An automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed tube for nuclear fuel

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel rod processing for sodium-cooled fast reactors, and particularly relates to an automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube. An automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube includes: a guiding and sealing assembly, a tube pushing and length measuring assembly, and a tray translation assembly; the guiding and sealing assembly includes: a core body, a sodium rod guiding sleeve, a cladding tube guiding sleeve, and an air expansion ring; the core body and the sodium rod guiding sleeve form a first channel through which the core body and the sodium rod pass; the cladding tube guiding sleeve forms a second channel for the cladding tube to pass through; the first channel and the second channel are docked so that the core body and the sodium rod are inserted into the cladding tube; the air expansion ring is installed on the cladding tube guiding sleeve; after the air expansion ring is inflated, it surrounds and fits the outer surface of the cladding tube for sealing. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that it can achieve full-automatic tube loading and length measurement.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The fuel rods used in sodium-cooled fast reactors mainly consist of a cladding tube, end plugs, a fuel core, and metallic sodium, and their manufacturing and processing belong to key processes. The processing of fuel rods first requires tube loading, that is, loading the fuel core, sodium rods, etc. into the cladding tube. After the sodium rods undergo heating, melting, vibration, and cooling operations, the cladding tube and end plugs need to be welded.

[0003] After measuring the lengths of the core and sodium rods of the fuel rod, tube loading is carried out. The length measuring devices used in the traditional fuel rod field, such as CN201520556219.X, only perform single length measurement. The sealed spaces required for the length measurement station and the tube loading station are 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 to directly achieve the automatic tube loading and automatic length measurement functions of the core and sodium rods of sodium-cooled fast reactor fuel rods at the length measurement station, reduce the volume required for the sealed space, and thus reduce 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 automatic device for measuring the length of nuclear fuel in a fully sealed tube to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] An automatic device for measuring the length of nuclear fuel in a fully sealed tube includes: a guiding and sealing assembly, a tube pushing and length measuring assembly, and a tray translation assembly;

[0007] The guiding and sealing assembly includes: a core and sodium rod guiding sleeve, a cladding tube guiding sleeve, and an air inflation ring; the core and sodium rod guiding sleeve is formed with a first channel through which the core and sodium rods pass; the cladding tube guiding sleeve is formed with a second channel for the cladding tube to pass through; the first channel and the second channel are docked so that the core and sodium rods can be inserted into the cladding tube; the air inflation ring is installed on the cladding tube guiding sleeve; after the air inflation ring is inflated, it surrounds and fits the outer surface of the cladding tube for sealing;

[0008] The tube pushing and length measuring assembly includes: a tube pushing linear module, a fixed bracket, a pressure sensor, a push rod, and a magnetic grating ruler for measuring displacement; the tube pushing linear module is installed on the fixed bracket; the push rod is installed on the slide table of the tube pushing linear module through the pressure sensor; the tube pushing linear module drives the push rod to move;

[0009] The pallet translation assembly includes: a core pallet, a pallet translation linear module, and a baffle device for positioning 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 against the core and the sodium rod and a position allowing the core and the sodium rod to pass through; the core pallet is provided with a plurality of channels for guiding the movement of the core and the sodium rod; the pallet translation linear module drives the core pallet to move so that different channels are aligned with the baffle.

[0010] As a further solution of the present invention: the guide and seal assembly further includes: cladding tube guide wheels; the cladding tube guide wheels are arranged in pairs to limit the cladding tube from both sides; the cladding tube passes between two paired cladding tube guide wheels and enters the second channel.

[0011] As a further solution of the present invention: the entrances of the first channel and the second channel are located at one end far from each other; the exits of the first channel and the second channel are located at one end close to each other; the diameter of the entrance of the first channel is greater than the diameter of the exit of the first channel; the diameter of the entrance of the second channel is greater than the diameter of the exit of the second channel.

[0012] As a further solution of the present invention: the air inflation ring is located at the exit position of the second channel.

