A new type of liquid metal and water interaction experimental device

Abstract

The application discloses a novel liquid metal and water interaction experimental device in the field of neutron multiplication reactors, which comprises a reaction assembly, a water passing assembly, a liquid metal assembly and a recovery assembly, wherein the reaction assembly provides an experimental environment for the liquid metal and water interaction; the water passing assembly is located above the reaction assembly; the liquid metal assembly is connected with the reaction assembly; the recovery assembly is connected with the bottom of the reaction assembly; and the pressurizing assembly is arranged on the reaction assembly, the water passing assembly, the liquid metal assembly and the recovery assembly; the liquid metal after the reaction can be recovered through the recovery assembly, so that the liquid metal after the experiment is prevented from flowing back to the liquid metal assembly and polluting the unreacted liquid metal, and the discharge assembly is arranged, so that the device is safer to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of neutron booster reactors, and more specifically to a novel experimental apparatus for the interaction of liquid metal and water. Background Technology

[0002] According to the Statistical Review of World Energy 2023, total primary energy consumption increased by 1.1% in 2022, while global electricity generation increased by 2.3%. This demonstrates that with the increase in global energy consumption and the growing demand for electricity generation, the low-carbon transformation of energy and the development of non-fossil energy utilization technologies are essential to ensuring a secure and stable energy supply in the future. Nuclear energy, with its clean, efficient, and economical characteristics, should be developed actively, safely, and orderly.

[0003] The lead-bismuth cold fast reactor (LDFR) is a fast neutron breeder reactor that uses liquid lead-bismuth metal as the main coolant and is considered one of the preferred reactor types among fourth-generation reactors. However, because the primary loop of liquid metal reactors such as the LDFR adopts a pool-type atmospheric pressure structure, there will be a large temperature and pressure difference between the two sides of the heat transfer tube during the heat exchange process between the high-temperature liquid lead-bismuth on the primary side of the steam generator and the pressurized water on the secondary side. This can easily generate mechanical and thermal stresses. Combined with the corrosive effects of the fluid and the flow-induced vibration, this may lead to a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) accident. In the early stages of an SGTR accident, the high-pressure subcooled water in the secondary loop will be injected into the high-temperature liquid lead-bismuth in the primary loop in the form of a jet. The direct contact between water and liquid lead-bismuth alloy will cause an instantaneous release of energy, resulting in a strong coolant-coolant interaction (CCI). During this process, a steam explosion may occur, which will threaten the integrity of the reactor vessel. Therefore, studying the energy conversion and interaction between liquid lead-bismuth alloy and water is of great value and significance.

[0004] To investigate the CCI phenomenon under SGTR accidents, several experimental systems have been designed. Some existing systems inject lead-bismuth directly into the reaction vessel from below, and after the experiment, the liquid lead-bismuth is directly returned to the lead-bismuth storage tank. The problem with this is that the return of the liquid lead-bismuth to the storage tank may contaminate the unexperimented liquid lead-bismuth in the storage tank, affecting the accuracy of the experiment.

[0005] To this end, we propose a novel experimental apparatus for the interaction between liquid metal and water. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a novel experimental apparatus for the interaction of liquid metal and water.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0008] A novel experimental apparatus for the interaction between liquid metal and water includes: a reaction assembly that provides an experimental environment for the interaction between liquid metal and water;

[0009] The water supply component, located above the reaction assembly, provides the reaction assembly with water at a constant temperature.

[0010] Liquid metal components are connected to the reaction components and provide liquid metal to the reaction components;

[0011] The recovery component is connected to the bottom of the reaction component and is used to recover the liquid metal after the reaction.

[0012] The pressurization assembly is located on the reaction assembly, water circulation assembly, liquid metal assembly, and recovery assembly. The pressurization assembly is used to pressurize the container of the assembly to discharge the fluid inside the container and to prevent the liquid metal inside the device from oxidizing.

[0013] By setting up a recovery component to recover the reacted liquid lead-bismuth in the reaction assembly, the backflow of reacted liquid lead-bismuth into the liquid lead-bismuth assembly can be avoided, effectively preventing the reacted liquid lead-bismuth from contaminating the unreacted liquid lead-bismuth in the liquid lead-bismuth assembly. By setting up a pressurization component, the device can either send the reacted liquid lead-bismuth in the recovery component back into the reaction assembly for re-reaction, or send the unreacted liquid lead-bismuth in the liquid lead-bismuth assembly into the reaction assembly for reaction, thus ensuring both experimental results and material reuse.

