Irradiation test device for a reactor

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of nuclear reactor testing, and particularly relate to an irradiation test device for a reactor, which comprises an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell comprises a body part, a first connecting part and a second connecting part connected with the body part, the first connecting part being used for mounting on a reactor head cover of the reactor, and the second connecting part being used for mounting on a reactor core space of the reactor; the inner shell is arranged inside the outer shell, and an irradiation sample is arranged in the inner shell; wherein the inner shell contains a test coolant, and the test coolant forms a cooling loop in the inner shell to cool the irradiation sample by using the test coolant. Embodiments of the present application form a cooling loop for the test coolant in the inner shell, and by changing the type of the test coolant, the irradiation sample can be placed in various different coolants (i.e. test environmental media) for irradiation test, and is not limited to the coolant in the reactor, thereby enriching the irradiation test conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of nuclear reactor testing technology, and more specifically to an irradiation testing apparatus for reactors. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein are provided merely as background information in connection with this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Materials within a reactor can undergo changes in properties due to irradiation from the reactor core during service, which in turn affects the safe and stable operation of the reactor. Therefore, it is necessary to study the changes in the properties of materials after irradiation.

[0004] To study the changes in the properties of materials after irradiation, irradiated samples made from the material are typically placed in an irradiation container, which is then placed inside a reactor for irradiation experiments to investigate the changes in the material's properties after irradiation. Currently, the structure of irradiation devices limits the irradiation test conditions for irradiated samples. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A brief overview of this application is provided below to offer a basic understanding of certain aspects thereof. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the application. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the application, nor is it intended to limit its scope. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] In related technologies, when the irradiated sample is a fuel assembly, the irradiation test can only be conducted in the coolant within the reactor's reactor vessel. The irradiation test temperature also depends on the temperature of the coolant within the reactor's reactor vessel, resulting in a single irradiation test condition.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of this application provide an irradiation testing apparatus for a reactor, which is used to place irradiated samples in the reactor core for irradiation testing.

[0008] The irradiation testing apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application includes an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell includes a main body, a first connecting part and a second connecting part connected to the main body, the first connecting part being used for installation on the reactor top cover, and the second connecting part being used for installation in a reactor core vacancy; the inner shell is disposed inside the outer shell, and the irradiated sample is disposed in the inner shell; wherein, the inner shell contains a test coolant, and the test coolant forms a cooling circuit in the inner shell to cool the irradiated sample.

[0009] The embodiments of this application, by forming a cooling circuit in the inner shell with the test coolant, allow irradiation tests to be conducted on irradiated samples in various coolants (i.e., test environment media) by changing the type of test coolant, rather than being limited to the coolant within the reactor. By changing the flow rate of the test coolant, the temperature of the irradiated sample can be altered, thereby enabling irradiation tests at different temperatures. The irradiation testing apparatus provided by the embodiments of this application offers an enclosed environment for irradiated samples within the reactor, isolating different test environment media from the coolant within the reactor, thus enriching the irradiation testing conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Other objects and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of this application.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an irradiation test apparatus for a reactor provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged view of the irradiation test apparatus is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another enlarged view of the irradiation test apparatus shown.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0015] 100. Irradiation test apparatus;

[0016] 10. Outer shell; 11. Main body; 110. In-core coolant outlet; 111. First pipe fitting; 112. First cover; 12. First connecting part; 13. Second connecting part; 130. In-core coolant inlet;

[0017] 20. Inner shell; 21. Second pipe fitting; 22. Second cover; 23. Sample connection part; 24. Cooling circuit; 241. Ascending channel; 242. Descending channel;

[0018] 30. First partition section; 31. Inner pipe fitting; 32. Outer pipe fitting; 33. End cap; 301. Insulation cavity;

[0019] 40. Drive unit; 41. Impeller; 411. Suction port; 412. Discharge port;

[0020] 50. Gas filling pipeline; 60. Second partition section; 601. In-core coolant flow chamber; 602. Heat conduction chamber;

[0021] 70. Molten material collector; 71. Diverter column;

[0022] 81. First connecting member; 82. Second connecting member; 90. Impurity removal device;

[0023] 200, top cover of the reactor; 300, irradiated sample.

[0024] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are shown only in a schematic manner without affecting the reader's understanding. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and brevity, not all features of actual implementations are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific decisions must be made in the development of any such actual embodiment to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with constraints related to the system and business, and these constraints may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while development work can be very complex and time-consuming, such development work is merely a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the content of this application.

