Irradiation chamber extension device and irradiation system

Abstract

This invention discloses an extension device and irradiation system for an irradiation chamber, used to connect an irradiation chamber located at the reactor core to a junction box located in the reactor dome. The junction box is located above the irradiation chamber, and the extension device extends between the irradiation chamber and the junction box. The extension device includes an extension body and a connecting part. The upper end of the extension body connects to the junction box, the lower end of the extension body connects to the upper end of the connecting part, and the lower end of the connecting part connects to the irradiation chamber. The junction box is located in the reactor dome and is used to connect external equipment and gas sources, while the irradiation chamber is located at the reactor core for irradiation. The extension device has a simple structure, including an extension body and a connecting part. The irradiation chamber is connected to the extension body through the connecting part, improving the reliability of the connection. The irradiation chamber is connected to the junction box through the extension device, facilitating the loading and unloading of the irradiation chamber from the reactor dome to the reactor core. Furthermore, the extension device can support the irradiation chamber during irradiation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of molten salt reactor irradiation, specifically relating to an extension device for an irradiation chamber and an irradiation system. Background Technology

[0002] A reactor is a large radiation source that emits multiple types of radiation, currently primarily utilizing its neutron source. The radiation environment within a reactor can be used for fuel material testing, neutron scattering experiments, radionuclide irradiation production, neutron activation analysis, nuclear data measurement, neutron radiography, single-crystal material irradiation doping, and nuclear instrument testing. It can also be used to test the mechanical and electrical properties of materials or fuels irradiated with neutrons in the reactor or after specific irradiation doses. The irradiation facility for molten salt reactors is primarily planned for high-dose neutron irradiation performance studies of structural materials for fourth-generation nuclear energy systems, providing crucial fundamental data and a verification environment for the material development and verification of molten salt reactors and other fourth-generation nuclear energy reactors.

[0003] Among the existing reactors used for irradiation testing, 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.

[0004] According to the design plan of TMSR-LF1 and subsequent molten salt reactors, the irradiation device of the molten salt reactor adopts a channel tube structure to isolate the irradiation device from the molten salt inside the reactor. Due to the characteristics of liquid fuel molten salt reactors, the irradiation chamber needs to be installed inside the channel tube for irradiation. The channel tube is filled with argon gas. After the irradiation chamber and extension device are assembled and pass the pre-installation test, they are installed into the irradiation channel tube for irradiation.

[0005] Since the irradiation chamber needs to be placed in the reactor core, and the dismantling, assembly, and transfer of the irradiation chamber are all carried out in the reactor hall, the channel pipe of the irradiation device needs to run directly from the reactor core to the reactor hall. The irradiation chamber needs to use an extension section to load and unload the irradiation chamber. During the irradiation process, the extension section supports the irradiation chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art in which the irradiation chamber is placed in the reactor core, and the reactor core is too far away from the reactor hall, making it inconvenient to operate. The present invention provides an extension device for the irradiation chamber and an irradiation system.

[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0008] An extension device for an irradiation chamber is provided for connecting an irradiation chamber located at the reactor core to a junction box located at the reactor dome, the junction box being located above the irradiation chamber, and the extension device extending between the irradiation chamber and the junction box.

[0009] The extension device includes an extension body and an adapter. The upper end of the extension body is used to connect to the junction box, the lower end of the extension body is connected to the upper end of the adapter, and the lower end of the adapter is used to connect to the irradiation chamber.

[0010] In this design, an extension device is used to connect the irradiation chamber and the junction box. The junction box is located in the reactor core and is used to connect external equipment and gas sources, while the irradiation chamber is located in the reactor core for irradiation. The extension device has a simple structure, including an extension body and a connecting section. The irradiation chamber is connected to the extension body via the connecting section, improving the reliability of the connection. The irradiation chamber is connected to the junction box via the extension device, facilitating the loading and unloading of the irradiation chamber from the reactor core. Furthermore, the extension device can support the irradiation chamber during irradiation.

[0011] Preferably, a connector is provided at the connection between the adapter and the extension body;

[0012] The extension body has a connecting pipe inside, one end of which is connected to the connector, and the other end of which is connected to the junction box.

[0013] In this scheme, a connecting pipeline is installed in the extension body to connect the junction box at the reactor hall and the irradiation chamber at the reactor core. A connector is provided to connect one end of the connecting pipeline to the pipeline in the irradiation chamber, so that the pipeline in the irradiation chamber is connected to the junction box, which can be used to connect external equipment.

[0014] Preferably, the extension body further includes a housing, which is a tubular structure. The connecting pipeline is located inside the housing. One end of the housing is connected to the junction box, and the other end of the housing extends downward and is fitted onto the connector, abutting against the top surface of the adapter.

