Irradiation channel tube assembly and reactor containing it

Abstract

This invention discloses an irradiation channel tube assembly and a reactor containing the same, used to connect the reactor top hall to the reactor and transport an irradiation device. The reactor contains a core compartment, with the reactor top hall located directly above the reactor. The irradiation channel tube assembly includes a hollow tube body; the tube body passes through the top of the reactor and extends vertically from the reactor top hall to the bottom of the core compartment. The irradiation channel tube assembly also includes a sealing structure; the tube body has at least one sealing structure along the vertical direction. The sealing structure opens or closes the tube body to create a sealed isolation between the reactor and the reactor top hall. This invention provides a transport channel for the irradiation device by setting a hollow tube body passing through the top of the reactor and extending from the reactor top hall to the bottom of the core compartment, allowing the irradiation device to be transported from the reactor top hall to the core. Through the cooperation of the tube body and the sealing structure, the irradiation device is separated from the molten salt in the core and the reactor top environment, ensuring the overall safety and airtightness of the irradiation device environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of molten salt irradiated reactors, and more specifically to an irradiation channel tube assembly and a reactor comprising the same. Background Technology

[0002] A reactor is a type of large radiation source that emits various types of radiation. Among the existing reactors used for irradiation tests, water reactors and sodium-cooled fast reactors are the main test reactor types. Their irradiation devices are all immersed in coolant. During the test, the heat generated by the irradiation device can be removed by the reactor coolant. Especially in pool-type water-cooled test reactors, it is even necessary to heat the irradiation device during the test in order to reach a certain test temperature requirement.

[0003] According to the design plans of TMSR-LF1 and subsequent molten salt reactors, molten salt reactors utilize a channel pipe structure to isolate the irradiation device from the molten salt coolant within the reactor core, thus providing a barrier. Given the characteristics of liquid fuel molten salt reactors, the design of the channel pipe is particularly crucial for material irradiation operations and radiation safety. The reactor top hall is directly above the reactor core, and the core compartment is located within the reactor. Since the irradiation compartment is located within the core, and its disassembly, assembly, and transfer all take place in the reactor top hall, the channel pipe for the irradiation device must extend directly from the core to the reactor top hall. Therefore, the design of the entire channel system is extremely important for radiation protection and safety during operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an irradiation channel tube assembly and a reactor containing the irradiation device, based on the design and planning of molten salt reactors, maintaining the sealing of the irradiation device and the core environment relative to the top environment, and transporting the irradiation device.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] An irradiation channel tube assembly is disclosed for connecting the reactor dome and the reactor and for transmitting irradiation equipment. The reactor contains a core compartment, and the reactor dome is located directly above the reactor. The irradiation channel tube assembly includes a hollow tube body. The tube body passes through the top of the reactor and extends vertically from the reactor dome to the bottom of the core compartment. The irradiation channel tube assembly also includes a sealing structure. Along the vertical direction, the tube body has at least one sealing structure. The sealing structure opens or closes the tube body. When the sealing structure is closed, the reactor and the reactor dome are sealed and isolated.

[0007] In this scheme, by setting up an irradiation channel tube assembly, a hollow tube is inserted through the top of the reactor and extends vertically from the top hall to the bottom of the core compartment, thus providing a transport channel for the irradiation device. This allows the irradiation device to be placed into the tube from the top hall and enter the core along the tube. Through the cooperation of the tube and the sealing structure, the irradiation device is separated from the molten salt environment of the core and the environment at the top of the reactor, ensuring the overall safety and airtightness of the transmission environment and the working environment of the irradiation device.

[0008] Preferably, the sealing structure includes a knife gate valve assembly, the knife gate valve assembly including at least one knife gate valve disposed along the length of the pipe body.

[0009] In this design, a gate valve assembly is used to segment and isolate the tube body. The gate valves prevent gas leakage from the tube body and shield against in-core radiation. The gate valves, positioned along the length of the tube body, support and prevent the irradiation tube channel assembly from falling. By opening and closing the gate valves, the irradiation device can be transported in sections during installation, preventing direct impact damage to the reactor core and increasing the safety of operation and adjustment. The gate valves are electrically controlled, facilitating operator control. In the event of damage to the channel tube within the reactor core, leading to molten salt leakage, closing the gate valves effectively seals the channel tube, preventing further leakage.

[0010] Preferably, the gate valve assembly includes a manual operating part and a transmission assembly. The manual operating part is located in the stacker hall, and the transmission assembly extends from the manual operating part to the gate valve, so that an operator can control the opening and closing of the gate valve through the manual operating part.