[0014] Further specifying, the reaction assembly includes a reaction vessel, a safety valve at the top of the reaction vessel, and a temperature-controlled structure outside the reaction vessel; setting a temperature-controlled structure outside the reaction vessel enables the reaction vessel to maintain its operating conditions during the reaction process, thereby improving the experimental results.

[0015] Further specifying, the water supply assembly includes a water storage tank, a constant temperature water tank, and a first heating rod; the bottom of the water storage tank and the top of the constant temperature water tank are connected by a pipe, the bottom of the constant temperature water tank and the top of the reaction vessel are connected by a first pipeline, the first heating rod is located inside the constant temperature water tank, and a safety valve is also provided on the top of the constant temperature water tank; deionized water is stored in the water storage tank, and the deionized water is sent into the constant temperature water tank through a pipe, and the constant temperature water tank heats the deionized water inside to reach the temperature required for the experiment through the first heating rod. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

[0016] Further defining the liquid metal component, it includes a liquid metal tank and a second heating rod; the bottom of the liquid metal tank is connected to the top of the reaction vessel through a second pipe, the end of the second pipe extends into the reaction vessel and is located in the lower part of the reaction vessel, and the second heating rod is located inside the liquid metal tank.

[0017] Further specifying, the recovery component includes a recovery liquid tank, which is connected to the bottom of the reaction vessel via a third pipeline.

[0018] Further specifying, the pressurization assembly includes argon gas cylinders and pressure reducing valves. Multiple argon gas cylinders are provided, which are connected to the reaction vessel, constant temperature water tank, metal liquid tank, and recovery liquid tank through pressurization pipelines. The pressure reducing valves are located on the pressurization pipelines. By setting pressure reducing valves, the pressure of argon gas cylinders entering each container is controlled, so that the pressure in each container can reach the experimental requirements. The pressure in each container can be regulated separately, making it more precise.

[0019] Further, it also includes a discharge assembly, which includes a discharge pipeline, an activated carbon tank, and an acetic acid tank. The discharge pipeline extends from the top of the reaction vessel, and the activated carbon tank and the acetic acid tank are sequentially arranged on the discharge pipeline along the discharge direction. By setting up the activated carbon tank and the acetic acid tank, not only can the internal moisture be removed, but also the liquid lead bismuth vapor that is harmful to human health can be effectively removed, thereby improving the safety of the device.

[0020] Further, it also includes sensing components, including a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a level gauge; the pressure sensor and temperature sensor are both installed on the metal liquid tank, the constant temperature water tank, the reaction tank, and the recovery liquid tank, while the level sensor is installed on the reaction tank and the constant temperature water tank; by installing the pressure sensor and temperature sensor, the pressure and temperature in the metal liquid tank and the constant temperature water tank can be effectively monitored, and the level gauge can be effectively monitored to record the liquid level changes.

[0021] Further, it also includes a vacuum pump, which is connected to the first pipeline via a branch pipe; by setting up a vacuum pump, the inside of the first pipeline can be evacuated before the experiment to prevent air from being sprayed into the reaction vessel along with water when water is sprayed into the reaction vessel, which would cause oxidation of lead and bismuth and affect the accuracy of experimental data.

[0022] Further specifying, a solenoid valve, a check valve, and a nozzle are sequentially installed on the first pipeline between the branch pipe and the reaction vessel. The check valve is located outside the reaction vessel, and the nozzle is located at the end of the first pipeline inside the reaction vessel.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by setting up a recovery component, the liquid metal after the reaction can be recovered, avoiding the backflow of the liquid metal after the experiment into the liquid metal component and causing pollution to the unreacted liquid metal. In addition, a discharge component is provided, making the device safer to use. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system of the present invention.

