A device and method for disassembling radioactive waste filter cartridges

Abstract

The application relates to a device for disassembling a radioactive waste filter element, which comprises a separation unit, a conveying unit, a glue cleaning unit and a compression unit, the separation unit is communicated with the glue cleaning unit and the compression unit respectively, the separation unit is externally connected with a filter element feeding system, is used for receiving a waste filter element to be disassembled, and separates a metal frame body from filter material of the waste filter element, the compression unit is used for compressing the separated filter material, the conveying unit is arranged in the separation unit and the glue cleaning unit, is used for conveying the separated metal frame body into the glue cleaning unit to clean glue, and the application also relates to a method for disassembling a radioactive waste filter element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of high-efficiency filters for radioactive waste, and specifically relates to a device for dismantling filter cartridges for radioactive waste. Background Technology

[0002] Nuclear air purification systems provide a safe working environment for nuclear facility personnel and equipment. High-efficiency particulate filters (HEPA filters) remove radioactive particulate contaminants from airflow, acting as a barrier in the nuclear facility's protective system and a crucial component of the entire facility's safety. They are widely used. HEPA filters are consumables and must be replaced with new ones once they reach the replacement standard. However, the discarded HEPA filter cartridges, containing toxic metals and radioactive contaminants, must be properly disposed of and prepared.

[0003] Generally, disassembling a spent HEPA filter yields waste filter cartridges ready for processing. These cartridges should ideally be stored for decay before cleaning and decontamination; otherwise, they are treated as radioactive waste. To reduce the amount of final waste generated, spent HEPA filter cartridges are classified according to their surface dose rate: cartridges with a surface dose rate > 50 mSv / h are directly fixed with grout; cartridges with a surface dose rate of 2–50 mSv / h are temporarily decayed for 1–3 years, and after the dose rate level decreases to ≤ 2 mSv / h, they are removed from the shielded container and then processed; cartridges with a surface dose rate ≤ 2 mSv / h undergo sorting, drying, pre-compression, super-compression, and grouting processes to form finished waste containers. After passing inspection, the waste containers can be stored in a temporary storage facility for one year before being sent to the final disposal site.

[0004] The waste filter cartridges to be prepared include filter media and a metal frame used to fix and support the filter media. Generally, the filter media and the metal frame are prepared together. Due to the difference in materials, there is a significant rebound phenomenon after compression, which may even damage the solidified body after grouting, posing certain safety hazards. If the filter media and the metal frame are separated manually, the intensity of manual labor is increased, and the efficiency of waste filter cartridge preparation is reduced. In addition, since toxic metals and radioactive pollutants are mainly concentrated in the filter media, if the metal frame and the filter media can be effectively separated, the metal frame can be cleaned and reused, thereby significantly reducing the generation of secondary waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for dismantling radioactive waste filter cartridges, which can separate the metal frame and filter media of the waste filter cartridges, and at the same time realize the reuse of the metal frame and the compression and collection of the filter media.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a device for dismantling radioactive waste filter cartridges, comprising: a separation unit, a conveying unit, a cleaning unit, and a compression unit. The separation unit is connected to the cleaning unit and the compression unit respectively. The separation unit is externally connected to a filter cartridge feeding system for receiving waste filter cartridges to be dismantled and separating the metal frame of the waste filter cartridge from the filter media. The compression unit is used to compress the separated filter media. The conveying unit is disposed within the separation unit and the cleaning unit for conveying the separated metal frame into the cleaning unit for cleaning.

[0007] Furthermore, the separation unit includes a feeding gate, a limiting frame, a separation housing, a separation punch, and a separation drive. The separation housing is connected to the cleaning unit and the compression unit, respectively. The conveying unit is located inside the separation housing. The feeding gate is disposed on the separation housing and externally connected to a filter media feeding system. The limiting frame is disposed inside the separation housing and located above the conveying unit, used to limit the filter element to be separated. The separation punch is located inside the separation housing and is used to punch the filter element to separate the filter media on the filter element from the metal frame. The separation drive is connected to the separation punch to drive the separation punch to move toward the limiting frame, thereby realizing the punching of the filter media.

[0008] Furthermore, the conveying unit includes a conveying plate, a connecting block, a guide rail, and a conveying drive component. The guide rail is connected to the separation unit and the cleaning unit, and extends from the separation unit toward the cleaning unit. The connecting block is connected to the conveying drive component and slides with the guide rail, so that the connecting block is driven to move along the direction of the guide rail by the conveying drive component. The conveying plate is connected to the connecting block to follow the connecting block and move along the direction of the guide rail.

