Cutting apparatus and method for cutting nuclear core components
By designing a cutting device with rotatable cutting board and multiple sets of cutting blades, combined with sealing and pneumatic cylinders, the problems of complex operation and contamination of the core component cutting device in the prior art are solved, and a safe and efficient cutting effect is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380037571.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-03
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
AI Technical Summary
The existing core components cutting devices of nuclear power plants are complex in operation and require a lot of power. It is difficult to avoid contamination of other components of nuclear power plants. The remaining parts after cutting are not easy to identify.
A cutting device consisting of a rotatable cutting board and multiple sets of cutting blades is designed. The cutting device cuts fingers at different angles through rotatable cutting board and multiple sets of cutting blades, combining sealing devices and pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders to ensure cutting. process safety and environmental protection.
It realizes simple and effective cutting of nuclear power plant core components, reducing environmental pollution, especially pool water and atmosphere pollution, and improving the safety and efficiency of the cutting process.
Smart Images
Figure CN119137683A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting device for cutting a plurality of parallel fingers of at least one core component in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fingers, wherein the fingers are suitable for being introduced into a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core, and the cutting device comprises: a first support plate comprising a plurality of abutment portions respectively used for the fingers to be cut.
[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cutting a core component. Background Art
[0003] KR200060027472A1 discloses an automatic cutting device for nuclear control rods equipped with a conveying device. A base frame is movable between an upper support and a lower support. In addition, a drive device is mounted on the base frame and a plurality of moving members are connected to the drive device. A plurality of cutters are mounted on the moving member at regular intervals.
[0004] However, the known devices are complex to operate and require a lot of power. In addition, contamination of other parts of the nuclear power plant must be avoided. The remaining parts after cutting the core components must be identifiable. Each control rod must be cut 1 to 10 times. Summary of the invention
[0005] The object of the invention is to cut core components of a nuclear power plant in a simple and effective manner. Furthermore, the cutting device should provide enhanced safety and in particular reduce the pollution of the environment, such as pollution of pool water and atmosphere.
[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided a cutting device for cutting a plurality of parallel fingers of at least one core component in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fingers, the fingers being suitable for being introduced into a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core, the cutting device comprising:
[0007] A first support plate, the first support plate comprising a plurality of abutments respectively for fingers to be cut, wherein the cutting device further comprises:
[0008] A rotatable cutting plate, for each abutment in the first supporting plate, the rotatable cutting plate includes a corresponding cutting blade, the rotatable cutting plate is capable of rotating around a rotation axis between a starting position and a final position in a circumferential direction, the first supporting plate and the cutting plate are parallel to each other, the cutting blades include multiple groups of cutting blades, wherein for each group of cutting blades, the angle between the cutting blade and the corresponding abutment is different from the angle between the cutting blade in any other group of cutting blades and the corresponding abutment.
[0009] Further embodiments may involve one or more of the following features which may be combined in any technically feasible combination:
[0010] The cutting device comprises at least three sets of cutting blades;
[0011] Each set of cutting blades includes at least four cutting blades;
[0012] The first support plate is arranged above or below the cutting plate and adjacent to the cutting plate;
[0013] The cutting device comprises a second support plate, wherein one of the first support plate and the second support plate is arranged below and adjacent to the cutting plate, and the other of the first support plate and the second support plate is arranged above and adjacent to the cutting plate;
[0014] The first support plate and / or the second support plate comprises a plurality of holes, wherein the abutment portions are provided at inner surfaces of the respective holes;
[0015] the cutting device comprising at least one sealing device arranged above the cutting plate and in particular arranged above and adjacent to the first support plate or the second support plate, wherein for each abutment the sealing device comprises a respective channel for the finger, wherein the channel is aligned with the respective abutment, wherein the sealing device is in particular adapted to seal the finger when the finger is inserted into the channel;
[0016] the sealing device can be deactivated and activated, wherein when the sealing device is activated the diameter of one or more channels of the sealing device is reduced, and in particular when the sealing device is deactivated the diameter of one or more channels of the sealing device is increased;
[0017] The sealing device is electrically, mechanically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically activated;
[0018] The at least one sealing device is a sealing plate;
[0019] at least one channel is provided in the sealing device, the first support plate and / or the second support plate, wherein the at least one channel directs gas away from the abutment;
[0020] the cutting device comprises one or more pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders to rotate the cutting plate about an axis of rotation; and / or
[0021] • Core components are control rod assemblies, neutron sources, Poisson rods and / or current restrictors.
[0022] According to another aspect, a method is provided for cutting a plurality of parallel fingers of at least one core component in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fingers, the fingers being suitable for being introduced into a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core, using a cutting device according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising:
[0023] inserting the finger into the cutting device;
[0024] The cutting plate is rotated from a starting position to a final position, wherein a first portion of the fingers is cut during a first phase of the rotational movement of the cutting plate from the starting position to the final position, and a second portion of the fingers is cut during a second phase of the rotational movement of the cutting plate from the starting position to the final position.
[0025] Further embodiments may involve one or more of the following features which may be combined in any technically feasible combination:
[0026] The method further comprises: prior to rotating the cutting plate, activating the sealing device; and during rotation of the plate, extracting gas from the space around the abutment.
