A nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel mounting apparatus

By designing installation equipment for the neutron measurement channel in a nuclear reactor and employing mechanical clamping devices and tensile/compression sensors, the automated installation of the neutron temperature measurement channel was achieved. This solved the problems of tedious manual installation and high radiation risks, and improved work efficiency and safety.

CN116386915BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12JIANGSU NUCLEAR POWER CORP +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGSU NUCLEAR POWER CORP
Filing Date
2023-03-10
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, the installation of neutron temperature measurement channels requires manual operation, which has problems such as non-automated installation, unstable rope fixation, cumbersome personnel coordination, long working hours, and high radiation risk.

Method used

An installation device for a neutron measurement channel in a nuclear reactor was designed. It employs a mechanical clamping device and tension/compression sensors, combined with rotating installation components and guide rods, to achieve automated installation of the neutron measurement channel. It utilizes a speed-regulating motor and gripper components for rapid fixation, and is equipped with a quick-installation module and guide rods to ensure stability and safety.

Benefits of technology

The automated installation of the neutron temperature measurement channel was achieved, reducing labor intensity, improving work efficiency, reducing the working time and radiation risk of personnel in high-radiation environments, and ensuring the stability and safety of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel mounting device, including a column, ring seat, positioning cylinder, rotating mounting part, rotating mounting part is connected with the column, both closely fit; rotating mounting part and ring seat are positioned and installed through positioning cylinder; The column is equipped with fixed shell, column rib, and the column rib is fixed on the shell; The upper silver linear guide linear slide rail A and the upper silver linear guide linear slide rail B are fixed on the shell with bolts; The handle is connected on the left and right sides of the shell; The screw rod seat A and the screw rod seat B are bolted on the upper surface of the shell; The screw rod carries the supporting plate, and the tension and pressure sensor is installed on the supporting plate, and is fixed through the tension and pressure sensor mounting plate; The supporting plate is in contact with the sliding supporting plate, and the inclined pull rib connects the sliding plate and the clamping jaw part; The column bottom plate is fixedly connected with the fixed shell and the column rib, and a circular groove is formed in the middle of the column bottom plate for cooperation with the positioning cylinder; The upper column cover is bolted with the top supporting part.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nuclear power plant nuclear reactor maintenance tools, specifically to a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel installation device. Background Technology

[0002] Within fuel assemblies 163 of the reactor core of Units 1-4 at the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant, 54 neutron temperature measurement channels are installed according to core monitoring requirements. These channels are used for real-time monitoring of neutron flux density and coolant temperature within the reactor core. During normal operation, these 54 neutron temperature measurement channels remain installed in the core. During major overhauls, after core unloading, the neutron temperature measurement channels are manually removed. After core loading, the channels are manually installed. The specific installation process is as follows: After the protective tube assembly transport platform is in place, the staff will tie 54 ropes to the sealed position of the neutron temperature measurement channel and fix it on the third layer of the protective tube assembly transport platform. After all the neutron temperature measurement channels are tied, the staff on the first layer of the protective tube assembly transport platform will tighten the ropes to keep the neutron temperature measurement channel vertical. The operators will then manually install the neutron temperature measurement channel on the third layer of the protective tube assembly transport platform. After installation, the fixing ropes of the neutron temperature measurement channel will be removed and the protective device will be added.

[0003] The following problems exist during the manual installation of the neutron temperature measurement channel:

[0004] 1. Currently, the installation of neutron temperature measurement channels can only be carried out manually, and automation of the installation is not possible;

[0005] 2. Simply binding and securing the neutron temperature measurement channel with ropes poses a risk of foreign objects falling out;

[0006] 3. The installation of all 54 neutron temperature measurement channels was completed by personnel, which involved tedious manual coordination and a long time for manual fixing.

[0007] 4. Due to the high working temperature and high radiation dose, the working time of a single person is limited, the number of neutron temperature measurement channels that a person can install is limited, and the overall working time is relatively long.

