Special tool dismounting assembly and method for heavy water reactor charging and discharging machine

Abstract

This disclosure pertains to the field of nuclear power technology, specifically relating to a disassembly and assembly assembly and method for a special tool used in heavy water reactor refueling machines. This disclosure, through the coordination of the loading trough system, support adjustment frame, and manual fuel loading push rod, enhances the automation level of the disassembly and assembly of the special tool, eliminating the need for manual alignment by operators and improving the installation quality of the special tool. Furthermore, it avoids prolonged exposure of personnel to radiation during alignment, reducing the labor intensity of workers and the risk of accidental exposure. This makes the entire disassembly and assembly process of the special tool simple and efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear power technology, specifically relating to a disassembly and assembly assembly and method for a special tool for a heavy water reactor loading and unloading machine. Background Technology

[0002] The most significant characteristic of heavy water reactor units is "non-stop refueling." In related technologies, two refueling machines are simultaneously positioned at both ends of the fuel channel. The upstream machine loads fuel, while the downstream machine receives spent fuel, thus enabling non-stop refueling operations. During normal operation, the installation and removal of specialized tools for the refueling machines are frequently required, such as the installation and removal of spare shielding plugs and fuel channel emptying tools. Under special conditions, the loading and unloading of fuel rod bundles or simulated fuel rod bundles are also necessary. These specialized tools and fuel rod bundles are all installed and removed in the auxiliary channel. Due to the small size and limited space of the auxiliary channel, the original design did not consider facilities for the installation and removal of these specialized tools, leading to certain operational risks during the actual installation and removal process, affecting the safe and stable operation of the unit. Furthermore, the installation and removal of the specialized tools for the refueling machines are all manually performed by operators in the auxiliary channel. For example, when installing a shielding plug, the operator must manually place the plug onto the head of the refueling machine's push rod. After complete alignment, the push rod grips the shielding plug and retracts, finally completing the installation. This manual installation method has many drawbacks: Firstly, the shielding plug weighs approximately 34 kg, requiring significant effort to operate, as the operator must manually lift the plug and align it with the push rod, leading to difficulty in alignment. Secondly, the operator needs to hold the plug manually for an extended period, posing a risk of it falling and injuring people or damaging equipment. Thirdly, close communication and coordination between the main control unit and on-site operators are crucial during operation; otherwise, installation may fail. However, in reality, operators wearing protective clothing face challenges in maintaining close communication. Finally, operators are exposed to high-tritium radiation for extended periods, posing a risk of accidental exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the ease of assembly and disassembly of the special tools for loading and unloading machines and increase the efficiency of this process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, a special tool assembly and disassembly method for heavy water stacker loading and unloading machines is provided.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a special tool assembly / disassembly assembly for a heavy water stacker loading and unloading machine is provided, the assembly including: a loading trough system, a support adjustment frame, and a manual fuel loading push rod;

[0005] The support adjustment frame is used to support the loading tank system. The manual fuel loading push rod is used to manually load fuel in the auxiliary channel. The diameter of the push rod adapter head is the same as the diameter of the heavy water reactor fuel. The end face of the push rod adapter head can support the end face of the fuel to push the fuel to move axially in the channel.

[0006] The loading tank system includes: a head ring, a claw groove, a rear end cover, a heavy water collection hole, and a loading tank;

[0007] One end of the loading slot is fixedly installed with a head ring. The head ring has multiple tool connection holes. The loading slot system is installed and fixed on the auxiliary channel locking nut by inserting bolts into the tool connection holes.

[0008] The bottom of the loading slot is provided with a semi-circular claw groove that cooperates with the claw of the special tool. When the claw of the special tool extends, the claw engages with the claw groove, thus fixing the claw in the loading slot.

[0009] The bottom of the claw groove has a through hole and is connected to a heavy water collection hole. Heavy water from the push rod of the loading and unloading machine is collected through this hole. The outer surface of the heavy water collection hole is fitted with threads and is connected to a hose with a threaded connector. The other end of the loading groove is fixedly installed with a rear end cover. When manually loading fuel through the auxiliary channel, the rear end cover is removed from the loading groove.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the component further includes a support adjustment frame, which includes a support fork, an adjustment cylinder, a threaded support rod, and a support base.

[0011] The support fork is semi-circular in shape and matches the other end of the loading groove. The connecting rod located at the center of the support fork is inserted into the circular mounting hole at the top of the adjusting cylinder, and the connecting rod can rotate within the mounting hole.

