Nuclear fuel full-sealed tubing length measurement automation device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of processing of fuel rods of sodium-cooled fast reactors, in particular to a nuclear fuel full-sealed tubing length measurement automation device. A nuclear fuel full-sealed tubing length measurement automation device comprises a guide sealing assembly, a push tube length measurement assembly and a tray translation assembly. The guide sealing assembly comprises a core body, a sodium rod guide sleeve, a cladding tube guide sleeve and an inflatable ring; the core body and the sodium rod guide sleeve form a first channel through which the core body and the sodium rod pass; a second channel allowing the cladding tube to penetrate through is formed in the cladding tube guide sleeve; the first channel and the second channel are in butt joint, so that the core body and the sodium rod are inserted into the cladding tube; the inflatable ring is mounted on the cladding tube guide sleeve; and after being inflated and expanded, the inflatable ring surrounds and is attached to the outer surface of the cladding pipe for sealing. The full-automatic tubing length measuring device has the beneficial effect that full-automatic tubing length measuring can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of fuel rod processing for a sodium-cooled fast reactor, and in particular to an automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube. Background Art

[0002] The fuel rods used in sodium-cooled fast reactors are mainly composed of cladding tubes, end plugs, fuel cores, and metallic sodium, and their manufacturing and processing are key processes. The processing of fuel rods first requires tube loading, that is, loading the fuel core and sodium rods into the cladding tubes. After the sodium rods are heated, melted, vibrated, and cooled, the cladding tubes and end plugs need to be welded.

[0003] After the length measurement of the core body and sodium rod of the fuel rod is completed, the tube is loaded. The length measuring device used in the field of traditional fuel rods, such as CN201520556219.X, is only a single length measurement. The sealed space required for the length measurement station and the tube loading station is relatively large, and it is relatively difficult to achieve an inert atmosphere with ultra-low water and oxygen content. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the traditional length measuring device, and directly realize the automatic tube loading and automatic length measurement functions of the core body and sodium rod of the sodium-cooled fast reactor fuel rod at the length measurement station, thereby reducing the volume required for the sealed space, thereby reducing the difficulty of achieving an inert atmosphere with ultra-low water and oxygen content. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background technology.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: A fully sealed tube-loading and length-measuring automatic device for nuclear fuel comprises: a guide sealing assembly, a tube-pushing and length-measuring assembly and a tray translation assembly; The guide seal assembly includes: a core body and sodium rod guide sleeve, a cladding tube guide sleeve and an air expansion ring; the core body and sodium rod guide sleeve form a first channel for the core body and the sodium rod to pass through; the cladding tube guide sleeve forms a second channel for the cladding tube to pass through; the first channel and the second channel are butted together to allow the core body and the sodium rod to be inserted into the cladding tube; the air expansion ring is installed on the cladding tube guide sleeve; the air expansion ring is inflated and expands to surround and fit the outer surface of the cladding tube to seal; The push tube length measuring assembly includes: a push tube linear module, a fixed bracket, a pressure sensor, a push rod and a magnetic scale for measuring displacement; the push tube linear module is installed on the fixed bracket; the push rod is installed on the slide of the push tube linear module through the pressure sensor; the push tube linear module drives the push rod to move; The tray translation assembly includes: a core tray, a tray translation linear module and a baffle device for locating the core and the sodium rod; the baffle device includes: a baffle and a baffle cylinder; the baffle cylinder pushes the baffle to move between a position for abutting the core and the sodium rod and a position for allowing the core and the sodium rod to pass through; the core tray is provided with a plurality of channels for guiding the movement of the core and the sodium rod; the tray translation linear module drives the core tray to move so that different channels are aligned with the baffle.

[0006] As a further solution of the present invention: the guide sealing assembly further comprises: a cladding tube guide wheel; the cladding tube guide wheels are arranged in pairs to limit the cladding tube from both sides; the cladding tube passes through between the two cladding tube guide wheels arranged in pairs and enters the second channel.

[0007] As a further solution of the present invention: the inlets of the first channel and the second channel are located at one end away from each other; the outlets of the first channel and the second channel are located at one end close to each other; the diameter of the inlet of the first channel is larger than the diameter of the outlet of the first channel; the diameter of the inlet of the second channel is larger than the diameter of the outlet of the second channel.

[0008] As a further solution of the present invention: the air expansion ring is located at the outlet of the second channel.

[0009] As a further solution of the present invention: the push-tube length measuring assembly also includes: a first motor, a first magnetic fluid penetration piece, a first universal coupling and a synchronous pulley box; the first motor drives the push-tube linear module via the first magnetic fluid penetration piece, the first universal coupling and the synchronous pulley box.

[0010] As a further solution of the present invention: the pallet translation assembly also includes: a second motor, a second magnetic fluid penetration piece, a second universal coupling, a transmission shaft and a reducer; the second motor drives the pallet translation linear module via the second magnetic fluid penetration piece, the second universal coupling, the transmission shaft and the reducer.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that it can realize full-automatic pipe loading and length measurement.

