Compatibility test device and test method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of material analysis and testing, in particular to a compatibility testing device and a compatibility testing method. The test device comprises a test container; the sample loading piece is detachably arranged in the test container, and the fuel sample and the metal sample are stacked on the sample loading piece; the liquid alkali metal supply part is used for supplying liquid alkali metal to the test container, so that the fuel sample and the metal sample are in the liquid alkali metal; the force applying assembly is arranged to apply acting force to the fuel sample and the metal sample, so that pressure is formed between the fuel sample and the metal sample; and the acting force measuring piece is used for measuring the magnitude of the acting force applied to the fuel sample and the metal sample by the force applying assembly, so that the magnitude of the acting force applied by the force applying assembly is adjusted according to a result measured by the acting force measuring piece, and the acting force measured by the acting force measuring piece is preset pressure. The device provided by the embodiment of the invention can simulate the pressure between the swelling deformation of the fuel pellet and the cladding in the reactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of material analysis and testing, and in particular to a compatibility testing device and a testing method. Background Art

[0002] This section of content merely provides background information related to the present application and does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] For fuel elements using metal fuel pellets, a gap is left between the fuel pellets and the cladding tube, and the gap is filled with liquid sodium as a coolant. During the operation of the reactor, the fuel pellets will swell and deform in a high-temperature radioactive environment, causing them to come into contact with the inner wall of the cladding tube and generate a certain interaction force. As the core part of the system operation, the fuel element must ensure that its structural material remains stable within the reactor operating environment and time. Research and analysis on the compatibility of metal fuel sodium can provide a reference for the operating conditions and time of the fuel element. There is no test device in the relevant technology that can test the compatibility of metal fuel sodium. Summary of the invention

[0004] A brief overview of the present application is provided below in order to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the present application. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive overview of the present application. It is not intended to identify the key or important parts of the present application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present application. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description discussed later.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a compatibility testing device and method.

[0006] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a compatibility testing device for conducting an alkali metal compatibility test on a fuel sample and a metal sample in a radioactive environment to simulate the interaction between the fuel core in the reactor and the cladding in the liquid alkali metal. The testing device includes a compatibility testing container for providing a compatibility testing space; a sample loading member detachably disposed in the compatibility testing container, the fuel sample and the metal sample being stacked on the sample loading member; a liquid alkali metal supply member for supplying liquid alkali metal to the compatibility testing container so that the fuel sample and the metal sample are in the liquid alkali metal; a force applying component, the force applying component being configured to apply a force to the fuel sample and the metal sample in the sample loading member, thereby forming pressure between the fuel sample and the metal sample; and a force measuring component for measuring the magnitude of the force applied by the force applying component to the fuel sample and the metal sample, so as to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the force applying component according to the measurement result of the force measuring component, so that the force measured by the force measuring component is a preset pressure.

[0007] The test device provided in the embodiment of the present application can apply pressure to the fuel sample and the metal sample in a radioactive liquid sodium environment, simulating the pressure between the swelling and deformation of the fuel pellets and the cladding in the reactor; and, by providing a force measuring component and adjusting the magnitude of the force applied by the force-applying component according to the measurement result of the force measuring component, the force between the fuel sample and the metal sample can be kept constant, thereby studying the influence of the fuel pellets and the cladding under a constant force in the liquid alkali metal.

[0008] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application also provides a compatibility testing method for conducting an alkali metal compatibility test on a fuel sample and a metal sample in a radioactive environment to simulate the interaction between the fuel core in the reactor and the cladding in liquid alkali metal. The testing method includes placing the fuel sample and the metal sample in a sample loading member of a compatibility testing device in a radioactive environment; applying a force of a predetermined magnitude to the fuel sample and the metal sample in the sample loading member using a force-applying component; heating a compatibility testing container and supplying liquid sodium into the compatibility testing container so that the fuel sample and the metal sample are in liquid alkali metal; and continuously measuring the magnitude of the force between the metal sample and the fuel sample to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the force-applying component according to the measurement result so that the force measured by the force measuring member is a preset pressure.