[0008] 5. Multiple shifts are required to complete the overall work, posing risks such as heatstroke among personnel and high collective radiation doses;

[0009] Based on the summary and feedback of current experience in installing neutron temperature measurement channels, the above-mentioned prominent problems require optimization and improvement measures to solve. Considering the disadvantages of manual operation in these tasks, a neutron measurement channel installation device for nuclear reactors has been developed to improve the efficiency of nuclear reactor control and protection system maintenance operations, shorten critical path operation time during major overhauls, reduce the risk of heatstroke among personnel, and decrease man-hours and collective doses. This device aims to achieve automated installation of the neutron temperature measurement channel and proposes a neutron temperature measurement channel installation device for nuclear reactors. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to address the installation problem of existing nuclear reactor neutron measurement channels by disclosing a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel installation device, comprising: a column; an annular seat, which cooperates with a positioning cylinder and is fitted onto the positioning cylinder to support the overall structure; a positioning cylinder, which cooperates with the annular seat and a rotating mounting component and is engaged in a circular groove to perform a positioning function; and a rotating mounting component, which is connected to the column and the two fit tightly together, and the rotating mounting component drives the column to rotate freely to meet the requirements under different working conditions.

[0011] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel installation device, comprising a column, an annular seat, a positioning cylinder, and a rotating installation component, wherein the rotating installation component is connected to the column and the two are tightly fitted together; the rotating installation component and the annular seat are positioned and installed together by the positioning cylinder;

[0012] The column is equipped with a fixed outer shell and column ribs, with the column ribs fixed to the outer shell. HIWIN linear guide rails A and B are bolted to the outer shell. Handles are connected to the left and right sides of the outer shell. Lead screw seats A and B are bolted to the upper surface of the outer shell. A support plate is mounted on the lead screw, and a tension / compression sensor is installed on the support plate and fixed by a tension / compression sensor mounting plate. The support plate contacts the sliding plate, and diagonal tie rods connect the sliding plate and the gripper assembly. The column base plate is fixedly connected to the fixed outer shell and column ribs, and a circular groove is cut in the middle of the column base plate for engagement with the positioning cylinder. The upper column cover is bolted to the top support assembly.

[0013] The gripper assembly is equipped with a central support; the central support is fixed to the diagonal tie rod; the compression spring assembly presses the left and right clamping plates against the central support; the guide rod passes through the left and right clamping plates and the central support; the left and right pressure plates press the compression spring assembly and are fixed to the linear module with bolts; the neutron measurement channel is in contact with the clamping rubber; the speed regulating motor is connected to the lead screw and is fitted with a clamping motor seat.

[0014] The annular seat includes an annular support plate, annular legs, and annular support ribs; the annular support plate cooperates with the positioning cylinder to support the column; the annular support ribs restrict the free swaying of the annular legs.

[0015] The rotating mounting component includes a rotating mounting plate and annular support legs.

[0016] The column reinforcement bars are fixed to the outer shell with bolts.

[0017] The Silver Linear Guide Rail A and the Silver Linear Guide Rail B are fixed to the housing with bolts.

[0018] Lead screw holders A and B support the lead screw via angular contact ball bearings.

[0019] The diagonal tie rod is bolted to connect the slip plate and the gripper assembly.

[0020] The column base plate is fixedly connected to the fixed shell and column reinforcement with bolts.

[0021] A circular groove is cut in the middle of the column base plate for mating with the positioning cylinder.

[0022] The significant advantages of this invention are:

[0023] 1. Currently, the installation of neutron temperature measurement channels in VVER nuclear power plants of the same type can only be carried out manually, which is labor-intensive and inefficient. This invention is the first to be applied to the automatic installation of neutron temperature measurement channels, reducing labor intensity and improving work efficiency.

[0024] 2. This invention employs a mechanical clamping protection device, which allows for adjustment of the fixing force value as needed;

[0025] 3. This invention employs tensile and compressive force sensors to monitor the magnitude of the force in real time, preventing deformation of the neutron measurement channel due to force instability;

[0026] 4. The guide rod of the present invention passes through the left and right clamping plates and the central support, and plays a role in positioning and guiding the working parts;

[0027] 5. This invention features a quick-installation module that enables rapid installation of the neutron measurement channel, thereby improving work efficiency;

[0028] 6. The device for the bearing part of this invention has a spring, with a certain amount of reserved compression to ensure that the bearing neutron measurement channel does not deform;

[0029] 7. This invention can efficiently complete the installation of neutron measurement channels in the complex operating environment of nuclear power plant reactors. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment installed in the neutron measurement channel of a nuclear reactor;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the column;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper component;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ring-shaped seat;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating mounting component;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation equipment for the neutron measurement channel in a nuclear reactor fixed on the platform.

