A target support for isotope production

Abstract

A target support for isotope production includes a target cylinder with an inner flow channel and an end cap. The inner wall of the end of the target cylinder has a radially inner boss. The end cap has a fixed locking foot and a rotating locking foot, which can respectively engage with the inner boss. The fixed locking foot of the end cap is disposed on a cover plate of a fixed part, and the rotating locking foot is disposed on a rotating chuck. The rotating chuck can rotate relative to the cover plate to form a free position or a locked position. In the free position, axial rotation of the end cap ensures that both the fixed locking foot and the rotating locking foot are located within the gap of the inner boss. In the locked position, axial rotation of the end cap ensures that at least some of the fixed locking foot and / or the rotating locking foot are always engaged with the inner boss. This target support for isotope production has a simple structure, high reliability, and can be reused for a long time, reducing isotope production costs and decreasing the generation of radioactive waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear engineering, and specifically relates to a target support for isotope production. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, isotope production is mainly achieved using existing nuclear reactors. Target supports within the irradiation channel are constantly exposed to coolant and neutron irradiation, making them susceptible to chemical corrosion or irradiation swelling. Conventional bolted connections are neither effective nor easy to disassemble; failure of these connections can easily cause the target to detach from the reactor under the impact of coolant flow, resulting in an accident. Therefore, existing technologies typically involve welding the target into a target tube within the target support before placing it into the irradiation channel. After irradiation, the support is then destructively opened to remove the target. This approach wastes target support material and increases the burden of radioactive waste disposal. Therefore, providing a reusable target support is of significant practical value in reducing isotope production costs and minimizing radioactive waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a target support for isotope production that can be reused, thereby reducing the generation of radioactive waste.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a target support for isotope production is provided, comprising a target cylinder including an inner flow channel; a plurality of inner bosses protruding radially inward are circumferentially disposed on the inner wall of each end of the target cylinder; the target support for isotope production further includes an end cap, the end cap including a fixing part and a rotating part. The fixing part includes a cover plate and fixing feet, the cover plate being used to shield the inner flow channel of the target cylinder, the fixing feet protruding from one side of the cover plate and extending radially outward along the cover plate to form a plurality of fixing engagement parts, the fixing engagement parts being capable of engaging with the inner bosses. The rotating part includes a rotating chuck, the rotating chuck being movably connected to the side of the cover plate where the fixing engagement parts are disposed and being capable of rotating about the axis of the cover plate, the rotating chuck being provided with a plurality of rotating engagement parts extending radially outward along the cover plate, the rotating engagement parts being capable of engaging with the inner bosses. The rotating chuck has a free position and a locked position relative to the fixed part. In the free position, when the end cover rotates coaxially around the axis of the target cylinder, there is at least one relative position between the end cover and the target cylinder such that both the fixed locking part and the rotating locking part are located in the gap between the inner boss. In the locked position, when the end cover rotates around the axis of the target cylinder, at least part of the fixed locking part or the rotating locking part coincides with the circumferential position of the inner boss in any relative position.

[0005] The end cap can be securely engaged with the target cylinder via a fixed locking part and a rotating locking part. The engagement is achieved through the mechanical strength of the end cap structure, maintaining the target cylinder's closure as long as the end cap does not fail or break completely. The end cap can be easily removed in the free position and is securely locked onto the target cylinder in the locked position. The installation process does not rely on additional connectors, preventing radioactive parts from falling off and causing contamination. Operation is simple and can be easily automated using a general-purpose robotic arm.

[0006] Furthermore, the cover plate and / or the rotating chuck are provided with a fitting structure. In the locked position, the cover plate and the rotating chuck cooperate through the fitting structure to form a lock, so that the rotating chuck cannot rotate relative to the cover plate in the locked position.

[0007] Furthermore, the fitting structure is configured as a limiting structure that protrudes or reclines along the axial direction of the cover plate, and the rotating part further includes an axial movement mechanism, which allows the rotating part to move axially relative to the fixed part and causes the rotating chuck to exit the locking position by axial movement.

[0008] Furthermore, the axial motion mechanism is configured as an axial spring, which is located at the center of the cover plate. One end of the axial spring is connected to the cover plate, and the other end is connected to the rotating part.

[0009] Furthermore, the rotating part also includes a rotating pressure plate, which is disposed on the other side of the cover plate opposite to the fixed snap-fit ​​part. The cover plate has a shaft hole at its center, and the rotating pressure plate and the rotating chuck are fixedly connected through the shaft hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the fixing part also includes a pressure ring, which is fixedly installed on the other side of the cover plate and together with the cover plate forms an axial limiting space. The rotating pressure plate is installed in the axial limiting space and restricts its movement within the axial limiting space.