[0027] Further advantages, features, aspects and details are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the invention and are described below:
[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a cutting equipment including a cutting device for a core component of a nuclear power plant;
[0030] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a cutting device;
[0031] Figure 3 shows a top view of the cutting device;
[0032] Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to one embodiment;
[0033] Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to another embodiment in a first configuration;
[0034] Figure 6 Schematically shows the second configuration according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 7 schematically shows an exploded view of a cutting device according to one embodiment;
[0036] Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the cutting device during cutting of a rod;
[0037] Fig. 9 for Figure 7 A magnified image of
[0038] Fig.10 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the cutting device after the cutting rod;
[0039] Fig.11 for Fig. 9 A magnified image of
[0040] Fig.12 A flow chart of a method according to one embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view of a cutting arrangement 1 is shown, comprising a cutting device 3 for a core component 5 of a nuclear power plant. The core component 3 is suitable for being introduced into a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core.
[0042] The terms "above" and "below" are used herein relative to Figure 1 The arrangement of the cutting device shown is used. In all the figures, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts, even if they are not described again in relation to each figure.
[0043] According to an embodiment, the equipment 1 is arranged underwater, for example at a depth between 3m and 12m. For example, the cutting equipment 1 can be placed in a pool, such as a pool of spent fuel assemblies. In some embodiments, the water is weakly acidic. For example, the water can be deionized water including boric acid. In addition, it should be noted that the cutting equipment operates under heavy radiation (e.g., gamma radiation or beta radiation). The temperature of the water can be between 30 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius. In other words, the cutting equipment 1 operates in a contaminated environment.
[0044] For example, the core component 5 may be a control rod assembly, a neutron source, a Poisson rod and / or a current restrictor. The core component 5 comprises a plurality of parallel fingers 7 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core component 5. In other words, the longitudinal axes of the fingers are parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core component 5. The core component 5 further comprises a retaining portion 9, which is also referred to as a spider.
[0045] The fingers 7 are fixed to the holding part 9. In one embodiment, about 12 to 30 fingers 7, in particular 15 to 25 fingers, are fixed to the holding part 9. The diameter of each finger is about 10 mm. The fingers can be filled with another material (e.g. neutron absorbing material) or can be solid.
[0046] According to an embodiment, the fingers 7 are made of zirconium, stainless steel, a zirconium alloy or a stainless steel alloy.
[0047] The finger 7 typically has a length of about 4 to 5 m. In other embodiments, the finger 7 may have a length of about 20 to 80 cm.
[0048] In some embodiments, the fingers 7 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the core component X in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
[0049] The damping element 12 is arranged in the core part 5, in particular at the holding portion 9, in particular at the longitudinal axis X. According to an embodiment, the damping element 12 covers about 4×4 to 5×5 fuel rods of the fuel assembly. In this area, no fingers of the core part 5 are provided.
[0050] In one embodiment, instead of a core component 5 comprising a plurality of fingers 7, the plurality of fingers 7 may be held parallel to each other by a clamping device comprising a plurality of clamps for holding the plurality of fingers in parallel. In other words, the longitudinal axes of the fingers are parallel. The plurality of fingers 7 may originate from one or more core components 5. The clamping device then moves the plurality of fingers into the cutting device 3.
[0051] Alternatively, the cutting equipment 1 may comprise a feeding device for feeding the plurality of fingers 7 in parallel towards the cutting device 3, in particular towards the abutment of the cutting device 3. For example, the feeding device may comprise one or more quiver-shaped containers for guiding the plurality of fingers 7 towards the cutting device 3. The feeding device is capable of continuously feeding the fingers in parallel towards the cutting device 3. In one embodiment, the feeding device may be arranged above the cutting device. The plurality of fingers 7 may originate from one or more core components 5.
[0052] The cutting device 1 comprises at least one funnel-shaped section 14a, 14b, for example two funnel-shaped sections 14a, 14b, below the cutting device 3. Each funnel-shaped section 14a, 14b is arranged below a portion of the finger 9, respectively. In some embodiments, there may also be more funnel-shaped sections, for example three or four funnel-shaped sections.
[0053] For example, half of the fingers 9 are arranged above the first funnel-shaped section 14a, and the other half of the fingers 9 are arranged above the second funnel-shaped section 14b. This allows only a portion of the cut fingers 9 to fall into the corresponding funnel-shaped sections 14a, 14b. The funnel-shaped sections 14a, 14b can align the cut portions of the fingers 9.
[0054] The lower or downstream end of the one or more funnel-shaped segments 14a, 14b is connected to the corresponding tube 16a, 16b. The aligned cut portions of the fingers 9 are aligned so that they are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube segment of the one or more tubes 16a, 16B adjacent to the one or more funnel-shaped segments 14a, 14b. The one or more tubes 16a, 16b guide the cut portions of the fingers 9 into the corresponding containers 18a, 18b, respectively.
[0055] One or more containers 18a, 18b are mounted on a vibrating and tilting device 20a, 20b, respectively. The vibrating and tilting device 20a, 20b allows the container 18a, 18b to be tilted and / or vibrated in order to obtain a dense storage of the cut parts of the fingers 9.
[0056] Each vibration and tilting device 20a, 20b is mounted on a carrier structure 22, in particular at the lower end of the carrier structure 22. The cutting device 3 is mounted at the upper end of the carrier structure 22. The height of the carrier structure may be adapted to the tank design, typically in the range of about 3m to 5m.
