A heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device and installation method

Abstract

This application belongs to the technical field of flux detectors for heavy water reactor cores, aiming to solve the problems of slow manual installation speed, high radiation dose to personnel, and easy damage to the detector. This application discloses an installation device and method for a flux detector in a heavy water reactor core. The device includes a front guide tube and a rear guide tube arranged coaxially. The rear end of the front guide tube is installed in a reserved installation position on the drive system housing. A drive wheel assembly is arranged between the front and rear guide tubes and is connected to a drive motor. The rear guide tube connects to the detector reel compartment, where a reel is installed. The tail end of the flux detector is inserted into the reel, and the flux detector cable is wound on the reel. The method utilizes the components of this device to install the flux detector, then removes the heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device, completing the flux detector installation. This application can accelerate the installation speed of the flux detector, reduce personnel radiation dose, and mitigate the vulnerability of the detector to damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of heavy water reactor core flux detectors, and particularly relates to an installation device and method for a heavy water reactor core flux detector. Background Technology

[0002] The CANDU6 heavy water reactor utilizes 188 self-powered detectors as instruments for detecting neutron flux density in various regions of the reactor core. This enables precise and rapid measurement and spatial calibration over a high power range, providing signals for the first shutdown system, the second shutdown system, and the reactor power regulation system.

[0003] 188 self-sufficient reactor core flux detectors are inserted into the reactor core through 26 vertical neutron flux measurement assemblies and 7 horizontal-vertical neutron flux measurement assemblies. The vertical and horizontal neutron flux measurement assemblies have the same structure; each assembly contains 12 capillary detector guides, each with an inner diameter of 3.4 mm and a length of approximately 13 m, spirally penetrating the core. The flux detectors are approximately 3 mm in diameter and 90 mm in length. A cable, approximately 1 mm in diameter and 12 m in length, is connected to the tail of each flux detector. The detectors and cables enter the core through the capillaries inserted into the flux measurement assemblies.

[0004] The CANDU6 heavy water reactor undergoes flux detector overhaul every two years and complete replacement every ten years. The radiation dose rate in the core flux detector installation area is high, making detector replacement a high-risk radiation protection operation. The flux detectors are thin, long, and easily bent, requiring manual insertion of the new detector along the capillary tip. Furthermore, the on-site installation space is limited, and each flux detector installation takes several tens of minutes. Replacing a large number of flux detectors necessitates several operators taking turns to distribute the workload and individual radiation dose. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an installation device and method for a flux detector in a heavy water reactor core, which solves the problems of slow manual installation of flux detectors, high radiation dose to personnel, and easy damage to the detector.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device, including a front guide tube and a rear guide tube arranged coaxially. The rear end of the front guide tube is installed in a reserved installation position on the drive system housing. A drive wheel assembly is arranged between the front guide tube and the rear guide tube, and the drive wheel assembly is connected to a drive motor. The rear guide tube is connected to a detector reel compartment, and a reel is installed in the detector reel compartment. The tail end of the flux detector is inserted into the reel, and the flux detector cable is wound on the reel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the front guide tube is a flexible tapered tube, with its front end connected to the capillary port of the flux detector assembly and its rear end positioned in front of the drive wheel assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the rear end of the flexible tapered tube has a flared shape.

[0010] In some embodiments, a locking nut is provided at the front end of the front guide tube to fix the front guide tube to the capillary of the flux detector assembly, and a quick connector is provided at the rear end of the front guide tube to connect to the device body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the front guide tube is a corrugated tube with a slit in its side wall and a slit nut on the outside of the tube wall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the guide tube is provided with an extension tube in the middle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rear guide tube is a rigid circular tube with flared openings at both ends.

[0014] In some embodiments, the rear guide tube is installed in a slot in the device body, the front end of the rear guide tube is arranged behind the drive wheel assembly, and the rear end of the rear guide tube is connected to the detector reel compartment.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rear guide tube has a slit in its side wall, and a sliding door is provided outside the slit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the reel is mounted on the shaft of the detector reel compartment, and the reel winds up the flux detector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the detector reel compartment is provided with a guide groove to guide the flux detector smoothly into the rear guide tube.