[0026] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring this application with unnecessary details, only the equipment structure and / or processing steps closely related to the solution according to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to this application are omitted.

[0027] Embodiments of this application provide an irradiation testing apparatus for a reactor, which is used to place irradiated samples in the reactor core for irradiation testing.

[0028] See Figure 1 The irradiation testing apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application may include an outer shell 10 and an inner shell 20. The outer shell 10 may include a main body 11, a first connecting part 12 and a second connecting part 13 connected to the main body 11. The first connecting part 12 is used for installation on the reactor top cover 200, and the second connecting part 13 is used for installation in the reactor core vacancy. The inner shell 20 is disposed inside the outer shell 10, and the irradiated sample 300 is disposed in the inner shell 20. The inner shell 20 contains a test coolant, and the test coolant forms a cooling circuit 24 in the inner shell 20 to cool the irradiated sample 300.

[0029] The embodiments of this application, by forming a cooling circuit 24 within the inner shell using a test coolant, allow the irradiated sample 300 to be placed in various different coolants (i.e., test environment media) for irradiation testing by changing the type of test coolant, rather than being limited to the coolant within the reactor. By changing the flow rate of the test coolant, the temperature of the irradiated sample 300 can be altered, thereby enabling irradiation testing at different temperatures. The irradiation testing apparatus 100 provided by the embodiments of this application offers an enclosed environment for the irradiated sample 300 within the reactor, isolating different test environment media from the coolant within the reactor, thus enriching the irradiation testing conditions.

[0030] The irradiation test apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application is installed in the reactor core via a first connecting part 12 and a second connecting part 13, so as to install the irradiated sample 300 in the reactor core for irradiation testing, which is convenient to operate.

[0031] In some embodiments, the test coolant may be liquid sodium.

[0032] In some embodiments, the irradiated sample 300 may be a fuel assembly, wherein the fuel assembly comprises a plurality of fuel elements assembled together.

[0033] In some embodiments, the reactor top cover 200 can be a plug at the top of the reactor. During installation, the first connecting part 12 can pass through the plug at the top of the reactor and be connected to the plug at the top of the reactor via a flange and bolts.

[0034] In some embodiments, the structure of the second connection portion 13 may be the same as the structure of the connection portion of the core assembly used for inserting into the core cavity.

[0035] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the irradiation testing apparatus 100 may further include a first partition 30 and a drive unit 40. The first partition 30 may be disposed in the inner shell 20, dividing the inner shell 20 into an upward channel 241 located radially inward and a downward channel 242 located radially outward, with the bottoms of the downward channel 242 and the upward channel 241 in fluid communication. The drive unit 40 may be disposed in the outer shell 10, for driving the test coolant in the inner shell 20 to flow upward along the upward channel 241 to enter the downward channel 242, and for driving the test coolant in the downward channel 242 to flow downward to enter the upward channel 241 to form a cooling circuit 24 to cool the irradiated sample 300. In such an embodiment, the test coolant with a lower temperature flows downward to enter the downward channel 242 and then enters the upward channel 241 to exchange heat with the irradiated sample 300. The test coolant with a higher temperature flows upward along the upward channel 241 and circulates back into the downward channel 242. Since the descending channel 242 is located on the radially outer side, it facilitates the outward diffusion of heat from the test coolant within the descending channel 242 into the coolant within the reactor, thereby ultimately diffusing the heat generated by the irradiated sample 300 during the irradiation test into the coolant within the reactor, thus achieving cooling of the irradiated sample 300.

[0036] In some embodiments, the drive unit 40 is, for example, a pump.

[0037] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first partition 30 is configured to form a heat insulation cavity 301. In some embodiments, the irradiation test apparatus 100 may further include a gas filling pipe 50 disposed in the outer shell 10 for filling the heat insulation cavity 301 with gas to insulate the descending channel 242 and the ascending channel 241. In such embodiments, by insulating the descending channel 242 and the ascending channel 241, heat exchange between the test coolant located in the ascending channel 241 and the test coolant located in the descending channel 242 can be avoided, allowing a certain temperature difference between the test coolant in the ascending channel 241 and the test coolant in the descending channel 242. This facilitates the test coolant in the descending channel 242 to enter the ascending channel 241 and carry away the heat from the irradiated sample 300, thereby cooling the irradiated sample 300.