[0057] In one embodiment, one or more containers 18a, 18b are mounted directly on the carrier structure 22, particularly if the vibration and tilting devices 20a, 20b are not used.
[0058] The cutting device 3 can be operated with the longitudinal axis X of the core component 5 arranged vertically (as shown) or horizontally. The cutting device 3 can also be operated at other angles. One or more funnel-shaped sections 14a, 14b are then formed and / or arranged accordingly. In other words, during operation of the cutting device 3, the holding portion 9 is arranged at the same level as the finger 9 or at a level higher than the finger 9.
[0059] In one embodiment, the cutting device 3 can be operated without any supporting structure 22. For example, the cutting device 3 is arranged directly on a storage rack of spent nuclear fuel.
[0060] Now refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cutting device 3 according to one embodiment is described in more detail.
[0061] The cutting device 3 comprises a lower support plate 30. For each finger 9, the lower support plate has a corresponding hole 32. The diameter of the hole 32 is slightly larger than the diameter of the finger 9. In one embodiment, the hole 32 has a circular cross section. For example, the diameter of each hole 32 is about 1% larger than the diameter of the corresponding finger 7. In one embodiment, the diameter of each hole 32 is about 11 mm to 13 mm. In some embodiments, the hole 32 has a slightly small hole shape. In this case, the cut part of the finger is prevented from getting stuck in the hole 32.
[0062] The rotatable cutting plate 34 is arranged above and adjacent to the lower support plate 30. The rotatable cutting plate 34 has a plurality of ears 36 extending in a radial direction at its periphery. In the example shown, four ears 36 are shown. However, the cutting plate 34 may include more or fewer ears, such as two, three, five or six ears 36. The rotating cutting plate 34 rotates around a rotation axis Y, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis X when the core component 5 is inserted into the cutting device 3. According to an embodiment, a single cutting plate 34 is used. In another embodiment, the cutting plate 34 is formed by a plurality of sub-plates fixed together during operation of the cutting device 3. In other words, the sub-plates are in a fixed relationship with each other.
[0063] Thus, the cutting device can be operated in such a way that the axis of rotation Y is arranged horizontally or vertically. The cutting device 3 can also be operated at other angles. During operation, the lower support plate 30 is thus at the same level or below the cutting plate 34 .
[0064] The upper and lower surfaces of the lower support plate 30 and / or the cutting plate 34 extend parallel to each other and are orthogonal to the rotation axis Y. In other words, the lower support plate 30 and the cutting plate 34 are parallel to each other.
[0065] The cutting device 3 further comprises a plurality of cylinders, such as a hydraulic cylinder 38 for rotating or moving the cutting plate 34. Figure 2 In FIG. 4 , four cylinders 38 are shown. However, the cutting device 3 may comprise more or fewer cylinders 38, for example two, three, five or six cylinders 38.
[0066] Each cylinder 38 is connected via its piston 40 to a respective ear 36 .
[0067] The cylinder 38 is driven by a hydraulic fluid such as water. The hydraulic cylinder can have a high cutting force. In other embodiments, the cylinder can be driven manually, pneumatically or electrically.
[0068] According to an embodiment, the cutting plate 34 can be rotated about 60 to 120 degrees, for example 90 degrees, around the rotation axis Y by the cylinder 38. The cylinder 38 is adapted to drive the corresponding piston 40 in a reciprocating motion. For example, the cutting plate 34 can be rotated between a starting position and a final position in the circumferential direction C. After reaching the final position, the cylinder can move the cutting plate 34 back to the starting position.
[0069] According to an embodiment, the cutting plate 34 has the form of a disc, in particular a circular disc, in particular with one or more ears 36 protruding outwards.
[0070] In some embodiments, the cutting plate 34 is held by one or more radial bearings 41 that hold the cutting plate 34 in a radial direction. For example, the cutting device 3 includes two or more radial bearings 41 that are placed opposite to each other around the circumferential direction C and / or at regular intervals.
[0071] Typically, roller bearings or sliding bearings are used for the cutting plate 34 .
[0072] Figure 3 The cutting device 3 is shown in a top view. The cutting plate 34 comprises a plurality of cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c. In particular, for each finger 7 of the core component 5, a separate cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c is provided.
[0073] The cutting plate 34 further includes a corresponding hole 44a, 44b, 44c adjacent to each of the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c. The cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c are respectively disposed at the same end of the corresponding holes 44a, 44b, 42c in the circumferential direction C.
[0074] The cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c are formed and / or arranged such that they can cut the fingers 7 when the cutting plate 34 rotates in the circumferential direction C. In other words, if the cutting plate 34 rotates in the circumferential direction C, the cutting plate 34 is adapted to cut in particular the fingers 7.
[0075] The cutting device 3 includes a first upper support plate 46 above and adjacent to the cutting plate 34. Figure 2 In FIG. 4 , only a portion of the first upper support plate 46 is shown so that the cutting plate 34 can be observed. However, the first upper support plate 46 completely covers the cutting plate 34.
[0076] The upper and lower surfaces of the first upper support plate 46 and / or the cutting plate 34 extend parallel to each other and are orthogonal to the rotation axis Y. In other words, the first upper support plate 46 and the cutting plate 34 are parallel to each other.
[0077] Furthermore, a second upper supporting plate 48 is provided above the first upper supporting plate 46. The first upper supporting plate 46 and the second upper supporting plate 48 are spaced apart from each other.
