to the alarm according to the first control signal, and the alarm sends an alarm according to the alarm signal.

[0014] Preferably, the secondary lifting device further comprises an output adjusting mechanism, the output adjusting mechanism is an adjusting valve arranged on the air inlet passage of the secondary air lifter, a second liquid level gauge is further arranged on the receiving groove, the second liquid level gauge is in communication connection with the processing module, is used for detecting the liquid level height in the receiving groove in real time, and sends a second control signal to the processing module when the liquid level height is detected to be higher than a second set liquid level, and the processing module and the adjusting valve are in communication connection, and the processing module is used for controlling the adjusting valve to stop air intake according to the second control signal.

[0015] Preferably, the top of the primary tank and / or the secondary tank is communicated with a cleaning pipe for cleaning liquid.

[0016] The radioactive feed liquid conveying method of the application is realized by the air lifting device, and comprises the following steps:

[0017] S1: compressed air is introduced into the primary air lifter, so that the primary air lifter lifts the feed liquid from the feed liquid groove;

[0018] S2: the air injection device is started, so that the feed liquid enters the primary tank;

[0019] S3: compressed air is introduced into the secondary lifting device, so that the feed liquid is introduced into the secondary lifting device;

[0020] S4: the processing module controls the compressed air injector, so that the secondary lifting device outputs the feed liquid to a set height.

[0021] The air lifting device of the present application uses an air lifter to lift the feed liquid, so compared with the traditional fluid lifting device, when lifting the high radioactive feed liquid, the problems of feed liquid dilution and feed liquid temperature rise during the feed liquid conveying process can be avoided, and the radioactive waste liquid is minimized. And the lifting is a passive device, which has safety, reliability and practicality, and has low engineering cost and operation cost.

[0022] The air lifting device is provided with a lifting height adjusting device in addition to the primary lifting device and the secondary lifting device, and the lifting height adjusting device provides a vacuum to the primary tank through the compressed air injector. Under the assistance of the vacuum provided by the compressed air injector, the immersion degree of the primary lifting is effectively improved, so that the feed height that can be reached is increased, so it can be applied to the conveying of higher liquid level. And by adjusting the vacuum provided by the compressed air injector, the feed height can be adjusted correspondingly, so that the air lifting device is no longer limited to the lifting height defined after production and installation, but can be adjusted as needed within a certain range, further widening the application of the air lifting device and enriching the use conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the air lifting device in the embodiment of the present application.

[0024] In the figure: 1, primary lifting device; 11, primary air lifter; 12, primary tank; 121, feed inlet; 122, discharge outlet; 123, overflow port; 124, liquid level alarm device; 2, secondary lifting device; 21, secondary air lifter; 22, secondary tank; 221, inlet; 222, liquid outlet; 23, quantitative output adjusting mechanism; 3, lifting height adjusting device; 31, compressed air injector; 311, vacuum port; 312, compressed air inlet valve; 4, feed liquid tank; 5, receiving tank; 6, cleaning pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The technical solutions in the application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings in the application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor are within the scope of the present application.

[0026] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience and simplification of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must be provided with a particular orientation, constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0027] In the description of the present application, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection", "arrangement", "installation", "fixation" and the like should be broadly understood, for example, it can be fixedly connected or detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Embodiment 1

[0030] The air lifting device of the present application uses an air lifter to lift the liquid, so compared with the traditional fluid lifting device, when lifting the high radioactive liquid, the problems of liquid dilution and liquid warming during the liquid conveying process can be avoided, and the radioactive waste liquid minimization is realized. And the lifting uses a passive device, which has safety, reliability and practicability, and at the same time has low engineering cost and operation cost.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1 The air lifting device of the present embodiment includes a first lifting device 1, a second lifting device 2 and a lifting height adjusting device 3.

[0032] The first lifting device 1 includes a first air lifter 11 and a first tank 12, and the second lifting device 2 includes a second air lifter 21, a second tank 22 and a receiving groove 5.

