A steam generator narrow height space roller expansion type automatic pipe blocking device

Abstract

This invention specifically relates to an automatic tube-blocking device using a roller-expanding mechanism for use in confined spaces within a steam generator. The device includes a first component and a second component connected by a dovetail structure, and a tube-plate crawling robot (10) connected to both the first component and the primary tube sheet of the steam generator. The first component includes a lifting cylinder (7), and the second component includes a tool head (1) and a roller-expanding device (3). The tube-plate crawling robot (10) crawls and positions itself on the primary tube sheet (11) of the steam generator, aligning the tool head (1) of the second component with the opening of the heat transfer tube to be blocked. The lifting cylinder (7) moves the roller-expanding device (3) to insert or remove the tool head (1) from the heat transfer tube to be blocked. This automatic tube-blocking device for confined spaces within a steam generator achieves automatic tube blocking and high coverage in such confined spaces, effectively reducing the radiation dose to operators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nuclear power plant steam generator maintenance technology, and in particular to a roller-expansion type automatic pipe plugging device for use in the confined space of a steam generator. Background Technology

[0002] As the pressure boundary between the primary and secondary loops of a nuclear power plant, the steam generator is a core component for heat exchange between the radioactive coolant in the primary loop and the non-radioactive feedwater in the secondary loop. It also serves as a radioactive shield for the secondary loop, preventing contamination. Domestic and international experience in nuclear power plant operation shows that the degradation of heat transfer tubes cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, in addition to regularly inspecting the integrity of the heat transfer tubes, it is necessary to perform rapid and reliable plugging operations on damaged or defective tubes to decommission them, thereby ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the steam generator.

[0003] To reduce radiation exposure to personnel, automated pipe plugging is currently the most common method, where a robotic arm carrying a plugging device performs the plugging operation, eliminating the need for operators to enter the primary side of the steam generator. Mechanical roller plugging is one of the mainstream mechanical plugging technologies; however, for applications requiring confined vertical spaces in small steam generators, there is currently no corresponding automated plugging solution. Roller plugging must be performed manually, posing a risk of high radiation exposure to operators. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a roller-expansion type automatic pipe-blocking device for use in confined spaces within a steam generator, achieving automatic pipe-blocking and high coverage in such confined spaces, thereby effectively reducing the radiation dose to operators.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An automatic tube-plugging device using a roller expansion mechanism for confined spaces in a steam generator includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a lifting cylinder, and the second component includes a tool head and a roller expansion device. The first component is connected to a tube-sheet crawling robot via an airlock, and the tube-sheet crawling robot is connected to the primary tube sheet of the steam generator. The second component is connected to the first component via a dovetail structure. The tube-sheet crawling robot crawls and positions itself on the primary tube sheet of the steam generator, aligning the tool head of the second component with the opening of the heat transfer tube to be plugged. The lifting cylinder raises and lowers the tube, driving the roller expansion device to insert or withdraw the tool head from the heat transfer tube to be plugged.

[0007] Working principle: When using the automatic tube-blocking device for confined space in a steam generator to block heat transfer tubes in a confined space, the following steps are included: installing a tube-sheet crawling robot on the primary side tube sheet of the steam generator; connecting the first component to the tube-sheet crawling robot via an airlock; connecting the second component to the first component via a dovetail structure; operating the tube-sheet crawling robot to crawl and position it so that the tool head of the second component is aligned with the heat transfer tube to be blocked; operating the lifting cylinder of the first component to lift the second component, driving the roller expansion device to insert the tool head into the heat transfer tube to be blocked, thus completing the tube-blocking operation.

[0008] Furthermore, the first component also includes a connecting bracket; the lifting cylinder is mounted on the connecting bracket by bolts on the top and back; the lower end of the connecting bracket is provided with an air lock, and the connecting bracket is connected to the tube sheet crawling robot through the air lock.

[0009] Furthermore, the airlock is a quick-connect airlock, and the connecting bracket achieves rapid connection with the tube sheet crawling robot through the quick-connect airlock.

[0010] Furthermore, the first component also includes a camera mounted on the side of the lifting cylinder, used to provide a fixed field of view for monitoring the working status of the tool head and the status of the heat transfer tube opening to be blocked.

[0011] Furthermore, the camera may be installed on the left or right side of the lifting cylinder as needed.

