A beryllium sleeve, core assembly, and irradiation testing device for a research reactor.

Abstract

This application relates to the field of nuclear engineering technology, specifically to a beryllium sleeve, a core assembly, and a research reactor irradiation testing device. The beryllium sleeve includes a support member, beryllium blocks, a first fixing block, and a second fixing block. The support member has a core channel suitable for neutron passage. Several beryllium blocks are attached to the support member, wherein, in the circumferential direction of the core channel, the beryllium blocks are arranged adjacently to enclose the core channel circumferentially, and in the extending direction of the core channel, the beryllium blocks are arranged adjacently to cover the core channel axially, with aluminum components fitting between adjacent beryllium blocks. The first fixing block fits with the support member and also fits with the beryllium blocks; the second fixing block fits with the support member and also fits with the beryllium blocks. The beryllium sleeve structure provided by this application has strong stability and high reliability. When used in conjunction with a core assembly in a research reactor irradiation testing device, it can effectively reflect neutrons to slow down neutron decay, while the aluminum components reduce neutron adsorption and improve neutron economy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of nuclear engineering technology, and more specifically, to a beryllium sleeve, a core assembly, and a research reactor irradiation testing device. Background Art

[0002] Research reactors are nuclear reactors used for research, development, education, and training. The neutrons produced by research reactors can be used for research in materials science, chemistry, isotopes, and medicine; therefore, research reactors are an important means of developing nuclear energy technology. Beryllium, due to its weak neutron adsorption and strong reflection capabilities, is used to create beryllium blocks that provide core channels for irradiation testing devices, effectively slowing down neutron decay and improving neutron economy. However, beryllium blocks are manufactured using powder metallurgy, which makes them prone to brittle fracture; a reliable and stable structure cannot be formed solely from beryllium material. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a beryllium sleeve, a core assembly, and a research reactor irradiation testing device. The core channel is provided by a support member, and beryllium blocks are set on the support member to enclose the core channel. The beryllium blocks reflect neutrons to slow down the decay of the number of neutrons. This avoids the method of directly using beryllium material components to provide the core channel, and the overall structure is stable and reliable.

[0004] This application is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a beryllium sleeve, comprising:

[0006] A support member having a core channel suitable for neutron passage;

[0007] A plurality of beryllium blocks are attached to the support member, wherein, in the circumferential direction of the core channel, the beryllium blocks are arranged adjacently to form an enclosure of the core channel in the circumferential direction, and in the extending direction of the core channel, the beryllium blocks are arranged adjacently to form a cover of the core channel in the axial direction, and aluminum parts are fitted between adjacent beryllium blocks;

[0008] A first fixing block, which cooperates with the support member and the beryllium block;

[0009] The second fixing block cooperates with the support member and also with the beryllium block.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the aluminum element is configured as an aluminum collar that is fitted onto the support and engages with adjacent beryllium blocks.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the first fixing block and the second fixing block are respectively sleeved on the support member.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, the first fixing block and the second fixing block respectively engage with the beryllium block.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the beryllium block, the aluminum component, the first fixing block, and the second fixing block are respectively provided with water flow holes. The water flow holes of adjacent beryllium blocks are connected, the water flow holes of the aluminum component are connected to the water flow holes of adjacent beryllium blocks, the water flow holes of the first fixing block are connected to the water flow holes of its adjacent beryllium blocks, and the water flow holes of the second fixing block are connected to the water flow holes of its adjacent beryllium blocks.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, a flow-blocking plug is also included, the flow-blocking plug having a first contact surface, the flow-blocking plug being contacted with the support through the first contact surface to maintain relative fixation with the support, the flow-blocking plug being located on one side of the second fixing block in the extension direction of the core channel.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the outline shape of the structure formed by all the beryllium blocks in the cross-section of the core channel is non-circular.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments, the outline shape of the structure formed by all the beryllium blocks in the cross-section of the core channel is a broken line.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, one end of the support member extending in the direction of extension is provided with a lifting interface suitable for use with lifting equipment.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, a locating pin is also included, the locating pin having a second mating surface, the locating pin being mated to the support member via the second mating surface to maintain relative fixation with the support member, the locating pin being located on one side of the first fixing block in the extension direction of the core channel.