[0025] The symbols for each component are as follows:

[0026] The components include: reaction assembly 1, water supply assembly 2, water storage tank 21, constant temperature water tank 22, first heating rod 23, liquid metal assembly 3, liquid metal tank 31, second heating rod 32, recovery assembly 4, pressurization assembly 5, argon tank 51, pressure reducing valve 52, pressurization pipeline 53, discharge assembly 6, discharge pipeline 61, activated carbon tank 62, acetic acid tank 63, pressure relief valve 64, sensing assembly 7, pressure sensor 71, temperature sensor 72, level gauge 73, vacuum pump 8, safety valve 9, first pipeline 10, solenoid valve 101, check valve 102, nozzle 103, second pipeline 11, third pipeline 12, and on / off valve 13. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0028] Example:

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, a novel experimental apparatus for the interaction of liquid metal and water includes a reaction component 1, a water circulation component 2, a liquid metal component 3, a recovery component 4, a pressurization component 5, a discharge component 6, a sensing component 7, and a vacuum pump 8. The reaction component 1 provides the experimental environment for the interaction of liquid metal and water. The reaction component 1 includes a reaction vessel with a safety valve 9 on its top and a constant temperature structure outside the vessel. The water circulation component 2 is located above the reaction component 1 and provides constant temperature water to the reaction component 1. The water circulation component 2 includes a water storage tank 21, a constant temperature water tank 22, and a first heating rod 23. The bottom of the water storage tank 21 and the top of the constant temperature water tank 22 are connected by a pipe, and the bottom of the constant temperature water tank 22 and the reaction component 21 are connected by a pipe. The top of the reaction vessel is connected via a first pipe 10. A first heating rod 23 is installed inside a constant temperature water tank 22, and a safety valve 9 is also installed on the top of the constant temperature water tank 22. The liquid metal assembly 3 provides liquid metal to the reaction assembly 1. The liquid metal assembly 3 includes a metal tank 31 and a second heating rod 32. The bottom of the metal tank 31 is connected to the top of the reaction vessel via a second pipe 11. The end of the second pipe 11 extends into the reaction vessel and is located at the bottom of the reaction vessel. The second heating rod 32 is installed inside the metal tank 31. The recovery assembly 4 is used to recover the liquid metal after the reaction. The recovery assembly 4 includes a recovery tank, which is connected to the bottom of the reaction vessel via a third pipe 12. The second pipe 11 and the third pipe 12 are connected to the top of the reaction vessel. Each of the components 2 is equipped with an on / off valve 13 for controlling the flow; the pressurization assembly 5 is used to pressurize the container of the component to discharge the fluid inside the container and to prevent the liquid lead bismuth inside the device from oxidizing; the pressurization assembly 5 includes an argon tank 51 and a pressure reducing valve 52. Multiple argon tanks 51 are provided, which are respectively connected to the reaction tank, the constant temperature water tank 22, the metal liquid tank 31, and the recovery liquid tank via pressurization pipelines 53. The pressure reducing valve 52 is located on the pressurization pipeline 53; the discharge assembly 6 includes a discharge pipeline 61, an activated carbon tank 62, and an acetic acid tank 63; the discharge pipeline 61 extends from the top of the reaction tank, and the activated carbon tank 62 and the acetic acid tank 63 are sequentially arranged on the discharge pipeline 61 along the discharge direction. The discharge pipeline between the activated carbon tank 62 and the reaction tank... A pressure relief valve 64 is provided on the pipeline 61; the sensing component 7 includes a pressure sensor 71, a temperature sensor 72, and a level gauge 73; the pressure sensor 71 and the temperature sensor 72 are both located on the metal liquid tank 31, the constant temperature water tank 22, the reaction tank, and the recovery liquid tank, and the level sensor is located on the reaction tank and the constant temperature water tank 22; the vacuum pump 8 is connected to the first pipeline 10 through a branch pipe; the first pipeline 10 between the branch pipe and the reaction tank is provided with a solenoid valve 101, a check valve 102, and a nozzle 103 in sequence, the check valve 102 is located outside the reaction tank, and the nozzle 103 is located at the end of the first pipeline 10 inside the reaction tank; all tanks, pipelines, and valves in this experimental device are covered with a heat insulation structure.