[0015] In this design, a tubular housing is used to house the connecting pipelines within the extension body. The housing completely covers the connecting pipelines, providing protection. One end of the housing is fitted onto the connector, improving connection stability and effectively reducing radioactive leakage at the connection point. Simultaneously, the end face of the housing abuts against the top surface of the adapter, enhancing the sealing performance at the connection. The housing structure is simple and performs well.

[0016] Preferably, a sealed area is formed inside the extension body, the sealed area is located between the connector and the junction box, and the sealed area is kept under negative pressure during the operation of the irradiation system.

[0017] In this scheme, a sealed area is set up to cut off the connection between the extension device and the outside, so as to prevent radiation from leaking through the extension device when the irradiation system is running. Furthermore, by keeping the sealed area under negative pressure at all times, effective protection is provided to prevent radioactive leakage.

[0018] Preferably, the sealed area is filled with argon gas.

[0019] In this scheme, radioactive leakage during the operation of the irradiation system is effectively prevented by filling the extended body with protective gas.

[0020] Preferably, along the extension direction of the extension device, the housing is provided with multiple radiation absorbers, the radiation absorbers have wiring channels inside and / or around them, and the wiring channels of two adjacent radiation absorbers are located at different radial positions in the cross-section of the extension body.

[0021] In this design, radiation absorbers are used to absorb radioactive radiation, reduce radiation leakage, and prevent accidents. Wiring channels are installed inside and / or around the radiation absorbers to house connecting pipelines. The cross-sections of adjacent radiation absorber segments are located at different radial positions within the extension body. Multiple radiation absorber segments are alternately arranged, ensuring that radioactive rays moving in a straight line along the extension body will always pass through the radiation absorbers, preventing the presence of unabsorbed radioactive rays and thus preventing radioactive leakage.

[0022] Preferably, when the wiring channel is disposed around the radiation absorber, the outer diameter of the radiation absorber is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing, and the wiring channel is formed between the outer sidewall of the radiation absorber and the inner sidewall of the housing.

[0023] In this design, the radiation absorber is located inside the housing and forms a gap between itself and the inner wall of the housing. This gap serves as a wiring channel for arranging connecting pipelines.

[0024] Preferably, when the wiring channel is disposed inside the radiation absorber, the radiation absorber passes through the channel in its central region and forms the wiring channel.

[0025] In this design, the radiation absorber is attached to the inside of the housing, and the central area is a through channel that serves as a wiring channel for arranging connecting pipelines.

[0026] Preferably, the adapter includes an adapter sleeved on the other end of the connector, the pipeline in the irradiation chamber extends into the adapter and is connected to the connector, and the connecting pipeline is connected to the pipeline in the irradiation chamber through the connector.

[0027] In this design, an adapter is fitted onto one end of the connector, making the connection structure more robust. Extending the pipelines from the irradiation chamber into the adapter protects these pipelines and prevents radiation leakage during irradiation system operation. The pipelines in the irradiation chamber connect to the connecting pipelines in the extension body via a connector, for mating with the junction box in the reactor hall.

[0028] An irradiation system comprising an extension device for the irradiation chamber as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0029] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: An extension device is provided to connect the irradiation chamber and the junction box. The junction box is located in the reactor core and is used to connect external equipment and gas sources, while the irradiation chamber is located in the reactor core for irradiation. The extension device has a simple structure, including an extension body and a connecting part. The irradiation chamber is connected to the extension body through the connecting part, improving the reliability of the connection. The irradiation chamber is connected to the junction box through the extension device, facilitating the loading and unloading of the irradiation chamber from the reactor core. Furthermore, the extension device can support the irradiation chamber during irradiation. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the irradiation chamber extension device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the extension device of the irradiation chamber in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a top view of the junction box in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-section of the extended body of the irradiation chamber in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is another cross-section of the extended body of the irradiation chamber in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a cross-section of the transition portion in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-section of the irradiation chamber in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] Irradiation Chamber 1

[0039] Junction Box 2

[0040] Extended Body 3

[0041] Adapter 4

[0042] Connecting pipe 5

[0043] Connector 6

[0044] Radiation absorber 7

[0045] 8 casings

[0046] Enclosed Area 9

[0047] Adapter 10

[0048] Opening 11 Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0050] In this embodiment, an extension device for an irradiation chamber 1 is provided, which connects the irradiation chamber 1 located at the reactor core to a junction box 2 located at the reactor dome. The junction box 2 is located above the irradiation chamber 1, and the extension device extends between the irradiation chamber 1 and the junction box 2. The extension device includes an extension body 3 and a connecting part 4. The upper end of the extension body 3 is used to connect to the junction box 2, the lower end of the extension body 3 is connected to the upper end of the connecting part 4, and the lower end of the connecting part 4 is used to connect to the irradiation chamber 1.