[0013] As a further solution of the present invention: the push tube length measurement assembly further includes: a first motor, a first magnetic fluid penetrator, a first universal coupling, and a synchronous pulley box; the first motor drives the push tube linear module through the first magnetic fluid penetrator, the first universal coupling, and the synchronous pulley box.

[0014] As a further solution of the present invention: the pallet translation assembly further includes: a second motor, a second magnetic fluid penetrator, a second universal coupling, a transmission shaft, and a reducer; the second motor drives the pallet translation linear module through the second magnetic fluid penetrator, the second universal coupling, the transmission shaft, and the reducer.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: full-automatic tube loading and length measurement can be achieved.

[0016] A fully-sealed tube loading and length measurement automation device for a nuclear fuel can be placed in an inert gas environment, isolated from the outside world in a sealed space, ensuring that the water and oxygen content in its space meets the standards, and at the same time ensuring that the outer surface of the cladding tube is avoided from being contaminated during the tube loading process.

[0017] The volume of the working station is greatly reduced, making it easier to achieve an inert atmosphere with an ultra-low water and oxygen content in the current working station, reducing the chemical reaction between the sodium rod and oxygen, and reducing the contamination of the outer surface of the cladding tube by the fuel core.

[0018] Compared with the length measuring tooling in the field of traditional fuel rods, an automatic length measuring and tube loading device for fully sealed nuclear fuel tube can directly perform tube loading operations after length measurement, realizing automatic tube loading and length measurement. By using the pressure sensor and push rod of the tube pushing and length measuring component, both the movement and pressure control during length measurement and the movement and pressure control during tube loading can be achieved.

[0019] 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

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic length measuring and tube loading device for fully sealed nuclear fuel tube according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the guiding and sealing component of an automatic length measuring and tube loading device for fully sealed nuclear fuel tube in

[0022] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the tube pushing and length measuring component of an automatic length measuring and tube loading device for fully sealed nuclear fuel tube in

[0023] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the tray translation component of an automatic length measuring and tube loading device for fully sealed nuclear fuel tube in

[0024] List of reference numerals: guiding and sealing component 1, tube pushing and length measuring component 2, tray translation component 3, cladding tube guiding wheel 11, second channel 12, locking nut 13, cladding tube guiding sleeve 14, air inflation ring 15, core and sodium rod guiding sleeve 16, first motor 21, first magnetic fluid penetrator 22, first universal coupling 23, synchronous belt wheel box 24, magnetic grating ruler 25, fixed bracket 26, pressure sensor 27, push rod 28, tube pushing linear module 29, second motor 31, second magnetic fluid penetrator 32, second universal coupling 33, transmission shaft 34, speed reducer 35, core tray 36, tray translation linear module 37, baffle device 38. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0026] As Figures 1 to 4As shown in the figure, an automatic device for measuring the length of a fully sealed nuclear fuel tube includes: a guiding and sealing assembly 1, a tube-pushing and length-measuring assembly 2, and a tray translation assembly 3.

[0027] The guiding and sealing assembly 1 includes: a core body and a sodium rod guiding sleeve 16, a cladding tube guiding sleeve 14, and an air inflation ring 15. The core body and the sodium rod guiding sleeve 16 form a first channel through which the core body and the sodium rod pass. The cladding tube guiding sleeve 14 forms a second channel 12 for the cladding tube to pass through. The first channel and the second channel are docked so that the core body and the sodium rod are inserted into the cladding tube. The air inflation ring 15 is installed on the cladding tube guiding sleeve 14. After the air inflation ring 15 is inflated, it surrounds and fits the outer surface of the cladding tube for sealing.

[0028] The tube-pushing and length-measuring assembly 2 includes: a tube-pushing linear module 29, a fixed bracket 26, a pressure sensor 27, a push rod 28, and a magnetic grating ruler 25 for measuring displacement. The tube-pushing linear module 29 is installed on the fixed bracket 26. The push rod 28 is installed on the slide table of the tube-pushing linear module 29 through the pressure sensor 27. The tube-pushing linear module 29 drives the push rod 28 to move.