[0030] By setting up a recovery component 4 to recover the reacted liquid lead-bismuth in reaction component 1, the backflow of reacted liquid lead-bismuth into the liquid lead-bismuth component can be avoided, effectively preventing the reacted liquid lead-bismuth from contaminating the unreacted liquid lead-bismuth in the liquid lead-bismuth component. The pressurization component 5 allows the device to either return the reacted liquid lead-bismuth from recovery component 4 to reaction component 1 for further reaction, or send unreacted liquid lead-bismuth from the liquid lead-bismuth component into reaction component 1 for reaction, ensuring both experimental results and material reuse. A constant temperature structure outside the reaction vessel ensures the reaction vessel maintains its operating conditions throughout the reaction process, improving experimental results. Deionized water is stored in storage tank 21 and piped into constant temperature water tank 22. Constant temperature water tank 22 heats the deionized water inside via a first heating rod 23 to reach the required experimental temperature. The structure is simple and easy to operate. The bottom of the metal liquid tank 31 is connected via a second pipeline. The top of the reaction vessel is connected to the first pipe 10, and the second heating rod 32 is located inside the metal liquid tank 31. A pressure reducing valve 52 is used to control the pressure of the argon gas tank 51 entering each container, ensuring that the pressure in each container meets the experimental requirements. The pressure in each container is adjusted for greater precision. An activated carbon tank 62 and an acetic acid tank 63 are used to remove internal moisture and effectively remove liquid lead-bismuth vapor, which is harmful to human health, thus improving the safety of the apparatus. Pressure sensors 71 and 72 are used to monitor the pressure and temperature in the metal liquid tank 31 and the constant temperature water tank 22. A level gauge 73 is used to monitor the liquid level in the reaction vessel and the constant temperature water tank 22, facilitating the recording of liquid level changes. A vacuum pump 8 is used to evacuate the first pipe 10 before the experiment, preventing air from being injected into the reaction vessel during water spraying, which could cause lead-bismuth oxidation and affect the accuracy of experimental data.

[0031] The experiment includes the following steps:

[0032] S1: Before the experiment begins, deionized water, after multiple distillations to remove non-condensable gases, is transferred from the storage tank 21 to the constant temperature water tank 22. The release and discharge of argon gas are controlled by the pressure reducing valve 52 to pressurize the deionized water and bring it to the pressure conditions required for the experiment. At the same time, the water is heated by the first heating rod 23 to control the water temperature in the constant temperature water tank 22 at the required level. Meanwhile, before the experiment begins, the required lead-bismuth alloy is loaded into the liquid metal tank 31 and melted by the second heating rod 32. In addition, before the experiment begins, the pressure reducing valve 52 of the reaction vessel is opened, and argon gas is introduced for a certain period of time.

[0033] S2: When the liquid lead-bismuth reaches the required temperature for the experiment as monitored by temperature sensor 72, open the on / off valve 13 on the second pipeline 11, and pressurize the metal liquid tank 31 with argon gas cylinder to force the liquid lead-bismuth into the reaction tank. Monitor the amount of lead-bismuth delivered by liquid level gauge 73 until the required amount for the experiment is reached. Then close the on / off valve 13 on the second pipeline 11 and keep argon gas flowing through the lead-bismuth delivery process.

[0034] S3: Turn on vacuum pump 8 to extract the air between valve and solenoid valve 101 at the outlet of constant temperature water tank 22 and the water remaining in the pipeline in the previous experiment. At the same time, close pressure reducing valve 52 opened in step S1 and close the argon cylinder connected to the reaction vessel.

[0035] S4: First, open the valve under the constant temperature water tank 22. The temperature sensor 72 and the pressure sensor 71 will monitor and know that the high pressure subcooled water required for the experiment will be sent to the solenoid valve 101 through the first pipeline 10. Then, the solenoid valve 101 will be controlled by the time delay relay to open and close the solenoid valve 101 quickly, so that the deionized water will be sprayed into the reaction vessel through the first pipeline 10.

[0036] S5: After the experiment is completed, first open the pressure relief valve 64 on the discharge pipeline 61 to discharge the high-pressure, high-temperature gas in the reaction vessel, which may carry lead and bismuth vapor, into the activated carbon tank 62 and the acetic acid tank 63 through the pressure relief valve 64 to eliminate the lead and bismuth in the gas, and finally discharge it into the atmosphere above.