[0036] In the diagram: Column (1), Annular seat (2), Positioning cylinder (3), Rotary mounting component (4)

[0037] Fixed housing (11), column rib (12), HIWIN linear guide rail (13, 14), lead screw (15), support plate (16), sliding plate (17), gripper assembly (18), column base plate (19), upper column cover (110), lead screw seat (111, 112), tension / compression sensor mounting plate (113), top support assembly (114), handle (115), diagonal tie rod (116), tightening device (117), tension / compression sensor (118)

[0038] Center bracket (181), left and right clamping plates (182), reducer (183), clamping motor base (184), linear module (185), left and right pressure plates (186), guide rod (187), compression spring assembly (188), clamping rubber (189);

[0039] Annular support plate (21), annular support leg (22), annular support rib (23)

[0040] Rotating mounting plate (41), ring-shaped support leg (42)

[0041] Neutron measurement channel (51). Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples:

[0043] A neutron measurement channel installation device for a nuclear reactor includes: a column 1, an annular seat 2, a positioning cylinder 3, and a rotating mounting component 4. The annular seat 2 is fitted onto the positioning cylinder 3, supporting the overall structure; the positioning cylinder 3 cooperates with the annular seat 2 and the rotating mounting component 4, locking into a circular groove for positioning; the rotating mounting component 4 is connected to the column 1, with the two fitting tightly together, and the rotating mounting component 4 drives the column 1 to rotate freely to meet the requirements under different working conditions.

[0044] The column 1 is equipped with a fixed outer shell 11, a column rib 12, an HIWIN linear guide rail A13, an HIWIN linear guide rail B14, a lead screw 15, a support plate 16, a sliding plate 17, a gripper component 18, a column base plate 19, an upper column cover 110, a lead screw seat A111, a lead screw seat B112, a tension / compression sensor mounting plate 113, a top support component 114, a handle 115, a diagonal tie rib 116, a tightening device 117, and a tension / compression sensor 118. The column rib 12 is fixed to the outer shell 11 with bolts, making the entire... The body structure is more stable and can better utilize the force-bearing characteristics; the HIWIN linear guide rails A13 and B14 are bolted to the housing 11, providing a track for the gripper component 18 to move laterally; the handle 115 is bolted to the left and right sides of the housing 11, facilitating manual movement of the entire device; the lead screw seat A111 and B112 are bolted to the upper surface of the housing 11 and support the lead screw 15 through angular contact ball bearings; the lead screw 15 carries the support plate 16, and... A tension / compression sensor 118 is installed on the support plate 16 and fixed with a tension / compression sensor mounting plate 113. The tension / compression sensor 118 is used to monitor the magnitude of the force in real time to prevent deformation of the neutron measurement channel 51 due to unstable force. The support plate 16 is in contact with the sliding plate 17, which supports the gripper component 18. The diagonal tie 116 is bolted to connect the sliding plate 17 and the gripper component 18, which fixes and constrains the gripper component 18 and also distributes the force on the bottom of the gripper component 18. (Column base plate) 19 is fixedly connected to the fixed outer shell 11 and the column rib 12 by bolts, and has a round groove in the middle for cooperation with the positioning cylinder 3; the upper column cover 110 and the top support component 114 are connected by bolts; the top support component 114's tightening device 117) adjusts the height to push the upper top plate to the top of the platform, thereby fixing the entire equipment; the entire column 1 part, the gripper component 18 can move up and down on the ball screw to control the up and down position of the neutron measurement channel 51.

[0045] The gripper assembly 18 includes a central support 81, left and right clamping plates 182, a reducer 183, a clamping motor base 184, a linear module 185, left and right pressure plates 186, a guide rod 187, a compression spring assembly 188, and clamping rubber 189. The central support 181 is fixed to the diagonal tie rod 116, supporting the overall structure within the gripper assembly 18. The left and right clamping plates 182 are pressed against the central support 181 by the compression spring assembly 188, thus securing them. The guide rod 187 passes through the left and right clamping plates 182 and the central support 181, providing positioning and guidance for the working parts. The left and right pressure plates 186 press the compression spring assembly 188 inward and are bolted to the linear module 185 below. When the linear module 185 rotates clockwise, it clamps the neutron measurement channel 51; when it rotates counterclockwise, it releases the neutron measurement channel 51. The clamping force is controlled by the deformation of the compression spring assembly 188. When the linear module 185 is clamped to the tightest position, the spring still retains a certain amount of compression to ensure that the neutron measurement channel 51 is not deformed. The neutron measurement channel 51 is in contact with the clamping rubber 189 to prevent hard contact from deforming the neutron measurement channel 51. The equipment can clamp three neutron measurement channels simultaneously and install them downwards. The speed-regulating motor 183 is connected to the lead screw through a plum blossom coupling and is fitted with a clamping motor seat 184 to provide power for the rotation of the linear module 185.