[0078] The upper and lower surfaces of the first and second upper support plates 46 and 48 extend parallel to each other and are orthogonal to the rotation axis Y. In other words, the first and second upper support plates 46 and 48 are parallel to each other.
[0079] Each upper support plate 46, 48 includes a plurality of holes 50, 52 for fingers of core components.
[0080] According to an embodiment, for each finger 7, the first upper support plate 46 comprises a corresponding hole 50. The diameter of each hole 50 is slightly larger than the diameter of the finger 7. For example, the diameter of each hole 50 is about 1% larger than the diameter of the corresponding finger 7. In one embodiment, each hole 50 has a diameter of about 11 mm to 13 mm to accommodate the specific diameter of the finger 7 to be cut.
[0081] In some embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments disclosed herein, for each finger 7 of the core component, the first upper support plate 46 has a corresponding abutment 54. The abutment 54 is arranged to keep the finger 7 fixed when the cutting plate 34 rotates in the circumferential direction C and the cutting blade attacks the corresponding finger 7. The abutments 54 are arranged so that they face in a direction opposite to the circumferential direction C. In other words, the abutments 54 are arranged so that they face in a direction opposite to the direction in which the cutting plate 34 moves from the starting position to the final position. According to an embodiment, the abutments 54 are arranged at the inner surface of the hole 50.
[0082] In an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments disclosed herein, for each finger 7 of the core component, the lower support plate 30 has a corresponding abutment 56. The abutment 56 is arranged to keep the finger 7 fixed when the cutting plate 34 rotates in the circumferential direction C and the cutting blade attacks the corresponding finger 7. The abutments 56 are arranged so that they face in a direction opposite to the circumferential direction C. In other words, the abutments 56 are arranged so that they face in a direction opposite to the direction in which the cutting plate 34 moves from the starting position to the final position. According to an embodiment, the abutments 56 are arranged at the inner surface of the hole 32.
[0083] According to one embodiment, for each finger 7, the second upper support plate 48 comprises a corresponding hole 52. The diameter of each hole 52 is slightly larger than the diameter of the finger 7. For example, the diameter of each hole 52 is about 1% larger than the diameter of the corresponding finger 7. In one embodiment, each hole 52 has a diameter of about 11 mm to 13 mm to accommodate the specific diameter of the finger 7 to be cut.
[0084] Since the first upper support plate 46 and / or the lower support plate 30 include a plurality of holes 32, 50 and / or abutment portions 54, 56 corresponding to the number of finger-shaped members 7, the number and / or arrangement of the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c of the cutting plate 34 corresponds to the number of holes 32, 50 and / or abutment portions 54, 56 in the first upper support plate 46 and / or the lower support plate 30.
[0085] According to an embodiment, the cutting plate 34 is sandwiched between the lower support plate 30 and the first upper support plate 46. In addition, in the radial direction, the cutting plate 34 is held by one or more radial bearings 41. Therefore, the cutting plate 34 is guided radially and axially. In particular, the cutting plate 34 performs a guided movement between the starting position and the final position.
[0086] Each abutment 54, 56 of the lower support plate 30 and / or the first upper support plate 46 has a corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c of the cutting plate 34. Each abutment 54, 56 of the lower support plate 30 and / or the first upper support plate 46 and its corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c operate together during the cutting of the corresponding finger 7. When the corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c attacks the finger 7, each abutment 54, 56 inhibits the movement of the corresponding inserted finger 7 in the circumferential direction C.
[0087] According to an embodiment, the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c include a plurality of groups of cutting blades, for example, the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c include two, three, four or five groups of cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c.
[0088] In the starting position of the cutting plate 34, each cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c, in particular their cutting face 58 in the circumferential direction C, has an angle α or an angular distance relative to the corresponding abutment 54, 56 of the lower support plate 30 and / or the first upper support plate 46. This angle is determined according to the rotation axis Y. For simplicity, Figure 3 Only one angle α is shown.
[0089] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the holes 44a, 44b, 42c have ends opposite to the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c in the circumferential direction C. The ends have surfaces 60 facing in the opposite direction of the circumferential direction. In the starting position of the cutting plate 34, the surfaces 60 are aligned in the circular direction C with the corresponding abutments 54, 56 of the first upper support plate 46 and / or the lower support plate 30.
[0090] Despite Figure 3Surface 60 is shown in FIG, but it is obvious from the principle that in the starting position, the holes 44a, 44b, 44c do not necessarily have surfaces 60 aligned with the corresponding abutments 54, 56. Instead, in the starting position of the cutting plate 34, the angle or distance between the abutments 54, 56 and the corresponding cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42 is critical to the function. Figure 3 It is helpful to understand the working principles shown with respect to non-limiting specific embodiments.
[0091] about Figure 3 It can be seen that in the starting position of the cutting plate 34, the first group of cutting blades 42a are positioned at different angles with their respective corresponding abutments 54, 56 than the angles between the second group of cutting blades 42b, 42c and their respective corresponding abutments 54, 56. In one embodiment, the first group of cutting blades 42a are positioned at a first angle with their respective corresponding abutments 54, 56, the second group of cutting blades 42b are positioned at a second angle with their respective corresponding abutments 54, 56, and the third group of cutting blades 42c are positioned at a third angle with their respective corresponding abutments 54, 56, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle or the third angle, and the third angle is different from the second angle. In other words, for each group of cutting blades, the angle between the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c (especially their cutting surfaces 58 in the circumferential direction C) and the corresponding abutment portions 54, 56 is different from the angle between the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c (especially their cutting surfaces 58 in the circumferential direction C) and the corresponding abutment portions 54, 56 of any other group of cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c.