[0009] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and cannot limit the disclosure of the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of the present application, the specific embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings together with the following detailed description are included in this specification and form a part of this specification. Elements with the same function and structure are represented by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that these drawings only describe typical examples of the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present application.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a compatibility test device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the main body of the compatibility test device shown;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the main part of the compatibility testing device shown.

[0014] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are merely shown in a schematic manner that does not affect the reader's understanding.

[0015] Description of reference numerals:

[0016] 10. Compatibility test container; 11. Container body; 12. Container cover; 121. Bolt hole;

[0017] 20. Sample loading member; 21. Base; 211. Sample positioning groove; 22. Cover member; 23. First connecting rod;

[0018] 30. Liquid delivery pipe;

[0019] 40. force-applying component; 41. force-applying member; 411. first rod segment; 412. second rod segment; 42. position-limiting member; 43. driving member;

[0020] 50. Force measuring parts;

[0021] 60. Sample support; 61. Support base plate; 62. Second connecting rod; 63. Movable member; 631. Positioning member; 632. Displacement groove; 64. Abutment member;

[0022] 71. first flange; 72. second flange; 73. sealing tube;

[0023] 80. Glove box;

[0024] 100. Fuel samples; 200. Metal samples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific decisions must be made in the process of developing any such actual implementation in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as meeting those constraints related to the system and business, and these constraints may vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be understood that although the development work may be very complex and time-consuming, it is only a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the content of this application.

[0026] It is also necessary to explain here that, in order to avoid obscuring the present application due to unnecessary details, only the device structure and / or processing steps closely related to the scheme according to the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not very relevant to the present application are omitted.

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this application should have the common meanings understood by persons with ordinary skills in the field to which this application belongs.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, “plurality” means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0029] In the related art, the compatibility test device and test method usually place the sample in a specific liquid for a preset time and then take it out for corresponding testing. Such a test device and test method are not suitable for studying the compatibility of fuel pellets and cladding in sodium.

[0030] As mentioned above, during the actual operation of the reactor, the fuel pellets will swell and deform in a high-temperature radioactive environment, causing them to come into contact with the inner wall of the cladding tube and generate interaction forces that vary with the deformation of the fuel pellets. The compatibility test equipment and test methods in the relevant technology cannot accurately simulate the actual interaction between the fuel pellets and the cladding in the reactor, nor can they evaluate the compatibility of the fuel pellets and the cladding in such a dynamically changing mechanical environment.

[0031] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a compatibility testing device for performing alkali metal compatibility tests on fuel samples and metal samples in a radioactive environment to simulate the interaction between the fuel pellets in liquid alkali metal and the cladding in the reactor.

[0032] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a compatibility test device according to an embodiment of the present application. The compatibility test device of the embodiment of the present application may include: a compatibility test container 10, a sample loading member 20, a liquid alkali metal supply member, a force-applying assembly 40, and a force measuring member 50. The compatibility test container 10 is used to provide a compatibility test space. The sample loading member 20 is detachably disposed on the compatibility test container 10, and the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 are stacked on the sample loading member 20. The liquid alkali metal supply member is used to supply liquid alkali metal to the compatibility test container 10, so that the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 are in the liquid alkali metal. The force-applying assembly 40 is configured to be able to apply force to the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 in the sample loading member 20, thereby forming pressure between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200. The force measuring part 50 is used to measure the magnitude of the force applied by the force applying component 40 to the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200, so as to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the force applying component 40 according to the measurement result of the force measuring part 50, so that the force measured by the force measuring part 50 is a preset pressure.

[0033] The test device of the embodiment of the present application can apply pressure to the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 in the liquid alkali metal in a radioactive environment to simulate the pressure between the swelling and deformation of the fuel pellets and the cladding in the reactor.

