Visualization system for acquiring images in reactor

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of nuclear engineering, in particular to a visualization system for acquiring an image in a reactor, and the system comprises an ultrasonic device which is used for transmitting or receiving an ultrasonic signal and is arranged to be capable of moving relative to a rotary shielding plug of a fast neutron proliferation reactor; the signal control device is used for controlling the ultrasonic device to transmit or receive ultrasonic signals and sending the received ultrasonic signals to the signal processing device; the signal processing device is used for receiving and processing the ultrasonic signal and sending the processed signal to the image generation device; the image generation device is used for receiving the signal sent by the signal processing device and determining a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the signal. According to the visualization system provided by the embodiment of the invention, visual monitoring and detection of reactor core components, foreign matters, equipment and the like in the reactor container can be realized, and meanwhile, the operation and maintenance efficiency of an operator on the reactor can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of nuclear engineering technology, and in particular to a visualization system for acquiring images inside a reactor. Background Art

[0002] The statements herein merely provide background information related to the present application and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Fast neutron breeder reactors (hereinafter referred to as fast reactors) can use nuclear fission chain reactions rich in fissionable nuclides to release huge amounts of heat energy, and then transfer the heat energy to high-temperature and high-pressure steam through the circulation of coolant, thereby driving steam turbine generators to generate electricity.

[0004] The in-core coolant of a fast reactor is usually various types of liquid metals. These high-temperature liquid metals have active chemical properties, opacity and invisibility. These characteristics bring great difficulties to the operation and maintenance of the core. Summary of the invention

[0005] 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.

[0006] The embodiment of the present application provides a visualization system for acquiring images inside a reactor, which is suitable for acquiring images inside a reactor vessel of a fast neutron breeder reactor, and includes: an ultrasonic device, a signal control device, a signal processing device, and an image generating device; wherein the ultrasonic device is arranged inside the reactor vessel, and is used to transmit or receive ultrasonic signals, and the ultrasonic signals are used for ultrasonic imaging, and the ultrasonic device is also arranged to be able to move relative to a rotating shielding plug of the fast neutron breeder reactor to transmit ultrasonic signals to different areas inside the fast neutron breeder reactor; the signal control device is arranged outside the reactor vessel, and is used to control the ultrasonic device to transmit or receive ultrasonic signals, and send the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic device to the signal processing device; the signal processing device is arranged outside the reactor vessel, and is used to receive and process the ultrasonic signals, and send the processed signals to the image generating device; the image generating device is arranged outside the reactor vessel, and is used to receive the signals sent by the signal processing device and determine a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the signals, and the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is used to indicate the internal conditions of the reactor vessel.

[0007] The embodiments of the present application, through the mutual cooperation between the ultrasonic device, the signal control device, the signal processing device and the image generating device, can enable the ultrasonic device to move in different directions to obtain images of different areas inside the reactor vessel, thereby realizing visual monitoring and detection of core components, foreign matter and equipment in the reactor vessel, and at the same time providing a reference basis for various fault and accident handling, thereby greatly improving the operator's operation and maintenance efficiency of the reactor as well as the safety and reliability of the operation and maintenance of the reactor.

[0008] These and other advantages of the present application will become more apparent through the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a visualization system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0011] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a visualization system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] 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.

[0013] Description of reference numerals:

[0014] 10. Ultrasonic device; 11. Ultrasonic sensor; 12. Transmission member; 13. Signal transmission member;

[0015] 20. Signal control device; 21. Transmitting circuit; 22. Receiving circuit;

[0016] 30. Signal processing device;

[0017] 40. Image generating device;

[0018] 50. Driving device;

[0019] 60. Control device;

[0020] 91. Reactor vessel; 92. Rotating shield plug; 921. Mounting channel; 93. Reactor core; 94. Liquid metal; 95. Inert gas; 96. Gas-liquid interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] In the related technology, since the high-temperature liquid metal used as coolant in the current fast reactor has active chemical properties, opacity and invisibility, and since the temperature inside the reactor vessel is extremely high and the radioactive dose is extremely large, the operator cannot intuitively understand the situation inside the reactor vessel. These characteristics have brought great difficulties to the operation and maintenance of the core.