[0012] Furthermore, the second component also includes a centering device, an adapter connecting plate, and a side seat; the slider of the lifting cylinder is provided with a dovetail quick connector, and the side seat is provided with a dovetail structure, which matches the dovetail quick connector. The second component and the first component can be quickly connected or disconnected through the dovetail structure and the dovetail quick connector; the adapter connecting plate is provided with a cross slide structure, and the roller expansion device and the centering device are both fixedly connected to the adapter connecting plate; the adapter connecting plate is connected to the side seat through the cross slide structure, and the front section of the roller expansion device is connected to a tool head, which is held by the centering device; the cross slide structure ensures that the axis of the tool head coincides with the axis of the heat transfer tube to be blocked; the centering device ensures that the tool head is aligned with the opening of the heat transfer tube to be blocked;

[0013] Furthermore, the centering device is detachably and fixedly connected to the adapter connecting plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the side seat has two installation methods: left-mounted and right-mounted. The left-mounted installation method is that the side seat is installed on the left side of the adapter connecting plate, and the right-mounted installation method is that the side seat is installed on the right side of the adapter connecting plate.

[0015] Beneficial technical effects of the present invention:

[0016] The present invention relates to an automatic pipe-blocking device for confined spaces in steam generators, featuring a simple structure and compact size, suitable for various types of steam generators. Using a tube-plate crawling robot as a transport platform, it achieves automatic pipe-blocking in confined spaces within the steam generator, effectively reducing radiation exposure for operators and improving the quality of plug installation. The side seat offers both left- and right-mounting options to accommodate different accessibility requirements and enhance the automatic pipe-blocking coverage rate in confined spaces within the steam generator. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic pipe-blocking device for a steam generator in a confined space with a roller expansion mechanism according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first component and the tube sheet crawling robot;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first component structure;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first component and the second component;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side mounting of the side seat;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a right-side mounting on a side seat.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and use of the roller-expansion type automatic pipe-blocking device for a steam generator in a confined space.

[0024] In the diagram, 1-tool head; 2-centering device; 3-roller expansion device; 4-adapter connecting plate; 5-side seat; 6-dovetail quick connector; 7-lifting cylinder; 8-connecting bracket; 9-camera; 10-tube sheet crawling robot; 11-steam generator primary side tube sheet; 12-air lock. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "top", "bottom", "upper end", "lower end", "front", "back", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0027] See Figure 1 and 7 This embodiment provides an automatic tube-blocking device using a roller expansion mechanism for use in confined spaces within a steam generator. The device includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a lifting cylinder 7, and the second component includes a tool head 1 and a roller expansion device 3. The first component is connected to a tube-plate crawling robot 10 via an airlock 12. The tube-plate crawling robot 10 is connected to the primary tube-plate 11 of the steam generator. The second component is connected to the first component via a dovetail structure. The tube-plate crawling robot 10 crawls and positions itself on the primary tube-plate 11 of the steam generator, aligning the tool head 1 of the second component with the opening of the heat transfer tube to be blocked. The lifting cylinder 7 raises and lowers the device, causing the roller expansion device 3 to insert or withdraw the tool head 1 from the heat transfer tube to be blocked.

[0028] See Figure 1 and 2 In this embodiment, the first component further includes a connecting bracket 8; the lifting cylinder 7 is mounted on the connecting bracket 8 by bolts on the top and back; the lower end of the connecting bracket 8 is provided with an air lock 12, and the connecting bracket 8 is connected to the tube sheet crawling robot 10 through the air lock 12.

[0029] In this embodiment, the airlock 12 is a quick airlock, and the connecting bracket 8 achieves quick connection with the tube sheet crawling robot 10 through the quick airlock.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first component also includes a camera 9 installed on the side of the lifting cylinder 7, which is used to provide a fixed field of view to monitor the working status of the tool head 1 and the status of the heat transfer pipe opening to be blocked.

[0031] In this embodiment, the camera 9 is installed on the left or right side of the lifting cylinder 7 as needed.

[0032] See Figure 1 and 4In this embodiment, the second component further includes a centering device 2, an adapter connecting plate 4, and a side seat 5; the slider of the lifting cylinder 7 is provided with a dovetail quick connector 6, and the side seat 5 is provided with a dovetail structure, which matches the dovetail quick connector 6. The second component and the first component can be quickly connected or disconnected through the dovetail structure and the dovetail quick connector 6; the adapter connecting plate 4 is provided with a cross slide structure, and the roller expansion device 3 and the centering device 2 are both fixedly connected to the adapter connecting plate 4; the adapter connecting plate 4 is connected to the side seat 5 through the cross slide structure, and the front end of the roller expansion device 3 is connected to a tool head 1, which is held by the centering device 2; the cross slide structure ensures that the axis of the tool head 1 coincides with the axis of the heat transfer tube to be blocked; the centering device 2 ensures that the tool head 1 is aligned with the opening of the heat transfer tube to be blocked;

[0033] The cross slide structure has the ability to fine-tune the axial and radial distances to accommodate positioning errors. Through the fine-tuning of the axial and radial distances of the cross slide structure, the axis of the tool head 1 is made to coincide with the axis of the heat transfer tube to be blocked. The centering device 2 ensures that the tool head 1 remains in a vertically centered state during operation, so that the tool head 1 is accurately aligned with the opening of the heat transfer tube to be blocked, so that the tool head 1 can be inserted into the heat transfer tube to be blocked.