[0009] Furthermore, the adhesive removal unit includes an adhesive removal housing, an adhesive removal operating table, and an adhesive removal assembly. The adhesive removal housing is connected to the separation unit, the adhesive removal operating table is located inside the adhesive removal housing, and the conveying unit extends along the separation unit toward the adhesive removal operating table to transport the separated metal frame from the separation unit to the adhesive removal operating table. The adhesive removal assembly is disposed on the adhesive removal operating table to perform adhesive removal on the metal frame on the adhesive removal operating table.

[0010] Furthermore, the adhesive removal assembly includes an adhesive removal blade holder, an adhesive removal blade head, and an adhesive removal drive component. The adhesive removal blade holder is disposed within the adhesive removal housing, the adhesive removal blade head is disposed on the adhesive removal blade holder, and the adhesive removal drive component is connected to the adhesive removal blade head to drive the adhesive removal blade head to move along the adhesive removal blade holder to remove adhesive from the metal frame on the adhesive removal operating table.

[0011] Furthermore, the cleaning housing is also provided with an operation window, which is located at the position corresponding to the cleaning operation table.

[0012] Furthermore, the compression unit includes a compression housing, a compression punch, a compression drive, a baffle, and a plug. The compression housing is connected to the separation unit. The plug is disposed inside the compression housing and is used to carry the filter media entering the compression unit. The baffle is located inside the compression housing and above the plug, and is used to limit the horizontal displacement of the filter media. The compression punch is located inside the compression housing, and the compression drive is connected to the compression punch to drive the compression punch to press the filter media vertically, so as to cooperate with the baffle to compress the filter media.

[0013] Furthermore, the compression unit also includes a plate drive component, which is connected to the plate and is used to drive the plate away from below the filter material.

[0014] Furthermore, the compression unit also includes a local exhaust assembly, which is disposed on the top of the compression housing.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for dismantling radioactive waste filter cartridges, comprising the steps of: feeding the waste filter cartridges to be dismantled into a separation unit for separation; using a conveying unit to feed the separated metal frame into a cleaning unit; the cleaning unit performing a cleaning operation on the metal frame; feeding the filter material into a compression unit for compression and volume reduction, and recycling it after compression is completed.

[0016] The advantages of this invention are: it is used for preparing radioactive waste HEPA filter cartridges, enabling the separation of the metal frame and filter media of the waste cartridges, while simultaneously achieving the reuse of the metal frame and the compression and collection of the filter media. Furthermore, it boasts a high degree of automation, excellent radiation protection performance, and significantly improves the efficiency of cartridge preparation while reducing manual labor intensity. It can also be designed according to the cartridge model and size parameters, demonstrating strong adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of a device for dismantling radioactive waste filter cartridges according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of a device for dismantling radioactive waste filter cartridges according to the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0020] 1. Separation unit; 2. Conveying unit; 3. Glue removal unit; 4. Compression unit;

[0021] 11. Feeding gate; 12. Limiting frame; 13. Separation housing; 14. Separation punch; 15. Separation drive; 21. Conveyor plate; 22. Connecting block; 23. Guide rail; 24. Conveying drive; 31. Glue cleaning housing; 32. Operating window; 33. Glue cleaning operating table; 34. Glue cleaning knife holder; 35. Glue cleaning knife head; 36. Glue cleaning drive; 41. Compression housing; 42. Local discharge assembly; 43. Compression punch; 44. Compression drive; 45. Baffle; 46. Power strip; 47. Power strip drive. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the present invention proposes a device for dismantling radioactive waste filter cartridges, including a separation unit 1, a conveying unit 2, a cleaning unit 3, and a compression unit 4. The separation unit 1 is connected to the cleaning unit 3 and the compression unit 4 respectively. The separation unit 1 is externally connected to a filter cartridge feeding system for receiving the waste filter cartridges to be dismantled and separating the metal frame of the waste filter cartridge from the filter media. The compression unit 4 is used to compress the separated filter media. The conveying unit 2 is set inside the separation unit 1 and the cleaning unit 3 for sending the separated metal frame into the cleaning unit 3 for cleaning.

[0024] It is understood that the waste filter cartridges are fed into the conveying unit within the separation unit 1 via an external filter cartridge feeding system. The separation unit 1 then disassembles the filter cartridges, separating the metal frame from the filter media. The separated metal frame is then conveyed by the conveying unit 2 into the cleaning unit 3 for cleaning, while the filter media enters the compression unit 4 for compression and is subsequently recycled through the filter media receiving system.