[0012] The outside of the adjusting cylinder is treated with anti-slip material, and the inside is threaded. The upper part of the threaded support rod is threaded into the inside of the adjusting cylinder. When the adjusting cylinder is rotated, the adjusting cylinder moves up and down with the tail of the loading groove, which can adjust the inclination of the loading groove. The bottom of the threaded support rod is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support base. The bottom of the support base is welded with three feet to stabilize the base.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the component further includes: a manual fuel loading push rod, the manual fuel loading push rod comprising: a push rod end handle, a first section of the telescopic rod, a second section of the telescopic rod, a third section of the telescopic rod, a push rod adapter, a push rod connector, a small fastening ring, and a large fastening ring;

[0014] The manual fuel loading pusher is used to manually load fuel in the auxiliary channel. The diameter of the pusher adapter head is the same as that of the heavy water reactor fuel. The end face of the pusher adapter head can support the end face of the fuel to push the fuel to move axially in the channel.

[0015] The push rod adapter is threaded onto the push rod connector, which is fixedly connected to the third section of the telescopic rod. The third section of the telescopic rod is assembled inside the second section, allowing axial relative movement between them for extension or retraction. The head of the second section has multiple gaps, and a small fastening ring is threaded onto its outer side. When the small fastening ring is tightened, the head of the second section retracts, clamping the third section and preventing relative movement between them. The head of the first section has multiple gaps, and a large fastening ring is threaded onto its outer side. When the large fastening ring is tightened, the head of the first section retracts, clamping the second section and preventing relative movement between them. The first section of the telescopic rod is equipped with a push rod plug handle.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the component further includes a manual fuel loading compensation tool, the shape and size of which match the claw groove, for filling the gap at the claw groove when manually loading fuel in the auxiliary channel, so that the fuel can smoothly pass through the loading slot into the loader's hopper.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the loading trough system further includes a level; the level is mounted on the outside of the loading trough to display the levelness of the loading trough.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for disassembling and assembling special tools for a heavy water stacker loading and unloading machine is provided. The method is applied to the aforementioned components. When disassembling and assembling special tools for the loading and unloading machine in an auxiliary channel, the method includes the following steps:

[0019] Step 10: Remove the auxiliary channel locking nut, retaining ring, and auxiliary channel shielding plug, and tighten the locking nut;

[0020] Step 11: Secure the loading slot to the auxiliary channel lock nut using bolts;

[0021] Step 12: Place the support adjustment frame at the end of the loading trough, rotate the adjustment cylinder to make the bubble in the level on the loading trough in the middle position, thereby leveling the loading trough.

[0022] Step 13: Place the special tool for the loading and unloading machine into the loading trough, and ensure that the special tool's jaws are in the jaw slots;

[0023] Step 14: Confirm the tool status, leave the area, and wait for the material change operator to input the command.

[0024] Step 15: Confirm that the special tool has been loaded into the loading and unloading machine's hopper, remove the special tool disassembly and assembly facilities, reinstall the retaining ring, and restore the auxiliary channel to its original state.

[0025] In one possible implementation, when manually loading fuel in the auxiliary channel, the method includes the following steps:

[0026] Step 20: Remove the rear end cover of the loading slot;

[0027] Step 21: Remove the auxiliary channel locking nut, retaining ring, and auxiliary channel shielding plug, and tighten the locking nut;

[0028] Step 22: Secure the loading slot to the auxiliary channel locking nut using bolts;

[0029] Step 23: Install the manual fuel loading compensation tool in the chuck groove to make the bottom of the loading groove smooth and without gaps;

[0030] Step 24: Place the support adjustment frame at the end of the loading trough, rotate the adjustment cylinder to make the bubble in the level on the loading trough in the middle position, thereby leveling the loading trough.

[0031] Step 25: Place a pair of fuels into the loading slot in sequence, ensuring that the fuel end faces are in close contact with the end faces of the loading slot;

[0032] Step 26: Adjust the manual fuel loading pusher to the appropriate length and use the pusher tool to push a pair of fuels into the loader hopper;

[0033] Step 27: Rotate the loading and unloading machine hopper, repeat steps 2 and 3 until the required fuel rod bundle is completely pushed into the loading and unloading machine hopper;

[0034] Step 28: Confirm that the required fuel rod bundle has been correctly installed into the loader hopper, remove the special tool disassembly and assembly equipment, reinstall the retaining ring, and restore the auxiliary channel to its original state.