[0092] According to one embodiment, in the starting position, the distance between the first group of cutting blades 42a and the respectively corresponding abutment portions 54, 56, especially in the circumferential direction, is different from the distance between the second group of cutting blades 42b, 42c and the respectively corresponding abutment portions 54, 56, especially in the circumferential direction. In one embodiment, the first group of cutting blades 42a and the respectively corresponding abutment portions 54, 56, especially in the circumferential direction, are separated by a first distance, the second group of cutting blades 42b and the respectively corresponding abutment portions 54, 56, especially in the circumferential direction, are separated by a second distance, and the third group of cutting blades 42c and the respectively corresponding abutment portions 54, 56, especially in the circumferential direction, are separated by a third distance, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance or the third distance, and the third distance is different from the second distance. In other words, for each group of cutting blades, the distance between the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c (especially their cutting surfaces 58 in the circumferential direction C) and the corresponding abutment portions 54, 56, especially in the circumferential direction, is different from the distance between the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c (especially their cutting surfaces 58 in the circumferential direction C) and the corresponding abutment portions 54, 56, especially in the circumferential direction, of any other group of cutting blades.
[0093] Therefore, when multiple fingers 7 are inserted into the holes of the first upper support plate 46 and / or the lower support plate 30 and the cutting plate 34 is rotated from the starting position to the final position, the first group of fingers 7 are cut first, followed by the second group of fingers, and finally the third group of fingers 7 are cut.
[0094] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the first group of cutting blades includes cutting blade 42a, the second group of cutting blades includes cutting blade 42b, and the third group of cutting blades includes cutting blade 42c. According to the embodiment, the number of cutting blade groups is not limited to three, but can only have two groups of cutting blades, or four, five or six groups of cutting blades.
[0095] When the surface 60 is aligned with the abutments 54, 56 at the starting position of the cutting plate 34, for each set of cutting blades, the length of the holes 44a, 44b, 44c of the cutting plate 34 in the circumferential direction C is different from the length of the holes 44a, 44b, 44c of any other set of cutting blades 44a, 42b, 42c.
[0096] Figure 4A portion of the cutting device 3 is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view. It can be seen that a sleeve 62 is arranged between each hole 50 of the first upper support plate 46 and the corresponding hole 52 of the second upper support plate 48. The holes 50 and the corresponding holes 52 are arranged above each other or aligned in the axial direction of the rotation axis Y. In other words, the corresponding channels 63 of the sleeve 62 are aligned with the holes 50 of the lower support plate 30, the holes 52 of the first upper support plate 46 and / or the holes 32 of the second upper support plate 48. In an embodiment, the corresponding channels 63 of the sleeve 62 are aligned with the abutments 54, 56 of the lower support plate 30 and / or the first upper support plate 46.
[0097] The sleeve 62 is suitable for tightly enclosing the fingers 7 of the core component 5. For this purpose, the diameter of the channel 63 of the sleeve 62 can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the fingers 7. The sleeve 62 isolates the lower part of the cutting device 3 (in particular, including the cutting plate 34 and the first upper support plate 46) from the upper part of the cutting device 3 including the second upper support plate 48.
[0098] The sleeve 62 is made of a flexible and / or elastic material, such as rubber, silicone, natural rubber, etc.
[0099] The sleeve 62 is suitable for capturing at least a part, in particular a major part, of the radiolytic gases escaping during the cutting of the fingers 7. For example, the radiolytic gases are present inside the respective fingers 7.
[0100] The sleeve 62 may be integrated in a sealing plate covering the first upper support plate 46 , in particular at least a portion of the first upper support plate 46 including the hole 50 .
[0101] The gas is then sucked away by a corresponding device, which will be explained later. For example, a water jet pump can be used for this purpose.
[0102] Thus, the sleeve 62 and / or the sealing plate comprising the sleeve 62 forms a sealing means. The sleeve 62 may be formed integrally with the sealing plate.
[0103] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A section of a cutting device 3 is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view of another embodiment. The cutting device comprises a sleeve 62'. The sleeve 62' has a channel 63', the diameter of which substantially corresponds to the diameter of the hole 50 of the first upper support plate 46 and the hole 52 of the second upper support plate 48, or it can be slightly larger. The diameter of the channel 63' can also be referred to as the inner diameter of the sleeve 62'.
[0104] A sleeve 62' is arranged between each hole 50 of the first upper support plate 46 and the corresponding hole 52 of the second upper support plate 48, respectively. The holes 50 and the corresponding holes 52 are arranged above each other or aligned in the axial direction Y. In other words, the corresponding channels 63' of the sleeve 62' are aligned with the holes 50 of the lower support plate 30, the holes 52 of the first upper support plate 46 and / or the holes 32 of the second upper support plate 48. In an embodiment, the corresponding channels 63' of the sleeve 62' are aligned with the abutments 54, 56 of the lower support plate 30 and / or the first upper support plate 46.
[0105] The diameter of the passage 63 ′, in particular in the idle state, can be chosen such that the cut fingers 7 do not accidentally damage or destroy the sleeve 62 ′.