[0026] In view of the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a visualization system for acquiring images inside a reactor, which is suitable for acquiring images inside a reactor vessel of a fast neutron breeder reactor. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a visualization system according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a visualization system according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the visualization system includes: an ultrasonic device 10 , a signal control device 20 , a signal processing device 30 and an image generating device 40 .

[0027] The ultrasonic device 10 is arranged inside the reactor vessel 91 for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic signals, and the ultrasonic signals are used for ultrasonic imaging. The ultrasonic device 10 is also arranged to be able to move relative to the rotating shield plug 92 of the fast neutron breeder reactor to transmit ultrasonic signals to different areas inside the reactor vessel 91.

[0028] The signal control device 20 is disposed outside the reactor vessel 91 , and is used to control the ultrasonic device 10 to transmit or receive ultrasonic signals, and to send the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic device 10 to the signal processing device 30 .

[0029] The signal processing device 30 is disposed outside the reactor vessel 91 , and is used to receive and process ultrasonic signals, and send the processed signals to the image generating device 40 .

[0030] The image generating device 40 is disposed outside the reactor vessel 91 , and is used to receive the signal sent by the signal processing device 30 and determine a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the signal. The three-dimensional ultrasonic image is used to indicate the internal situation of the reactor vessel 91 .

[0031] The embodiment of the present application, through the mutual cooperation among the ultrasonic device 10, the signal control device 20, the signal processing device 30 and the image generating device 40, can enable the ultrasonic device 10 to move in different directions to obtain images of different areas inside the reactor vessel 91, thereby realizing visual monitoring and detection of the core 93 components, foreign matter and equipment in the reactor vessel 91, and at the same time providing a reference basis for various fault and accident handling, thereby greatly improving the operator's operation and maintenance efficiency of the reactor as well as the safety and reliability of the operation and maintenance of the reactor.

[0032] In some embodiments, the reactor further includes a rotating shield plug 92, which is disposed at the opening of the reactor vessel 91 and is used to seal the reactor vessel 91. At the same time, the rotating shield plug 92 is also used to provide installation space and operation space for the drive device 50, the transmission member 12, etc. in the embodiment of the present application. The rotating shield plug 92 is composed of three plugs, namely, large, medium, and small. The positioning movement of the ultrasonic device 10 in the embodiment of the present application is realized through the eccentric rotation movement of these three plugs.

[0033] In some embodiments, the signal control device 20 is disposed outside the reactor vessel 91 and is located in a normal temperature environment above the rotating shield plug 92 of the core 93. The signal control device 20 includes a transmitting circuit 21 and a receiving circuit 22. The transmitting circuit 21 is used to control the ultrasonic device 10 to transmit ultrasonic signals. The receiving circuit 22 is used to control the ultrasonic device 10 to receive ultrasonic signals and send the received ultrasonic signals to the signal processing device 30.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device 10 is provided with a piezoelectric response part. The transmitting circuit 21 applies an alternating electric field to the piezoelectric response part in the ultrasonic device 10. Due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric response part undergoes mechanical compression and expansion, thereby driving the surrounding medium to vibrate and emit ultrasonic waves, wherein the piezoelectric response part is made of piezoelectric material.

[0035] In such an embodiment, when ultrasonic waves propagate in the measured area within the reactor vessel 91, an echo is generated when encountering an interface composed of materials with different acoustic impedances. After the echo reaches the ultrasonic device 10, a certain pressure is applied to the piezoelectric response part along the voltage axis. Due to the positive piezoelectric effect, opposite charges are generated on both sides of the piezoelectric response part. This high-frequency weak electric signal is received by the receiving circuit 22 and sent to the signal processing device 30.