[0034] It is easy to understand that after the test begins, the fuel sample 100 will continue to swell and deform in a radioactive environment. Therefore, when the force applied by the force-applying component 40 is constant, the force between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 will continue to change with the swelling and deformation of the fuel sample 100, and will be fed back to the force measuring component 50 through the force-applying component 40. In order to ensure that a constant pressure is formed between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200, so as to analyze the state of the fuel sample 100 under different pressures, the embodiment of the present application adjusts the magnitude of the force applied by the force-applying component 40 according to the result measured by the force measuring component 50, so that the force measured by the force measuring component 50 is a preset pressure, that is, to ensure that a constant pressure is formed between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200. In this process, the force applied by the force-applying component 40 will continue to change.

[0035] In order to facilitate the adjustment of the force applied by the force-applying component 40, in some embodiments, the compatibility testing device may further include a control component, which is used to receive the magnitude of the force measured by the force measuring component 50 and the test pressure value, and control the force-applying component 40 to adjust the magnitude of the force applied based on the comparison between the magnitude of the force and the magnitude of the test pressure value.

[0036] In some embodiments, the control component measures the pressure between the two through a pressure measuring component and adjusts the displacement of the force-applying component 40 to keep the pressure between the fuel sample and the metal sample constant.

[0037] In some embodiments, the compatibility test device may further include a heating element and a temperature measuring element, wherein the heating element is used to heat the compatibility test container 10, and the temperature measuring element is used to measure the temperature of the liquid alkali metal in the compatibility test container 10. The control element is also used to control the heating element according to the temperature measured by the temperature measuring element, so that the liquid alkali metal in the compatibility test container 10 can be at a preset test temperature. The test temperature can be as high as 800°C.

[0038] The control unit may include a parameter setting module for setting the test pressure value, test temperature value and test duration. During the test, the control unit can automatically record the temperature and pressure values ​​to achieve a compatibility test of continuously loading a constant pressure on the sample in a radioactive high-temperature liquid sodium environment.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 may be cylindrical, sheet-like or block-like in shape, and the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 may have the same size. For example, the size may be 5-15 mm. In some embodiments, the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 are cylindrical, with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 10 mm.

[0040] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The partial enlarged view of the test device is shown. In some embodiments, the sample loading member 20 may include a base 21 and a cover 22 disposed opposite to each other, and a plurality of first connecting rods 23 connecting the base 21 and the cover 22. The fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 are stacked on the base 21.

[0041] The force-applying assembly 40 may include a force-applying member 41, which can move relative to the cover 22 and apply force to the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 by abutting against the fuel sample 100. In this embodiment, the sample loading member 20 is configured to include a base 21, a cover 22, and a first connecting rod 23, thereby providing an independent and stable hollow space for the sample. Since the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 are stacked on the base 21, it is ensured that sodium is in full contact with the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200; the force-applying member 41 applies force to the stacked fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 by abutting against the fuel sample 100, thereby simulating the actual contact state between the fuel pellets and the cladding in the reactor.

[0042] In some embodiments, a sample positioning groove 211 may be provided on the base 21 of the sample loader 20, and the groove depth of the sample positioning groove 211 is greater than the thickness of the metal sample 200, so that the metal sample 200 is completely located in the sample positioning groove 211, and the fuel sample 100 is partially located in the sample positioning groove 211, which is used to ensure that the metal sample 200 is stable and does not shift during the force application process, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cover 22 is formed with a threaded hole, and the force-applying member 41 passes through the threaded hole to the bottom of the cover 22, and the force-applying member 41 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole. The force-applying assembly 40 may also include a stopper 42, which is arranged on the force-applying member 41 below the cover 22 to prevent the force-applying member 41 from being separated from the cover 22. The stopper 42 may be arranged to be threadedly connected to the force-applying member 41, so as to facilitate the disassembly of the stopper 42 and the force-applying member 41, thereby separating or assembling the sample loading member 20 from the force-applying member 41. In this embodiment, the force-applying member 41 is arranged to be threadedly connected to the cover 22, so that the force-applying assembly 40 can apply force by rotation. It is easy to understand that the force required to be applied during the test is small, and the use of a rotational force-applying method can gradually and smoothly increase or decrease the pressure applied to the fuel sample 100, so that the force value can be finely adjusted as needed during the test, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0044] In some embodiments, the force-applying assembly 40 may further include a driving member 43 for driving the force-applying member 41 to rotate relative to the cover member 22 so as to move relative to the cover member 22. The force measuring member 50 is disposed between the driving member 43 and the force-applying member 41. The force between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 is fed back to the force measuring member 50 through the force-applying member 41.