[0011] In this solution, the manual control unit and transmission components allow operators to manually control the opening and closing of the gate valves in the event of a power failure. Furthermore, the transmission components enable remote control of the gate valves inside the stack below from the stack top hall in the event of a power failure, preventing personnel from entering the stack and increasing the safety and airtightness of the working environment.

[0012] Preferably, the reactor includes an upper compartment, the upper compartment being provided with a shielding cover that forms the top of the upper compartment.

[0013] In this scheme, an integrated structure with a shielding cover is used as the top end cover of the upper reactor compartment, providing support and sealing for the space above the reactor, increasing the integrity and sealing of the reactor structure, and reducing radiation leakage.

[0014] Preferably, along the vertical direction from top to bottom, the portion formed by the top of the tube protruding from the shielding cover and extending towards the top hall is the top hall section; the portion of the tube passing through the shielding cover is the shielding top section; the portion of the tube located in the upper reactor compartment is the upper reactor compartment section; and the portion of the tube passing through the core compartment is the in-core section.

[0015] Preferably, the shielding top section and the upper stack compartment section are isolated by the knife gate valve, and the opening and closing of the knife gate valve controls the on / off state of the shielding top section and the upper stack compartment section; and / or, the upper stack compartment section and the stack interior section are isolated by the knife gate valve, and the opening and closing of the knife gate valve controls the on / off state of the upper stack compartment section and the stack interior section.

[0016] In this scheme, by setting and controlling the opening and closing of the gate valves, the channel tube is closed by the gate valves before the irradiation device enters and after it leaves the channel tube. This reduces the gas exchange between the channel tube and the gas hall at the top of the reactor during the transportation and operation of the irradiation device; prevents foreign objects from falling into the channel tube after the irradiation device is lifted out of the reactor core; and increases the safety of the irradiation device aligning with the channel tube above it. The irradiation device is lowered into the reactor core in sections, and the gate valves at different sections are opened and closed sequentially according to the transportation position of the irradiation device. This prevents the irradiation device from falling directly to the bottom of the reactor core and causing damage if it falls, thus increasing the safety of operation and adjustment.

[0017] Preferably, the core compartment contains a reactor core, and the in-core section includes a core compartment section and a core section. The core compartment section is the portion of the tube extending from the core compartment to the upper surface of the reactor core, and the core section is the portion of the tube extending into the reactor core.

[0018] The core section is where the irradiation device performs irradiation activities. Throughout any process of reactor installation, heating, start-up, operation, and shutdown, the tubes remain vertical from top to bottom. Sufficient space is provided within the core to accommodate displacement of the internal channel tubes due to thermal expansion.

[0019] Preferably, the sealing structure includes a top cover, which is disposed on the top of the tube and movably connected to the tube.

[0020] In this solution, an openable and closable top cover is installed at the top of the pipe body. When the pipe body is not in use, the top cover is used to seal the pipe body, reducing gas and radiation leakage and preventing foreign objects from falling into the pipe body.

[0021] Preferably, the outer casing of the stack top hall section is provided with an adaptive support structure; and / or, the shielding top section is connected to the upper stack compartment section by a flange, and an adaptive support structure is provided at the connection point along the length direction of the tube body.

[0022] In this scheme, an adaptive support structure is adopted to absorb the displacement caused by thermal expansion, thereby reducing the displacement of the top hall section, shielding top section, and upper storage compartment section caused by thermal expansion and increasing the overall structural stability in the vertical direction. The shielding top section and upper storage compartment section are connected by flanges to increase the sealing and stability of the connection.

[0023] The present invention also provides a reactor comprising the above-described irradiation channel tube assembly.

[0024] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: by setting up an irradiation channel tube assembly, with a hollow tube body inserted through the top of the reactor and extending vertically from the top hall to the bottom of the core compartment, a transport channel for the irradiation device is provided, allowing the irradiation device to be placed into the tube body from the top hall and enter the core along the tube body; through the cooperation of the tube body and the sealing structure, the irradiation device is separated from the molten salt environment of the core and the environment at the top of the reactor, ensuring the overall safety and airtightness of the transmission environment and the working environment of the irradiation device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the irradiation channel tube assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of an irradiation channel tube assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the irradiation channel tube assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention when installed in a reactor.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle.

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point C.

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point D.