[0051] An extension device is provided to connect the irradiation chamber 1 and the junction box 2. The junction box 2 is located in the reactor core and is used to connect external equipment and gas sources, etc. The irradiation chamber 1 is located in the reactor core and is used for irradiation. The extension device has a simple structure, including an extension body 3 and a connecting part 4. The irradiation chamber 1 is connected to the extension body 3 through the connecting part 4, which improves the reliability of the connection. The irradiation chamber 1 is connected to the junction box 2 through the extension device, which facilitates the loading and unloading of the irradiation chamber 1 from the reactor core. During the irradiation process, the extension device can support the irradiation chamber 1.

[0052] A connector 6 is provided at the connection between the adapter 4 and the extension body 3. The extension body 3 contains a connecting pipeline 5, one end of which is connected to the connector 6, and the other end is connected to the junction box 2. The connecting pipeline 5 within the extension body 3 connects the junction box 2 in the reactor chamber to the irradiation chamber 1 in the reactor core. The connector 6 connects one end of the connecting pipeline 5 to the pipeline in the irradiation chamber 1, thus connecting the pipeline in the irradiation chamber 1 to the junction box 2 for connecting external equipment. The connector 6 has insertion holes at both ends, and the connecting pipeline 5 and the pipeline in the irradiation chamber 1 are connected by inserting into the insertion holes at both ends of the connector 6. In other possible embodiments, other components can also be used as connectors between the connecting pipeline 5 and the pipeline in the irradiation chamber 1, as long as the connection can be achieved without affecting the sealing performance.

[0053] Specifically, the pipelines in the irradiation chamber 1 include thermocouple cables and gas pipes for cooling, pressurization, etc. The connecting pipeline 5 is set as the corresponding pipeline in the irradiation chamber 1, and is led out to the junction box 2 through the extension device.

[0054] Furthermore, the extension body 3 also includes a housing 8, which is a tubular structure. The connecting pipeline 5 is located inside the housing 8. One end of the housing 8 is connected to the junction box 2, and the other end of the housing 8 extends downward and is fitted onto the connector 6, abutting against the top surface of the adapter 4. The tubular structure of the housing 8 is used to house the connecting pipeline 5 in the extension body 3. The housing 8 completely covers the connecting pipeline 5, providing protection. One end of the housing 8 is fitted onto the connector 6, improving the stability of the connection and effectively reducing radioactive leakage at the connection point. At the same time, the end face of the housing 8 abuts against the top surface of the adapter 4, improving the sealing performance at the connection point. The housing 8 has a simple structure and good performance. In other possible embodiments, housings 8 with different structures or different connection methods between the housing 8 and other components can also be used, as long as a location for the connecting pipeline 5 is provided and the sealing performance of the connection is not affected.

[0055] In this embodiment, a sealed area 9 is formed inside the extension body 3. The sealed area 9 is located between the connector 6 and the junction box 2, and it is kept under negative pressure during the operation of the irradiation system. An opening 11, including an inflation port, a negative pressure check port, and a sampling port, is provided on the top of the junction box 2 above the sealed area 9. This allows operators to check the status of the sealed area 9 and perform operations such as inflation and sampling. The sealed area 9 is designed to cut off the connection between the extension device and the outside, preventing radiation leakage through the extension device during the operation of the irradiation system. Furthermore, by maintaining the sealed area 9 under negative pressure at all times, effective protection is provided to prevent radioactive leakage.

[0056] The sealed area 9 is filled with argon gas. By filling the extended body 3 with a protective gas, radioactive leakage during the operation of the irradiation system is effectively prevented. In other possible embodiments, other methods can be used instead of the protective gas, as long as they can prevent radioactive leakage.

[0057] In this embodiment, along the extension direction of the extension device, the housing 8 is provided with multiple radiation absorbers 7. The radiation absorbers 7 have wiring channels inside and / or around them, and the wiring channels of two adjacent radiation absorbers 7 are located at different radial positions in the cross-section of the extension body 3.

[0058] Specifically, the radiation absorber 7 is an absorber such as boron carbide or heavy metal, which has a good effect on absorbing radioactive radiation.

[0059] The radiation absorber 7 is used to absorb radioactive radiation, reduce radiation leakage, and prevent accidents. A wiring channel is provided inside and / or around the radiation absorber 7 for placing connecting pipelines 5. The cross-sections of adjacent radiation absorber segments 7 are located at different radial positions within the extension body 3. Multiple radiation absorber segments 7 are alternately arranged so that when radioactive rays move in a straight line along the extension body 3, they will always pass through the radiation absorber 7, preventing the presence of unabsorbed radioactive rays and thus preventing radioactive leakage. In other possible embodiments, other structures can also be used to ensure that radioactive rays always pass through the radiation absorber 7 within the extension device.