[0037] S6: When the pressure inside the reaction vessel reaches atmospheric pressure, close the pressure relief valve 64 on the discharge pipeline 61, and at the same time open the argon cylinder at the recovery liquid tank to introduce argon gas and expel the air in the recovery liquid tank. Then open the on / off valve 13 on the third pipeline 12 to allow the lead-bismuth alloy after the experiment in the reaction vessel to be discharged into the recovery liquid tank by gravity. Also, open the argon cylinder appropriately to introduce argon gas to ensure that the lead-bismuth alloy after the experiment in the reaction vessel is completely removed. Finally, close the on / off valve 13 on the third pipeline 12.

[0038] S7: Argon gas is continuously injected into the reaction vessel to expel small droplets remaining in the reaction vessel after the experiment as much as possible. When it is necessary to send the liquid lead bismuth in the recovery tank into the reaction vessel for another experiment, the recovery tank needs to be kept warm and heated.

Claims

1. A novel experimental apparatus for the interaction of liquid metal and water, characterized in that, include: The reaction assembly (1) provides an experimental environment for the interaction between liquid metal and water; A water supply component (2) is located above the reaction component (1) and provides constant temperature water to the reaction component (1); A liquid metal component (3) is connected to the reaction component (1) and provides liquid metal to the reaction component (1); The recovery component (4) is connected to the bottom of the reaction component (1) and is used to recover the liquid metal after the reaction. A pressurizing component (5) is provided on the reaction component (1), the water supply component (2), the liquid metal component (3) and the recovery component (4). The pressurizing component (5) is used to pressurize the container of the component to discharge the fluid in the container and to prevent the liquid metal in the device from oxidizing. The reaction assembly (1) includes a reaction vessel, the top of which is provided with a safety valve (9), and the outside of which is provided with a constant temperature structure; The water supply assembly (2) includes a water storage tank (21), a constant temperature water tank (22), and a first heating rod (23); the bottom of the water storage tank (21) and the top of the constant temperature water tank (22) are connected by a pipe, the bottom of the constant temperature water tank (22) and the top of the reaction vessel are connected by a first pipeline (10), the first heating rod (23) is located inside the constant temperature water tank (22), and a safety valve (9) is also provided on the top of the constant temperature water tank (22); The liquid metal assembly (3) includes a liquid metal tank (31) and a second heating rod (32); the bottom of the liquid metal tank (31) is connected to the top of the reaction vessel through a second pipe (11), the end of the second pipe (11) extends into the reaction vessel and is located in the lower part of the reaction vessel, and the second heating rod (32) is located inside the liquid metal tank (31); The recovery assembly (4) includes a recovery liquid tank, which is connected to the bottom of the reaction vessel via a third pipeline (12); The pressurization assembly (5) includes an argon tank (51) and a pressure reducing valve (52). Multiple argon tanks (51) are provided and are respectively connected to the reaction vessel, the constant temperature water tank (22), the metal liquid tank (31), and the recovery liquid tank through pressurization pipelines (53). The pressure reducing valve (52) is provided on the pressurization pipelines (53). It also includes a discharge assembly (6), which includes a discharge pipe (61), an activated carbon tank (62), and an acetic acid tank (63); the discharge pipe (61) is connected from the top of the reaction vessel, and the activated carbon tank (62) and the acetic acid tank (63) are arranged sequentially on the discharge pipe (61) along the discharge direction; It also includes a vacuum pump (8), which is connected to the first pipeline (10) via a branch pipe.

2. The novel experimental apparatus for the interaction of liquid metal and water according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sensing component (7), which includes a pressure sensor (71), a temperature sensor (72) and a level gauge (73); the pressure sensor (71) and the temperature sensor (72) are both located on the metal liquid tank (31), the constant temperature water tank (22), the reaction tank and the recovery liquid tank, and the level gauge is located on the reaction tank and the constant temperature water tank (22).

3. The novel experimental apparatus for the interaction of liquid metal and water according to claim 1, characterized in that, A solenoid valve (101), a check valve (102), and a nozzle (103) are sequentially provided on the first pipeline (10) between the branch pipe and the reaction vessel. The check valve (102) is located outside the reaction vessel, and the nozzle (103) is located at the end of the first pipeline (10) inside the reaction vessel.

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