[0029] The tray translation assembly 3 includes: a core body tray 36, a tray translation linear module 37, and a baffle device 38 for positioning the core body 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 against the core body and the sodium rod and a position allowing the core body and the sodium rod to pass through. The core body tray 36 is provided with a plurality of channels for guiding the movement of the core body and the sodium rod. The tray translation linear module 37 drives the core body tray 36 to move so that different channels are aligned with the baffle.

[0030] As a specific implementation manner, the guiding and sealing assembly 1 further includes: cladding tube guiding wheels 11. The cladding tube guiding wheels 11 are arranged in pairs to limit the cladding tube from both sides. The cladding tube passes through between the two pairs of cladding tube guiding wheels 11 and enters the second channel 12. The guiding and sealing assembly 1 further includes: a lock sleeve and a locking nut 13. The cladding tube guiding sleeve 14 passes through the lock sleeve. The locking nut 13 is threadedly connected to the lock sleeve.

[0031] Specifically, the entrances of the first channel and the second channel 12 are located at one end far away from each other. The exits of the first channel and the second channel 12 are located at one end close to each other. The exits of the first channel and the second channel 12 are docked. The diameter of the entrance of the first channel is larger than the diameter of the exit of the first channel. The diameter of the entrance of the second channel 12 is larger than the diameter of the exit of the second channel 12.

[0032] As a specific implementation manner, the air inflation ring 15 is located at the exit position of the second channel 12.

[0033] The push tube linear module 29 and the tray translation linear module 37 can be driven by an in-built motor or by an external power source. The external power source can be a motor or an electric machine.

[0034] As a specific implementation, the push tube length measuring assembly 2 further includes: a first electric machine 21, a first magnetic fluid penetrator 22, a first universal coupling 23, and a synchronous pulley box 24. The first electric machine 21 drives the push tube linear module 29 through the first magnetic fluid penetrator 22, the first universal coupling 23, and the synchronous pulley box 24.

[0035] As a specific implementation, the tray translation assembly 3 further includes: a second electric machine 31, a second magnetic fluid penetrator 32, a second universal coupling 33, a transmission shaft 34, and a speed reducer 35. The second electric machine 31 drives the tray translation linear module 37 through the second magnetic fluid penetrator 32, the second universal coupling 33, the transmission shaft 34, and the speed reducer 35.

[0036] The first magnetic fluid penetrator 22 and the second magnetic fluid penetrator 32 serve as magnetic seals.

[0037] Workflow: The core tray 36 is transferred from the previous station to the tube loading and length measuring station, and the baffle of the baffle device 38 is raised. The push tube length measuring assembly 2 is started, and the push tube 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 tightly. The magnetic grating ruler 25 feeds back the moving distance and calculates the core length by inverse calculation. The core length is transmitted to the industrial control computer to save the data. After the core length measurement is completed, the baffle of the baffle device 38 is lowered. The push tube length measuring assembly 2 continues to operate, and the push rod 28 continues to push the core or sodium rod, and the core or sodium rod is pushed into the cladding tube through the guiding and sealing assembly 1. When all the cores or sodium rods in a row are pushed into the cladding tube, the tray translation assembly 3 is started to align different channels on the core tray 36 with the guiding and sealing assembly 1, and different cores or sodium rods are respectively pushed into the cladding tube.

[0038] The guiding and sealing assembly 1, the push tube length measuring assembly 2, and the tray translation assembly 3 are arranged in a sealed cavity. The sealed cavity is filled with inert gas.

[0039] For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, from any point of view, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description. Therefore, all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are intended to be included in the present invention. Any reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting the claims involved.

[0040] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only includes an independent technical solution. This narrative manner of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments 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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