[0035] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows: The disassembly and assembly components for the heavy water stacker loading and unloading machine can improve the automation level of the disassembly and assembly of the loading and unloading machine's special tools, eliminating the need for manual alignment by operators and improving the installation quality of the special tools. Furthermore, it avoids the alignment process where personnel are exposed to radiation for extended periods, reducing the labor intensity of workers and the risk of accidental exposure. This makes the entire disassembly and assembly process of the special tools simple and efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a side view of the disassembly and assembly assembly of a special tool for a heavy water stacker loader / unloader, shown from a first angle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial view of region A in the middle.

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A partial view of region B in the middle.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a side view from a second angle of the disassembly and assembly assembly of a special tool for a heavy water stacker loader / unloader, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a top view of a disassembly and assembly assembly of a special tool for a heavy water stacker loader / unloader, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a manual fuel loading pusher according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a manual fuel loading compensation tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] In the picture:

[0044] 1. Tool connection hole, 2. Clamping jaw groove, 3. Level, 4. Rear end cap, 5. Support fork, 6. Adjusting cylinder,

[0045] 7. Threaded support rod, 8. Support base, 9. Heavy water collection hole, 10. Loading slot, 11. Butterfly bolt,

[0046] 12. Push rod plug handle; 13. First section of telescopic rod; 14. Second section of telescopic rod; 15. Third section of telescopic rod; 16. Push rod adapter head; 17. Push rod connector head; 18. Small fastening ring; 19. Large fastening ring; 20. Compensation tool. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0048] See Figures 1 to 7 The disassembly and assembly components of the heavy water stacker loading and unloading machine disclosed herein include: a loading trough system, a support adjustment frame, a manual fuel loading push rod, and a manual fuel loading compensation tool.

[0049] The loading trough system includes: a head ring 1, a claw groove 2, a level 3, a rear end cover 4, a heavy water collection hole 9, a loading trough 10, and butterfly bolts 11. The head ring 1 is fixedly installed at one end of the loading trough 10. The head ring 1 has multiple tool connection holes, and the loading trough system is installed and fixed to the auxiliary channel locking nut by bolts inserted into these holes. The bottom of the loading trough 10 has a semi-annular claw groove 2 that mates with the claws of a special tool. When the claws of the special tool extend, they engage with the claw groove 2, fixing the claws in the loading trough 10. The bottom of the claw groove 2 has a through hole connected to the heavy water collection hole 9. Heavy water from the loading / unloading machine push rod is collected through this hole. The outer surface of the heavy water collection hole 9 is threaded and connected to a hose with a threaded connector. A level 3 is installed on the outside of the loading trough 10 to display its levelness. The other end of the loading trough 10 is fixedly installed with a rear end cover 4. The rear end cover 4 is fixed to the loading trough 10 by four butterfly bolts 11. When manually loading fuel through the auxiliary channel, the rear end cover 4 is removed from the loading trough 10.

[0050] The support adjustment frame includes: a support fork 5, an adjustment cylinder 6, a threaded support rod 7, and a support base 8. The support fork 5 is semi-circular in shape and mates with the other end of the loading groove 10. A connecting rod located at the center of the support fork 5 is inserted into a circular mounting hole at the top of the adjustment cylinder 6, and this connecting rod can rotate within the mounting hole. The adjustment cylinder 6 has an anti-slip surface and internal threads. The upper part of the threaded support rod 7 is threaded into the inside of the adjustment cylinder 6. When the adjustment cylinder 6 is rotated, it moves up and down along with the tail of the loading groove 10, adjusting the inclination of the loading groove 10. The bottom of the threaded support rod 7 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support base 8. Three feet are welded to the bottom of the support base 8 to stabilize the base.

[0051] The manual fuel loading pusher includes: a pusher plug handle 12, a first section 13 of the telescopic rod 13, a second section 14 of the telescopic rod 14, a third section 15 of the telescopic rod 15, a pusher adapter 16, a pusher connector 17, a small fastening ring 18, and a large fastening ring 19. The manual fuel loading pusher is used for manually loading fuel in the auxiliary channel. The diameter of the pusher adapter 16 is the same as the diameter of the heavy water reactor fuel, and its end face supports the fuel end face to push the fuel axially within the channel. The pusher adapter 16 is threaded onto the pusher connector 17, which is fixedly connected to the third section 15 of the telescopic rod. The third section 15 of the telescopic rod is assembled inside the second section 14, allowing axial relative movement between them for extension or retraction. The second section 14 of the telescopic rod has multiple gaps at its head. A small fastening ring 18 is threaded onto the outer side of the second section 14. When the small fastening ring 18 is tightened, the head of the second section 14 retracts, clamping the third section 15 of the telescopic rod, preventing relative movement between the two sections. The first section 13 of the telescopic rod also has multiple gaps at its head. A large fastening ring 19 is threaded onto the outer side of the first section 13. When the large fastening ring 19 is tightened, the head of the first section 13 retracts, clamping the second section 14 of the telescopic rod, preventing relative movement between the two sections. The first section 13 is equipped with a push rod plug handle 12.