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point E in the middle.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] Tube body 1

[0035] Top cover 11

[0036] Reactor 2

[0037] Stacked Hall 20

[0038] Section 201 of the stack top hall

[0039] Shielding cover 21

[0040] Shielding top section 211

[0041] Upper Stacking Bucket 22

[0042] Upper stack section 221

[0043] Core compartment 23

[0044] In-heap section 230

[0045] Core section 231

[0046] Core Section 232

[0047] Knife gate valve assembly 3

[0048] Upper knife gate valve 31

[0049] Lower gate valve 32

[0050] Transmission component 33

[0051] Manual operation unit 34

[0052] Adaptive support structure 4

[0053] Bellows 41 Detailed Implementation

[0054] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this invention is not limited to the scope of this embodiment.

[0055] like Figures 1-8 As shown, this embodiment provides an irradiation channel tube assembly for connecting the reactor top hall 20 and the reactor 2 and transmitting the irradiation device. The reactor 2 has a core compartment 23, and the reactor top hall 20 is located directly above the reactor 2. The irradiation channel tube assembly includes a hollow tube body 1, and the outer wall of the tube body 1 is provided with a radioactive absorption layer. The tube body 1 passes through the top of the reactor 2 and extends vertically from the reactor top hall 20 to the bottom of the core compartment 23. The irradiation channel tube assembly also includes a sealing structure. Along the vertical direction, the tube body 1 is provided with at least one sealing structure. The sealing structure opens or closes the tube body 1. After the sealing structure is closed, the reactor 2 and the reactor top hall 20 form a sealed isolation.

[0056] In this embodiment, by setting up an irradiation channel tube assembly, a hollow tube 1 is inserted through the top of the reactor 2 and extends vertically from the top hall 20 to the bottom of the core compartment 23, thereby providing a transport channel for the irradiation device. This allows the irradiation device to be placed into the tube 1 from the top hall 20 and enter the core along the tube 1. Through the cooperation of the tube 1 and the sealing structure, the irradiation device is separated from the molten salt environment of the core and the environment at the top of the reactor, ensuring the overall safety and airtightness of the transmission environment and the working environment of the irradiation device.

[0057] like Figures 1-3 as well as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the sealing structure includes a knife gate valve assembly, which includes at least one knife gate valve disposed along the length of the pipe body 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, the shielding top section 211 and the upper stack compartment section 221 are isolated by the upper knife gate valve 31, and the opening and closing of the upper knife gate valve 31 controls the on / off state of the shielding top section 211 and the upper stack compartment section 221; and / or, the upper stack compartment section 221 and the stack interior section 230 are isolated by the lower knife gate valve 32, and the opening and closing of the lower knife gate valve 32 controls the on / off state of the upper stack compartment section 221 and the stack interior section 230.

[0059] By setting and controlling the opening and closing of gate valves, the irradiation device is sealed before entering and after exiting the channel tube. This reduces gas exchange between the channel tube and the reactor top hall 20 during transport and operation. It also prevents foreign objects from falling into the channel tube after the irradiation device is lifted out of the reactor core. Furthermore, it increases safety during the alignment of the irradiation device with the channel tube. The irradiation device is lowered into the reactor core in sections, and gate valves at different sections are opened and closed sequentially according to the transport location. This prevents the irradiation device from falling directly to the bottom of the reactor core and causing damage, thus increasing operational and adjustment safety. All gate valves are electrically controlled, facilitating operator control. In the event of damage to the channel tube within the reactor core, leading to molten salt leakage, closing the lower gate valve 32 can seal the channel tube, preventing further leakage.

[0060] In this embodiment, the sealing structure adopts an electrically operated knife gate valve. In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can select other sealing structure components according to actual needs.

[0061] like Figures 1-3 as well as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the gate valve assembly includes a manual operating unit 34 and a transmission component 33. The manual operating unit 34 is located in the stack top hall 20, and the transmission component 33 extends from the manual operating unit 34 to the gate valve, allowing operators to control the opening and closing of the gate valve via the manual operating unit 34. In this embodiment, the manual operating unit 34 is a handle. The combination of the manual operating unit 34 and the transmission component 33 allows operators to manually control the opening and closing of the gate valve via the manual operating unit 34 in case of electric operation failure, and to remotely control the gate valve within the stack below from the stack top hall 20 even in the event of electric operation failure, preventing personnel from entering the stack and increasing the safety and airtightness of the working environment.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, reactor 2 includes an upper compartment, which is equipped with a shielding cover 21, forming the top of the upper compartment. In this embodiment, by setting the shielding cover 21 as an integral structure as the top end cover of the upper compartment, the space above reactor 2 is supported and sealed, thereby increasing the structural integrity and sealing of reactor 2 and reducing radiation leakage.