[0018] In some embodiments, the door of the detector reel compartment has a hollow structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the drive wheel assembly includes a front drive wheel assembly and a rear drive wheel assembly, each wheel assembly including two rubber rollers.

[0020] In some embodiments, the upper rubber roller of the drive wheel assembly is arranged to move vertically and is pressed against the lower rubber roller below by a spring. The lower rubber roller is driven by the drive motor. The lower rubber roller serves as the driving wheel, and the upper rubber roller serves as the driven wheel. The two upper rubber rollers rotate towards each other under the drive of the two lower rubber rollers. The front drive wheel assembly and the rear drive wheel assembly clamp the flux detector cable and rotate synchronously to realize the insertion or lifting of the flux detector.

[0021] In some embodiments, the drive motor is a servo motor, which is connected to the main shaft of the wheel assembly via a reducer and gears.

[0022] In some embodiments, the device further includes a control box, which includes a PLC, a motion controller, and a power module. The PLC program controls the movement mode of the servo motor and the speed and position of the flux detector insertion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device further includes a control screen that provides operators with a control command sending interface and real-time feedback information through a graphical human-machine interface.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device further includes a drive system housing, the rear guide tube is disposed within the drive system housing, and the detector reel compartment is docked to the drive system housing.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a method for installing a flux detector in a heavy water reactor core, including:

[0026] Step 1: Install the flux detector cable into the reel;

[0027] Step 2: Connect and lock the pre-guide tube to the capillary tube of the flux detector assembly;

[0028] Step 3: Inspect the drive wheel assembly, detector reel compartment, and rear guide tube;

[0029] Step 4: Based on the installation location of the flux detector within the reactor, set the installation location and velocity parameters on the control panel;

[0030] Step 5: Insert the end of the flux detector into the front guide tube, and hold the flux detector cable to send the flux detector through the front guide tube into the capillary of the flux detector assembly.

[0031] Step 6: Install the reel into the detector reel compartment;

[0032] Step 7: Connect the front guide tube to the device body and fix the heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device in the operating position;

[0033] Step 8: Start the control system and install the flux detector;

[0034] Step 9: Remove the installation device of the heavy water reactor core flux detector to complete the installation of the flux detector.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device and installation method provided in this application have the following advantages:

[0036] The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device provided in this application can accelerate the installation speed of flux detectors, reduce personnel radiation dose, and reduce the detector's susceptibility to damage.

[0037] Operators can remotely control the device of this invention through a handheld control panel, using the drive wheel assembly to simulate the manual insertion of the detector, and using the mechanical device to quickly and smoothly insert the more than ten-meter-long cable and flux detector into the designated position in the reactor core.

[0038] This application reduces the number of operators from four to two and the insertion time for a single detector from 20 minutes to 5 minutes. It also reduces the radiation dose to operators and the damage rate to detectors. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the technical description will be briefly introduced below.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device provided in this application;

[0041] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the installation method of the flux detector in the core of a heavy water reactor provided in this application.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1. Front guide tube; 2. Drive wheel assembly; 3. Drive motor; 4. Drive system housing; 5. Rear guide tube; 6. Detector reel compartment; 7. Reel; 8. Control panel. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following detailed description provides further details on specific implementation methods.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device, including a guidance system, a drive system and a control system. The guidance system includes a front guide pipe 1, a rear guide pipe 5 and a detector reel compartment 6. The drive system includes a drive wheel assembly 2 and a drive motor 3. The control system includes a control box and a control panel 8. The drive wheel assembly 2 includes a front drive wheel assembly and a rear drive wheel assembly.

[0046] The front guide tube 1 is a flexible tapered tube. The front end of the flexible tapered tube is aligned with the capillary port of the flux detector assembly. Then, the locking nut connects and fixes the capillary tubes of the remaining flux detector assemblies. The rear end of the flexible tapered tube is flared and approaches the front drive wheel assembly. The front guide tube 1 is installed on the quick-connect female of the drive system housing 4, guiding the flux detectors wound on the reel 7 to smoothly enter the capillary tube of the flux detector assembly.