[0045] Since the force-applying member 41 is threadedly connected to the cover member 22, when the sample loading member cannot move up and down, the force-applying member 41 will move relative to the cover member 22 when it rotates relative to the cover member 22. The control member can adjust the control driving member 43 according to the force value measured by the force measuring member 50, so that the force-applying member 41 is close to or away from the sample, thereby adjusting the force applied by the force-applying member 41 to the sample, ensuring that the pressure between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 remains unchanged during the test. At the same time, the force measuring member 50 is arranged between the driving member 43 and the force-applying member 41, away from the high temperature environment below, so that the force measuring member 50 can operate normally without being affected by the high temperature, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0046] In some embodiments, the force measuring member 50 may be, for example, a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the driving member 43 may include a mechanical endurance tester. The driving member 43 may be configured to apply a controllable force within a range of 0 to 10 kN to meet continuous operation for 1000 hours, thereby ensuring that the pressure between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 is constant.

[0047] In some embodiments, the compatibility test device may further include a sample support 60, the sample support 60 is disposed in the compatibility test container 10, and the sample loading member 20 is movably disposed on the sample support 60. The sample support 60 is configured to prevent the sample support 60 from being misaligned with the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 due to the vibration of the compatibility test container 10. It is easy to understand that the fluidity of liquid sodium in a high temperature environment, the swelling of the fuel sample 100, and the force applied by the force applying member 41 when applying pressure may all cause the compatibility test container 10 to vibrate. In this embodiment, by providing the sample support 60, the sample loading member 20 is movably disposed on the sample support 60, which can ensure that the sample loading member 20 and the sample can maintain a relatively stable position under vibration conditions, thereby avoiding test errors caused by container vibration, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0048] In some embodiments, the compatibility test container 10 may include a container body 11 and a container cover 12. The container cover 12 is provided with a clearance hole, and the force applying member 41 passes through the clearance hole of the container cover 12 and enters into the container body 11.

[0049] In some embodiments, the force-applying member 41 may be a rod. In some embodiments, the force-applying member 41 may include a first rod segment 411 and a second rod segment 412, wherein the diameter of the first rod segment 411 is greater than the diameter of the second rod segment 412, the diameter of the second rod segment 412 is equivalent to the diameter of the sample, and the length of the first rod segment 411 is greater than the length of the second rod segment 412. The second rod segment 412 is used for threaded connection with the cover 22. In this embodiment, by setting the diameter of the first rod segment 411 to be greater than the diameter of the second rod segment 412, deformation of the force-applying member 41 due to excessive force or improper operation during the rotation of the force-applying member 41 can be prevented; by setting the diameter of the second rod segment 412 to be equivalent to the size of the sample, the second rod segment 412 can be more evenly contacted with the sample surface, thereby ensuring uniform force distribution when applying force; and by setting the axial length of the first rod segment 411 to be greater than the axial length of the second rod segment 412, stress during operation can be dispersed and the risk of deformation of the force-applying member 41 can be reduced.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sample support 60 may include a support base plate 61, a plurality of second connecting rods 62, a movable member 63 and an abutment member 64. The plurality of second connecting rods 62 are used to connect the support base plate 61 and the container cover 12. The movable member 63 is disposed above the support base plate 61 and is located inside the plurality of second connecting rods 62. The movable member 63 is configured to be clearance-matched with the plurality of second connecting rods 62. The abutment member 64 is disposed on the support base plate 61 and is configured to abut against the movable member 63. The sample loading member 20 is movably disposed on the movable member 63. In the embodiment of the present application, the support base plate 61 is connected to the container cover body 12 through multiple second connecting rods 62 to form a stable support structure; by arranging the movable part 63 above the support base plate 61 and maintaining a clearance fit with the second connecting rod 62, the movable part 63 can be made to move slightly along the axial direction of the second connecting rod 62 when affected by vibration, so as to absorb vibration and reduce the risk of sample dislocation, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the test results; by arranging the abutment member 64 below the support base plate 61, a support point can be provided for the support base plate 61, which can absorb and disperse the force generated by the vibration. Since the abutment member 64 abuts against the movable part 63, when the compatibility test container 10 is vibrated, the abutment member 64 can limit the excessive movement of the movable part 63, thereby reducing the risk of sample dislocation and ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0051] The distance between two adjacent second connecting rods 62 is set to enable the sample loader 20 to pass smoothly, thereby facilitating the sample loader 20 to be placed in or taken out of the sample support 60 .

