A heat transfer tube vortex probe auxiliary propulsion device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of heat transfer tube, provide a kind of heat transfer tube vortex probe auxiliary propulsion device, including cavity shell, the two ends of the cavity shell are equipped with quick male head and quick female head respectively, top rod, telescopic block, guider are sequentially arranged in the cavity shell from the quick female head to the quick male head direction.The heat transfer tube vortex probe auxiliary propulsion device of the present application can improve the efficiency of heat transfer tube vortex inspection of heat exchanger and reduce probe loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat transfer tube technology, and in particular to a heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device. Background Technology

[0002] The heat transfer tubes of the steam generator in a nuclear power plant are heat exchange devices that transfer the heat energy obtained by the primary coolant from the reactor to the secondary coolant. They are a crucial component of the primary loop pressure boundary, therefore, accurately evaluating the integrity of the heat transfer tubes is essential for the safe operation of the nuclear power plant. Eddy current testing is widely used for inspecting heat transfer tubes in nuclear power plants due to its advantages such as high speed, high detection sensitivity, and no electrical contact. However, because the inspection environment for eddy current testing is highly radioactive, and heat transfer tube eddy current testing is often located on the critical path of nuclear power plant maintenance, the system must be as simple as possible, highly automated, reliable in operation, and have a short implementation period.

[0003] The entire detection system is divided into several subsystems based on function. Each subsystem has a high degree of independence and can be used independently as needed. It can also be connected to other subsystems via a local area network to form a complete detection system. Communication between the subsystems is achieved through network and software interfaces. The eddy current system, functionally, mainly includes: a signal system for acquiring and processing eddy current signals; a probe positioning system for positioning the probe on the target object; a probe scanning system for moving the probe within the heat transfer tube; and an integrated transmission system for transmitting various control signals and data between the computer and the various functional systems.

[0004] The environment is harsh during the operation of nuclear power steam generators, and the shutdown maintenance has high time requirements. Therefore, it is difficult to thoroughly clean and dry the heat transfer tubes. When performing eddy current inspection on the heat transfer tubes, there is a large resistance to the advancement of the probe, which increases the wear of the eddy current probe and reduces the inspection efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an auxiliary propulsion device for a heat transfer tube eddy current probe. This device guides the probe movement and reduces humidity in the heat exchange tube, thereby solving the problem that the eddy current probe cannot pass through the heat exchange tube due to excessive resistance.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A heat transfer tube eddy current probe auxiliary propulsion device includes a cavity shell, with a quick male head and a quick female head respectively provided at both ends of the cavity shell, and a push rod, a telescopic block, and a guide arranged sequentially from the quick female head to the quick male head inside the cavity shell.

[0008] Furthermore, the push rod includes a baffle, an extension end of the push rod, and a telescopic block interface, with the baffle disposed at the junction of the extension end of the push rod and the telescopic block interface.

[0009] Furthermore, the baffle has a ring structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the extended end of the push rod is cylindrical in shape and has a probe channel inside.

[0011] Furthermore, the telescopic block interface is generally a horn-shaped structure. From the direction of the baffle and the telescopic block, the radial dimension of the telescopic block interface gradually increases. The telescopic block interface is evenly divided into multiple spaced pieces in the circumferential direction to facilitate the installation of the telescopic block.

[0012] Furthermore, the push rod interface of the telescopic block is connected to the telescopic block interface. When the quick female head disconnects from the quick male head on the guide tube, the push rod is ejected under the force of the spring, and the telescopic block opens under the push of the telescopic block interface, making the inner diameter of the telescopic block larger, so as to facilitate the passage of the eddy current probe. When the quick female head connects with the quick male head on the guide tube, the quick male head pushes the push rod into the device, and the telescopic block closes under the push of the telescopic block interface, making the inner diameter of the telescopic block lower to prevent the eddy current probe from returning, and at the same time forming a reverse simple sealing device.

[0013] Furthermore, the cavity slot of the telescopic block is axially fixed to the cavity shell.

[0014] Furthermore, the guide is a cylinder, and a spiral drainage structure is provided on the outer side of the cylinder.

[0015] Furthermore, the outer shell of the cavity is provided with a fluid drag reduction inlet and a collection outlet.

[0016] Furthermore, a soft brush strip is installed at the front end of the guide.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The heat transfer tube eddy current probe auxiliary propulsion device of the present invention can improve the efficiency of eddy current inspection of heat transfer tubes in heat exchangers and reduce probe wear.

[0019] The quick-connect female connector provided by this invention has a spring self-locking structure and matches with the quick-connect male connector. It can quickly connect with the push-pull device and the guide tube, and after connection, they are self-locking and not easy to fall off.