[0047] A locking nut is provided at the front end of the front guide tube 1 to fix the front guide tube 1 to the capillary tube of the flux detector assembly. A quick-connect male connector is provided at the rear end of the front guide tube 1, which connects to the quick-connect female connector of the drive system housing 4.

[0048] In one embodiment, the guide tube 1 is a corrugated pipe, allowing for flexible adjustment of the bending angle within a range of 0-90 degrees. A slit is located in the side wall of the tube, allowing the flux detector cable to be removed through the slit. A slit nut is provided on the outside of the tube wall; when inserting the flux detector, the slit nut is rotated so that the closed end of the slit nut aligns with the open end of the tube wall, preventing the detector cable from accidentally slipping out. When disengaging, the nut opening is aligned with the tube wall opening for easy removal of the flux detector cable.

[0049] Optionally, an extension tube is provided in the middle of the front guide tube 1, and the extension tube connects the left and right sections of the front guide tube 1.

[0050] The rear guide tube 5 is a rigid circular tube with flared ends, installed in a slot within the device body. The front end of the rear guide tube 5 is close to, but does not contact, the rear end of which connects to the detector reel compartment 6. The flared ends facilitate the entry and exit of the flux detector. The side wall of the rear guide tube 5 has a slit for the installation and removal of the flux detector cable. A sliding door is provided outside the slit to prevent the flux detector cable from slipping out.

[0051] The detector reel compartment 6 is a square flat box with a shaft in the middle. The detector reel (reel 7) is mounted on the shaft and winds up the flux detector. The detector reel compartment 6 is connected to the drive system housing 4. When the flux detector is pulled, the reel 7 rotates accordingly, transporting the flux detector and its cable.

[0052] The opening of the detector reel compartment 6 is aligned and close to the opening of the rear guide tube 5. A guide groove is provided inside the compartment, and the opening of the guide groove in the detector reel compartment 6 is aligned and close to the opening of the rear guide tube 5 to guide the flux detector smoothly into the rear guide tube 5. The detector reel compartment 6 is provided with a fixing slot, and the drive system housing 4 is inserted into the fixing slot and secured with a pin.

[0053] In one embodiment, the detector reel compartment 6 has a hollowed-out door, allowing observation of the reel 7's rotation.

[0054] A reel 7 is installed inside the detector reel compartment 6. The reel 7 has a limiting groove. The tail of the flux detector is inserted into the limiting groove of the reel 7. Rotating the reel 7 winds the flux detector cable onto the reel 7.

[0055] The drive wheel assembly 2 includes a front drive wheel assembly and a rear drive wheel assembly, each consisting of two rubber rollers. These rubber rollers are installed inside the drive system housing 4. The upper rubber roller is designed to move vertically and is pressed against the lower rubber roller by a spring. The lower rubber roller is driven by the drive motor 3 and acts as the driving wheel. The upper rubber roller rotates in opposite directions under the drive wheel (lower rubber roller), acting as the driven wheel. The two sets of rubber roller assemblies clamp the flux detector cable and rotate synchronously, enabling the insertion or removal of the flux detector.

[0056] The lower rubber roller rotates counterclockwise, causing the upper rubber roller to rotate clockwise. The two rubber rollers together push the flux detector cable sandwiched in the middle to be inserted into the capillary of the flux detector assembly. The lower rubber roller rotates clockwise, causing the upper rubber roller to rotate counterclockwise. The two rubber rollers together push the flux detector cable sandwiched in the middle to be pulled out of the capillary of the flux detector assembly.

[0057] In one embodiment, drive motor 3 is a servo motor, connected to one main shaft of the lower rubber roller via a reducer and helical gear. The two main shafts of the lower rubber roller are driven by an intermediate gear.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control box mainly includes a PLC, a motion controller, and a power supply module. The PLC program controls the movement of the servo motor, as well as the speed and position of the flux detector insertion.