[0052] In some embodiments, the movable member 63 may be provided with a clearance groove 632 that cooperates with the second connecting rod 62, and the clearance groove 632 is clearance-matched with the second connecting rod 62. Such a configuration enables the movable member 63 to move slightly along the axial direction of the second connecting rod 62 when affected by vibration, absorbs vibration, reduces the risk of sample dislocation, and thus ensures the accuracy of the test results.

[0053] In some embodiments, the end of the abutment member 64 facing the movable member 63 is a smooth curved surface, and the force-applying member 41 and the abutment member 64 are coaxially arranged. Such an arrangement can disperse and absorb the force generated by vibration, reduce vibration, and avoid deflection of the force-applying member 41 caused by vibration, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0054] In some embodiments, the movable member 63 may be provided with a positioning member 631 for positioning the sample loading member 20 to prevent the sample loading member 20 from moving relative to the movable member 63 in a direction perpendicular to the force applied by the force-applying member 41. It is easy to understand that the force applied by the force-applying member 41 is a pressure coaxial with the sample. If the sample loading member 20 moves in a direction perpendicular to the force, the force applied by the force-applying member 41 on the sample will be deflected, thereby failing to ensure that the pressure between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 remains unchanged. In this embodiment, by providing a positioning member 631 below the movable member 63, the sample loading member 20 is effectively prevented from deviating in a direction perpendicular to the force during the test, so that the force-applying member 41 can effectively apply force to the sample, thereby ensuring that the pressure between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 remains unchanged, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0055] In some embodiments, the positioning member 631 may be a positioning groove.

[0056] In some embodiments, the compatibility test container 10 can be made of nickel-based alloy or high-strength and corrosion-resistant stainless steel, with a capacity range of 3 to 50 L, and can withstand a test temperature of up to 800° C. The peripheral wall of the container body 11 can be cylindrical, and the bottom of the container body 11 can be wedge-shaped, so as to facilitate the discharge of liquid sodium.

[0057] In order to simulate the compatibility test under real working conditions, the container body 11 of the embodiment of the present application is arranged on the bottom wall of the radioactive glove box 80, and the radioactive environment is provided by the glove box 80. The bottom wall of the glove box 80 is provided with a through hole, and the container body 11 is connected to the periphery of the through hole, and the container cover 12 seals the container body 11 in the glove box 80. The force application assembly 40 can be arranged in the glove box 80. In some embodiments, cooling oil is used to maintain the low temperature environment of the container cover 12.

[0058] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the container cover 12 may be provided with a plurality of bolt holes 121, and the container cover 12 is connected to the bottom wall of the glove box 80 by bolts passing through the bolt holes 121. The force applying member 41, the driving member 43 and the force measuring member 50 are arranged inside the glove box 80. Such arrangement can ensure the sealing and safety during the test, and at the same time facilitate the operation of the force applying member 41, the driving member 43 and the force measuring member 50 to ensure the accuracy of the test.

[0059] The control unit is also used to adjust the gas content and composition inside the glove box 80 and the compatibility test container 10 to maintain a slightly positive pressure argon environment in the glove box 80 and the compatibility test container 10 .