[0020] The top rod and telescopic block provided by the present invention are connected to each other, and the opening and closing of the telescopic block is controlled by spring force. The telescopic block is composed of multiple petal-shaped blocks, and the inner diameter is controlled by opening and closing.

[0021] The guide provided by this invention serves to guide fluid and dirt. When the probe moves forward, it guides the fluid to move forward, and when the probe is pulled back, it guides the dirt into other devices.

[0022] Furthermore, during probe movement, the soft brush provided by this invention cleans the dirt surface on the probe's nylon tube in real time to keep the probe clean. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the evaporator eddy current inspection system;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat transfer tube eddy current probe auxiliary device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the heat transfer tube eddy current probe auxiliary device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cavity shell provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cavity shell provided in an embodiment of the present invention, and its view is... Figure 4 different;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a side view of the top rod provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the top rod provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the telescopic block provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along plane AA;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a side view of the telescopic block provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a top view of the telescopic block provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the guide provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 1. Probe positioning device; 2. Probe pushing and pulling device; 3. Probe auxiliary pushing device; 4. Dual probe guiding device; 5. Conduit; 6. Water chamber; 7. Control box; 8. Control computer; 9. Quick-connect male connector; 10. Quick-connect female connector; 11. Cavity shell; 12. Push rod; 13. Telescopic block; 14. Guide; 15. Spring; 16. Soft brush strip; 17. Sealing ring; 18. Drag-reducing fluid inlet; 19. Collection outlet; 20. Baffle; 21. Push rod extension end; 22. Telescopic block interface; 23. Cavity slot; 24. Push rod interface; 25. Drainage structure; 26. Dirt collection hole. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following detailed description provides further details on specific implementation methods.

[0040] To make it easier to understand, we will first introduce the evaporator eddy current inspection system.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat transfer tube eddy current probe auxiliary propulsion device is a component of the evaporator eddy current inspection system. The entire system includes a probe positioning device 1, a probe pushing and pulling device 2, a probe auxiliary propulsion device 3 (heat transfer tube eddy current probe auxiliary propulsion device), a dual probe guiding device 4, a conduit 5, and control equipment, including a control box 7 and a control computer 8. A conduit is connected below the probe guiding component on the positioning device, and the conduit connects to the eddy current probe auxiliary propulsion device. The auxiliary propulsion device is connected to the probe pushing and pulling device, forming an eddy current probe channel. The probe auxiliary propulsion device 3 is mainly used in the eddy current inspection of heat transfer tubes in heat exchangers, and its function is to assist the probe pushing and pulling device 2 in driving the probe. A typical heat transfer tube inspection is the eddy current inspection of heat transfer tubes in a steam generator. In this system, the probe positioning device mainly realizes the positioning of the probe in the heat transfer tube; the probe pushing and pulling device mainly realizes the movement of the probe in the heat transfer tube; the probe auxiliary propulsion device is connected between the probe positioning device and the probe pushing and pulling device, and reduces the resistance of the probe in the heat transfer tube and the humidity inside the heat transfer tube through fluid propulsion, thereby improving the efficiency of eddy current inspection and reducing probe wear.

[0042] The probe positioning device 1 uses the heat transfer tube as the target positioning point and employs a special toe structure to fix it to the heat transfer tube, thus avoiding installation at the manhole and ensuring the manhole position is correct. This method, combined with proper path planning, allows the probe door to move the probe to any tube opening, achieving 100% coverage of the heat transfer tube inspection. This method offers accurate positioning and, with path planning, allows for movement in multiple directions. Its onboard testing tool is a dual-probe guide device. The dual-probe guide device 4 is connected to the conduit 5, the lower end of the conduit 5 is connected to the probe auxiliary propulsion device 3, and the lower end of the probe auxiliary propulsion device 3 is connected to the probe pusher 2.

[0043] The probe push-pull device 2 is used to send the eddy current probe for testing from below the water chamber tube sheet of the steam generator into the heat transfer tube to the other end of the water chamber, and then collect eddy current data of the heat transfer tube during the pull-back. The pusher is driven by a servo motor, which drives the adjustable drive roller after deceleration to drive the eddy current probe. The advancement / extraction of the eddy current probe mainly relies on the pressure of the conveyor roller or the friction force generated by the track on the eddy current probe conveying tube to push it out.

[0044] like Figures 2 to 13 As shown, the present invention provides an auxiliary propulsion device for a heat transfer tube eddy current probe (i.e., probe auxiliary propulsion device 3), including a quick male connector 9, a quick female connector 10, a cavity shell 11, a push rod 12, a telescopic block 13, a guide 14, a spring 15, a soft brush strip 16, and a sealing ring 17. The probe auxiliary propulsion device 3 is cylindrical in shape.