[0038] Furthermore, this ensures that the relatively low-temperature test coolant in the descending channel 242 maintains its temperature at the preset test temperature before flowing through the irradiated sample 300, thus simulating an irradiation test where the irradiated sample 300 is placed in a specific coolant at a specific temperature. In this embodiment, since the heat from the irradiated sample 300 is not carried away by the test coolant in the descending channel 242 beforehand, the temperature of the test coolant at the upper outlet of the irradiated sample 300 can be increased. When the irradiated sample 300 is a fuel assembly, it can simulate not only irradiation tests under normal reactor operating temperatures but also conditions where the fuel assembly outlet is at a higher temperature, such as a reactor's instantaneous high-temperature condition. After the test, the fuel assembly can be promptly removed and sent to the hot chamber for analysis.

[0039] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the body portion 11 may include a first tube 111 and a first cover 112. The upper end of the first tube 111 is open, and the first cover 112 is detachably connected to the first tube 111 to seal the upper end opening of the first tube 111.

[0040] The first connecting part 12 is connected to the upper middle part of the first pipe fitting 111, and the second connecting part 13 is connected to the first pipe fitting 111 below.

[0041] In some embodiments, the inflation line 50 may be disposed in the first pipe 111. In some embodiments, the gas filled into the insulation cavity 301 by the inflation line 50 may be an inert gas, such as helium. The inflation line 50 may enter the interior of the first pipe 111 from the portion of the first pipe 111 located above the first connection portion 12.

[0042] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first partition 30 may include an inner tube 31, an outer tube 32 disposed radially outside the inner tube 31, and two end caps 33 connected to the inner tube 31 and the outer tube 32 at the top and bottom ends respectively. The inner tube 31, the outer tube 32, and the end caps 33 together form a heat insulation cavity 301.

[0043] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the drive unit 40 may include an impeller 41 having a suction port 411 located radially inward and a discharge port 412 located radially outward, to draw the test coolant from the radially inward side to the radially outward side; the suction port 411 of the impeller 41 is in fluid communication with the rising channel 241, and the discharge port 412 is in fluid communication with the falling channel 242. In such embodiments, driving the test coolant to circulate within the rising channel 241 and the cooling channel by the impeller 41 facilitates faster cooling of the irradiated sample 300.

[0044] In such an embodiment, the cooling effect on the irradiated sample 300 can be adjusted by adjusting the rotational speed of the impeller 41, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the test coolant in the cooling circuit 24.

[0045] In some embodiments, the irradiation testing apparatus 100 may further include a heating element disposed in the heat insulation cavity 301 for heating the first partition 30. In such an embodiment, before filling the inner shell 20 with the test coolant, the first partition 30 and the inner shell 20 can be heated by the heating element to prevent the test coolant in the inner shell 20 from solidifying; and during the irradiation test, the test coolant in the inner shell 20 can also be heated by the heating element, so that the test coolant in the inner shell 20 is at different temperatures, to simulate the irradiation test of the irradiated sample 300 in coolant at different temperatures. Since the heating element is located in the heat insulation cavity 301 and is separated from the test coolant, the heating element is not easily damaged and is easy to replace.

[0046] The heating element can be, for example, an electric heating element. The heating element is located within the insulation cavity 301, which facilitates cable arrangement. In some embodiments, the electric heating power of the heating element can be adjusted to maintain different temperatures in the test coolant within the inner shell 20, thereby enabling irradiation tests on the irradiated sample 300 at different temperatures.

[0047] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the irradiation test apparatus 100 may further include a second partition 60 disposed between the inner shell 20 and the main body 11 of the outer shell 10. The second partition 60 and the inner shell 20 form a heat-conducting cavity 602, and the second partition 60 and the main body 11 of the outer shell 10 form an in-pile coolant flow cavity 601. In such an embodiment, the heat of the test coolant in the descending channel 242 can be transferred to the in-pile coolant flow cavity 601 through the heat-conducting cavity 602, thereby utilizing the coolant in the reactor vessel to remove the heat from the irradiated sample 300.

[0048] See Figure 1 In some embodiments, the gas filling line 50 is also used to fill the heat conduction cavity 602 with gas to adjust the thermal conductivity within the heat conduction cavity 602. In such embodiments, the heat exchange between the in-core coolant and the inner shell 20 can be adjusted by regulating the thermal conductivity within the heat conduction cavity 602, thereby changing the temperature of the test coolant in the inner shell 20. Specifically, the thermal conductivity within the heat conduction cavity 602 can be adjusted by regulating the gas pressure and gas composition within the heat conduction cavity 602.