[0033] The feed inlet 121 of the first tank 12 is communicated with the liquid tank 4 of the liquid to be conveyed through the first air lifter 11, and the first air lifter is used to convey the liquid in the liquid tank to the first tank. The discharge outlet 122 of the first tank 12 is communicated with the second lifting device 2, and the second lifting device 2 is used to output the liquid to a set height.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the specific connection relationship of the first lifting device and the second lifting device is as follows:

[0035] The first air lift 11 is connected with a lift pipe with the first tank 12. The first tank 12 is connected with a feeding pipe with the second air lift 21. The second air lift 21 is connected with a lift pipe with the inlet 221 of the second tank 22. The outlet 222 of the second tank 22 is connected with the receiving tank 5 at a set height. The A3 pipe in the figure provides compressed air for the first air lift 11 and the second air lift 21.

[0036] The first air lift 11 lifts the material liquid in the material liquid tank 4 to the first tank 12 by using compressed air. Then the material liquid is transported to the second air lift 21 through the outlet 122 of the first tank 12 and is transported to the second tank 22 through the second air lift 21. The second tank 22 is a gas-liquid separation tank for separating the material liquid and the air used for lifting. The inlet 221 of the second tank 22 is connected with the outlet 122 of the first tank 12 through the second air lift 21. The outlet 222 of the second tank 22 is connected with the receiving tank 5. The receiving tank 5 is located at a set height and is used for receiving the material liquid output from the second tank 22. The second air lift 21 is used for transporting the material liquid in the first tank 12 to the second tank 22. The second tank 22 separates the mixed material liquid and compressed air and then discharges the material liquid to the receiving tank 5.

[0037] The lifting height adjusting device 3 includes a compressed air ejector 31 and a processing module. The vacuum port 311 of the compressed air ejector 31 is connected with the first tank 12. The processing module adjusts the vacuum output by the compressed air ejector 31 to the first tank 12 so that the material liquid output reaches a set height. In the production process, the position of the receiving tank 5 (i.e. the set height) can be adjusted according to the working condition. When the position of the receiving tank 5 changes, the embodiment adjusts the vacuum output by the compressed air ejector 31 to the first tank 12 so that the material liquid output reaches the adjusted set height.

[0038] Figure 1 The A6 pipe in the figure provides compressed air for the compressed air ejector 31. The compressed air ejector 31 realizes vacuum output by continuously feeding and discharging compressed air. The vacuum port 311 for providing vacuum is connected with the first tank 12 through a suction and discharge pipe. The processing module adjusts the vacuum output by the compressed air ejector 31 to the first tank 12 to adjust the output height of the material liquid so that the material liquid output reaches a set height.

[0039] The submergence of the primary and secondary elevations are both between 20% and 70%, and the submergence of the primary elevation is further increased under the assistance of the vacuum provided by the compressed air injector 3, thereby increasing the supply height that can be reached, and thus the air lifting device can be applied to the transportation of higher liquid levels. Moreover, the inlet pressure of the compressed air injector 31 is adjustable between -25 kPa and -45 kPa, and the supply height can be adjusted in correspondence with the adjustment of the vacuum provided by the compressed air injector 31, so that the air lifting device is no longer limited to the lifting height defined after production and installation, but can be adjusted according to the needs within a certain range, thereby further broadening the application of the air lifting device and enriching the use conditions.

[0040] In this embodiment, the exhaust port of the compressed air injector 31 and the exhaust port of the secondary tank 22 are both provided with a call and exhaust pipe, and the gas participating in the lifting is discharged to a designated position for treatment through the call and exhaust pipe.

[0041] In this embodiment, the compressed air injector 31 is provided with a compressed air inlet valve 312 on the air inlet passage, and the processing module is in communication connection with the compressed air inlet valve 312. When adjusting the lifting height, the relationship between the compressed air injector 31 and the liquid lifting height is as follows:

[0042]

[0043] The processing module can obtain the target vacuum P1 corresponding to the compressed air injector 31 to be reached according to the set height ΔH to be reached by the liquid output through the following processing:

[0044] P1 = ΔHρg - P0

[0045] Wherein, P0 is the local atmospheric pressure, ρ is the density of the transported liquid, and g is the acceleration of gravity.