[0106] When enabled, Figure 6 As shown, the inner diameter of the sleeve 62' is reduced. The reduction of the inner diameter is performed pneumatically, electrically, mechanically or hydraulically. The activation is usually performed after the finger 7 has been inserted into the cutting device 3. For example, the first support plate 46 and the second support plate 48 can have different positions relative to each other, namely a first position, in which the first support plate 46 and the second support plate 48 are farther apart, and a second position, in which the first upper support plate 46 and the second upper support plate 48 are close to each other and thus press the sleeve 62' so that it extends inwards (for example towards the inserted finger 7). For example, the second upper support plate 48 can be hydraulically pressed towards the first upper support plate 46.
[0107] When the sleeve 62' is deactivated, the inner diameter is withdrawn to the original position, such as Figure 5 In other words, when the sealing device 62' is deactivated, the diameter of the one or more channels (63') of the sealing device increases.
[0108] The sleeve 62' may be integrated in a sealing plate 64 which covers the first upper support plate 46, in particular at least a portion of the first upper support plate 46 comprising the hole 50. In this case, all sleeves 62' may be activated simultaneously. The sleeve 62' may be formed integrally with the sealing plate 64.
[0109] For example, in this case, the sleeve 62' can be formed by a sealing plate 64, such as Figures 7 to 11 As shown. In one embodiment, the sealing plate 64 is a rubber sealing plate. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing plate 64 is formed by an inflatable cushion. In this case, the inner diameter of all sleeves 62' is reduced simultaneously by providing additional pressure in the cushion pneumatically or hydraulically or by squeezing the cushion. In other words, all sleeves 62' are activated at the same time.
[0110] The sleeve 62 ′ and / or the sealing plate 64 comprising the sleeve 62 ′ thus form a sealing device.
[0111] Figure 7 An embodiment of a first upper support plate 46' is shown disposed below the sealing plate 64. Embodiments of the first upper support plate 46' may be used in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0112] The upper surface 66 of the first upper support plate 46' is provided with a plurality of first channels 68 fluidly connecting the holes 50 to at least one second channel 70. The first channels 68 are arranged in the upper surface 66. In other words, in the first channels 68, the gas is guided in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis Y. The at least one second channel 70 is formed through the sealing plate 64 and in particular through the second upper support plate 48. In an embodiment without the second upper support plate 48, the at least one second channel 70 is formed only through the sealing plate 64.
[0113] The at least one second channel 70 extends parallel to the axis Y of rotation.
[0114] Depending on the implementation, there may be two, three or more second channels 70 .
[0115] In some embodiments, the second channel 70 is connected to a suction device.
[0116] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing plate 64 may be provided with a first channel 68 at its lower surface. In another embodiment, the first channel 68 is provided inside the first upper support plate, in particular when a sealing sleeve 62, 62' is used. In this case, a specific conduit is provided between the first upper support plate 46 and the suction device and / or the second upper support plate 48.
[0117] In other words, the channels 68 , 70 guide the gas away from the space around the abutments 54 , 56 , in particular formed in the holes 32 , 50 of the first upper support plate 46 and the lower support plate 30 , in particular to a suction device (not shown).
[0118] Figure 7 The arrows in show the flow path 72 of the gas in the first channel through the cutting device 3 , in particular through the first upper support plate 46 ′, and in the second channel 70 through the sealing plate 64 and the second upper support plate 48 .
[0119] Now refer to the attached Figures 8 to 12 A method for cutting a core component 3 having a plurality of fingers 7 is described.
[0120] In a first step 1000, the fingers 7 of the core component 5 are inserted into the cutting device 3. In particular, in order to insert the fingers 7 into the cutting device, the core component is moved along the longitudinal axis X. In other words, each finger 7 of the core component 5 is introduced into a respective hole 32, 50, 52 of the lower support plate 30, the first upper support plate 46, 46' and / or the second upper support plate 48.
[0121] In optional step 1010, one or more sealing devices 62', 64 are activated. For example, as described above, the second upper support plate 48 is pressed toward the first upper support plate 46, 46' using pneumatic or hydraulic devices. As described above, other possible ways (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, electric devices) can also be used to activate one or more sealing devices 62', 64.
[0122] Thus, the cutting area of the finger 7 is sealed with respect to the environment. Thus, the gas inside the finger 7 can be exhausted via the first and / or second channels as described above.
[0123] In a further step 1020, the cutting plate 34 is moved or rotated from the starting position to the final position, wherein the first portion of the finger 7 is cut during the first phase of the rotational movement of the cutting plate 34 from the starting position to the final position, and the second portion of the finger 7 is cut during the second phase of the rotational movement of the cutting plate 34 from the starting position to the final position. In a further embodiment, the rotational movement of the cutting plate 34 from the starting position to the final position may include three phases, wherein in the third phase, the third portion of the finger 7 is cut. In a further embodiment, the movement may also include four, five or six phases, wherein a portion of the finger 7 is cut respectively. During the rotational movement of the cutting plate 34, the core component does not move along the longitudinal axis X.
[0124] In some embodiments, each stage starts when the corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c contacts the finger and ends when the finger is cut, for example, when the corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c (particularly its cutting face 58) reaches the corresponding abutment 54, 56 of the first upper support plate 46 and / or the lower support plate 30. For example, each stage starts when the corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c reaches the hole 52, 50 of the first upper support plate 46 and / or the lower support plate 30.