[0036] In some embodiments, the signal processing device 30 performs amplification, filtering, superposition and other processing on the received ultrasonic signal, and sends the processed signal to the image generating device 40 .

[0037] In some embodiments, the image generating device 40 may process and reorganize the received signals to reconstruct a three-dimensional image, thereby obtaining a three-dimensional ultrasound image.

[0038] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device 10 includes an ultrasonic sensor 11 and a transmission member 12; the ultrasonic sensor 11 is used to transmit or receive ultrasonic signals; the transmission member 12 is disposed in the mounting channel 921 of the rotating shield plug 92 of the fast neutron breeder reactor, and is connected to the ultrasonic sensor 11, and is used to drive the ultrasonic sensor 11 into the reactor vessel 91, and when the ultrasonic sensor 11 is located inside the reactor vessel 91, drive the ultrasonic sensor 11 to move in multiple directions.

[0039] The embodiment of the present application drives the ultrasonic sensor 11 into the reactor vessel 91 through the transmission member 12, and enables the ultrasonic sensor 11 to move in multiple directions inside the reactor vessel 91. Mainly, the ultrasonic sensor 11 can emit ultrasonic signals to different areas inside the reactor under the drive of the transmission member 12, which is conducive to fully obtaining images of the interior of the reactor.

[0040] In some embodiments, the rotating shield plug 92 has multiple channels, and the interior of the reactor vessel 91 can be operated through the channels on the rotating shield plug 92. For example, the rotating shield plug 92 is provided with at least one channel for providing an operating space for a material changer, so that the material changer can enter the interior of the reactor vessel 91 through the channel to perform grabbing and releasing operations.

[0041] The installation channel 921 in the embodiment of the present application can be a spare channel of the material changer.

[0042] In such an embodiment, when the reactor is in a shutdown and refueling condition, when the refueling machine inside the reactor vessel 91 grabs and places various components, the visualization system of the embodiment of the present application can visualize the component grabbing and placing operations to monitor the component status in real time, thereby greatly improving the safety and reliability of the component grabbing and placing operations.

[0043] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic sensor 11 can be determined based on the visual resolution size within the reactor vessel 91 , wherein the determined ultrasonic sensor 11 is suitable for high temperature, high corrosive (active chemical properties) and high radioactive environments.

[0044] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic sensor 11 mainly has three conventional geometric imaging structures, including a single sensor, a linear array sensor system composed of multiple sensors, and a two-dimensional array sensor array system composed of multiple sensors. For situations where the visualization resolution in the reactor vessel 91 is not required to be high or the space in the reactor vessel 91 is limited, a single sensor can be used to form an ultrasonic probe or multiple sensor elements can be arranged in a row along a straight line to form a linear array probe; for situations where the visualization resolution in the reactor vessel 91 is required to be high, multiple sensor elements can be arranged in a matrix to form a phased array probe.

[0045] In some embodiments, one end of the transmission member 12 is connected to the ultrasonic sensor 11 and extends into the interior of the reactor vessel 91 through the mounting hole 921 of the rotating shielding plug 92 .

[0046] In some embodiments, the relevant design parameters of the transmission member 12 can be determined based on the number and size of the ultrasonic sensors 11 , the spatial size of the imaging area in the reactor vessel 91 , the size of the mounting channel 921 , and its position on the rotating shielding plug 92 .

[0047] In some embodiments, the transmission member 12 is fixedly connected to the mounting hole 921 so as to form an integral structure with the rotating shield plug 92 , so that the transmission member 12 can rotate at the same speed as the rotating shield plug 92 , thereby realizing the positioning movement of the ultrasonic sensor 11 inside the reactor vessel 91 .

[0048] In some embodiments, the transmission member 12 is fixedly mounted in the mounting hole 921 on the rotating shielding plug 92 by means of bolts.