[0046] Then, the processing module adjusts the compressed air inlet valve 312 according to the calculated target vacuum P1, so that the compressed air injector 31 outputs the corresponding vacuum. When the output vacuum reaches the target vacuum, the lifting height of the device reaches the desired target set height.

[0047] In this embodiment, the compressed air inlet valve 312 can adopt any single valve body or combination of multiple valve bodies that can realize the adjustment of the output vacuum of the compressed air injector 31. Such valve body structure and use method belong to the conventional technology, and thus will not be described in detail. The calculation processing and signal receiving and transmitting functions performed by the processing module are all functions that can be realized by the current conventional processing equipment, and thus the conventional equipment on the market can be used, and thus will not be described in detail.

[0048] The air lifting device of the embodiment can not only adjust the lifting height, but also realize quantitative delivery of the material liquid. The quantitative delivery is realized by the secondary lifting, provided that the liquid level in the primary tank 12 is constant. Therefore, in the embodiment, the primary tank 12 is a constant liquid level tank, and an overflow port 123 in communication with the material liquid tank 4 is further arranged on the primary tank 12. Once the liquid amount exceeds the height of the overflow port 123, the liquid will overflow from the overflow port 123 back to the material liquid tank 4, so as to realize the constant liquid level and ensure the quantitative delivery of the material liquid. The height of the overflow port 123 is lower than the height of the feeding port 121.

[0049] In the embodiment, the overflow port 123 of the primary tank 12 is arranged below the feeding port 121 and above the discharging port 122, and the bottom end of the overflow port 123 is in communication with the material liquid tank 4. The liquid level alarm device 124 is arranged at the position of the overflow port 123 of the primary tank 12, and the liquid level alarm device 124 includes a first liquid level meter and an alarm. The first liquid level meter is in communication connection with the processing module, and is used for detecting the liquid level height in the primary tank 12 in real time. When the liquid level height is detected to be higher than the first set liquid level, a first control signal is sent to the processing module. The processing module sends an alarm signal to the alarm according to the first control signal, so that the alarm sends an alarm according to the alarm signal.

[0050] When the liquid level in the primary tank 12 increases too fast and cannot overflow in time, the liquid level exceeds the first set liquid level, and the liquid level alarm device 124 will alarm to prompt the staff of the situation.

[0051] When the alarm is sent, the first stage feeding is temporarily stopped. After receiving the alarm, the staff can control the first air lifter 11 and the compressed air injector 31 to stop air intake in time, and the pneumatic valve on the compressed air pipeline of the first air lifter 11 and the pneumatic valve on the compressed air pipeline of the compressed air injector 31, i.e. the valve between the first air lifter 11 and the A3 pipeline and the compressed air inlet valve 312 of the compressed air injector 31, are closed correspondingly, so as to prevent the liquid level in the primary tank 12 from continuously rising.

[0052] In the embodiment, the secondary lifting device 2 further includes an output adjusting mechanism 23, which is an adjusting valve arranged on the air intake passage of the second air lifter 21. A second liquid level meter is further arranged on the receiving tank 5, and the second liquid level meter is in communication connection with the processing module, and is used for detecting the liquid level height in the receiving tank 5 in real time. When the liquid level height is detected to be higher than the second set liquid level, a second control signal is sent to the processing module. The processing module is in communication connection with the adjusting valve, and is used for controlling the adjusting valve to stop air intake according to the second control signal. Through the arrangement, the problem that the material liquid in the receiving tank 5 is too much and overflows can be avoided.