[0125] According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments disclosed herein, the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c are arranged on the cutting plate 34 so that two subsequent stages for cutting a portion of the fingers 7 overlap. For example, when the second group 42b of cutting blades has almost finished cutting their respective fingers 7, the first group of cutting blades 42a starts cutting their fingers. In one embodiment, the distance in the circumferential direction between the cutting blades 42a of the first group of cutting blades and the cutting blades 42b of the second group of cutting blades is smaller than the diameter of the fingers to be cut and / or the diameter of the holes 52, 50 of the first upper support plate 46 and / or the lower support plate 30. In other words, the angle between the cutting blades 42a of the first group of cutting blades and the cutting blades 42b of the second group of cutting blades, determined according to the axis of rotation Y, is selected so that two subsequent stages for cutting a portion of the fingers 7 overlap. In one embodiment, during the first stage, only the outer fingers, for example four outer fingers 7, are cut simultaneously. For example, the cutting blade 42a is used for this purpose.
[0126] Then, a plurality of inner fingers, for example 8 inner fingers 7, are cut simultaneously. For example, the cutting blade 42b is used for this purpose. The fingers to be cut are selected so that the force applied to the cutting plate 34 is evenly distributed. In other words, the cutting blades 42b are regularly distributed around the rotation axis Y.
[0127] Finally, the remaining 8 inner fingers are cut. For example, the cutting blade 42c is used for this purpose. The fingers to be cut are selected so that the force applied to the cutting plate 34 is evenly distributed. In other words, the cutting blades 42c are regularly distributed around the rotation axis Y.
[0128] In other embodiments, the cutting plate 34 is formed so that in each stage, the same number of fingers is cut simultaneously compared to other stages. The cutting blades are then arranged accordingly as described above. For example, in one embodiment, four fingers are cut simultaneously in each stage. Thus, in the above example, in the case of 20 fingers, five stages are used to cut the fingers 7. The cutting plate 34 can also be formed so that another number of fingers are cut simultaneously in each stage, for example 3, 5 or 6 fingers to be cut.
[0129] In other words, during a movement, in particular a rotational movement of the cutting plate, only a portion of all fingers 7 is cut at the same time, thus reducing the force required for cutting the fingers. During one movement, all fingers 7 of the core component 5 are cut in a few steps. Due to the reduced force, the parts of the cutting device 3 used for cutting are also less worn out.
[0130] Furthermore, using a plurality of cylinders 38 , such as two, three, or four cylinders, the force applied to the cutting plate 34 is regularly distributed around the circumference of the cutting plate 34 .
[0131] During rotation of the plate, gas from the space around the abutments 54 , 56 is sucked, in particular through the first channels 68 and / or the second channels 70 .
[0132] The cutting of the fingers 7 will now be described in more detail, with particular reference to Figures 8 to 11 The cutting of each finger 7 is performed in two sub-stages.
[0133] In a first sub-stage, the fingers 7 are quenched, which can be seen from Figure 8 and Fig. 9 For this purpose, the cutting face 58 of the respective cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c is not too sharp and is particularly adapted to the material of the finger 7 to be cut.
[0134] In the second sub-stage after quenching, the fingers are cut, which can be done at Fig.10 and Fig.11 It can be seen in.
[0135] The quenching of the fingers 7 makes it possible to at least partially seal the cutting surfaces of the fingers 7. In other words, the effective area for interaction with water is reduced. Thus, for example, leakage of material from the fingers 7 out of the fingers 7 is avoided or reduced. Furthermore, washing away of material from the inside of the fingers by the water surrounding the cutting device 3 is reduced, and thus contamination of the tank in which the cutting equipment 1 is placed is reduced.
[0136] In addition, as in Figures 8 to 11 It can be seen that the lower support plate 30 and / or the first upper support plate 46, 46' enable the fingers 7 to be cut and / or quenched without deforming or bending the remaining parts of the fingers 7 (in particular the parts above the cutting device 3 that have not been cut).
[0137] According to one embodiment, the cut portion 74 of the finger 7 has a remaining length of about 1 m.
[0138] The cut portion 74 of the finger 7 falls into one or more containers 18a, 18b via one or more funnel-shaped sections 14a, 14b and one or more tubes 16a, 16b. Since only a portion of the finger is cut at the same time, the guidance of the cut finger portion and the filling of the container 18a, 18b are more coordinated and less chaotic.
[0139] After the cutting plate 34 has reached its final position, the cutting plate 34 is moved back to the starting position in step 1030. Optionally, then or before the backward movement, at least one sealing device (62, 62', 64) is deactivated.
[0140] In step 1040, the fingers 7 are lowered further into the cutting device 3 in order to cut another portion from each finger 7. Steps 1010 to 1040 are then repeated until no portion remains at the upper end of the finger 7.
[0141] According to the invention, the cutting device 3 and / or the cutting equipment 1 does not include many electronic devices, so it is robust. In addition, the cutting plate 34, the sealing device 62, 62', 64, the lower support plate 30, the first upper support plate 46, 46' and / or the second upper support plate 48 can be adapted to the core component 5 to be cut, in particular the number and position of the fingers. For example, these parts of the cutting device 3 can be interchanged with other parts.
[0142] In some examples of implementations, any features of any embodiment described herein may be used in combination with any features of any other embodiment described herein.