[0049] See Figure 1In some embodiments, the second connecting part 13 is provided with an in-core coolant inlet 130, and the main body 11 is provided with an in-core coolant outlet 110. When the second connecting part 13 is installed in a core vacancy of the reactor, the in-core coolant in the reactor can enter the in-core coolant flow chamber 601 through the in-core coolant inlet 130, cool the inner shell 20, and then return to the reactor through the in-core coolant outlet 110. In such an embodiment, the coolant entering the rising channel 241 carries the heat of the irradiated sample 300 to the falling channel 242, and then the in-core coolant carries away the heat of the irradiated sample 300 carried by the coolant in the falling channel 242, thereby cooling the irradiated sample 300.

[0050] Specifically, since the irradiated sample 300 generates heat during the irradiation test, the test coolant entering the rising channel 241 will carry the heat of the irradiated sample 300 to the falling channel 242 after exchanging heat with the irradiated sample 300. At the same time, since the in-core coolant enters the in-core coolant flow cavity 601 and exchanges heat with the falling channel 242 through the heat conduction cavity 602, the in-core coolant will exchange heat with the test coolant in the falling channel 242, thereby enabling the in-core coolant to carry away the heat of the irradiated sample 300.

[0051] In some embodiments, the in-pile coolant may be liquid sodium.

[0052] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the gas in the heat-conducting cavity 602 is greater than that of the gas in the heat-insulating cavity 301. For example, the pressure of the gas in the heat-conducting cavity 602 is greater than the pressure of the gas in the heat-insulating cavity 301.

[0053] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the irradiation testing apparatus 100 may further include a first connector 81, through which the second partition 60 and the inner shell 20 can be connected to the outer shell 10. In some embodiments, the first connector 81 may be annular.

[0054] In some embodiments, the drive unit 40 may be mounted on the second partition 60. In some embodiments, the top end of the second partition 60 may be flush with the top end of the inner shell 20, and both are located above the stack top cover 200.

[0055] See Figure 1 In some embodiments, the top of the first partition 30 is higher than the in-core coolant outlet 110. In such embodiments, the heat exchange area between the in-core coolant and the test coolant can be increased, which is beneficial for the in-core coolant to remove heat from the irradiated sample 300.

[0056] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the irradiation testing apparatus 100 may further include a melt collector 70 disposed in the heat-conducting cavity 602 to receive the melt from the irradiated sample 300 when it melts. In such embodiments, receiving the melt from the irradiated sample 300 through the melt collector 70 facilitates the recovery of the melt obtained after the irradiated sample 300 has melted.

[0057] Specifically, the molten material collector 70 is disposed within the second partition 60. The second partition 60 may include a partition tube with an opening at its lower end and a bottom cover for closing the lower opening of the partition tube. The molten material collector 70 may contact the lower end of the partition tube and the bottom cover.

[0058] join Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, a diversion column 71 is provided at the center of the melt collector 70, which can divert the melt of the irradiated sample 300, so that the melt is dispersed at the bottom of the melt collector 70, avoiding the accumulation of melt at the bottom center of the melt collector 70, which is beneficial to the cooling of the melt of the irradiated sample 300.

[0059] In some embodiments, to ensure that the melt collector 70 can adequately receive the melt from the irradiated sample 300, the melt collector 70 should be configured to have sufficient depth. In some embodiments, to prevent the high-temperature melt from damaging the melt collector 70, the melt collector 70 is made of a material that is more heat-resistant than the second partition 60.

[0060] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the irradiation test apparatus 100 may further include a purification device 90, which is disposed radially inside the first partition 30 and is used to purify the test coolant. In such embodiments, purifying the test coolant by the purification device 90 ensures the purity of the test coolant, thereby helping to ensure the quality of the test coolant and improve the safety of the irradiation test apparatus 100.

[0061] In some embodiments, the impurity removal device 90 is, for example, a stainless steel filter screen. The stainless steel filter screen removes impurities by filtering the test coolant. In some embodiments, the impurity removal device 90 may be used to remove impurities such as oxygen and carbon from the test coolant.

[0062] In some embodiments, the impurity removal device 90 is capable of filtering the test coolant at high temperatures, such as above 500°C.

[0063] See Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, the irradiation testing apparatus 100 may further include a sample connection portion 23, which is disposed in the inner shell 20 and used to connect with the irradiated sample 300. In such embodiments, by connecting the irradiated sample 300 with the sample connection portion 23, the irradiated sample 300 can be positioned in the inner shell 20, preventing radial swaying of the irradiated sample 300.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sample connection portion 23 may form a connection hole for connection with the irradiated sample 300. The irradiated sample 300 has a connector adapted to the connection hole of the sample connection portion 23, so that the irradiated sample 300 is mounted on the sample connection portion 23 by the insertion and engagement of the connector with the connection hole.

