An automatic cleaning device for nuclear fuel pellets

Abstract

The application provides a kind of nuclear fuel pellet automatic cleaning equipment, belongs to the technical field of pellet cleaning, solve the problem of low efficiency, large labor intensity, long time of operator contact radioactive material in prior art. It includes a protective cover, the inner side of the protective cover is provided with ultrasonic cleaning device, air heater and moving mechanism, moving mechanism is connected with pellet placing frame, moving mechanism moves pellet placing frame to ultrasonic cleaning device or air heater. Set the moving mechanism to move the pellet placing frame to the ultrasonic cleaning device for cleaning or to the air heater for drying treatment, realize automatic cleaning and drying operation, reduce the work intensity, and set the protective cover to isolate the related equipment, avoid the operator to contact the radioactive material for a long time;The cleaning equipment of the application can clean and dry small batches of pellets at the same time, improve the processing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fuel pellet cleaning technology, specifically to an automatic nuclear fuel pellet cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] During the development and sampling of nuclear fuel pellets, a large number of pellets need to be cleaned and dried according to their numbers to remove dirt and water stains from the surface of the pellets, providing clean and dry fuel pellet samples for subsequent analysis, characterization and conformity evaluation.

[0003] The cleaning process for fuel pellets plays a crucial role in the overall research, development, production, and inspection process. For fuel pellets requiring categorized cleaning, the traditional method involves placing each ground, qualified pellet into a small beaker or other sample container, filling each container with water or anhydrous ethanol (or other volatile cleaning solution) until it just covers the top surface of the pellet, and then immersing it in an ultrasonic cleaner for 10-30 minutes, depending on the type of cleaning solution. The cleaning waste liquid (radioactive waste liquid) is then discarded, and finally, each pellet is dried individually using a blower or similar tool. This method is inefficient, labor-intensive, involves prolonged contact with radioactive materials for operators, generates large quantities of radioactive waste liquid, and incurs extremely high disposal costs. It is unsuitable for the batch cleaning needs during pellet development and product sampling inspections. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an automated nuclear fuel pellet cleaning device. This device includes a moving mechanism that moves the pellet placement frame to an ultrasonic cleaning unit for cleaning or to a hot air blower for drying, thus automating the cleaning and drying process, reducing workload. Furthermore, a protective cover isolates the equipment, preventing operators from prolonged contact with radioactive materials. The cleaning device of this application can simultaneously clean and dry small batches of pellets, improving processing efficiency.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] An automatic nuclear fuel pellet cleaning device includes a protective cover. An ultrasonic cleaning device, a hot air blower, and a moving mechanism are installed inside the protective cover. A pellet placement frame is connected to the moving mechanism, which moves the pellet placement frame to the ultrasonic cleaning device or the hot air blower. The moving mechanism includes a horizontally arranged lead screw and a guide rod. The lead screw is rotatably connected to the protective cover and is connected to a drive motor. A moving seat is threaded onto the lead screw and slidably connected to the guide rod. A telescopic device is connected to the moving seat and is vertically arranged for driving the pellet placement frame to rise and fall.

[0007] Preferably, the lower end of the telescopic device is connected to a connecting plate, a rotating motor is installed on the connecting plate, the rotating motor is connected to a vertically arranged output shaft and the output shaft is connected to the core block placement frame, a drying cylinder is installed on the hot air blower, an air outlet communicating with the hot air blower is provided at the bottom of the drying cylinder, and a water baffle is provided on the inner wall of the drying cylinder. The water baffle is funnel-shaped and the upper opening diameter of the water baffle is smaller than the lower opening diameter.

[0008] Preferably, the core block placement frame includes at least two mesh plates that are spliced ​​together and detachably connected. A connecting seat is provided on the upper surface of the core block placement frame. A positioning rod is movably passed through the side wall of the connecting seat. A tension spring is sleeved on the positioning rod. One end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the connecting seat, and the other end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the positioning rod. A guide groove communicating with the lower end face of the output shaft is vertically opened on the side wall of the output shaft. A positioning groove that cooperates with the positioning rod is opened in the guide groove.

[0009] Preferably, a plug is provided on the lower surface of the core block placement frame, a conical head is provided in the drying cylinder, a socket is provided at the upper end of the conical head, and a bearing that is movable and cooperates with the plug is installed in the socket.