[0019] In a second aspect, this application provides a core assembly for cooperating with the beryllium sleeve described in the first aspect, the core assembly having a mating cavity having an inner wall adapted to the shape of the beryllium block, wherein there is a gap between the beryllium block and the inner wall.

[0020] Thirdly, this application provides a research reactor irradiation testing device, including the beryllium sleeve described in the first aspect and the reactor core assembly described in the second aspect.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. The beryllium sleeve provided in this application can be stably supported by a support member, ensuring the overall reliability and stability of the structure. After multiple beryllium blocks are fitted onto the support member, they can form an enclosure around the core channel on the support member, so that the beryllium blocks can reflect neutrons in the core channel, thus slowing down the attenuation of neutrons after passing through the core channel. The setting of the first fixing block and the second fixing block can improve the structural stability between the beryllium blocks and the support member, thereby further ensuring the overall stability and reliability of the beryllium sleeve structure, and thus ensuring the effect of slowing down the attenuation of neutrons after passing through the core channel.

[0023] 2. The beryllium sleeve provided in this application is composed of multiple beryllium blocks to form a neutron reflection structure. Compared with the method of directly providing the core channel by beryllium material components as a whole, when the function of one or more beryllium blocks is reduced or fails, one or more beryllium blocks can be replaced independently, which greatly reduces the maintenance cost.

[0024] 3. The reactor core assembly provided in this application, when combined with the beryllium sleeve provided in this application, can form a water gap with the beryllium sleeve, so that the cooling medium can cool the beryllium sleeve in the water gap, avoiding excessive thermal stress from affecting the beryllium block.

[0025] 4. The research reactor irradiation test device provided in this application uses the reactor core assembly and beryllium sleeve provided in this application to provide a core channel for neutrons. After passing through the core channel, the number of neutrons decays slowly, which can improve the neutron economy. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the beryllium sleeve structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the beryllium sleeve and core assembly assembly in the research reactor irradiation testing device provided in this application embodiment.

[0029] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0030] 1-Support component, 2-First fixing block, 3-Aluminum component, 4-Beryllium block, 5-Flow dam, 6-Positioning pin, 7-Second fixing block, 8-Water flow hole, 9-Lifting interface, 10-Core assembly, 11-Beryllium sleeve, 12-Water gap. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0032] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to implement this application. In other embodiments, well-known structures, circuits, materials, or methods are not specifically described in order to avoid obscuring this application.

[0033] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment," "an example," or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, the phrases "an embodiment," "an example," "an example," or "an example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable combination and / or sub-combination. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the illustrations provided herein are for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] In the description of this application, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "high", "low", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] Firstly, please refer to Figure 1 This application provides a beryllium sleeve, including a support 1, a beryllium block 4, a first fixing block 2, and a second fixing block 7.

[0036] Support component 1 serves two purposes: firstly, it supports the beryllium sleeve, and secondly, it provides a core passage for neutrons. The overall shape of support component 1 is not limited; it can be square, prismatic, frustum-shaped, or cylindrical. However, considering space saving and ease of manufacturing, the overall shape of support component 1 can be cylindrical. The cross-sectional shape of the core passage is not limited; in practice, it can be circular. In other words, the overall structure of support component 1 can be tubular.

[0037] Several beryllium blocks 4 are attached to the support member 1. Specifically, the beryllium blocks 4 can be constructed as elongated strips. When the support member 1 is constructed as a cylindrical tube, the surface of the beryllium blocks 4 that contacts the support member 1 can be constructed as an arc surface to form a larger contact area with the support member 1, thereby ensuring a certain degree of relative stability between the beryllium blocks 4 and the support member 1. The length direction of the beryllium blocks 4 is parallel to the axial direction of the support member 1. In the circumferential direction of the core channel, the beryllium blocks 4 are arranged adjacently to form an enclosure around the core channel in the circumferential direction. That is, in the radial section of the support member 1... The beryllium blocks 4 are connected end to end, and the surfaces of all beryllium blocks 4 that are in contact with the support member 1 together form a closed circle. In the extension direction of the core channel, the beryllium blocks 4 are arranged adjacently to cover the core channel in the axial direction. That is, in the axial direction of the support member 1, the beryllium blocks 4 are arranged sequentially. Each pair of adjacent beryllium blocks 4 are connected by an aluminum part 3. From the axial view of the support member 1, the outline shape of the aluminum part 3 coincides with the outline shape of the beryllium block 4. The setting of the aluminum part 3 can effectively reduce neutron adsorption and improve neutron economy to a certain extent.