[0053] The processing module is in communication connection with the above-mentioned regulating valve, and can also control the air intake amount of the second air lift 21 by operating the regulating valve, so as to adjust the amount of the material liquid output from the secondary tank 22 to the receiving tank 5, so that the amount of the material liquid reaches the required value, and can be adaptively adjusted according to the change of the requirement.

[0054] In this embodiment, the relationship between the output material liquid amount and the air intake amount can be obtained by fitting a plurality of groups of data therebetween, and the processing module can adjust the amount of the material liquid output from the secondary tank 22 to the receiving tank 5 according to the obtained relationship. As to how to fit and what the obtained relationship is, this process is a process of obtaining the relationship between the two according to the actual numerical processing, and thus will not be described in detail.

[0055] When the air lifting device of the application is applied, first, the compressed air of the A3 pipeline is introduced into the primary air lift 11, and after the liquid level of the material liquid in the lifting pipe between the primary air lift 11 and the primary tank 12 rises, the A6 pipeline compressed air inlet valve 312 on the air intake pipeline of the compressed air ejector 31 is opened, and the compressed air ejector 31 can provide vacuum for the primary tank 12 through the vacuum port 311.

[0056] Under the action of vacuum suction assistance, the material liquid enters the primary tank 12. Then, the compressed air of the A3 pipeline is introduced into the secondary air lift 21, and the material liquid in the primary tank 12 is transported to the secondary tank 22 by the secondary air lift 21. After the material liquid is separated, it flows into the receiving tank 5 through the discharge pipe, and the gas is discharged to the designated position through the exhaust pipe.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first set liquid level and the second set liquid level can be set by the operator according to the working condition, and the first liquid level meter and the second liquid level meter are conventional liquid level meters on the market, which have the functions of detecting the liquid level and sending signals, and the specific structure will not be described herein. The alarm can output one or more combinations of flashing light, buzzing, vibration, and text information, and the user can select a conventional alarm on the market according to the requirement, which will not be described herein.

[0058] In this embodiment, the top of the primary tank 12 and the top of the secondary tank 22 are both communicated with a cleaning pipe 6 for introducing cleaning liquid for cleaning.

[0059] Embodiment 2

[0060] The radioactive material liquid conveying method of this embodiment is realized by the air lifting device in embodiment 1, and includes the following steps:

[0061] S1: introducing compressed air into the primary air lift 11 to make the primary air lift 11 lift the material liquid from the material liquid tank 4; after the liquid level of the material liquid in the lifting pipe between the primary air lift 11 and the primary tank 12 rises, step S2 is performed.

[0062] S2: the compressed air injector 31 is turned on to provide vacuum for the first tank 12, so that the liquid enters the first tank 12;

[0063] S3: the compressed air is introduced into the second lifting device 2, so that the liquid enters the second lifting device 2; the liquid in the first tank 12 is transported to the second tank 22 by the second air lifter 21;

[0064] S4: the processing module controls the compressed air injector 31, so that the second lifting device 2 outputs the liquid to a set height. The processing module calculates the target vacuum P1 corresponding to the compressed air injector 31 according to the set height ΔH to be reached by the liquid output through the following formula:

[0065] P1 = ΔHρg - P0

[0066] Wherein, P0 is the local atmospheric pressure, ρ is the density of the transported liquid, and g is the acceleration of gravity;

[0067] That is, the compressed air inlet valve 312 is controlled according to the calculated target vacuum P1, so that the compressed air injector 31 outputs the corresponding vacuum.