[0059] In one embodiment, the control screen 8 is a handheld touchscreen. A graphical human-machine interface provides operators with a control command sending interface and real-time feedback information.

[0060] The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device integrates the alignment, insertion, removal, and coiling / unwinding of the detector and flux detector assembly's capillary tubes into a single unit. Clamping rubber rollers simulate human hand gripping, and a servo motor drives the rollers to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, simulating insertion and removal. A handheld touchscreen allows for flexible control of insertion / removal speed, position, and operating distance.

[0061] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device, this application also provides a method for installing a heavy water reactor core flux detector, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0062] Step 1: Install the flux detector cable onto reel 7.

[0063] Remove the flux detector from the packaging box, insert the tail end of the flux detector into the limiting groove of the reel 7, and rotate the reel 7 to wind the flux detector cable onto the reel 7 until the end of the flux detector.

[0064] Step 2: Fix the anterior guide tube 1.

[0065] The layout of equipment surrounding the flux detector assembly is observed. Based on this layout, the path for the guide tube 1 is designed, and a suitable length of guide tube 1 is selected. The guide tube 1 is then connected to and locked into the capillary tube of the flux detector assembly. The flux detector assembly is a component installed on the reactor for measuring flux. Each assembly contains 12 capillary channels, each with an inner diameter of 3.4 mm. These channels penetrate the reactor core, and their lengths are mostly over 10 meters. The flux detector, resembling a wire, needs to be inserted deep into the capillary tube by a person.

[0066] Step 3: Assemble the guidance system, drive system, and control system.

[0067] Inspect the guidance system, drive system, and control system. Specifically, check the rubber wheels in drive wheel assembly 2 for damage or deformation; check if the wheel assembly bearings rotate normally; check the rear guide tube 5 and drive system housing 4 for integrity; check if the servo motor is functioning properly; check the appearance of the detector reel compartment 6 for integrity; check if the compartment door opens and closes smoothly; check if the reel bearings rotate normally; and check if the handheld control panel and PLC control program are functioning properly.

[0068] Connect the drive system housing 4 into the fixing slot of the detector reel compartment 6 and secure it with pins. Secure the servo motor into the fixing slot of the drive system housing 4 and secure it with pins. Connect the front guide tube 1 to the quick connector of the drive system housing 4.

[0069] Step 4: Set the detector installation parameters.

[0070] Based on the installation location of the flux detector within the reactor, set the installation "location" and "velocity" parameters on the handheld control panel.

[0071] Step 5: Insert the flux detector into the capillary of the flux detector assembly.

[0072] Insert the end of the flux detector into the guide tube 1, and hold the flux detector cable to send the flux detector through the guide tube 1 into the capillary of the flux measurement component.

[0073] Step 6: Install onto the reel.

[0074] Open the side cover of the drive housing 4, the side cover of the rear guide tube 5, the drive wheel assembly 2, and the detector reel compartment 6. Place the flux detector cable into the drive wheel assembly 2 and the rear guide tube 5, fit the reel center hole onto the reel shaft, and close the compartment door.

[0075] Step 7: Fix the operating position of the device.

[0076] Connect the front guide tube 1 to the drive system housing 4. An operator (device fixed operator) is responsible for fixing the device to the operating platform or fixing the operating device in the operating position by hand.

[0077] Step 8: Start the control system and install the flux detector.

[0078] Another operator (the control panel operator) first confirms smooth communication with the person stationed at the device, then holds the control panel and presses the "forward" button. The person stationed at the device confirms that the device is running smoothly and the flux detector is being inserted smoothly. The control panel operator monitors the insertion speed of the flux detector to ensure it matches the set speed, and then installs it in the designated position.

[0079] Step 9: Install the flux detector.

[0080] Remove the flux detector cable from the limiting groove of reel 7, operate the control panel 8 to continue installing the target to the set position, release the locking nut between the front guide tube 1 and the capillary tube, disconnect the front guide tube 1 from the drive system housing 4, retrieve the device body and the front guide tube 1 respectively, and complete the flux detector wiring.