[0038] The first fixing block 2 mainly serves as one of the limiting components of the beryllium block 4 in the axial direction of the support member 1. The first fixing block 2 cooperates with the support member 1 so that the first fixing block 2 can form a relatively fixed state with the support member 1. The first fixing block 2 is located at one end of the axial direction of the support member 1. The first fixing block 2 cooperates with the beryllium block 4 near that end of the axial direction, so that the first fixing block 2 and the beryllium block 4 form a relatively fixed state in the circumferential direction of the support member 1.

[0039] The second fixing block 7 mainly serves as another limiting component for the beryllium block 4 in the axial direction of the support member 1. The second fixing block 7 cooperates with the support member 1 so that the second fixing block 7 can form a relatively fixed state with the support member 1. The second fixing block 7 is located at the other end of the axial direction of the support member 1. The second fixing block 7 cooperates with the beryllium block 4 which is close to the other end of the axial direction, so that the second fixing block 7 and the beryllium block 4 form a relatively fixed state in the circumferential direction of the support member 1.

[0040] Compared to the common practice in this field of directly manufacturing beryllium components into core channel components, the beryllium components, being made using powder metallurgy, are prone to brittle fracture. Therefore, the longer beryllium components result in lower overall structural stability and reliability. The beryllium sleeve provided in this embodiment utilizes a support member 1 to support the entire structure, giving the beryllium sleeve a certain degree of structural stability and reliability. Multiple beryllium blocks 4 are fitted over the support member 1 to surround the core channel and effectively reflect neutrons. The length of each individual beryllium block 4 is reduced, making it less prone to brittle fracture. Furthermore, the inclusion of a first fixing block 2 and a second fixing block 7 enhances the structural stability of the beryllium blocks 4 and the support member 1, further ensuring the overall stability and reliability of the beryllium sleeve structure. Meanwhile, in the circumferential direction of the support member 1, multiple beryllium blocks 4 are connected end-to-end to form a neutron reflector structure. Each beryllium block 4 requires less material. When the function of part of the reflector structure is reduced or fails, the function of the reflector structure can be restored by replacing the local beryllium block 4, which is easy to maintain. Compared with the method of directly manufacturing beryllium material components as core channel components, the maintenance process consumes less material. That is to say, when beryllium material components are directly manufactured as core channel components, if the function of a local structure is reduced or fails, the entire component needs to be replaced for maintenance, which is more expensive. In addition, in the axial direction of the support member 1, every two adjacent beryllium blocks 4 are also connected by aluminum parts 3. The aluminum parts 3 can reduce neutron adsorption, thereby further improving neutron economy.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, the aluminum component 3 is configured as an aluminum collar, which is sleeved on the support 1 and engages with adjacent beryllium blocks 4. Setting the aluminum component 3 as an aluminum collar facilitates the assembly of the aluminum component 3 with the support 1, and also provides structural continuity in the circumferential direction of the support 1, resulting in better reduction of neutron adsorption.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 are respectively sleeved on the support member 1. That is, when the support member 1 is configured as a circular tube, the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 are also provided with mating holes that are adapted to the outer diameter of the support member 1. The first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 form a transition fit with the support member 1 through their respective mating holes, so that the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 have a large contact area with the support member 1, and the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 can improve the structural stability of the support member 1 to a certain extent.

[0043] In actual implementation, the outline shadow of the beryllium block 4 can completely coincide with the outline shadow of the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 in the axial direction of the support member 1, which can facilitate the assembly of the beryllium sleeve and the core assembly. That is, the hole type for the beryllium sleeve to pass through on the core assembly can be constructed as a straight hole.

[0044] In some optional embodiments, the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 respectively engage with the beryllium block 4. After the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 are connected to the beryllium block 4 in an engaging manner, it is easy to separate the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 from the beryllium block 4, thereby facilitating the disassembly of the beryllium block 4. Especially in the remote disassembly process, the engaging manner can greatly improve the separation efficiency, thereby improving the disassembly efficiency.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, when there are two beryllium blocks 4 in the axial direction of the support member 1, the two beryllium blocks 4 do not need to be connected, and the two beryllium blocks 4 are arranged by end face contact. When there are three or more beryllium blocks 4, adjacent beryllium blocks 4 can be connected by meshing, thereby realizing the circumferential positioning of all beryllium blocks 4 by the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7 in the core channel.