[0068] It can be understood that the above embodiments are only exemplary embodiments adopted for illustrating the principles of the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and essence of the present application, and these modifications and improvements are also considered as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An air-lift apparatus, characterized by: The first-stage lifting device (1), the second-stage lifting device (2), and the lifting height adjusting device (3) are included. The first-stage lifting device (1) includes a first-stage air lifter (11) and a first-stage tank (12), and a feed inlet (121) of the first-stage tank (12) is communicated with a feed tank (4) through the first-stage air lifter (11), and the first-stage air lifter (11) is used for conveying the feed liquid in the feed tank (4) to the first-stage tank (12), A feed outlet (122) of the first-stage tank (12) is communicated with the second-stage lifting device (2), and the second-stage lifting device (2) is used for outputting the feed liquid to a set height. The lifting height adjusting device (3) includes an air injection device (31) and a processing module, a vacuum port (311) of the air injection device (31) is communicated with the first-stage tank (12), and the processing module regulates and controls the air injection device (31) to output a vacuum to the first-stage tank (12) so that the feed liquid output reaches the set height. An air inlet valve (312) is arranged on an air inlet passage of the air injection device (31), and the processing module is in communication connection with the air inlet valve (312), The processing module calculates a target vacuum P1 corresponding to the target height to be reached by the air injection device (31) according to the set height ΔH to be reached by the feed liquid output through the following formula: P1 = ΔHρg - P0 Wherein, P0 is the local atmospheric pressure, ρ is the density of the conveying liquid, and g is the acceleration of gravity. The processing module regulates and controls the air inlet valve (312) according to the target vacuum P1 calculated, so that the air injection device (31) outputs the corresponding vacuum.

2. The air-lift apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The second-stage lifting device (2) includes a second-stage air lifter (21), a second-stage tank (22), and a receiving tank (5), The second-stage tank (22) is a gas-liquid separation tank and is used for separating the feed liquid and the air used for lifting, an inlet (221) of the second-stage tank (22) is communicated with a feed outlet (122) of the first-stage tank (12) through the second-stage air lifter (21), and a liquid outlet (222) of the second-stage tank (22) is communicated with the receiving tank (5), The receiving tank (5) is located at a set height position and is used for receiving the feed liquid output from the second-stage tank (22), The second-stage air lifter (21) is used for conveying the feed liquid in the first-stage tank (12) to the second-stage tank (22).

3. The air-lift apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The first-stage tank (12) is a constant liquid level tank, and an overflow port (123) in communication with the feed tank (4) is further arranged on the first-stage tank (12).

4. The air-lift apparatus of claim 3, wherein: The setting height position of the overflow port (123) of the first-stage tank (12) is lower than that of the feed inlet (121).

5. The air-lift apparatus of claim 4, wherein: A liquid level alarm device (124) is arranged at the position of the overflow port (123) of the first-stage tank (12), and the liquid level alarm device (124) includes a first liquid level gauge and an alarm, The first liquid level gauge is in communication connection with the processing module, is used for detecting the liquid level height in the first-stage tank (12) in real time, and sends a first control signal to the processing module when detecting that the liquid level height is higher than a first set liquid level, and the processing module sends an alarm signal to the alarm according to the first control signal, so that the alarm sends an alarm according to the alarm signal.

6. The air-lift apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The secondary lifting device (2) further comprises an output adjusting mechanism (23), which is an adjusting valve arranged on the air inlet passage of the secondary air lifter (21), The receiving tank (5) is further provided with a second liquid level meter, which is in communication with the processing module, is used for detecting the liquid level in the receiving tank (5) in real time, and sends a second control signal to the processing module when detecting that the liquid level is higher than a second set liquid level, The processing module and the adjusting valve are in communication, and the processing module is used for controlling the adjusting valve to stop air intake according to the second control signal.

7. The air-lift apparatus of claim 3, wherein: The top of the primary tank (12) and / or the secondary tank (22) is communicated with a cleaning pipe (6) for introducing cleaning liquid for cleaning.

8. A method of transporting a radioactive feed solution, characterized by, The air lifting device is realized by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: S1: introducing compressed air into the primary air lifter (11) to make the primary air lifter (11) lift the slurry from the slurry tank (4); S2: opening the compressed air injector (31) to make the slurry enter the primary tank (12); S3: introducing compressed air into the secondary lifting device (2) to make the slurry enter the secondary lifting device (2); S4: the processing module controls the compressed air injector (31) to make the secondary lifting device (2) output the slurry to a set height.

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