Process-based interlocking system and method

Abstract

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of nuclear power and specifically relates to a process interlocking system and method. The system comprises a plurality of key devices and a plurality of interlocking keys. For each key device, the following operations are performed to enable the key device to be put into operation or to have the condition of being put into operation: after a locked device associated with the start-stop logic of the key device is put into operation, the interlocking key corresponding to the locked device is taken out; the taken-out interlocking key and / or the interlocking key of the associated key device is inserted into the key box corresponding to the key device, and the interlocking key corresponding to the key device is taken out; for a to-be-started system comprising a plurality of key devices, the interlocking keys corresponding to the key devices are inserted into the key box corresponding to the to-be-started system, and after the interlocking key corresponding to the to-be-started system is taken out, a pump is started to complete the start of the to-be-started system. An online sequence inherent to a process is formed through interlocking, and loss of function of a process system caused by incorrect operation sequence is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear power technology, specifically relating to a process interlocking system and method. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, spent fuel cooling in nuclear power plants is a crucial aspect of nuclear power plant operation. To improve reliability, a fully manual valve-based process flow is employed in the design. Existing online methods for spent fuel cooling systems involve step-by-step operation according to established procedures with a strict logical sequence; following these procedures correctly prevents problems. However, skipping steps or making online errors can lead to system malfunctions such as water leaks and cross-contamination. In severe cases, the spent fuel pool may lose cooling, causing the spent fuel temperature to rise and potentially melt. Therefore, it is essential to minimize human error in the spent fuel cooling process and improve its efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, a process interlocking system and method are provided.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a process interlocking system is provided, the system comprising: multiple key devices and multiple interlocking keys, wherein when the interlocking key is in the locked position, the valve of the key device corresponding to the interlocking key is inoperable, and when the interlocking key is in the unlocked position, the valve of the key device corresponding to the interlocking key is operable;

[0005] For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to ensure that the critical equipment is put into operation or ready for operation:

[0006] When the valve associated with the activation / deactivation logic of this critical equipment is in a preset state, the interlock key corresponding to that valve is removed.

[0007] Insert all valve interlock keys and / or the interlock keys of associated critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment;

[0008] For a system to be started that includes the aforementioned key devices, insert the interlock key corresponding to each key device into the key box corresponding to the system to be started, take out the interlock key corresponding to the system to be started, start the pump, and complete the start-up of the system to be started.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the key device is a filter;

[0010] When the filter inlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed;

[0011] When the filter outlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed;

[0012] When the filter bypass valve is closed, the corresponding interlock key is removed;

[0013] After inserting the retrieved interlocking key into the corresponding key box of the filter and retrieving the corresponding interlocking key, the filter is put into operation.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the key component is a pump;

[0015] When the pump inlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed;

[0016] When the pump outlet valve is open, the corresponding interlock key is retrieved.

[0017] When the pump's low-flow valve is open, the corresponding interlock key is removed.

[0018] After inserting the extracted interlock key into the key box corresponding to the pump and retrieving the corresponding interlock key, the pump is ready for operation.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the key component is a cooler;

[0020] When the cooler inlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed;

[0021] When the cooler outlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed;

[0022] When the inlet and outlet valves of the cooler cooling medium are opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed;

[0023] After inserting the retrieved interlock key into the key box corresponding to the cooler and retrieving the corresponding interlock key, the cooler is put into operation.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the system to be started includes a pump, a filter, and a cooler;

[0025] Confirm that the system's pumps, filters, and coolers are in operation;

[0026] After taking out the interlock keys corresponding to the pump, filter, and cooler, insert them into the key box of the system to be started. After taking out the interlock key of the system to be started, start the pump to complete the commissioning of the system to be started.

[0027] In one possible implementation, when it is necessary to shut down the system, the following operations are performed:

[0028] For a system that is to be shut down and contains multiple key devices, insert the interlock key corresponding to the system to be shut down into the key box corresponding to the system to be shut down, take out the interlock key corresponding to each key device, and shut down the pump.

[0029] For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to shut it down:

[0030] Insert the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the associated device of the critical equipment's engagement / disengagement logic association;

[0031] Insert the interlock key corresponding to each associated device into the corresponding associated device to shut down the critical equipment.

[0032] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a process interlocking method is provided, the method comprising:

[0033] For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to ensure that the critical equipment is put into operation or ready for operation:

[0034] When the valve associated with the activation / deactivation logic of this critical equipment is in a preset state, the interlock key corresponding to that valve is removed.

[0035] Insert all valve interlock keys and / or the interlock keys of associated critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment;

[0036] For a system to be started that includes the aforementioned key devices, insert the interlock key corresponding to each key device into the key box corresponding to the system to be started, take out the interlock key corresponding to the system to be started, start the pump, and complete the start-up of the system to be started.