[0052] The shape and size of the manual fuel loading compensation tool 20 are matched with the claw groove 2. It is used to fill the gap at the claw groove 2 when manually loading fuel in the auxiliary channel, so that the fuel can pass smoothly through the loading groove 10 into the loading and unloading machine hopper.

[0053] In one application example, when disassembling and assembling the special tools for the heavy water stacker in the auxiliary channel, the operation method of the special tool disassembly and assembly components for the heavy water stacker includes the following steps:

[0054] Step 10: Remove the auxiliary channel locking nut, retaining ring, and auxiliary channel shielding plug, and tighten the locking nut.

[0055] Step 11: Fix the loading slot 10 to the auxiliary channel locking nut by bolt connection.

[0056] Step 12: Place the support adjustment frame at the tail of the loading trough 10, rotate the adjustment cylinder 6 so that the bubble in the level 3 on the loading trough 10 is in the middle position, thereby leveling the loading trough 10.

[0057] Step 13: Place the special tool for the loading and unloading machine into the loading slot 10, and position the special tool's jaws in the jaw slot 2.

[0058] Step 14: Confirm the tool status, leave the area, and wait for the material changer to input the command.

[0059] Step 15: Confirm that the special tool has been loaded into the loading and unloading machine's hopper, remove the special tool disassembly and assembly facilities, reinstall the retaining ring, and restore the auxiliary channel to its original state.

[0060] In another application example, the method for disassembling and assembling components using special tools for heavy water reactor loaders during manual fuel loading in the auxiliary channel includes the following steps:

[0061] Step 20: Remove the rear end cover of the loading slot 10.

[0062] Step 21: Remove the auxiliary channel locking nut, retaining ring, and auxiliary channel shielding plug, and tighten the locking nut.

[0063] Step 22: Fix the loading slot 10 to the auxiliary channel locking nut by bolt connection.

[0064] Step 23: Install the manual fuel loading compensation tool 20 in the claw groove 2 to make the bottom of the loading groove 10 smooth and without gaps.

[0065] Step 24: Place the support adjustment frame at the tail of the loading trough 10, rotate the adjustment cylinder 6 so that the bubble in the level 3 on the loading trough 10 is in the middle position, thereby leveling the loading trough 10.

[0066] Step 25: Place a pair of fuels into the loading tank 10 in sequence, ensuring that the fuel end face is in close contact with the end face of the loading tank 10.

[0067] Step 26: Adjust the fuel manual loading push rod to the appropriate length and use the push rod tool to push a pair of fuels into the loader hopper.

[0068] Step 27: Rotate the loading and unloading machine hopper and repeat steps 25 and 26 until the required fuel rod bundle is completely pushed into the loading and unloading machine hopper.

[0069] Step 28: Confirm that the required fuel rod bundle has been correctly installed into the loader hopper, remove the special tool disassembly and assembly equipment, reinstall the retaining ring, and restore the auxiliary channel to its original state.

[0070] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A special tool assembly / disassembly component for a heavy water stacker loading and unloading machine, characterized in that, The components include: a loading trough system, a support adjustment frame, and a manual fuel loading push rod; The support adjustment frame is used to support the loading tank system. The manual fuel loading push rod is used to manually load fuel in the auxiliary channel. The diameter of the push rod adapter head is the same as the diameter of the heavy water reactor fuel. The end face of the push rod adapter head can support the end face of the fuel to push the fuel to move axially in the channel. The loading tank system includes: a head ring, a claw groove, a rear end cover, a heavy water collection hole, and a loading tank; One end of the loading slot is fixedly installed with a head ring. The head ring has multiple tool connection holes. The loading slot system is installed and fixed on the auxiliary channel locking nut by inserting bolts into the tool connection holes. The bottom of the loading slot is provided with a semi-circular claw groove that cooperates with the claw of the special tool. When the claw of the special tool extends, the claw engages with the claw groove, thus fixing the claw in the loading slot. The bottom of the claw groove has a through hole and is connected to a heavy water collection hole. Heavy water from the push rod of the loading and unloading machine is collected through this hole. The outer surface of the heavy water collection hole is fitted with threads and is connected to a hose with a threaded connector. The other end of the loading groove is fixedly installed with a rear end cover. When manually loading fuel through the auxiliary channel, the rear end cover is removed from the loading groove.