[0045] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the quick-connect male connector 9 and the quick-connect female connector 10 are respectively located at both ends of the cavity shell 11. Inside the cavity shell 11, a push rod 12, a telescopic block 13, and a guide 14 are respectively arranged from the quick-connect female connector 10 to the quick-connect male connector 9.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the quick male connector 9 and the quick female connector 10 are connected. A sealing ring 17 is added to the inside of the quick female connector 10 to form a simple seal between the conduits, ensuring that the fluid can enter the heat transfer tube under test through the conduit 5.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 The figure shows the overall appearance of the eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device 3. The upper end is a quick male connector 9, and the fluid drag reduction inlet 18 is located on the outer shell of the guide 14 near the quick male connector 9. The quick air pipe interface is convenient for on-site installation. The collection outlet 19 is located on the outer shell of the guide 14 away from the quick male connector 9, and it also uses a quick air pipe interface, which is also inconvenient for on-site installation. The lower end is a quick female connector 10.

[0048] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the push rod 12 includes a push rod extension end 21, a baffle 20, and a telescopic block interface 22. An annular baffle 20 is provided between the push rod extension end 21 and the telescopic block interface 22; that is, the baffle 20 is located at the junction of the push rod extension end 21 and the telescopic block interface 22. The baffle 20 has an annular structure, and when the push rod 12 moves, the baffle 20 and the quick-release head 10 form a limit, ensuring that its movement does not affect the function of other components. The rod extension end 21 is cylindrical in shape, with a probe channel in the middle. Figure 7 As shown, the telescopic block interface 22 has an overall horn-shaped structure; as Figure 6 As shown, the telescopic block interface 22 is divided into multiple pieces in the circumferential direction, with each piece spaced a certain distance apart, to facilitate the installation of the telescopic block 13.

[0049] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the telescopic block 13 is multi-lobed and consistent with the telescopic block interface 22. The telescopic block 13 is installed after the telescopic block interface 22 to form a funnel shape. The cavity slot 23 of the telescopic block 13 is axially fixed to the cavity shell 11. The push rod interface 24 is connected to the telescopic quick interface 22. When the quick female head 10 is disconnected from the quick male head on the guide tube 5 (which has the same structure as the quick male head 9), the push rod 12 is ejected under the force of the spring 15. Since the telescopic block 13 is axially fixed to the cavity shell 11, the inner diameter of the telescopic block 13 increases under the up and down pushing of the telescopic interface 22, which can facilitate the passage of the eddy current probe. When the quick female head 10 is connected to the quick male head on the guide tube 5 (which has the same structure as the quick male head 9), the quick male head pushes the push rod 12 into the device. The telescopic block 13 closes under the pushing of the telescopic interface 22, so that the inner diameter of the telescopic block 13 decreases to prevent the eddy current probe from returning, and at the same time forms a simple reverse sealing device.

[0050] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the guide 14 is a cylindrical body with a spiral drainage structure 25 on its outer side. The guide 14 and the outer shell can form an independent component, connected to the lower part by threads. When the probe moves forward, fluid is introduced from the fluid drag-reducing inlet 18. The fluid is guided into the conduit 5 through the spiral drainage structure 25 on the guide 14, and finally flows into the heat transfer tube under test, guiding the probe and providing external thrust, while drying the heat transfer tube under test, thus achieving drag reduction. When the eddy current probe returns, a soft brush strip 16 is installed at the upper end of the guide 14 to clean the eddy current probe during inspection. Dust is concentrated in the guide 14, and under the action of external negative pressure, the dust is collected through the collection outlet 19, achieving dust collection.

[0051] The typical working process of this invention is as follows:

[0052] Because the eddy current probe has a large diameter at the coil end and a smaller diameter at the rear end, to install the large-diameter probe to the front end of the device, the quick-release female connector 10 needs to be disconnected from the probe push-pull device 2 before installation. Under the action of spring force, the telescopic block opens, and after opening, the channel of the device is larger than the diameter of the probe coil, allowing the probe to pass smoothly through the device. After the probe is installed, the quick-release female connector 10 is connected to the probe push-pull device 2. The probe push-pull device 2 pushes the push rod 12 into the compression spring 15, causing the telescopic block 13 to close. After closing, the inner diameter is close to the outer diameter of the nylon tube at the rear end of the probe, which can prevent the probe from retracting into the pusher and causing damage to the probe, while also allowing the drag-reducing fluid to be guided forward as much as possible. After the probe is installed, when the pusher drives the probe forward, the control box 7 injects fluid into the device. Under the simple sealing of the drainage structure 25 and the telescopic block 13, most of the fluid is in the same direction as the probe's movement, which plays a role in propelling the probe, guiding it, and reducing the humidity in the heat transfer tube, thus improving the passage of the eddy current probe in the heat transfer tube. The brush inside the device can clean the dirt on the nylon tube at the rear end of the probe in real time when the probe is moving, keeping the probe clean.