[0034] In this embodiment, the centering device 2 is detachably and fixedly connected to the adapter connecting plate 4. The centering device 2 can be quickly assembled and disassembled to perform torque verification of the roller expansion device 3.

[0035] See Figure 5-6 In this embodiment, the side seat 5 has two installation methods: left-mounted and right-mounted. The left-mounted installation method of the side seat 5 is that the side seat is installed on the left side of the adapter connecting plate 4, and the right-mounted installation method of the side seat 5 is that the side seat is installed on the right side of the adapter connecting plate 4.

[0036] The side mount 5 is available in two installation methods: left-mounted and right-mounted, to adapt to different accessibility requirements and improve the automatic pipe blocking coverage rate in the confined height space of the steam generator.

[0037] See Figure 7 When using the automatic roller-expansion tube-blocking device for confined space in a steam generator according to the present invention to block the heat transfer tubes in a confined space in a steam generator, the following steps are included:

[0038] 1. Install the tube sheet crawling robot 10 on the primary side tube sheet 11 of the steam generator;

[0039] 2. Connect the first component to the tube sheet crawling robot 10 via the airlock 12;

[0040] 3. Connect the second component to the first component using a dovetail structure;

[0041] 4. Operate the tube sheet crawling robot 10 to crawl and position, so that the tool head 1 of the second component is aligned with the heat transfer tube to be blocked;

[0042] 5. The lifting cylinder 7 of the first component is operated to lift the second component, which drives the roller expansion device 3 to insert the tool head 1 into the heat transfer tube to be blocked, thus completing the tube blocking operation.

[0043] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roller-expansion type automatic pipe-blocking device for use in confined spaces within a steam generator, characterized in that, The system includes a first component, a second component, and a tube sheet crawling robot (10). The first component includes a lifting cylinder (7), and the second component includes a tool head (1), a roller expansion device (3), and a side seat (5). The first component is connected to the tube sheet crawling robot (10) via an air lock (12), and the tube sheet crawling robot (10) is connected to the primary tube sheet (11) of the steam generator. The slider of the lifting cylinder (7) is provided with a dovetail quick connector (6), and the side seat (5) is provided with a dovetail structure that matches the dovetail quick connector (6). The second component and the first component are quickly connected or disconnected from the dovetail quick connector (6) through the dovetail structure. The side seat (5) is provided with two installation methods: left-mounted and right-mounted. The tube sheet crawling robot (10) crawls and positions itself on the primary tube sheet (11) of the steam generator, so that the tool head (1) of the second component is aligned with the opening of the heat transfer tube to be blocked. The lifting cylinder (7) is raised and lowered, driving the roller expansion device (3) to insert or withdraw the tool head (1) from the heat transfer tube to be blocked. The second component also includes a centering device (2) and an adapter connecting plate (4); the adapter connecting plate (4) is provided with a cross slide structure, and the roller expansion device (3) and the centering device (2) are both fixedly connected to the adapter connecting plate (4); the adapter connecting plate (4) is connected to the side seat (5) through the cross slide structure, the front end of the roller expansion device (3) is connected to the tool head (1), and the tool head (1) is clamped by the centering device (2); the cross slide structure ensures that the axis of the tool head (1) coincides with the axis of the heat transfer tube to be blocked; the centering device (2) ensures that the tool head (1) is aligned with the opening of the heat transfer tube to be blocked.

2. The automatic pipe-blocking device for a confined space in a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component also includes a connecting bracket (8); the lifting cylinder (7) is mounted on the connecting bracket (8) by bolts on the top and back; the lower end of the connecting bracket (8) is provided with an air lock (12), and the connecting bracket (8) is connected to the tube sheet crawling robot through the air lock (12).

3. The automatic pipe-blocking device for a confined space in a steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The airlock (12) is a fast airlock.

4. The automatic pipe-blocking device for a confined space in a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component also includes a camera (9) mounted on the side of the lifting cylinder (7).

5. The automatic pipe-blocking device for a confined space in a steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The camera (9) is installed on the left or right side of the lifting cylinder (7).

6. The automatic pipe-blocking device for a confined space in a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering device (2) is detachably and fixedly connected to the adapter connecting plate (4).

7. The automatic pipe-blocking device for a confined space in a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side seat (5) is installed on the left side of the adapter connecting plate (4), and the side seat (5) is installed on the right side of the adapter connecting plate (4).

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