[0060] Furthermore, when the wiring channel is located around the radiation absorber 7, the outer diameter of the radiation absorber 7 is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 8, and a wiring channel is formed between the outer wall of the radiation absorber 7 and the inner wall of the housing 8. The radiation absorber 7 is located inside the housing 8, and a gap is formed between it and the inner wall of the housing 8. This gap serves as a wiring channel for arranging the connecting pipelines 5. The connecting pipelines 5 are attached between the inner wall of the housing 8 and the outer wall of the radiation absorber 7, and are evenly distributed within the wiring channel.

[0061] Furthermore, when the wiring channel is located inside the radiation absorber 7, the radiation absorber 7 passes through the channel in its central region, forming the wiring channel. The radiation absorber 7 is attached to the inner side of the housing 8, and its central region is a through channel, which serves as the wiring channel for arranging the connecting pipes 5. The connecting pipes 5 are attached to the inner wall of the central channel of the radiation absorber 7 and are evenly arranged within the wiring channel. In other possible embodiments, the positions of the radiation absorber 7 and the wiring channel can also be configured in other ways, as long as the connecting pipes 5 can pass through the radiation absorber 7 within the extension body 3.

[0062] In this embodiment, the adapter 4 includes an adapter 10, which is fitted onto the other end of the connector 6. The pipelines in the irradiation chamber 1 extend into the adapter 10 and connect to the connector 6. The connecting pipeline 5 is also connected to the pipelines in the irradiation chamber 1 via the connector 6. Fitting the adapter 10 onto one end of the connector 6 makes the connection structure more stable. Extending the pipelines in the irradiation chamber 1 into the adapter 10 protects the pipelines extending from the irradiation chamber 1 and prevents radiation leakage during irradiation system operation. The pipelines in the irradiation chamber 1 are connected to the connecting pipeline 5 in the extension body 3 via the connector 6 for docking with the junction box 2 at the stacker location. In other possible embodiments, other components can be used as the adapter 10, as long as they achieve the pipeline docking function.

[0063] It should be noted that the extension device of irradiation chamber 1, from the adapter 4 upwards, is reusable. The adapter 4 can be destructively removed after irradiation. The part below the adapter 4 is transported to the irradiation device storage area, and the part above the adapter 4 is repaired and reused.

[0064] An irradiation system is provided, including an extension device for the irradiation chamber 1 as described in any of the above claims.

[0065] 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 extension device for an irradiation chamber, characterized in that, The extension device is used to connect the irradiation chamber located at the reactor core to the junction box located at the reactor dome, the junction box being located above the irradiation chamber, and the extension device extending between the irradiation chamber and the junction box; The extension device includes an extension body and an adapter. The upper end of the extension body is connected to the junction box, and the lower end of the extension body is connected to the upper end of the adapter. The lower end of the adapter is connected to the irradiation chamber. A connector is provided at the connection between the adapter and the extension body. The extension body has a connecting pipeline inside. One end of the connecting pipeline is connected to the connector, and the other end of the connecting pipeline is connected to the junction box. The extension body also includes a housing. The housing is a tubular structure. The connecting pipeline is located inside the housing. One end of the housing is connected to the junction box, and the other end of the housing extends downward and is fitted onto the connector, abutting against the top surface of the adapter. Along the extension direction of the extension device, the housing has multiple radiation absorbers inside. The radiation absorbers have wiring channels inside and / or around them, and the wiring channels of two adjacent radiation absorbers are located at different radial positions in the cross-section of the extension body.

2. The irradiation chamber extension device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extension body has a sealed area inside, which is located between the connector and the junction box, and the sealed area is kept under negative pressure during irradiation.

3. The irradiation chamber extension device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sealed area is filled with argon gas.

4. The irradiation chamber extension device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the wiring channel is located around the radiation absorber, the outer diameter of the radiation absorber is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing, and the wiring channel is formed between the outer sidewall of the radiation absorber and the inner sidewall of the housing.

5. The irradiation chamber extension device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the wiring channel is located inside the radiation absorber, the radiation absorber forms a channel that passes through its central region, thus forming the wiring channel.

6. The irradiation chamber extension device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter includes an adapter sleeved on the other end of the connector. The pipeline in the irradiation chamber extends into the adapter and is connected to the connector. The connecting pipeline is connected to the pipeline in the irradiation chamber through the connector.

7. An irradiation system, characterized in that, Includes the extension device of the irradiation chamber as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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