[0037] In one possible implementation, when it is necessary to shut down the system, the following operations are performed:

[0038] For a system that is to be shut down and contains multiple key devices, insert the interlock key corresponding to the system to be shut down into the key box corresponding to the system to be shut down, take out the interlock key corresponding to each key device, and shut down the pump.

[0039] For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to shut it down:

[0040] Insert the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the associated device of the critical equipment's engagement / disengagement logic association;

[0041] Insert the interlock key corresponding to each associated device into the corresponding associated device to shut down the critical equipment.

[0042] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0043] 1. Fix the system startup sequence to prevent equipment damage;

[0044] 2. To prevent operator error from affecting equipment functionality;

[0045] 3. Suitable for systems in various industries with strict requirements for online processes;

[0046] 4. It can be operated by a single person, which saves manpower compared to the current two-person operating system;

[0047] 5. Design locks with the function of preventing accidental activation. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a filter interlocking diagram illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a pump interlocking diagram illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a cooler interlock diagram illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0052] The process interlocking system disclosed herein is designed with interlocks at the process level, forming an inherent online sequence through interlocking to prevent system malfunction due to incorrect operation sequence. The system includes: pipelines; pumps; valves; filters; water tanks; coolers; and interlock keys. Furthermore, the system includes a spare key for operating the equipment during shutdown and maintenance.

[0053] Pipelines can refer to the main connecting components of a process system and the internal circulation system medium, which can be, for example, boron-containing water in a nuclear power plant.

[0054] A pump can be defined as a power device for circulating media within a process system. Once started, it functions to circulate the media within the system.

[0055] A valve can be defined as a device that cuts off and regulates the medium in a process system, and in a public system, it is the object of the interlocking device for system commissioning.

[0056] A filter can be defined as a purification device that serves as a circulating medium in a process system, and in this disclosure, it is used as a device for enabling or disabling the purification function in a process system.

[0057] A water tank can be defined as a storage container that serves as a medium in a process system.

[0058] The cooler can be represented as the main function to be activated or deactivated in the process system, and in this method it is the object to be activated or deactivated by the interlocking device.

[0059] An interlocking key can be described as a specially designed key. In terms of manufacturing process, when the interlocking key is in the locked position, the valve of the associated device will be inoperable, while when it is in the unlocked position, the valve of the associated device can be operated.

[0060] The process interlocking system disclosed herein is designed with two interlocking components: function activation / deactivation and system startup. Taking filters, pumps, and coolers as examples for function activation / deactivation:

[0061] For filters, the filter commissioning and decommissioning logic in the process is as follows: filter inlet valve opens; filter outlet valve opens; filter bypass valve closes. Therefore, the interlock key design for the filter is as follows: the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved when the filter inlet valve is open; the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved when the filter outlet valve is open; the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved when the filter bypass valve is closed; the filter is only put into operation after all three interlock keys have been retrieved.

[0062] For pumps, the process logic for pump commissioning is as follows: the pump inlet valve is open, the pump outlet valve is open, and the pump low-flow valve is open. Therefore, the interlock key design for the pump is as follows: the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved after the pump inlet valve is open; the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved after the pump outlet valve is open; the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved after the pump low-flow valve is open; and the pump can only be started after all three interlock keys have been retrieved and the filter has been put into operation.

[0063] For the cooler, the commissioning logic in the process is as follows: the cooler inlet valve opens; the cooler outlet valve opens; the cooler cooling medium inlet and outlet valves open. Therefore, the interlock key design logic for the cooler is as follows: the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved when the cooler inlet valve is open; the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved when the cooler outlet valve is open; the corresponding interlock key can only be retrieved when the cooler cooling medium inlet and outlet valves are open. The cooler is only commissioned after all three interlock keys have been retrieved.

[0064] For system startup, if all pipelines, pumps, valves, filters, water tanks, and coolers in the process system are in operation and the corresponding interlock keys are collected, and the system startup is completed after the interlock keys are approved;

[0065] In one application example, a filter commissioning method, a pump commissioning method, a cooler commissioning method, and a system startup method including a filter, a pump, and a cooler are illustrated.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a filter interlocking diagram illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the filter commissioning method includes:

[0067] The filter inlet valve is opened, and the corresponding interlock key C1 is removed;

[0068] The filter outlet valve is opened, and the corresponding interlock key C2 is removed;

[0069] The filter bypass valve is closed, and the corresponding interlock key C3 is removed.

[0070] After inserting interlocking keys C1, C2, and C3 into the key box and removing interlocking key Cc, the filter is put into operation.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a pump interlocking diagram illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the pump commissioning methods include:

[0072] The pump inlet valve is opened, and the corresponding interlock key A1 is retrieved;

[0073] The pump outlet valve is open; the corresponding interlock key A2 can be retrieved.

[0074] The pump's low-flow valve is open; the corresponding interlock key A3 should be retrieved.