[0060] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments, the compatibility testing device may further include a sealing member for sealing the clearance hole of the container cover 12. The sealing member may include a sealing tube 73 sleeved on the radially outer side of the force-applying member 41, and a bellows (not shown in the figure) for connecting the sealing tube 73 and the driving member 43. The sealing tube 73 is sealed and connected to the container cover 12. The container cover 12 is provided with a first flange 71, and the sealing tube 73 is provided with a second flange 72, and the first flange 71 and the second flange 72 are connected. Since the bellows is provided, when the force-applying member 41 moves relative to the container cover 12, the bellows can provide a corresponding amount of expansion and contraction, thereby effectively preventing sodium vapor from escaping from the clearance hole of the container cover 12.

[0061] In some embodiments, the compatibility testing device may include a liquid alkali metal supplier for providing liquid alkali metal to the compatibility testing container 10. The liquid alkali metal supplier may include a liquid delivery tube 30, which may be in fluid communication with the compatibility testing container 10 at the bottom of the compatibility testing container 10.

[0062] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , two groups of compatibility test devices can be set up.

[0063] An embodiment of the present application further provides a compatibility test method, which includes the following steps S1 to S4.

[0064] Step S1 : placing a fuel sample 100 and a metal sample 200 on a sample loading part 20 of a compatibility testing device in any of the above embodiments in a radioactive environment.

[0065] In step S2 , a force of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 in the sample loading component 20 by using the force applying component 40 .

[0066] Step S3 , heating the compatibility test container 10 , and supplying liquid sodium into the compatibility test container 10 , so that the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 are in liquid alkali metal.

[0067] Step S4, continuously measuring the magnitude of the force between the metal sample 200 and the fuel sample 100, and adjusting the magnitude of the force applied by the force applying component 40 according to the measurement result, so that the force measured by the force measuring member 50 is a preset pressure.

[0068] The test method of the embodiment of the present application can apply pressure to the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 in a liquid alkali metal in a radioactive environment to simulate the pressure between the swelling and deformation of the fuel pellets and the cladding in the reactor.

[0069] In some embodiments, before step S1, test preparation and sample pretreatment may be performed. For example, samples that meet the test requirements may be selected; samples may be cleaned and dried to remove surface impurities and moisture; and all parts of the test device may be checked to ensure that they are intact to ensure that the device can operate normally.

[0070] In some embodiments, in step S1, the container cover 12 can be opened, and the force-applying member 41 can be used to drive the sample loader 20 to move upward into the glove box 80, and the metal sample 200 can be placed above the fuel sample 100 and stacked in the sample positioning groove 211 of the sample loader 20, and ensure that the sample is placed stably without the risk of movement or falling off.

[0071] In some embodiments, after step S1 , the force applying member 41 may be used to drive the sample loading member 20 to move downward into the container body 11 of the compatibility test container 10 , and the container cover 12 may be closed.

[0072] In some embodiments, in step S2, the test running time and the initial force value can be preset according to the test requirements, and the force can be applied as gently as possible to prevent the applied force from exceeding the preset value and to avoid damage to the sample. The force measuring component 50 can be used to confirm whether the applied force reaches the preset value.

[0073] In some embodiments, in step S3, the compatibility test container 10 can be heated by a heating element until the temperature required for the test is reached. Liquid alkali metal can be supplied to the compatibility test container 10 by a liquid alkali metal supply element until the liquid level can cover the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200. The gas content and composition inside the glove box 80 and the container can be adjusted by a control element to maintain a slightly positive pressure argon environment in the glove box 80 and the compatibility test container 10. Cooling oil can be used to maintain a low temperature environment of the container cover 12 to prevent the escape of sodium vapor.

[0074] In some embodiments, in step S4, the fuel sample 100 will swell in a high-temperature radioactive environment, and the pressure between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 will change accordingly. The pressure between the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 can be measured by the force measuring member 50, and the magnitude of the force applied by the force applying component 40 can be adjusted in real time according to the measured force value, so that the pressure between the samples is maintained at a preset pressure. During this process, the measurement data can be recorded regularly.