[0046] The annular base 2 consists of an annular support plate 21, annular legs 22, and annular support ribs 23. It ensures the overall equipment remains balanced during operation. The annular support plate 21 cooperates with the positioning cylinder 3 to support the column 1 above. The annular support ribs 23 restrict the free swaying of the annular legs 22, keeping the three annular legs 22 parallel and stable, thus guaranteeing installation stability. The rotating mounting component 4 consists of a rotating mounting plate 41 and annular legs 42. Its main function is to drive the upper column 1 to rotate freely, and it is positioned and rotated via the positioning cylinder 3. The rotating mounting component 4 and the annular base 2 are positioned and installed together via the positioning cylinder 3.

[0047] The lead screw guide rail on column 1 can control the up and down movement of the gripper component 18, so that it moves to the designated working position; the linear module 185 on the gripper component can control the clamping and releasing of the spring assembly 188, so that the neutron measurement channel 51 can be smoothly installed and inserted.

[0048] In summary, the invention of the nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel installation equipment enables the rapid completion of core detector installation. While improving work efficiency, it reduces the collective dose to personnel and lowers the risk of heatstroke and excessive radiation dose for personnel working for extended periods in high-temperature and high-radiation environments. The tool is designed to be driven by a low-voltage power supply and also incorporates functions such as protection against foreign objects and damage. Its use in the field directly reduces the equipment operation time for personnel in high-radiation environments, generating significant social and economic benefits. At the same time, it can effectively reduce the collective dose level of the working group, achieving the ALARA principle (reasonable and feasible, as low as possible) for radiation protection.

Claims

1. A device for installing a neutron measurement channel in a nuclear reactor, characterized in that: It includes a column (1), an annular seat (2), a positioning cylinder (3), and a rotating mounting component (4). The rotating mounting component (4) is connected to the column (1), and the two fit tightly together. The rotating mounting component (4) and the annular seat (2) are positioned and installed together by the positioning cylinder (3). The column (1) is provided with a fixed outer shell (11) and a column rib (12), and the column rib (12) is fixed to the outer shell (11); the HIWIN linear guide rail A (13) and the HIWIN linear guide rail B (14) are fixed to the outer shell (11) with bolts; the handle (115) is connected to the left and right sides of the outer shell (11); the lead screw seat A (111) and the lead screw seat B (112) are bolted to the upper surface of the outer shell (11); the lead screw (15) carries the support plate (16), and the tension and compression sensor (118) is installed on the support plate (16). ), and fixed by the tension and pressure sensor mounting plate (113); the support plate (16) contacts the sliding plate (17), and the diagonal tie (116) connects the sliding plate (17) and the claw component (18); the column base plate (19) is fixedly connected to the fixed shell (11) and the column rib (12), and a round groove is opened in the middle of the column base plate (19) for cooperation with the positioning cylinder (3); the upper column cover (110) is connected to the top support component (114) by bolts.

2. The installation equipment for a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: A central support (181) is provided on the gripper component (18); the central support (181) is fixed to the diagonal tie rod (116); the compression spring assembly (188) presses the left and right clamping plates (182) against the central support (181); the guide rod (187) passes through the left and right clamping plates (182) and the central support (181); the left and right pressure plates (186) press the compression spring assembly (188) and are fixed to the linear module (185) with bolts; the neutron measurement channel (51) is in contact with the clamping rubber (189); the speed regulating motor (183) is connected to the lead screw (15) and is fitted with a clamping motor seat (184).

3. The installation equipment for a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The annular seat (2) includes an annular support plate (21), annular support leg (22), and annular support rib (23); the annular support plate (21) and the positioning cylinder (3) cooperate with each other to support the column (1); the annular support rib (23) restricts the free swaying of the annular support leg (22).

4. The installation equipment for a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating mounting component (4) includes a rotating mounting plate (41) and an annular support leg (42).

5. The installation equipment for a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The column reinforcement (12) is fixed to the outer shell (11) with bolts.

6. The installation equipment for a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: Screw seat A (111) and screw seat B (112) support the screw (15) through angular contact ball bearings.

7. The installation equipment for a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diagonal tie rod (116) is bolted to the slip plate (17) and the gripper component (18).

8. The installation equipment for a nuclear reactor neutron measurement channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The column base plate (19) is fixedly connected to the fixed shell (11) and column reinforcement (12) by bolts.