[0012] A fully sealed nuclear fuel tube loading and length measurement automated device can be placed in an inert gas environment and isolated from the outside world in a sealed space to ensure that the water and oxygen content in the space meets the standards while protecting the outer surface of the cladding tube from contamination during the tube loading process.

[0013] The volume of the workstation has been greatly reduced, making it easier for the current workstation to achieve an inert atmosphere with ultra-low water and oxygen content, reducing the chemical reaction between the sodium rod and oxygen, and reducing the contamination of the fuel core on the outer surface of the cladding tube.

[0014] Compared with the traditional length measuring tooling in the fuel rod field, the fully sealed nuclear fuel tube loading and length measuring automatic device of the present application can directly carry out tube loading operations after length measurement, thereby realizing automated tube loading and length measurement. The pressure sensor and push rod of the tube pushing and length measuring assembly can realize movement and pressure control during both length measurement and tube loading.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated device for measuring the length of a fully sealed tube of nuclear fuel according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a guide seal assembly of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube length measurement automation device; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a tube-pushing and length-measuring assembly of a fully sealed tube-loading and length-measuring automated device for nuclear fuel; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a tray translation assembly of a nuclear fuel fully sealed tube loading and length measurement automation device.

[0017] List of reference numerals: guide sealing assembly 1, push tube length measuring assembly 2, pallet translation assembly 3, cladding tube guide wheel 11, second channel 12, locking nut 13, cladding tube guide sleeve 14, expansion ring 15, core and sodium rod guide sleeve 16, first motor 21, first magnetic fluid penetration component 22, first universal coupling 23, synchronous pulley box 24, magnetic scale 25, fixed bracket 26, pressure sensor 27, push rod 28, push tube linear module 29, second motor 31, second magnetic fluid penetration component 32, second universal coupling 33, transmission shaft 34, reducer 35, core pallet 36, pallet translation linear module 37, baffle device 38. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a fully sealed tube loading and length measurement automatic device for nuclear fuel comprises: a guide sealing component 1, a tube pushing and length measurement component 2 and a tray translation component 3.

[0020] The guide seal assembly 1 comprises: a core and sodium rod guide sleeve 16, a cladding tube guide sleeve 14 and an air expansion ring 15. The core and sodium rod guide sleeve 16 forms a first channel through which the core and the sodium rod pass. The cladding tube guide sleeve 14 forms a second channel 12 through which the cladding tube passes. The first channel and the second channel are butted to allow the core and the sodium rod to be inserted into the cladding tube. The air expansion ring 15 is installed on the cladding tube guide sleeve 14. After being inflated, the air expansion ring 15 surrounds and fits the outer surface of the cladding tube for sealing.

[0021] The push tube length measuring assembly 2 includes: a push tube linear module 29, a fixed bracket 26, a pressure sensor 27, a push rod 28 and a magnetic scale 25 for measuring displacement. The push tube linear module 29 is mounted on the fixed bracket 26. The push rod 28 is mounted on the slide of the push tube linear module 29 through the pressure sensor 27. The push tube linear module 29 drives the push rod 28 to move.

[0022] The tray translation assembly 3 includes: a core tray 36, a tray translation linear module 37 and a baffle device 38 for locating the position of the core and the sodium rod. The baffle device 38 includes: a baffle and a baffle cylinder. The baffle cylinder pushes the baffle to move between a position for abutting the core and the sodium rod and a position for allowing the core and the sodium rod to pass. The core tray 36 is provided with a plurality of channels for guiding the movement of the core and the sodium rod. The tray translation linear module 37 drives the core tray 36 to move so that different channels are aligned with the baffle.

[0023] As a specific embodiment, the guide seal assembly 1 further includes: a cladding tube guide wheel 11. The cladding tube guide wheels 11 are arranged in pairs to limit the cladding tube from both sides. The cladding tube passes through the two cladding tube guide wheels 11 arranged in pairs and enters the second channel 12. The guide seal assembly 1 further includes: a locking sleeve and a locking nut 13. The cladding tube guide sleeve 14 passes through the locking sleeve. The locking nut 13 is threadedly connected to the locking sleeve.

[0024] Specifically, the inlets of the first channel and the second channel 12 are located at ends away from each other. The outlets of the first channel and the second channel 12 are located at ends close to each other. The outlets of the first channel and the second channel 12 are butted. The diameter of the inlet of the first channel is greater than the diameter of the outlet of the first channel. The diameter of the inlet of the second channel 12 is greater than the diameter of the outlet of the second channel 12.

[0025] As a specific implementation, the expansion ring 15 is located at the outlet of the second channel 12 .

[0026] The tube push linear module 29 and the tray translation linear module 37 can be driven by a built-in motor or an external power source, which can be a motor or an electric motor.

[0027] As a specific implementation, the tube push and length measuring assembly 2 further includes: a first motor 21, a first magnetic fluid penetration component 22, a first universal coupling 23 and a synchronous pulley box 24. The first motor 21 drives the tube push linear module 29 via the first magnetic fluid penetration component 22, the first universal coupling 23 and the synchronous pulley box 24.