[0075] In some embodiments, after step S4, after the preset test time is completed, an inert gas (for example, argon) is input into the compatibility test container 10, and the liquid alkali metal in the container is discharged by the pressure of the gas. After the liquid alkali metal is discharged, the heating of the compatibility test container 10 is stopped. After the compatibility test container 10 is cooled to a safe temperature, the bolts on the container cover 12 are removed, the container cover 12 is opened, and the force member 41 is used to drive the sample loading member 20 to move upward to enter the glove box 80. The limit member 42 is removed from the force member 41, and then the sample loading member 20 is rotated to separate the force member 41 from the cover 22, thereby separating the sample loading member 20 from the force member 41, and removing the sample loading member 20 from the sample support 60. Take out the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200, and the removed samples can be cleaned and dried to remove the liquid alkali metal and other impurities on the surface. Finally, the samples can be observed and the test results analyzed.

[0076] The following is a specific example in which the alkali metal is sodium to further illustrate the compatibility test method in the examples of the present application.

[0077] (1) First, perform test preparation and sample pretreatment. Select a cylindrical fuel sample 100 and a metal sample 200 with a diameter of 10 mm, and ensure that the sample surface is clean and dry. Then, in a radioactive environment, open the container cover 12 of the compatibility test container 10, use the force member 41 to drive the sample loader 20 to move upward to enter the glove box 80, and place the metal sample 200 above the fuel sample 100, overlapping it in the sample positioning groove 211 of the sample loader 20, to ensure that the sample is placed stably without the risk of movement or falling off. Subsequently, use the force member 41 to drive the sample loader 20 to move downward to enter the container body 11 of the compatibility test container 10, install the container cover 12, and check the sealing of the compatibility test container 10. Finally, connect the container cover 12 to the bottom surface of the glove box 80 with bolts.

[0078] (2) According to the size and shape of the sample, the initial force value is preset to 1KN, and the test running time is set to 1000h. The driving member 43 is used to drive the force applying member 41 to rotate, so that the force applying member 41 is close to the sample, and a force of 1KN is applied to the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200 in the sample loading member 20. The force application process is as gentle as possible to prevent the force value from exceeding 1KN and avoid damage to the sample. Whether the applied force is 1KN can be confirmed by the force measuring member 50.

[0079] (3) The test temperature is preset to 600°C, and the compatibility test container 10 is heated by high-temperature hot water until the internal temperature of the compatibility test container 10 reaches 600°C. At the same time, sodium liquid is provided to the compatibility test container 10 through a liquid alkali metal supply component until the liquid surface completely covers the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200. The gas content and composition inside the glove box 80 and the compatibility test container 10 are adjusted by a control component to maintain a slightly positive pressure argon environment in the glove box 80 and the compatibility test container 10 to prevent the sample from being oxidized at high temperature or contaminated by other gases.

[0080] (4) During the test, the fuel sample 100 will swell and deform in a high-temperature radioactive environment, causing changes in the pressure between it and the metal sample 200. The force applied by the metal sample 200 is continuously measured by the force measuring member 50, and the force applied by the force applying member 41 is adjusted in real time according to the measured force value to ensure that the pressure between the samples is maintained at 1KN. During this process, the measurement data is recorded regularly and the changes of the samples in the sodium solution are observed.

[0081] (5) After the test operation time reaches 1000 hours, firstly, an inert gas (such as argon) is input into the compatibility test container 10, and the sodium liquid in the compatibility test container 10 is discharged through the liquid delivery pipe 30 by using the pressure of the gas. After the sodium liquid is completely discharged, the heating of the compatibility test container 10 is stopped, and the compatibility test container 10 is waited for to cool to a safe temperature. Then, the bolts on the container cover 12 are removed, the container cover 12 is opened, and the sample loading member 20 is driven by the force member 41 to move upward to enter the glove box 80, and the limit member 42 is removed from the force member 41, and then the sample loading member 20 is rotated to separate the force member 41 from the cover 22, thereby separating the sample loading member 20 from the force member 41, and taking the sample loading member 20 out of the sample support 60. Take out the fuel sample 100 and the metal sample 200. After taking out, the sample is cleaned and dried to remove the sodium liquid and other impurities on the surface. Finally, the samples were observed and the data were analyzed to evaluate the compatibility of the samples in a high-temperature radioactive environment.