[0046] The meshing in the embodiments of this application can be achieved through a tooth meshing structure.

[0047] In some optional embodiments, water flow holes 8 are respectively constructed on the beryllium block 4, the aluminum part 3, the first fixing block 2 and the second fixing block 7. The water flow holes 8 of adjacent beryllium blocks 4 are connected, the water flow holes 8 of the aluminum part 3 are connected to the water flow holes 8 of adjacent beryllium blocks 4, the water flow holes 8 of the first fixing block 2 are connected to the water flow holes 8 of its adjacent beryllium blocks 4, and the water flow holes 8 of the second fixing block 7 are connected to the water flow holes 8 of its adjacent beryllium blocks 4. Thus, the water flow holes 8 on the first fixing block 2, the beryllium block 4, the aluminum part 3 and the second fixing block 7 together form a through water flow channel. Cooling water can flow in the water flow channel to dissipate heat from the inside of the beryllium block 4, preventing excessive thermal stress on the beryllium block 4 from causing excessive impact on the beryllium block 4.

[0048] In particular, the shape and outline of the water outlet 8 on the radial section of the support member 1 can be constructed as a crescent shape. The crescent-shaped water outlet 8 has a larger contact area, and the cooling water can flow more rapidly in the water outlet 8, so that the heat in the beryllium block 4 can be quickly carried away, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the beryllium block 4.

[0049] In some optional embodiments, the beryllium sleeve further includes a flow-blocking plug 5. The flow-blocking plug 5 has a first contact surface, which is used to contact the support member 1 to maintain relative fixation. When the support member 1 is configured as a circular tube structure, the first contact surface is an arc surface, and the cross-sectional shape of the entire flow-blocking plug 5 can be crescent-shaped. In the extension direction of the core channel, the flow-blocking plug 5 is located on one side of the second fixing block 7, and there is a certain gap between the flow-blocking plug 5 and the second fixing block 7 to allow cooling water to enter the water flow hole 8 of the second fixing block 7. The flow-blocking plug 5 can reduce the scouring intensity of the cooling water on the second fixing block 7 to a certain extent, thereby ensuring the connection stability between the second fixing block 7 and the support member 1, and thus ensuring the overall structural stability of the beryllium sleeve.

[0050] In some optional embodiments, the outline shape of the structure formed by all the beryllium blocks 4 in the cross-section of the core channel is non-circular. That is, from the axial view of the core channel, the outer outline shape of the reflective structure formed by the beryllium blocks 4 is non-circular, so that the reflective structure as a whole can have a larger outer surface area, which is conducive to rapid heat dissipation. In actual implementation, the cross-sectional shape of a single beryllium block 4 in the axial direction of the support member 1 can be set as a trapezoidal shape. Here, a trapezoidal shape means that the long base of the trapezoid fits against the outer wall of the support member 1 in an arc. At this time, the outline shape of the reflective structure as a polygonal line has a larger outer surface area, which can ensure better heat dissipation. At the same time, after the outline shape of the reflective structure as a polygonal line is set, it can have multiple straight sides and corners, which makes it easier to distribute external forces, and its bending and torsional resistance is better. The presence of corners can also resist compression and shear forces, thus making the reflective structure as a whole have high strength and stability.

[0051] In some optional embodiments, one end of the support member 1 is provided with a lifting interface 9 suitable for use with lifting equipment. Preferably, the lifting interface 9 can be configured as a bayonet type to facilitate the use of lifting equipment with the support member 1.

[0052] In some optional embodiments, the beryllium sleeve further includes a positioning pin 6, which has a second contact surface. The positioning pin 6 is attached to the support member 1 through the second contact surface to maintain relative fixation with the support member 1. When the support member 1 is configured as a circular tube structure, the second contact surface is an arc surface, and the cross-sectional shape of the entire positioning pin 6 can be configured as a crescent shape. The positioning pin 6 can cooperate with the core assembly to form a pin connection, thereby facilitating remote positioning operations between the beryllium sleeve and the core assembly. In the extension direction of the core channel, the positioning pin 6 is located on one side of the first fixing block 2. Preferably, the end of the positioning pin 6 can be provided with a guide surface to facilitate the insertion and engagement of the positioning pin 6 with the core assembly; for example, the end of the positioning pin 6 can be constructed as a cone shape.