[0081] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device, characterized in that, The system includes a front guide tube (1) and a rear guide tube (5) arranged coaxially. The rear end of the front guide tube (1) is installed on a quick connector in the drive system housing (4). A drive wheel assembly (2) is arranged between the front guide tube (1) and the rear guide tube (5). The drive wheel assembly (2) is connected to the drive motor (3). The rear guide tube (5) is connected to the detector reel compartment (6). A reel (7) is installed in the detector reel compartment (6). The tail of the flux detector is inserted into the reel (7). The flux detector cable is wound on the reel (7). The drive wheel assembly (2) The device includes a front drive wheel assembly and a rear drive wheel assembly. Each wheel assembly includes two rubber rollers. The upper rubber roller of the drive wheel assembly (2) is arranged to move vertically and is pressed against the lower rubber roller below by a spring. The lower rubber roller is driven by the drive motor (3). The lower rubber roller is the driving wheel and the upper rubber roller is the driven wheel. The two upper rubber rollers rotate towards each other under the drive of the two lower rubber rollers. The front drive wheel assembly and the rear drive wheel assembly clamp the flux detector cable and rotate synchronously to realize the insertion or lifting of the flux detector.

2. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front guide tube (1) is a flexible tapered tube, with its front end connected to the capillary port of the flux detector assembly and its rear end arranged in front of the drive wheel assembly (2).

3. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear end of the flexible tapered tube has a flared shape.

4. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the guide tube (1) is provided with a locking nut, which is used to fix the guide tube (1) to the capillary of the flux detector assembly. The rear end of the guide tube (1) is provided with a quick connector, which is connected to the device body.

5. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front guide tube (1) is a corrugated tube with a slit in the side wall and a slit nut on the outside of the tube wall.

6. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide tube (1) is provided with an extension tube in the middle.

7. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear guide tube (5) is a rigid round tube with flared openings at both ends.

8. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The rear guide tube (5) is installed in the slot of the device body. The front end of the rear guide tube (5) is arranged behind the drive wheel assembly (2), and the rear end of the rear guide tube (5) is connected to the detector reel compartment (6).

9. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear guide tube (5) has a slit in its side wall, and a sliding door is provided outside the slit.

10. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reel (7) is mounted on the shaft of the detector reel compartment (6), and the reel (7) winds up the flux detector.

11. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that, The detector reel compartment (6) is equipped with a guide groove to guide the flux detector smoothly into the rear guide tube (5).

12. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The door of the detector reel compartment (6) has a hollow structure.

13. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive motor (3) is a servo motor, which is connected to the main shaft of the wheel assembly through a reducer and gears.

14. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a control box, which includes a PLC, a motion controller, and a power module. The PLC program controls the movement mode of the servo motor and the speed and position of the flux detector insertion.

15. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a control screen (8), which provides operators with a control command sending interface and real-time feedback information through a graphical human-machine interface.

16. The heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a drive system housing (4), the rear guide tube (5) is disposed inside the drive system housing (4), and the detector reel compartment (6) is docked with the drive system housing (4).

17. A method for installing a flux detector in a heavy water reactor core, characterized in that, The method using the heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device as described in claim 1 includes: Step 1: Install the flux detector cable into the reel (7); Step 2: Connect and lock the front guide tube (1) to the capillary of the flux detector assembly; Step 3: Inspect the drive wheel assembly (2), the detector reel compartment (6), and the rear guide tube (5); Step 4: Based on the installation location of the flux detector in the reactor, set the installation location and velocity parameters on the control panel (8); Step 5: Insert the end of the flux detector into the front guide tube (1), and hold the flux detector cable to send the flux detector into the capillary of the flux detector assembly through the front guide tube (1). Step 6: Install the reel (7) into the detector reel compartment (6); Step 7: Connect the front guide tube (1) to the drive system housing (4) and fix the heavy water reactor core flux detector installation device in the operating position; Step 8: Start the control system and install the flux detector; Step 9: Remove the installation device of the heavy water reactor core flux detector to complete the installation of the flux detector.

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