[0011] Furthermore, the surface of the rotating pressure plate is provided with a raised or recessed mating structure to allow a torque device to be connected to the rotating pressure plate through the mating structure and to apply torque to the rotating pressure plate to rotate it.

[0012] Furthermore, the cover plate is provided with multiple flow channel through holes. The flow channel through holes allow the reactor cooling medium to flow into the target cylinder to cool the target and prevent the isotopes on the target from overheating due to their own decay heat release.

[0013] Furthermore, the end cap at one end of the target cylinder is provided with a lifting structure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the target support structure in one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure at the upper end of the target support in one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of a partial structure at the end of the target cylinder in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate structure in one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating chuck structure in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the lower end cap pressure ring structure in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the upper end cap pressure ring structure in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating pressure plate structure in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the upper end cap structure in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of the lower end cap structure in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the lower end cap in one embodiment.

[0025] Meaning of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Target cylinder; 11-Slot; 12-Inner boss; 13-Card groove; 14-Inner flow channel; 15-Inner boss gap; 2a-Upper end cover; 2b-Lower end cover; 21-Fixing part; 211-Cover plate; 212-Fixing snap-fit ​​part; 213-Shaft hole; 214-First fitting part; 215-Flow channel hole; 216-Shaft hole boss; 217-Axial spring; 22-Rotating chuck; 221-Rotating snap-fit ​​part; 222-Rotating shaft; 223-Second fitting part; 23-Rotating pressure plate; 231-Mating groove; 232-Mounting hole; 233-Short side; 24a-Upper pressure ring; 24b-Lower pressure ring; 241-Lifting lug.

[0026] The purpose of the above embodiments is to provide a detailed description of the present invention so that those skilled in the art can understand the technical concept of the invention, and not to limit the invention. For the sake of brevity, the above drawings only schematically illustrate the structures related to the technical features of the present invention, and do not depict the complete structure and all details strictly according to actual proportions. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0028] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment herein. The phrase appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it limited to mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments herein can be combined with other embodiments without causing structural conflicts.

[0029] In this description, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms "installation," "connection," "joining," etc., should be interpreted broadly, referring to movable connections, fixed connections, or integration. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this description, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "lateral," "longitudinal," "height," "length," and "width," which indicate orientation or positional relationships, are intended to accurately describe the embodiments and simplify the description, rather than limiting the parts or structures involved to have a specific orientation, or to be installed or operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments in this document.

[0031] In this description, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating relative importance or limiting the number, specific order, or primary / secondary relationship of the described technical features. In this description, "multiple" means at least two.

[0032] One embodiment of the present invention provides a target support for isotope production, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the target includes a target cylinder 1, with end caps 2a and 2b at both ends, where 2a is the upper end cap and 2b is the lower end cap. The structure of one end of the upper end cap 2a is as follows: Figure 2a As shown, the upper end cap 2a is provided with a protruding lifting lug 241, which facilitates the overall lifting of the target support and its insertion into the irradiation channel of the research reactor. After removing the end cap (upper end cap 2a or lower end cap 2b), the end structure of the target cylinder 1 is as follows. Figure 2b As shown, the target cylinder 1 has a hollow inner flow channel 14. The inner wall of the inner flow channel 14 is provided with multiple sets of slots 11 parallel to the axial direction for inserting sheet-like isotope target plates (not shown). The end of the target cylinder 1 is provided with two symmetrical inner bosses 12. The inner bosses 12 protrude radially inward from the inner wall of the target cylinder 1, restricting the slots 13. The central angle corresponding to the slots 13 is greater than 90°.