[0049] In some embodiments, the transmission member 12 is configured to be retractable and is configured to: drive the ultrasonic sensor 11 close to the core 93 of the fast neutron breeder reactor when it is necessary to obtain an image of the core 93 inside the reactor vessel 91; and drive the ultrasonic sensor 11 away from the core 93 of the fast neutron breeder reactor when it is not necessary to obtain an image of the core 93 inside the reactor vessel 91, until the ultrasonic sensor 11 is in an inert atmosphere, so as to reduce the radiation dose received by the ultrasonic sensor 11.

[0050] The embodiment of the present application visualizes the core 93 of the reactor, which is helpful to provide a reference for handling various faults and accidents, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the operator's operation and maintenance of the reactor.

[0051] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the interior of the reactor vessel 91 is divided into an inert gas 95 and a liquid metal 94. The positions adjacent to the inert gas 95 and the liquid metal 94 can form a gas-liquid interface 96. The reactor core 93 and its components can be arranged at the bottom of the reactor vessel 91 and immersed in the liquid metal 94.

[0052] In some embodiments, the transmission member 12 is configured to drive the ultrasonic sensor 11 to rotate, so that after the transmission member 12 drives the ultrasonic sensor 11 close to the core 93 of the fast neutron breeder reactor, the ultrasonic sensor 11 can perform a 360° axial rotation relative to the transmission member 12, thereby allowing the ultrasonic sensor 11 to obtain a complete three-dimensional ultrasonic image of the surrounding area at the current position.

[0053] The embodiment of the present application configures the transmission member 12 to be capable of driving the ultrasonic sensor 11 to rotate, thereby further increasing the range of the ultrasonic sensor 11 for acquiring ultrasonic signals, thereby reducing the possibility of blind spots inside the reactor vessel 91 and facilitating acquisition of a complete three-dimensional ultrasonic image at the current position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device 10 further includes: a signal transmission component 13 , through which the ultrasonic sensor 11 is communicatively connected to the signal control device 20 , for transmitting ultrasonic signals between the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the signal control device 20 .

[0055] The embodiment of the present application transmits the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the signal control device 20 via the signal transmission element 13 , which is beneficial to ensuring the transmission quality of the ultrasonic signal.

[0056] In some embodiments, the signal transmission element 13 may be a cable. The length of the cable has an important influence on the amplitude of the received signal. Since the ultrasonic sensor 11 is a piezoelectric sensor, a tiny charge will be generated when transmitting an ultrasonic signal. Therefore, the signal transmission element 13 should use a cable with small capacitance, radiation resistance, and high temperature resistance, and the length of the cable should be as short as possible.

[0057] In some embodiments, the signal transmission element 13 is configured so that the impedance at both ends matches the impedance of the input / output end of the signal control device 20 and the impedance of the ultrasonic sensor 11 to reduce the interference of interference signals inside and outside the reactor vessel 91 on the ultrasonic signal.

[0058] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device 10 also includes a retractable member, which is arranged inside the transmission member 12 and is used to realize automatic release or winding of the signal transmission member 13 when the transmission member 12 drives the ultrasonic sensor 11 to extend and retract, so as to avoid entanglement of the signal transmission member 13.

[0059] In some embodiments, the visualization system further includes: a driving device 50 , which is disposed outside the reactor vessel 91 and is used to drive the transmission member 12 to move, so that the transmission member 12 drives the ultrasonic sensor 11 to move.

[0060] The embodiment of the present application drives the transmission member 12 to move through the driving device 50, and can finely control the movement direction of the transmission member 12, so that the transmission member 12 can drive the ultrasonic sensor 11 to achieve fine movement, which is beneficial for the ultrasonic sensor 11 to accurately transmit ultrasonic signals to different areas in the reactor vessel 91.

[0061] In some embodiments, driven by the driving device 50, the transmission member 12 can carry the ultrasonic sensor 11 to perform vertical and rotational movements along the axis, so that the ultrasonic sensor 11 can perform ultrasonic imaging at different positions and at different angles, thereby facilitating the acquisition of three-dimensional ultrasonic images of different areas in the reactor vessel 91.