[0025] Furthermore, the separation unit 1 includes a feeding gate 11, a limiting frame 12, a separation housing 13, a separation punch 14, and a separation drive 15. The separation housing 13 is connected to the cleaning unit 3 and the compression unit 4 respectively. The conveying unit 2 is located inside the separation housing 13. The feeding gate 11 is set on the separation housing 13 and connected to the filter material feeding system. The limiting frame 12 is set inside the separation housing 13 and located above the conveying unit 2, and is used to limit the filter element to be separated. The separation punch 14 is located inside the separation housing 13 and is used to punch the filter element to separate the filter material on the filter element from the metal frame. The separation drive 15 is connected to the separation punch to drive the separation punch 14 to move toward the limiting frame to realize the punching of the filter material.

[0026] It is understandable that the size of the limiting frame 12 can be set according to the filter element parameters, as long as it can limit the movement of the metal frame in the direction of movement of the separating punch 14, and does not affect the movement of the separating punch 14 and the internal filter material being flushed out.

[0027] It is understood that the limiting frame 12 can be connected to the interior of the separate housing 13 in any way, such as by thread, snap-fit, plug-in, welding, etc.

[0028] It is understandable that the size of the separation punch 14 can also be set according to the filter element parameters, as long as it can punch the filter element under the drive of the separation drive 15, thereby separating the filter material from the metal frame.

[0029] It is understood that the separation drive 15 can be in any available form, such as pneumatic, hydraulic or electric.

[0030] Furthermore, the conveying unit 2 includes a conveying plate 21, a connecting block 22, a guide rail 23, and a conveying drive component 24. The guide rail 23 is connected to the separation unit 1 and the cleaning unit 3, and extends from the separation unit 1 toward the cleaning unit 3. The connecting block 22 is connected to the conveying drive component 24 and slides with the guide rail 23 so that the connecting block 22 is driven to move along the direction of the guide rail 23 by the conveying drive component 24. The conveying plate 21 is connected to the connecting block 22 so as to follow the connecting block 22 to move along the direction of the guide rail 23.

[0031] It can be understood that the connecting block 22 and the conveying plate 21 are moved by the conveying drive component 24, thereby driving the metal frame on the conveying plate 21 from the separation unit 1 into the cleaning unit 3.

[0032] It is understandable that the shape, structure, and size of the conveyor plate 21 can be set according to the size of the filter element, as long as the filter material can be placed stably on the conveyor plate 21, and after being punched by the separating punch 14, the filter material enters the compression unit 4, and the metal frame follows the conveyor plate 21 into the cleaning unit 3. For example, punching holes matching the separating punch 14 and the filter material can be opened on the conveyor plate 21. After the separating punch 14 punches and separates the filter material from the metal frame, the filter material enters the compression unit 4 through the punching holes.

[0033] It is understood that the conveyor drive 24 can be in any available form, such as pneumatic, hydraulic or electric.

[0034] Furthermore, the cleaning unit 3 includes a cleaning housing 31, a cleaning operating table 33, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning housing 31 is connected to the separation unit 1. The cleaning operating table 33 is located inside the cleaning housing 31. The conveying unit 2 is located inside the separation unit 1 and the cleaning unit 3, and extends along the separation unit 1 toward the cleaning operating table 33 to transport the separated metal frame from the separation unit 1 to the cleaning operating table 33. The cleaning assembly is disposed on the cleaning operating table 33 to clean the metal frame on the cleaning operating table 33.

[0035] Furthermore, the adhesive removal assembly includes an adhesive removal blade holder 34, an adhesive removal blade head 35, and an adhesive removal drive component 36. The adhesive removal blade holder 34 is disposed inside the adhesive removal housing 31, the adhesive removal blade head 35 is disposed on the adhesive removal blade holder 34, and the adhesive removal drive component 36 is connected to the adhesive removal blade head 35 to drive the adhesive removal blade head 35 to move along the adhesive removal blade holder 34 to remove adhesive from the metal frame on the adhesive removal operating table 33.

[0036] Furthermore, the cleaning housing 31 is also provided with an operation window 32, which is located at the corresponding position of the cleaning operation table 33 to assist in cleaning.

[0037] It is understandable that the operating window 32 is in the form of a fume hood or glove box, which can ensure that pollutants do not leak out and facilitate manual operation. For example, when the metal frame is transported to the operating table 33, the operator can place the metal frame on the cleaning operating table 33 through the glove box via the operating window 32 for fixing, so that the cleaning blade 35 can perform the cleaning operation on the metal frame.