[0143] List of reference numerals:
[0144] X longitudinal axis
[0145] Y rotation axis
[0146] C Circumferential direction
[0147] 1 Cutting Equipment
[0148] 3 Cutting device
[0149] 5 Core components
[0150] 7 fingers
[0151] 9. Keep Part
[0152] 12 Damping element
[0153] 14a, 14b funnel-shaped section
[0154] 16a, 16b tube
[0155] 18a, 18b container
[0156] 20a, 20b vibration and tilting device
[0157] 22 Carrier structure
[0158] 30 Lower support plate
[0159] 32 holes
[0160] 34 Cutting Board
[0161] 36 Ear
[0162] 38 cylinders
[0163] 40 piston
[0164] 41 radial bearing
[0165] 42a, 42b, 42c cutting blades
[0166] Holes 44a, 44b, 44c
[0167] 46, 46' first upper support plate
[0168] 48 second upper support plate
[0169] 50 holes
[0170] 52 holes
[0171] 54 contact part
[0172] 56 abutment
[0173] 58 cutting surfaces
[0174] 60 Surface
[0175] 62, 62' sleeve
[0176] 63, 63' channel
[0177] 64 sealing plate
[0178] 66 Surface
[0179] Channel 68
[0180] 70 Channel
[0181] 72 flow path
[0182] 74 The cut portion of the finger
Claims
1. A cutting device (3) for cutting a plurality of parallel fingers (7) of at least one core component (5) in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fingers (7), the fingers (7) being suitable for being introduced into a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core, the cutting device (3) comprising: A first support plate (30, 46) comprising a plurality of abutment portions (54, 56) for the fingers (7) to be cut, wherein the cutting device (3) further comprises: A rotatable cutting plate (34), for each abutment (54, 56) in the first supporting plate, the rotatable cutting plate includes a corresponding cutting blade (42a, 42b, 42c), the rotatable cutting plate (34) is capable of rotating around a rotation axis (Y) between a starting position and a final position in a circumferential direction (C), the first supporting plate (30, 46) and the cutting plate (34) are parallel to each other, the cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c) include multiple groups of cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c), wherein for each group of cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c), the angle between the cutting blade (42a, 42b, 42c) and the corresponding abutment (54, 56) is different from the angle between the cutting blade (42a, 42b, 42c) and the corresponding abutment (54, 56) in any other group of cutting blades.
2. The cutting device according to claim 1, comprising at least three sets of cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c).
3. A cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each set of cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c) includes at least four cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c).
4. A cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first support plate (30, 46) is arranged above or below the cutting plate (34) and adjacent to the cutting plate (34).
5. A cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second support plate (30, 46), wherein one of the first support plate and the second support plate is arranged below the cutting plate (34) and adjacent to the cutting plate (34), and the other of the first support plate (30, 46) and the second support plate (30, 46) is arranged above the cutting plate (34) and adjacent to the cutting plate (34).
6. A cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first support plate (30, 46) and / or the second support plate (30, 46) comprises a plurality of holes (32, 50), wherein the abutment portions (54, 56) are provided at inner surfaces of the corresponding holes (32, 50).
7. A cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sealing device (62, 62', 64), wherein the at least one sealing device is arranged above the cutting plate (34), and in particular is arranged above the first support plate or the second support plate (30, 46) and adjacent to the first support plate or the second support plate (30, 46), wherein for each abutment (54, 56), the sealing device comprises a corresponding channel (63, 63') for the finger (7), wherein the channel (63, 63') is aligned with the corresponding abutment (54, 56), wherein the sealing device is particularly suitable for sealing the finger when the finger is inserted into the channel (63, 63').
8. The cutting device according to claim 7, wherein: The sealing device (62', 64) is capable of being deactivated and activated, wherein when the sealing device (62', 64) is activated, the diameter of the one or more channels (63') of the sealing device is reduced, and in particular, when the sealing device (62', 64) is deactivated, the diameter of the one or more channels (63') of the sealing device is increased.
9. The cutting device according to claim 8, wherein: The sealing means (62', 64) are activated electrically, mechanically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically.
10. Cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein The at least one sealing device (62, 62', 64) is a sealing plate (64).
11. Cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein At least one channel (68, 70) is provided in the sealing device (64), the first support plate (30, 46, 46') and / or the second support plate (30, 46, 46'), wherein the at least one channel guides gas away from the abutment (54, 56).
12. A cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cutting device (3) comprises one or more pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders (38) in order to rotate the cutting plate (34) about the rotation axis (Y).
13. A cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The core components (5) are control rod assemblies, neutron sources, Poisson rods and / or current limiters.
14. A method for cutting a plurality of parallel fingers (7) of at least one core component (5) in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fingers (7) using a cutting device (3) according to any of the preceding claims, the fingers (7) being suitable for being introduced into a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core, the method comprising: inserting (1000) the finger (7) into the cutting device (3); The cutting plate (34) is rotated (1020) from a starting position to a final position, wherein a first portion of the finger (7) is cut during a first phase of the rotational movement of the cutting plate (34) from the starting position to the final position, and a second portion of the finger (7) is cut during a second phase of the rotational movement of the cutting plate (34) from the starting position to the final position.
15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: Before rotating the cutting plate, activating the sealing device (62, 62', 64); as well as During rotation of the plate, gas is sucked from the space around the abutments (54, 56).