[0033] like Figure 3As shown, the end caps 2a / 2b include a fixing part 21, the main body of which is a disc-shaped cover plate 211. The cover plate 211 can block the inner flow channel 14 of the target cylinder 1, preventing the target plate from falling out. A protruding fixing foot is provided on one side of the cover plate 211. The fixing foot extends radially outward along the cover plate 211 to form two fixing engagement parts 212. The shape and size of the fixing engagement parts 212 match the inner bosses 12, so that the maximum width of the two fixing engagement parts 212 is less than the diameter of the inner flow channel 14 at the inner boss gap 15 between the two inner bosses 12, but greater than the distance between the two inner bosses 12. This allows the engagement parts to extend into the target cylinder 1 from the inner boss gap 15 and, after rotation, engage in the slot 13 to form a limit. A through shaft hole 213 is provided in the center of the cover plate 211.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the end caps 2a / 2b also include a rotating part, which includes a rotating chuck 22. A rotating shaft 222 is provided at the center of the rotating chuck 22. The rotating shaft 222 can pass through the shaft hole 213 to form a fixed position, so that the rotating chuck 22 can rotate around the axis of the cover plate 211. Rotating engagement portions 221 are formed at both ends of the rotating chuck 22. The size of the rotating engagement portions 221 also matches the inner boss 12, so that the rotating engagement portions 221 can engage in the slot 13 to form a limit.

[0035] Combination Figure 8a When the rotating shaft 222 of the rotating chuck 22 is inserted into the shaft hole 213 from the side where the fixed locking part 212 is located, the rotating chuck 22 can rotate relative to the fixed part 21, so that the fixed locking part 212 and the rotating locking part 221 are in a cross or overlapping position, forming a free position and a locked position. In the free position, the included angle (referring to the acute angle formed by the cross) formed by the fixed locking part 212 and the rotating locking part 221 is less than the central angle corresponding to the inner boss gap 15. At this time, when the end cover 2a / 2b rotates to a partial position around the axis of the target cylinder 1, the fixed locking part 212 and the rotating locking part 221 can be simultaneously in the inner boss gap 15, so that the axial movement of the end cover 2a / 2b is not blocked by the inner boss 12, and the end cover 2a / 2b can be installed on the end of the target cylinder 1 or removed from the target cylinder 1. It is easy to understand that the free position includes the state in which the fixed locking part 212 and the rotating locking part 221 are axially overlapping. In the locked position, if the angle between the fixed locking part 212 and the rotating locking part 221 is 90°, since the central angle corresponding to the slot 13 is greater than 90°, no matter how the end cap 2a / 2b rotates around the axis of the target cylinder 1, at least one of the fixed locking parts 212 and the rotating locking parts 221 will be in a state of overlapping with the inner boss 12 in the circumferential direction to form a limit, so that the end cap 2a / 2b cannot be installed or removed.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the rotary chuck 22 is capable of axial movement relative to the cover plate 211 within a certain range. A first rectangular engaging portion 214, recessed axially along the cover plate 211, is provided between the two fixed engaging portions 212, and a similarly recessed rectangular engaging portion 223 is provided between the two rotary engaging portions 221. When the fixed engaging portions 212 and the rotary engaging portions form a 90° angle, the rotary chuck 22 and the cover plate 211 axially approach each other, causing the first engaging portion 214 and the second engaging portion 223 to engage with each other, locking the rotary chuck 22 to the cover plate 211. At this time, the rotary chuck 22 cannot rotate relative to the cover plate 211. When the rotary chuck 22 is pushed axially away from the cover plate 211, the first engaging portion 214 and the second engaging portion 223 disengage, and the rotary chuck 22 returns to a state where it can rotate freely.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the rotating part also includes a rotating pressure plate 23, which is combined with... Figure 8b The rotating pressure plate 23 and the rotating chuck 22 are respectively disposed on both sides of the cover plate 211. The rotating pressure plate 23 has a mounting hole 232 in the center, which can be fixedly connected to the rotating chuck 22 by means of radiation-resistant and corrosion-resistant screws, rivets or welding. Rotating the rotating pressure plate 23 can drive the rotating chuck 22 to rotate. Axially pressing the rotating pressure plate 23 can push the rotating chuck 22 to move axially relative to the cover plate 211, thereby realizing the disengagement from the locked position. Furthermore, the bottom of the shaft hole 213 is provided with a shaft hole boss 216, and an axial spring 217 is provided in the shaft hole 213. One end of the axial spring 217 abuts against the shaft hole boss 216 and the other end abuts against the rotating pressure plate 23, so that the rotating part composed of the rotating pressure plate 23 and the rotating chuck 22 is always in a state of axial compression with the cover plate 211.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the end caps 2a / 2b further include a pressure ring, such as Figure 5a , Figure 5b As shown, the upper pressure ring 24a of the upper end cover 2a is provided with a protruding lifting lug 241 for lifting the target support as a whole; the lower pressure ring 24b of the lower end cover 2b is configured as a flat-headed ring. Combined with... Figure 8b Taking the lower end cover 2b as an example, the lower pressure ring 24b can cooperate with the cover plate 211 to jointly define an axial limiting space. The rotating pressure plate 23 is installed within this axial limiting space. The axial movement of the rotating pressure plate 23 is limited within the axial limiting space by the cover plate 211 and the lower pressure ring 24b to prevent the rotating pressure plate 23 from disengaging from the rotating chuck 22. In a preferred embodiment, the lower pressure ring 24b and the cover plate 211 are fixedly connected by welding. The connection method of the upper end cover 2a is the same as that of the lower end cover 2b.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the cover plate 211 is provided with multiple flow channel holes 215. The flow channel holes 215 allow the coolant in the irradiation channel of the research reactor to enter the flow channel 14 of the target tube 1 to form convection, thereby cooling the target inside the target tube 1 and preventing the in-situ accumulation of decay heat generated by the radioactive isotopes caused by irradiation, which could lead to overheating and deformation of the target. Correspondingly, as Figure 6 As shown, the two sides of the rotating pressure plate 23 are set as short sides 233, combined with Figure 7 The short side 233 can prevent the cover plate 211 from being completely covered by the rotating pressure plate 23, ensuring that at least part of the flow channel hole 215 is unobstructed.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the upper surface of the rotating pressure plate 23 is provided with a mating groove 231, which is used to engage with an external torque device. The external torque device drives the rotation of the rotating pressure plate 23 and the rotating chuck 22 to achieve switching between the free position and the locked position. In other embodiments, the mating groove 231 can also be replaced by a boss, an external hexagonal bolt head, a spline, or other structures capable of torque transmission.