[0075] After inserting interlocking keys A1, A2, A3, and Cc into the key box and removing interlocking key Aa, the pump is ready for operation.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a cooler interlock diagram illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the cooler commissioning method includes:

[0077] The cooler inlet valve is opened, and the corresponding interlock key D1 is retrieved.

[0078] The cooler outlet valve is opened, and the corresponding interlock key D2 is retrieved.

[0079] The inlet and outlet valves of the cooler cooling medium are opened, and the corresponding interlock key D3 is taken out.

[0080] After inserting interlocking keys D1, D2, and D3 into the key box and removing interlocking key Dd, the cooler is put into operation.

[0081] System commissioning methods including filters, pumps, and coolers include

[0082] Confirm that the system's pumps, filters, and coolers are in operation;

[0083] After removing interlocking keys Aa, Dd, and Cc, insert them into the key box. After removing interlocking key Ee, start the pump to complete system commissioning.

[0084] When system shutdown is required, perform the following operations:

[0085] For a system that is to be shut down and contains multiple key devices, insert the interlock key corresponding to the system to be shut down into the key box corresponding to the system to be shut down, take out the interlock key corresponding to each key device, and shut down the pump.

[0086] For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to shut it down:

[0087] Insert the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the valve associated with the activation / deactivation logic of the critical equipment;

[0088] Insert the interlock key corresponding to each valve into the corresponding lock position to shut down the critical equipment.

[0089] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or modifications to the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A process-related interlocking system, characterized in that, The system includes: multiple key devices and multiple interlocking keys, wherein when the interlocking key is in the locked position, the valve of the key device corresponding to the interlocking key cannot be operated, and when the interlocking key is in the unlocked position, the valve of the key device corresponding to the interlocking key can be operated; For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to ensure that the critical equipment is put into operation or ready for operation: When the valve associated with the activation / deactivation logic of this critical equipment is in a preset state, the interlock key corresponding to that valve is removed. Insert all valve interlock keys and / or the interlock keys of associated critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment; For a system to be started that includes the aforementioned key equipment, insert the interlock key corresponding to each key equipment into the key box corresponding to the system to be started, take out the interlock key corresponding to the system to be started, and then start the pump to complete the startup of the system to be started; the key equipment is the filter, pump and cooler. When the key equipment is a filter; When the filter inlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed; When the filter outlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed; When the filter bypass valve is closed, the corresponding interlock key is removed; After inserting the retrieved interlocking key into the key box corresponding to the filter and retrieving the corresponding interlocking key, the filter is put into operation. When the key equipment is the pump; When the pump inlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed; When the pump outlet valve is open, the corresponding interlock key is retrieved. When the pump's low-flow valve is open, the corresponding interlock key is removed. After inserting the extracted interlock key into the key box corresponding to the pump and retrieving the corresponding interlock key, the pump is ready for operation. When the key equipment is a cooler; When the cooler inlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed; When the cooler outlet valve is opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed; When the inlet and outlet valves of the cooler cooling medium are opened, the corresponding interlock key is removed; After inserting the retrieved interlock key into the key box corresponding to the cooler and retrieving the corresponding interlock key, the cooler is put into operation. The system to be started includes a pump, a filter, and a cooler; Confirm that the system's pumps, filters, and coolers are in operation; After taking out the interlock keys corresponding to the pump, filter, and cooler, insert them into the key box of the system to be started. After taking out the interlock key of the system to be started, start the pump to complete the commissioning of the system to be started.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When it is necessary to shut down the system, perform the following operations: For a system that is to be shut down and contains multiple key devices, insert the interlock key corresponding to the system to be shut down into the key box corresponding to the system to be shut down, take out the interlock key corresponding to each key device, and shut down the pump. For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to shut it down: Insert the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the associated device of the critical equipment's engagement / disengagement logic association; Insert the interlock key corresponding to each associated device into the corresponding associated device to shut down the critical equipment.

3. A process-related interlocking method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the system according to claim 1 or 2, and the method includes: For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to ensure that the critical equipment is put into operation or ready for operation: When the valve associated with the activation / deactivation logic of this critical equipment is in a preset state, the interlock key corresponding to that valve is removed. Insert all valve interlock keys and / or the interlock keys of associated critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment; For a system to be started that includes the aforementioned key devices, insert the interlock key corresponding to each key device into the key box corresponding to the system to be started, take out the interlock key corresponding to the system to be started, start the pump, and complete the start-up of the system to be started.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When it is necessary to shut down the system, perform the following operations: For a system that is to be shut down and contains multiple key devices, insert the interlock key corresponding to the system to be shut down into the key box corresponding to the system to be shut down, take out the interlock key corresponding to each key device, and shut down the pump. For each critical piece of equipment, perform the following operations to shut it down: Insert the interlock key corresponding to the critical equipment into the key box corresponding to the critical equipment, and take out the interlock key corresponding to the valve associated with the activation / deactivation logic of the critical equipment; Insert the interlock key corresponding to each valve into the corresponding lock position to shut down the critical equipment.

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