[0053] More specifically, during probe installation, the probe auxiliary propulsion device 3 is separated from the probe push-pull device 2. Under the thrust of the spring 15, the telescopic block 13 presses the push rod 12 toward the quick-release head 10. Driven by the telescopic block interface 22 of the push rod 12, the telescopic block 13 separates its petal-shaped blocks. At this time, the inner diameter of the probe auxiliary propulsion device 3 increases to be greater than the head diameter of the eddy current probe, and the eddy current probe can be installed smoothly.

[0054] After the probe is installed, the probe auxiliary pushing device 3 is connected to the probe pushing device 2. At one end of the probe pushing device 2, there is a device similar to the quick male head 9. The pressure of the quick male head 9 acts on the extension end 21 of the push rod 12, forcing the entire push rod 12 to be squeezed towards the quick male head 9. Under the drive of the telescopic block interface 22 of the push rod 12, the telescopic block 13 closes its petal-shaped blocks, reduces its inner diameter, and is more tightly combined with the probe nylon tube, forming a semi-sealed device and preventing the probe from retracting into the probe pushing device 2.

[0055] During the inspection, when the probe moves forward, the drag-reducing fluid inlet 18 on the cavity shell 11 is filled with compressed gas at a certain pressure. Under the action of the flow guiding structure 25 on the gas guide 14, the airflow mainly moves towards the fast male head 9 and advances into the heat transfer tube along with the probe along the guide tube 5. It has a certain pushing and guiding effect on the eddy current probe. At the same time, the gas can carry away some water vapor and reduce the humidity in the heat transfer tube, thus comprehensively demonstrating the drag-reducing effect of the probe.

[0056] Due to the harsh operating environment of the heat exchanger, there is dirt inside the heat-generating tube. During the movement of the probe, the soft brush strip 16 cleans the probe nylon tube in real time, causing the dirt to fall down along the inside of the guide 14 and be collected through the dirt collection hole 26 along the collection outlet 19 on the outer shell 11 of the collecting cylinder, thus completing the collection of dirt.

[0057] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device, characterized in that, Includes a cavity shell (11), with a quick male head (9) and a quick female head (10) respectively at both ends of the cavity shell (11), and a push rod (12), a telescopic block (13), and a guide (14) arranged sequentially from the quick female head (10) to the quick male head (9) inside the cavity shell (11). The push rod (12) includes a baffle (20), a push rod extension end (21), and a telescopic block interface (22). The baffle (20) is located at the junction of the push rod extension end (21) and the telescopic block interface (22). The telescopic block interface (22) is generally funnel-shaped. From the direction away from the baffle (20) and the push rod extension end (21), the radial dimension of the telescopic block interface (22) gradually increases. The telescopic block interface (22) is divided into four evenly spaced parts in the circumferential direction to facilitate the connection of the telescopic block (13). The push rod interface (24) of the telescopic block (13) is connected to the telescopic block interface (22). The quick connector (10) and the guide tube... When the quick male connector (9) on (5) is disconnected, the push rod (12) is ejected by the force of the spring (15), and the telescopic block (13) opens under the push of the telescopic block interface (22), making the inner diameter of the telescopic block (13) larger, so that the eddy current probe can pass through; when the quick female connector (10) is connected to the quick male connector (9) on the guide tube (5), the quick male connector (9) pushes the push rod (12) into the telescopic block (13), and the telescopic block (13) closes under the push of the telescopic block interface (22), making the inner diameter of the telescopic block (13) smaller to prevent the eddy current probe from returning, and at the same time forming a reverse simple sealing device.

2. The heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The baffle (20) has a ring structure.

3. The heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension end (21) of the top rod is cylindrical in shape and has a probe channel inside.

4. The heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity slot (23) of the telescopic block (13) is axially fixed to the cavity shell (11).

5. The heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide (14) is a cylinder, and a spiral drainage structure (25) is provided on the outside of the cylinder.

6. The heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity shell (11) is provided with a fluid drag reduction inlet (18) and a collection outlet (19).

7. The heat transfer tube eddy current probe-assisted propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the guide (14) is fitted with a soft brush strip (16).

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