[0038] It is understood that the adhesive removal blade holder 34 is aligned with the adhesive removal operating table 33 and the metal frame fixed on it, and the adhesive removal blade head 35 can move along the adhesive removal blade holder 34 under the drive of the adhesive removal drive component 36. The appropriate distance between the adhesive removal blade head 35 and the metal frame ensures a good adhesive removal effect without damaging the metal frame.

[0039] It is understood that the adhesive removal drive 36 can be in any available form, such as pneumatic, hydraulic or electric.

[0040] Furthermore, the compression unit 4 includes a compression housing 41, a compression punch 43, a compression drive 44, a baffle 45, and a plug 46. The compression housing 41 is connected to the separation unit 1. The plug 46 is disposed inside the compression housing 41 and is used to carry the filter material entering the compression unit. The baffle 45 is located inside the compression housing 41 and above the plug 46, and is used to limit the horizontal displacement of the filter material. The compression punch 43 is located inside the compression housing 41. The compression drive 44 is connected to the compression punch 43 to drive the compression punch to press the filter material vertically, so as to cooperate with the baffle 45 to compress the filter material.

[0041] In this embodiment, the insert 46 and the baffle 45 form a receiving space for the filter media. This receiving space has a vertical opening and a horizontal opening on one side. After the separating punch 14 presses the filter media off the metal frame, it continues to apply pressure to the filter media, pressing it into the receiving space from the horizontal opening and closing the horizontal opening. Then, the compression punch 43 presses the filter media in the receiving space vertically. Through the combined action of the compression punch 43, the baffle 45, the insert 46, and the separating punch 14, the filter media is compressed and its volume reduced. That is, in this embodiment, the pressing direction of the separating punch 14 in the separating unit 1 is perpendicular to the pressing direction of the compression punch 43 in the compression unit 4.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plug bar 46 and the baffle 45 can also form a receiving space with only one vertical opening. After the separating punch 14 separates the filter material from the metal frame, the separated filter material is placed into the receiving space by any means such as a robot or manual labor, and then the compression punch 43 is used to press it to achieve compression and volume reduction.

[0043] Furthermore, the compression unit 4 also includes a plate drive 47, which is connected to the plate 46 and is used to drive the plate 46 away from the bottom of the filter media to relinquish its support on the filter media.

[0044] It is understandable that when the insert plate 46 leaves the bottom of the filter media, the insert plate 46 fails to support the filter media, and the filter media falls from the compression housing 41 under the action of gravity to the filter media receiving system or waste bin below, thus achieving collection.

[0045] Furthermore, the compression unit 4 also includes a local discharge assembly 42, which is disposed on the top of the compression housing 41.

[0046] It is understandable that the exhaust component 42 is an air purification device used to collect and filter pollutants diffused during the compression of the filter material, so as to ensure the safety of personnel operation and the environment.

[0047] In this embodiment, the separation shell 11, the adhesive removal shell 31, and the compression shell 41 are all metal shells and are welded together to form a whole.

[0048] The present invention also provides a method for disassembling a radioactive waste filter cartridge, comprising the following steps:

[0049] S1, the waste filter element to be decomposed is sent into the separation unit for separation;

[0050] Specifically, the filter element to be decomposed is fed into the separation unit through an external filter element feeding system, and the filter element is punched by a separation punch to separate the metal frame of the filter element from the filter media.

[0051] S2, the separated metal frame is sent into the degumming unit using the conveying unit;

[0052] Specifically, after the filter media is separated, the separated metal frame is sent into the cleaning unit using a conveying unit.

[0053] S3, the adhesive removal unit performs adhesive removal on the metal frame;

[0054] Specifically, after the metal frame arrives at the adhesive removal worktable in the adhesive removal unit, the adhesive removal blade head is driven by the adhesive removal drive unit to move along the adhesive removal blade holder to remove adhesive from the metal frame.

[0055] S4, the filter media is fed into the compression unit for compression and volume reduction, and then recycled after compression is completed;

[0056] Specifically, after the degumming process, the separating punch continues to compress the filter media, pushing it into the baffles within the compression unit. First, the separating punch, in conjunction with the baffles, performs horizontal compression. Then, driven by the compression drive, the compression punch compresses the filter media vertically. Through the combined action of the compression punch, baffles, insert, and separating punch, the filter media is compressed and its volume reduced. After compression, the drive insert moves, relinquishing its support to the filter media, allowing the compressed media to fall into the downstream filter media recovery system under gravity.