[0041] In some embodiments, the target support for isotope production is entirely made of aluminum alloy. In other embodiments, the target support for isotope production may also be entirely or partially made of zirconium alloy, nuclear-grade stainless steel, or silicon carbide composite material, for example, the target cylinder 1 may be made of zirconium alloy or silicon carbide, and the axial spring 217 may be made of nuclear-grade stainless steel.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 8b The method of using the target support for isotope production shown is as follows:

[0043] First, assemble the end caps 2a / 2b. Insert an axial spring 217 into the shaft hole 213 of the cover plate 211. Install a rotating chuck 22 and a rotating pressure plate 23 on both sides of the cover plate 211. Insert the rotating shaft 222 of the rotating chuck 22 through the shaft hole 213 and pass it through the axial spring 217. Secure the rotating chuck 22 and the rotating pressure plate 23 together using radiation- and corrosion-resistant fasteners such as bolts or rivets, or by welding, thus compressing the axial spring 217. Then, snap the upper pressure ring 24a or the lower pressure ring 24b onto the cover plate 211, confining the rotating pressure plate 23 between the cover plate 211 and the upper pressure ring 24a or the lower pressure ring 24b.

[0044] A sheet target plate is loaded into the target cylinder 1 and inserted into the slot 11.

[0045] Next, assemble the target support. Taking the initial state of the rotary chuck in the locked position as an example, use a torque device, such as a robotic arm equipped with a flathead screwdriver, to engage the screwdriver into the mating groove 231, apply axial pressure, and rotate it. This compresses the axial spring 217, causing the rotary chuck 22 to axially separate from the cover plate 211 and rotate into a free position. Rotate the end caps 2a / 2b as a whole until both the fixed locking part 212 and the rotary locking part 221 are in the position of the inner boss gap 15. Install the end caps 2a / 2b onto the end of the target cylinder 1. Remove the axial pressure and continue rotating the robotic arm until the rotary locking part 221 and the fixed locking part 212 form a 90° angle. Under the elastic force of the axial spring 217, the rotary chuck 22 and the cover plate 211 move axially closer together, causing the first fitting part 214 to engage and lock with the second fitting part 223. The rotary chuck 22 then returns to the locked position. At this time, when the end caps 2a / 2b are rotated to any angle, since the central angle corresponding to the inner boss is greater than 90°, at least one pair of the fixed locking part 212 and the rotating locking part 221 will be blocked by the inner boss 12 in the slot 13, and the end caps 2a / 2b will be locked and will not fall off.

[0046] After irradiation, rotate the rotating pressure plate 23 in the same way to move the rotating chuck 22 to the free position, and the end caps 2a / 2b can be removed. When reusing the target support, the end caps 2a / 2b can be used directly without reassembling them.