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component also includes: a support adjustment frame, which includes: a support fork, an adjustment cylinder, a threaded support rod, and a support base; The support fork is semi-circular in shape and matches the other end of the loading groove. The connecting rod located at the center of the support fork is inserted into the circular mounting hole at the top of the adjusting cylinder, and the connecting rod can rotate within the mounting hole. The outside of the adjusting cylinder is treated with anti-slip material, and the inside is threaded. The upper part of the threaded support rod is threaded into the inside of the adjusting cylinder. When the adjusting cylinder is rotated, the adjusting cylinder moves up and down with the tail of the loading groove, which can adjust the inclination of the loading groove. The bottom of the threaded support rod is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support base. The bottom of the support base is welded with three feet to stabilize the base.

3. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component also includes: a manual fuel loading push rod, which includes: a push rod end handle, a first section of the telescopic rod, a second section of the telescopic rod, a third section of the telescopic rod, a push rod adapter, a push rod connector, a small fastening ring, and a large fastening ring; The push rod adapter is threaded onto the push rod connector, which is fixedly connected to the third section of the telescopic rod. The third section of the telescopic rod is assembled inside the second section, allowing axial relative movement between them for extension or retraction. The head of the second section has multiple gaps, and a small fastening ring is threaded onto its outer side. When the small fastening ring is tightened, the head of the second section retracts, clamping the third section and preventing relative movement between them. The head of the first section has multiple gaps, and a large fastening ring is threaded onto its outer side. When the large fastening ring is tightened, the head of the first section retracts, clamping the second section and preventing relative movement between them. The first section of the telescopic rod is equipped with a push rod plug handle.

4. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component also includes a manual fuel loading compensation tool, the shape and size of which match the claw groove, used to fill the gap at the claw groove when manually loading fuel in the auxiliary channel, so that the fuel can smoothly pass through the loading slot into the loader's hopper.

5. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading trough system also includes: a level; the loading trough is equipped with a level to display the levelness of the loading trough.

6. A method for disassembling and assembling special tools for a heavy water stacker loading and unloading machine, characterized in that, The method is applied to the disassembly and assembly assembly of the special tool for the heavy water stacker loader as described in any one of claims 1-5. When disassembling and assembling the special tool for the loader in the auxiliary channel, the method includes the following steps: Step 10: Remove the auxiliary channel locking nut, retaining ring, and auxiliary channel shielding plug, and tighten the locking nut; Step 11: Secure the loading slot to the auxiliary channel lock nut using bolts; Step 12: Place the support adjustment frame at the end of the loading trough, rotate the adjustment cylinder to make the bubble in the level on the loading trough in the middle position, thereby leveling the loading trough. Step 13: Place the special tool for the loading and unloading machine into the loading trough, and ensure that the special tool's jaws are in the jaw slots; Step 14: Confirm the tool status, leave the area, and wait for the material change operator to input the command. Step 15: Confirm that the special tool has been loaded into the loading and unloading machine's hopper, remove the special tool disassembly and assembly facilities, reinstall the retaining ring, and restore the auxiliary channel to its original state.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When manually loading fuel in the auxiliary channel, the method further includes the following steps: Step 20: Remove the rear end cover of the loading slot; Step 21: Remove the auxiliary channel locking nut, retaining ring, and auxiliary channel shielding plug, and tighten the locking nut; Step 22: Secure the loading slot to the auxiliary channel locking nut using bolts; Step 23: Install the manual fuel loading compensation tool in the chuck groove to make the bottom of the loading groove smooth and without gaps; Step 24: Place the support adjustment frame at the end of the loading trough, rotate the adjustment cylinder to make the bubble in the level on the loading trough in the middle position, thereby leveling the loading trough. Step 25: Place a pair of fuels into the loading slot in sequence, ensuring that the fuel end faces are in close contact with the end faces of the loading slot; Step 26: Adjust the manual fuel loading pusher to the appropriate length and use the pusher tool to push a pair of fuels into the loader hopper; Step 27: Rotate the loading and unloading machine hopper, repeat steps 2 and 3 until the required fuel rod bundle is completely pushed into the loading and unloading machine hopper; Step 28: Confirm that the required fuel rod bundle has been correctly installed into the loader hopper, remove the special tool disassembly and assembly equipment, reinstall the retaining ring, and restore the auxiliary channel to its original state.

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