[0057] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the present invention is used for preparing radioactive waste HEPA filter cartridges, which can separate the metal frame and filter media of the waste filter cartridges, while realizing the reuse of the metal frame and the compression and collection of the filter media. It also features a high degree of automation, good radiation protection performance, and significantly improves the efficiency of filter cartridge preparation while reducing manual labor intensity. Furthermore, it can be designed according to the filter cartridge model and size parameters, making it highly adaptable.

[0058] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the specific implementation. Other implementation methods derived by those skilled in the art based on the technical solution of the present invention also fall within the scope of the technical innovation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radioactive waste filter cartridge disassembly apparatus, comprising: The device comprises a separating unit, a conveying unit, a glue cleaning unit and a compressing unit. The separating unit is in communication with the glue cleaning unit and the compressing unit. The separating unit is externally connected with a filter core feeding system, which is used to receive waste filter cores to be disassembled and separate metal frames from filter materials. The compressing unit is used to compress the separated filter materials. The conveying unit is arranged in the separating unit and the glue cleaning unit, and is used to send the separated metal frames into the glue cleaning unit for glue cleaning. The separating unit comprises a feeding door, a limiting frame, a separating shell, a separating punch and a separating driving element. The separating shell is in communication with the glue cleaning unit and the compressing unit. The conveying unit is arranged in the separating shell. The feeding door is arranged on the separating shell and is externally connected with the filter core feeding system. The limiting frame is arranged in the separating shell and is above the conveying unit, and is used to limit the filter cores to be separated. The separating punch is arranged in the separating shell and is used to stamp the filter cores to separate the filter materials from the metal frames. The separating driving element is connected with the separating punch to drive the separating punch to move towards the limiting frame to stamp the filter materials. The conveying unit comprises a conveying plate, a connecting block, a guide rail and a conveying driving element. The guide rail is connected with the separating unit and the glue cleaning unit and extends from the separating unit to the glue cleaning unit. The connecting block is connected with the conveying driving element and is in sliding cooperation with the guide rail, so that the connecting block is driven by the conveying driving element to move along the guide rail. The conveying plate is connected with the connecting block to move along the guide rail with the connecting block. The compressing unit comprises a compressing shell, a compressing punch, a compressing driving element, a baffle and a plug-in row. The compressing shell is in communication with the separating unit. The plug-in row is arranged in the compressing shell and is used to carry the filter materials into the compressing unit. The baffle is arranged in the compressing shell and is above the plug-in row, and is used to limit the displacement of the filter materials in the horizontal direction. The compressing punch is arranged in the compressing shell. The compressing driving element is connected with the compressing punch to drive the compressing punch to stamp the filter materials in the vertical direction to compress the filter materials with the baffle.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the glue cleaning unit comprises a glue cleaning shell, a glue cleaning operation table and a glue cleaning assembly. The glue cleaning shell is in communication with the separating unit. The glue cleaning operation table is arranged in the glue cleaning shell. The conveying unit extends from the separating unit to the glue cleaning operation table to transport the separated metal frames from the separating unit to the glue cleaning operation table. The glue cleaning assembly is arranged on the glue cleaning operation table to clean the glue of the metal frames on the glue cleaning operation table.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein ​ ​ The glue cleaning assembly comprises a glue cleaning knife holder, a glue cleaning knife head and a glue cleaning driving member, the glue cleaning knife holder is arranged in the glue cleaning shell, the glue cleaning knife head is arranged on the glue cleaning knife holder, and the glue cleaning driving member is connected with the glue cleaning knife head to drive the glue cleaning knife head to move along the glue cleaning knife holder and clean the metal frame on the glue cleaning operation table.

4. The device for disassembling radioactive waste filter cartridges according to claim 2, characterized in that: The glue cleaning shell is further provided with an operation window located at a position corresponding to the glue cleaning operation table.

5. The device for disassembling radioactive waste filter cartridges according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compression unit further comprises a plug driving member connected with the plug for driving the plug to move away from below the filter material.

6. The device for disassembling radioactive waste filter cartridges according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compression unit further comprises a local exhaust assembly arranged at the top of the compression shell.

7. A method for disassembling a radioactive waste filter cartridge using the apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises the following steps: The waste filter cartridge to be disassembled is sent into the separation unit for separation; The separated metal frame is sent into the glue cleaning unit by the conveying unit; The glue cleaning unit performs glue cleaning operation on the metal frame; The filter material separated by the separation unit is sent into the compression unit for compression and volume reduction, and is recovered after the compression is completed.

Images