[0063] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, along the vertical direction from top to bottom, the top of the tube 1 protrudes from the shielding cover 21 and extends towards the top hall 20, forming the top hall section 201; the part of the tube 1 that passes through the shielding cover 21 is the shielding top section 211; the part of the tube 1 that is located in the upper pod is the upper pod section 221; and the part of the tube 1 that passes through the core compartment 23 is the in-core section 230.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the reactor core is housed within the core compartment 23. The in-core section 230 includes a core compartment section 231 and a core section 232. The core compartment section 231 is the portion of the tube 1 extending from the core compartment 23 to the upper surface of the reactor core, and the core section 232 is the portion of the tube 1 extending into the reactor core. The core section 232 is the location where the irradiation device performs irradiation activities. During any process of reactor 2, including installation, heating, start-up, operation, and shutdown, the tube 1 remains vertical from top to bottom. Sufficient space is provided within the reactor core to accommodate displacement of the in-core section 230 channel tubes due to thermal expansion.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sealing structure further includes a top cover 11, which is located on the top of the pipe body 1 and movably connected to the pipe body 1. In this embodiment, by providing a movable connection on the top of the pipe body 1, the top cover 11, which can be opened and closed, can seal the pipe body 1 when it is not in use, thereby reducing gas and radiation leakage and preventing foreign objects from falling into the pipe body 1.

[0066] like Figures 1-5As shown, adaptive support structures 4 are fitted at the connection points of the top hall section 201 and the shielding top section 211 with the upper stack compartment section 221. By adopting the adaptive support structure 4, displacement caused by thermal expansion is absorbed, reducing the displacement of the top hall section 201, shielding top section 211, and upper stack compartment section 221 due to thermal expansion, and increasing the overall structural stability in the vertical direction.

[0067] In this embodiment, the adaptive support structure 4 is a bellows 41. The bellows 41 has good flexibility, can adapt to and compensate for displacement caused by thermal expansion, and has good sealing performance.

[0068] In other embodiments, those skilled in the art may use other forms of adaptive support structure 4, including sliding brackets, flexible supports or joints, as needed, to achieve the effect of compensating for displacement.

[0069] This embodiment also provides a reactor that includes the above-described irradiation channel tube assembly.

[0070] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship of the device or element during normal use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation at any time, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention in this respect.

[0071] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An irradiation channel tube assembly for connecting the reactor dome to a reactor and transmitting an irradiation device, wherein the reactor contains a core compartment, and the reactor dome is located directly above the reactor. Its features are, The irradiation channel tube assembly includes a hollow tube that passes through the top of the reactor and extends vertically from the top hall to the bottom of the core compartment. The irradiation channel tube assembly also includes a sealing structure. Along the vertical direction, the tube body is provided with at least one sealing structure. The sealing structure opens or closes the tube body. When the sealing structure is closed, the reactor and the reactor dome are sealed and isolated. The sealing structure includes a gate valve assembly. The gate valve assembly includes at least one gate valve disposed along the length of the tube body. The gate valve assembly includes a manual operating part and a transmission assembly. The manual operating part is disposed in the reactor dome, and the transmission assembly extends from the manual operating part to the gate valve, so that the operator can control the opening and closing of the gate valve through the manual operating part.

2. The irradiation channel tube assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor includes an upper compartment, which is equipped with a shielding cover that forms the top of the upper compartment.

3. The irradiation channel tube assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Along the vertical direction from top to bottom, the top of the tube protrudes from the shielding cover and extends towards the top hall, forming the top hall section; the part of the tube passing through the shielding cover is the shielding top section; the part of the tube located in the upper reactor compartment is the upper reactor compartment section; and the part of the tube passing through the core compartment is the in-core section.

4. The irradiation channel tube assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The shielding top section and the upper stacking compartment section are isolated by the knife gate valve, and the opening and closing of the knife gate valve controls the connection and disconnection of the shielding top section and the upper stacking compartment section. And / or, the upper stack section and the inner stack section are isolated by the gate valve, and the opening and closing of the gate valve controls the connection and disconnection of the upper stack section and the inner stack section.

5. The irradiation channel tube assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The reactor core compartment contains the reactor core. The in-core section includes a reactor core compartment section and a reactor core section. The reactor core compartment section is the portion of the tube extending from the reactor core compartment to the upper surface of the reactor core. The reactor core section is the portion of the tube extending into the reactor core.

6. The irradiation channel tube assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes a top cover, which is disposed on the top of the tube and movably connected to the tube.

7. The irradiation channel tube assembly as described in any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The outer casing of the stack top hall section is equipped with an adaptive support structure; And / or, the shielding top section is connected to the upper stacking compartment section by a flange, and an adaptive support structure is provided at the connection point along the length of the tube body.

8. A reactor, characterized in that, The reactor includes an irradiation channel tube assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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