[0028] As a specific implementation, the tray translation assembly 3 further includes: a second motor 31, a second magnetic fluid penetration member 32, a second universal joint 33, a transmission shaft 34 and a reducer 35. The second motor 31 drives the tray translation linear module 37 via the second magnetic fluid penetration member 32, the second universal joint 33, the transmission shaft 34 and the reducer 35.

[0029] The first magnetic fluid penetration piece 22 and the second magnetic fluid penetration piece 32 function as magnetic seals.

[0030] Workflow: The core tray 36 is transferred from the previous station to the tube loading and length measurement station, and the baffle of the baffle device 38 rises. The tube pushing and length measurement component 2 is started, and the tube pushing linear module 29 drives the push rod 28 to push the core or sodium rod to the baffle position, and the pressure sensor 27 determines whether it is pressed. The magnetic scale 25 feeds back the moving distance and reversely calculates the core length. The core length is transmitted to the industrial computer to save the data. After the core length measurement is completed, the baffle of the baffle device 38 is lowered. The tube pushing and length measurement component 2 continues to run, and the push rod 28 continues to push the core or sodium rod, and pushes the core or sodium rod into the cladding tube through the guide sealing component 1. When a row of cores or sodium rods are all pushed into the cladding tube, the tray translation component 3 is started to align the different channels on the core tray 36 with the guide sealing component 1, and push different cores or sodium rods into the cladding tube respectively.

[0031] The guide seal assembly 1, the push tube length measuring assembly 2 and the tray translation assembly 3 are arranged in a sealed cavity which is filled with inert gas.

[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims be included in the invention. Any reference numeral in a claim should not be considered as limiting the claim to which it relates.

[0033] In addition, it should be understood that although the present specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A fully sealed nuclear fuel tube length measurement automated device, characterized in that: include: A guide seal assembly (1), a push tube length measuring assembly (2) and a tray translation assembly (3); The guide seal assembly (1) comprises: a core and sodium rod guide sleeve (16), a cladding tube guide sleeve (14) and an air expansion ring (15); the core and sodium rod guide sleeve (16) forms a first channel through which the core and the sodium rod pass; the cladding tube guide sleeve (14) forms a second channel (12) through which the cladding tube passes; the first channel and the second channel (12) are butted against each other so that the core and the sodium rod are inserted into the cladding tube; the air expansion ring (15) is mounted on the cladding tube guide sleeve (14); after being inflated, the air expansion ring (15) surrounds and fits the outer surface of the cladding tube to seal; The push tube length measuring assembly (2) comprises: a push tube linear module (29), a fixed bracket (26), a pressure sensor (27), a push rod (28) and a magnetic scale (25) for measuring displacement; the push tube linear module (29) is mounted on the fixed bracket (26); the push rod (28) is mounted on the slide table of the push tube linear module (29) through the pressure sensor (27); the push tube linear module (29) drives the push rod (28) to move; The tray translation assembly (3) comprises: a core tray (36), a tray translation linear module (37) and a baffle device (38) for locating the position of the core and the sodium rod; the baffle device (38) comprises: a baffle and a baffle cylinder; the baffle cylinder pushes the baffle to move between a position for abutting the core and the sodium rod and a position for allowing the core and the sodium rod to pass; the core tray (36) is provided with a plurality of channels for guiding the movement of the core and the sodium rod; the tray translation linear module (37) drives the core tray (36) to move so that different channels are aligned with the baffle.

2. The automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide seal assembly (1) further comprises: a cladding tube guide wheel (11); the cladding tube guide wheels (11) are arranged in pairs to limit the position of the cladding tube from both sides; the cladding tube passes between the two cladding tube guide wheels (11) arranged in pairs and enters the second channel (12).

3. The automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlets of the first channel and the second channel (12) are located at ends away from each other; the outlets of the first channel and the second channel (12) are located at ends close to each other; the diameter of the inlet of the first channel is greater than the diameter of the outlet of the first channel; and the diameter of the inlet of the second channel (12) is greater than the diameter of the outlet of the second channel (12).

4. The automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube according to claim 3, characterized in that: The expansion ring (15) is located at the outlet of the second channel (12).

5. The automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The push-tube length measuring assembly (2) further comprises: a first motor (21), a first magnetic fluid penetration piece (22), a first universal joint (23) and a synchronous pulley box (24); The first motor (21) drives the push-tube linear module (29) via the first magnetic fluid penetration piece (22), the first universal joint (23) and the synchronous pulley box (24).

6. The automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pallet translation assembly (3) further comprises: a second motor (31), a second magnetic fluid penetration member (32), a second universal joint (33), a transmission shaft (34) and a reducer (35); The second motor (31) drives the tray translation linear module (37) via the second magnetic fluid penetration piece (32), the second universal joint (33), the transmission shaft (34) and the reducer (35).

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