[0082] The compatibility testing device and method provided in the embodiments of the present application can simulate the interaction force between the fuel pellets and the cladding in an integrated closed-cycle fast reactor nuclear energy system due to the swelling and deformation of the fuel pellets in a high-temperature radioactive environment, and can adjust the force applied in real time to ensure that the pressure between the fuel pellets and the cladding is constant.

[0083] Regarding the embodiments of the present application, it should also be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features therein can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0084] The above are only specific implementation methods of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. The protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A compatibility test device for conducting alkali metal compatibility tests on fuel samples and metal samples in a radioactive environment to simulate the interaction between the fuel pellets in liquid alkali metal and the cladding in the reactor, characterized in that: The test device comprises: A compatibility test container, used to provide a compatibility test space; A sample loading part, detachably disposed on the compatibility test container, wherein the fuel sample and the metal sample are stacked on the sample loading part; a liquid alkali metal supplying member, used for supplying the liquid alkali metal to the compatibility test container, so that the fuel sample and the metal sample are in the liquid alkali metal; a force applying assembly configured to apply a force to the fuel sample and the metal sample in the sample loading member, thereby forming pressure between the fuel sample and the metal sample; The force measuring part is used to measure the magnitude of the force applied by the force-applying component to the fuel sample and the metal sample, so as to adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the force-applying component according to the measurement result of the force measuring part, so that the force measured by the force measuring part is a preset pressure.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The sample loading component includes a base and a cover component that are arranged opposite to each other, and a plurality of first connecting rods connecting the base and the cover component; The fuel sample and the metal sample are stacked on the base; The force applying assembly includes a force applying member, which is movable relative to the cover member and applies a force to the fuel sample and the metal sample by abutting against the fuel sample.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The cover is formed with a threaded hole, the force applying member passes through the threaded hole to the bottom of the cover, and the force applying member is threadedly connected to the threaded hole; The force-applying component further includes a limiting member, which is disposed on the force-applying member below the cover member to prevent the force-applying member from being separated from the cover member.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The force applying assembly further includes: a driving member, for driving the force applying member to rotate so as to move relative to the cover member; The force measuring member is arranged between the driving member and the force applying member.

5. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: A sample support is disposed in the compatibility test container, and the sample loading part is movably disposed on the sample support; The sample support is configured to prevent the sample support, the fuel sample and the metal sample from being misaligned with each other due to vibration of the compatibility test container.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The compatibility test container comprises a container body and a container cover, and the sample support comprises: Support base plate; A plurality of second connecting rods, used to connect the supporting bottom plate and the container cover; A movable member is disposed above the supporting bottom plate and located inside the plurality of second connecting rods, and the movable member is configured to be loosely matched with the plurality of second connecting rods; An abutment member, disposed on the supporting bottom plate, for abutting against the movable member; Wherein, the sample loading part is movably arranged on the movable part.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The movable member is provided with a clearance groove matched with the second connecting rod, and the clearance groove is loosely matched with the second connecting rod.

8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The end of the abutment member facing the movable member is a smooth curved surface, and the force-applying member and the abutment member are coaxially arranged.

9. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The movable member is provided with a positioning member for positioning the sample loading member to prevent the sample loading member from moving relative to the movable member in a direction perpendicular to the force applied by the force applying member.

10. A compatibility test method for conducting alkali metal compatibility tests on fuel samples and metal samples in a radioactive environment to simulate the interaction between the fuel pellets in liquid alkali metal and the cladding in a reactor, characterized in that: The test method includes: S1. In a radioactive environment, placing the fuel sample and the metal sample on the sample loading part of the compatibility test device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; S2, using the force-applying component to apply a force of a predetermined magnitude to the fuel sample and the metal sample in the sample loading component; S3, heating the compatibility test container and supplying liquid sodium into the compatibility test container so that the fuel sample and the metal sample are in liquid alkali metal; S4. Continuously measure the magnitude of the force between the metal sample and the fuel sample, and adjust the magnitude of the force applied by the force-applying component according to the measurement result, so that the force measured by the force measuring component is a preset pressure.

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