[0053] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a core assembly for cooperating with the beryllium sleeve of the first aspect. The core assembly has a mating cavity with an inner wall adapted to the shape of the beryllium block 4, wherein there is a gap between the beryllium block 4 and the inner wall.

[0054] The core assembly also has a positioning hole suitable for the insertion of the positioning pin 6 and a mating groove that is adapted to the shape of the flow-blocking plug 5, so that the flow-blocking plug 5 and the positioning pin 6 on the beryllium sleeve can work together to play a positioning role.

[0055] Thirdly, please refer to Figure 2 This application provides a reactor irradiation testing device, including any of the beryllium sleeves 11 in the first aspect and the reactor core assembly 10 in the second aspect. After the beryllium sleeve 11 is assembled with the reactor core assembly 10, since the outline shape of the beryllium sleeve 11 in the axial view of the reactor core channel is a broken line, a water gap 12 with a large cross-sectional area can be formed between the two. Cooling water can efficiently cool the outer wall of the beryllium block 4 when flowing through the water gap 12. Combined with the setting of the water flow hole 8 on the beryllium block 4, the heat dissipation efficiency of the beryllium block 4 can be further improved, thereby preventing excessive thermal stress from affecting the beryllium block 4.

[0056] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A beryllium sleeve, characterized in that, include: Support member (1), the support member (1) having a core channel suitable for neutron passage; A number of beryllium blocks (4) are attached to the support member (1). In the circumferential direction of the core channel, the beryllium blocks (4) are arranged adjacently to form an enclosure of the core channel in the circumferential direction. In the extension direction of the core channel, the beryllium blocks (4) are arranged adjacently to form a cover of the core channel in the axial direction. An aluminum part (3) is fitted between adjacent beryllium blocks (4). The aluminum part (3) is configured as an aluminum collar. The aluminum part (3) is sleeved on the support member (1) and respectively meshes with the adjacent beryllium blocks (4). In the cross-section of the core channel, the overall outline shape of the structure formed by all the beryllium blocks (4) is a broken line. The first fixing block (2) cooperates with the support member (1) and the beryllium block (4); The second fixing block (7) cooperates with the support member (1) and the beryllium block (4); The beryllium block (4), aluminum part (3), first fixing block (2) and second fixing block (7) are respectively equipped with water flow holes (8). On the radial section of the support member (1), the shape of the water flow hole (8) is constructed as a crescent shape. The water flow holes (8) of adjacent beryllium blocks (4) are connected. The water flow holes (8) of the aluminum part (3) are connected to the water flow holes (8) of adjacent beryllium blocks (4). The water flow holes (8) of the first fixing block (2) are connected to the water flow holes (8) of its adjacent beryllium blocks (4). The water flow holes (8) of the second fixing block (7) are connected to the water flow holes (8) of its adjacent beryllium blocks (4).

2. The beryllium sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing block (2) and the second fixing block (7) are respectively fitted onto the support member (1).

3. The beryllium sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing block (2) and the second fixing block (7) respectively engage with the beryllium block (4).

4. The beryllium sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a flow-blocking plug (5), which has a first contact surface. The flow-blocking plug (5) is attached to the support member (1) through the first contact surface to maintain relative fixation with the support member (1). In the extension direction of the core channel, the flow-blocking plug (5) is located on one side of the second fixing block (7).

5. The beryllium sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the cross-section of the core channel, the outline shape of the structure formed by all the beryllium blocks (4) is non-circular.

6. The beryllium sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (1) has a hoisting interface (9) at one end of its extension direction, which is suitable for hoisting equipment.

7. The beryllium sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning pin (6), which has a second contact surface. The positioning pin (6) is in contact with the support member (1) through the second contact surface to maintain relative fixation with the support member (1). In the extension direction of the core channel, the positioning pin (6) is located on one side of the first fixing block (2).

8. A core assembly for mating with the beryllium sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The core assembly has a mating cavity with an inner wall adapted to the shape of the beryllium block (4), wherein there is a gap between the beryllium block (4) and the inner wall.

9. A research reactor irradiation testing device, characterized in that, It includes the beryllium sleeve (11) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and the core assembly (10) as described in claim 8.

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