[0065] In some embodiments, the structure of the sample connection portion 23 may be the same as the structure of the reactor core vacancy.

[0066] join Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the inner shell 20 may include a second tube 21 and a second cover 22, the second cover 22 being connected to the end of the second tube 21 away from the first cover 112. In some embodiments, a sample connection portion 23 may be disposed on the second cover 22.

[0067] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the irradiation testing apparatus 100 may further include a second connector 82 for connecting the second partition 60 to the first tube 111. In some embodiments, the second connector 82 may connect the second partition 60 to the middle portion of the first tube 111.

[0068] In some embodiments, the irradiation test apparatus 100 may further include a temperature measuring element, which can be used to measure the temperature of the test coolant flowing through the irradiated sample 300. In some embodiments, the temperature measuring element or the measuring element may be disposed in the heat-conducting cavity 602 or the heat-insulating cavity 301.

[0069] In some embodiments, the irradiation test apparatus 100 has a maximum diameter of 160 mm and a total height of 15 m.

[0070] The process of placing an irradiated sample 300 in the reactor core to conduct an irradiation test using the irradiation test apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0071] First, the irradiated sample 300 is connected to the sample connection part 23 so that the irradiated sample 300 can be placed in the inner shell 20. Then, the irradiation test device 100 is assembled and sealed. Then, the surface of the irradiation test device 100 is cleaned to remove dust and impurities. Then, the inner shell 20 is preheated to 200°C to 300°C to prevent the test coolant added to the inner shell 20 from solidifying. Then, the test coolant is filled into the inner shell 20. Then, the second connection part 13 of the irradiation test device is inserted into the core cavity, and the first connection part 12 is connected to the top valve, thus completing the placement of the irradiated sample 300 in the reactor core, after which the irradiation test can be carried out.

[0072] Regarding the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0073] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An irradiation testing apparatus for a reactor, used to place irradiated samples in the reactor core for irradiation testing, characterized in that, The device includes: The outer casing includes a main body, a first connecting part and a second connecting part connected to the main body, the first connecting part being used for installation on the reactor top cover, and the second connecting part being used for installation in the reactor core vacancy; An inner shell is disposed inside the outer shell, and the irradiated sample is disposed in the inner shell; The inner shell contains a test coolant, which forms a cooling circuit within the inner shell to cool the irradiated sample. The device further includes: A first partition is disposed in the inner shell, dividing the interior of the inner shell into an upward channel located on the radially inner side and a downward channel located on the radially outer side, wherein the bottoms of the downward channel and the upward channel are in fluid communication. A drive unit, disposed within the outer casing, is used to drive the test coolant in the inner casing to flow upward along the rising channel to enter the falling channel, and to cause the test coolant in the falling channel to flow downward to enter the rising channel to form the cooling circuit to cool the irradiated sample; The first partition is configured to form a heat insulation cavity; The device further includes: An inflation pipe, located in the outer shell, is used to fill the insulation cavity with gas to insulate the descending channel and the ascending channel.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit includes an impeller having a suction port located radially inner and a discharge port located radially outer, for drawing the test coolant from the radially inner side to the radially outer side. The impeller's suction port is in fluid communication with the rising channel, and the discharge port is in fluid communication with the descending channel.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A heating element is disposed in the heat insulation cavity and is used to heat the first partition.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second partition is disposed between the inner shell and the body portion of the outer shell. The second partition and the inner shell form a heat-conducting cavity, and the second partition and the body portion of the outer shell form an in-pile coolant flow cavity. The gas filling pipeline is also used to fill the heat-conducting cavity with gas in order to adjust the thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting cavity; The second connection part is provided with an in-core coolant inlet, and the main body part is provided with an in-core coolant outlet. When the second connection part is installed in the core vacancy of the reactor, the in-core coolant in the reactor can enter the in-core coolant flow chamber through the in-core coolant inlet, cool the inner shell, and then return to the reactor through the in-core coolant outlet.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top of the first partition is higher than the in-pile coolant outlet.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A molten material collector is disposed in the heat-conducting cavity to receive the molten material of the irradiated sample when the irradiated sample melts.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A purification device is disposed on the radial inner side of the first partition and is used to remove impurities from the test coolant.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A sample connection part is disposed in the inner shell for connecting to the irradiated sample.

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