[0047] This target support for isotope production can be used for the production of various isotopes such as 99Mo and 60Co. It can serve continuously for several years under research reactor irradiation conditions, effectively reducing the generation of radioactive waste due to target support scrapping. The connection between the end caps 2a / 2b and the target cylinder 1 relies entirely on the structural strength of the fixed locking part 212 and the rotating locking part 221, making operation simple and ensuring good reliability under radiation and corrosion conditions. It also facilitates remote, unmanned operation by a robotic arm. The installation and removal of the end caps 2a / 2b and the target cylinder 1 do not require connectors, avoiding the risk of losing radioactive parts.

[0048] It should be understood that the structural form of the target support for isotope production provided in the above embodiments is not unique.

[0049] In other embodiments, the inner bosses 12 can also be set to three or more, for example, n are evenly arranged circumferentially to form n inner boss gaps 15; the fixed locking parts 212 can also be arranged circumferentially as x, and the rotating locking parts 221 can be arranged circumferentially as y. In the free position, z rotating locking parts coincide with the fixed locking parts, so that x + yz = n, and each fixed locking part 212 and rotating locking part 221 corresponds exactly to n inner boss gaps 15; in the locked position, the fixed locking parts 212 and rotating locking parts 221 do not coincide, x + y > n, so that some fixed locking parts 212 or rotating locking parts are always blocked by the inner bosses 12.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fitting structure between the rotary chuck 22 and the cover plate 211 can also be replaced by circumferential fitting instead of axial fitting, for example, by a limiting boss or limiting groove structure provided in the circumferential direction.

[0051] The purpose of the above embodiments is to provide a further detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can understand the technical concept of the present invention. Within the scope disclosed in the present invention, optimization or equivalent replacement of the involved part structures, as well as combination of implementation methods in different embodiments without causing structural and principle conflicts, all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A target holder for isotope production, comprising a target cylinder, the target cylinder including an inner flow channel, characterized in that, The inner wall of each end of the target cylinder is provided with a plurality of inner bosses that protrude radially inward along the inner wall of the target cylinder. The target support for isotope production also includes an end cap, which includes a fixing part and a rotating part. The fixing part includes a cover plate and fixing feet. The cover plate is used to block the inner flow channel of the target cylinder. The fixing feet protrude from the surface of one side of the cover plate and extend outward along the radial direction of the cover plate to form a plurality of fixing engagement parts. The fixing engagement parts can engage with the inner boss. The rotating part includes a rotating chuck, which is movably connected to the fixed engaging part of the cover plate and can rotate around the axis of the cover plate. The rotating chuck is provided with a plurality of rotating engaging parts extending radially outward along the cover plate, and the rotating engaging parts can engage with the inner boss. The rotating chuck has a free position and a locked position relative to the fixed part. In the free position, when the end cover rotates coaxially around the axis of the target cylinder, there is at least one relative position between the end cover and the target cylinder such that both the fixed locking part and the rotating locking part are located in the gap between the inner boss. In the locked position, when the end cover rotates around the axis of the target cylinder, at least part of the fixed locking part and / or the rotating locking part coincides with the circumferential position of the inner boss in any relative position.

2. The target support for isotope production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate and / or the rotary chuck are provided with a fitting structure. In the locked position, the cover plate and the rotary chuck cooperate through the fitting structure to form a lock, so that the rotary chuck cannot rotate relative to the cover plate in the locked position.

3. The target support for isotope production according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fitting structure is configured as a limiting structure that protrudes or reclines along the axial direction of the cover plate. The rotating part also includes an axial movement mechanism, which allows the rotating part to move axially relative to the fixed part and causes the rotating chuck to exit the locking position by axial movement.

4. The target support for isotope production according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axial motion mechanism is configured as an axial spring, which is located at the center of the cover plate. One end of the axial spring is connected to the cover plate, and the other end is connected to the rotating part.

5. The target support for isotope production according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The rotating part further includes a rotating pressure plate, which is disposed on the other side of the cover plate opposite to the fixed snap-fit ​​part. The cover plate has a shaft hole in its center, and the rotating pressure plate and the rotating chuck are fixedly connected through the shaft hole.

6. The target support for isotope production according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixing part also includes a pressure ring, which is fixedly installed on the other side of the fixing snap part of the cover plate and together with the cover plate forms an axial limiting space. The rotating pressure plate is installed in the axial limiting space and restricts its movement within the axial limiting space.

7. The target support for isotope production according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating pressure plate has a raised or recessed mating structure on its surface.

8. The target support for isotope production according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover plate is provided with multiple flow channel holes.

9. The target support for isotope production according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end cap at one end of the target cylinder is provided with a lifting structure.

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