[0062] In some embodiments, the visualization system further includes: a control device 60 , the control device 60 is used to control the driving device 50 to drive the transmission member 12 to move, so that the transmission member 12 drives the ultrasonic sensor 11 to move.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The above description is only a specific implementation manner 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 visualization system for obtaining images inside a reactor, which is suitable for obtaining images inside a reactor vessel of a fast neutron breeder reactor, characterized in that: include: Ultrasonic device, signal control device, signal processing device, image generating device; wherein, The ultrasonic device is arranged inside the reactor vessel and is used to transmit or receive ultrasonic signals, wherein the ultrasonic signals are used to perform ultrasonic imaging, and the ultrasonic device is also arranged to be able to move relative to the rotating shield plug of the fast breeder reactor to transmit ultrasonic signals to different areas inside the reactor vessel; The signal control device is arranged outside the reactor vessel, and is used to control the ultrasonic device to transmit or receive ultrasonic signals, and send the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic device to the signal processing device; The signal processing device is disposed outside the reactor vessel, and is used to receive and process the ultrasonic signal, and send the processed signal to the image generating device; The image generating device is arranged outside the reactor vessel, and is used for receiving the signal sent by the signal processing device and determining a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the signal, wherein the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is used for indicating the internal situation of the reactor vessel.

2. The visualization system according to claim 1, characterized in that The ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic sensor and a transmission member; The ultrasonic sensor is used to transmit or receive the ultrasonic signal; The transmission member is arranged in a mounting hole on the rotating shield plug of the fast neutron breeder reactor and is connected to the ultrasonic sensor, and is used to drive the ultrasonic sensor to enter the reactor vessel, and when the ultrasonic sensor is located inside the reactor vessel, drive the ultrasonic sensor to move in multiple directions.

3. The visualization system according to claim 2, characterized in that The transmission member is fixedly connected to the mounting hole to form an integral structure with the rotating shield plug, so that the transmission member can rotate at the same speed as the rotating shield plug to achieve positioning movement of the ultrasonic sensor inside the reactor vessel.

4. The visualization system according to claim 3, characterized in that The transmission member is configured to be retractable. And it is configured that: when it is necessary to obtain an image of the core inside the reactor vessel, the ultrasonic sensor is driven close to the core of the fast neutron breeder reactor; when it is not necessary to obtain an image of the core inside the reactor vessel, the ultrasonic sensor is driven away from the core of the fast neutron breeder reactor until the ultrasonic sensor is in an inert atmosphere, so as to reduce the radiation dose received by the ultrasonic sensor.

5. The visualization system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmission member is configured to drive the ultrasonic sensor to rotate, so that after the transmission member drives the ultrasonic sensor close to the core of the fast neutron breeder reactor, the ultrasonic sensor can perform 360° axial rotation relative to the transmission member, thereby enabling the ultrasonic sensor to obtain the complete three-dimensional ultrasonic image of the surrounding area at the current position.

6. The visualization system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The visualization system further comprises: A signal transmission component, through which the ultrasonic sensor is communicatively connected with the signal control device, is used to transmit the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic sensor and the signal control device.

7. The visualization system according to claim 6, characterized in that The signal transmission element is configured so that the impedances at both ends match the impedances of the input / output ends of the signal control device and the impedance of the ultrasonic sensor, so as to reduce the interference of interference signals inside and outside the reactor vessel on the ultrasonic signal.

8. The visualization system according to claim 7, characterized in that The ultrasonic device also includes a retractable component. The retractable member is arranged inside the transmission member, and is used to realize automatic release or winding of the signal transmission member when the transmission member drives the ultrasonic sensor to extend and retract.

9. The visualization system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The visualization system further comprises: A driving device is arranged outside the reactor vessel and is used to drive the transmission member to move so that the transmission member drives the ultrasonic sensor to move.

10. The visualization system according to claim 9, characterized in that The visualization system further comprises: A control device is used to control the driving device to drive the transmission member to move, so that the transmission member drives the ultrasonic sensor to move.

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