[0010] Preferably, the upper end of the water baffle is connected to a rubber water baffle ring, and several mutually fitting separation rubber plates are arranged radially on the rubber water baffle ring. The separation rubber plates extend to the bottom of the conical head. The diameter of the conical head is smaller than the diameter of the upper opening of the water baffle. A lifting device connected to the conical head is vertically arranged at the bottom of the drying cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, a baffle plate is fixedly installed on the output shaft above the core block placement frame.

[0012] Preferably, the lower surface of the baffle plate is provided with an annular groove, and the upper end surface of the drying cylinder is provided with several universal balls that cooperate with the annular groove.

[0013] Preferably, a centrifugal filter is provided on the outside of the protective cover. The centrifugal filter is connected to an inlet pipe and a drain pipe. The outlet of the drain pipe extends into the ultrasonic cleaning device. A suction pump is provided on the drain pipe. A first drain pipe connected to the drying cylinder and a second drain pipe connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device are connected to the inlet pipe. Valves are provided on both the first and second drain pipes.

[0014] Preferably, the centrifugal filtration device includes a housing with an opening at the top and a cover plate detachably connected to the housing. A stirring motor is provided on the cover plate, and a stirring shaft extending into the housing is connected to the stirring motor. A stirring blade is provided on the stirring shaft. A filter screen covering the outside of the stirring shaft is connected to the cover plate. A water inlet pipe is located inside the filter screen, and a water outlet pipe is located outside the filter screen.

[0015] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0016] The device is equipped with a moving mechanism to move the core block placement frame to the ultrasonic cleaning device for cleaning or to the hot air blower for drying, thereby automating the cleaning and drying process, reducing workload, and is equipped with a protective cover to isolate the relevant equipment and prevent operators from being exposed to radioactive materials for a long time. The cleaning equipment of this application can clean and dry small batches of core blocks at the same time, improving processing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-sectional structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drying cylinder structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the core block placement frame structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the centrifugal filtration device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rubber water-blocking ring structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the spin-drying state provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the drying state provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Reference numerals: 1-Ultrasonic cleaning device; 2-Hot air blower; 3-First drain pipe; 4-Second drain pipe; 5-Water inlet pipe; 6-Centrifugal filtration device; 601-Outer shell; 602-Agitator motor; 603-Cover plate; 604-Agitator blade; 605-Filter screen; 606-Agitator shaft; 7-Water suction pipe; 8-Suction pump; 9-Annular groove; 10-Sealing door; 11-Protective cover; 12-Moving seat; 13-Position sensor; 14-Lead screw; 15-Guide rod; 16-Drive motor; 17-Suction pipe; 18- 19-Universal ball; 20-Drying drum; 21-Water baffle; 22-Air outlet; 23-Telescopic device; 24-Rotating motor; 25-Connecting plate; 26-Water baffle; 27-Core block placement frame; 2601-Mesh plate; 2602-Plug; 2603-Connecting seat; 2604-Tension spring; 2605-Positioning rod; 27-Core block; 28-Bearing; 29-Socket; 30-Conical head; 31-Rubber water baffle ring; 32-Lifting device; 33-Output shaft; 34-Guide groove; 35-Positioning groove; 36-Separation rubber plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0029] The following is combined with Figures 1-7 The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0030] Example

[0031] An automatic cleaning device for nuclear fuel pellets includes a protective cover 11. An ultrasonic cleaning device 1, a hot air blower 2, and a moving mechanism are installed on the inner side of the protective cover 11. A pellet placement frame 26 is connected to the moving mechanism, and the moving mechanism moves the pellet placement frame 26 to the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 or the hot air blower 2.

[0032] The moving mechanism has at least the function of lateral movement of the core block placement frame 26 and the function of lifting the core block placement frame 26, ensuring that the moving mechanism can move the core block placement frame 26 containing the core block 27 to the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 for cleaning and move the core block 27 to the hot air blower 2 for drying.

[0033] The core block placement frame 26 is detachably connected to the moving mechanism to facilitate the replacement of the core block 27; a sealing door 10 is provided on the protective cover 11 for taking out and placing the core block placement frame 26; the protective cover 11 can be made transparent to facilitate observation of whether the internal cleaning process is proceeding smoothly; the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 can be equipped with a heating device to heat the cleaning fluid and increase the cleaning effect.

[0034] The moving mechanism includes a horizontally arranged lead screw 14 and a guide rod 15. The lead screw 14 is rotatably connected to the protective cover 11 and is connected to a drive motor 16. A moving seat 12, which is slidably connected to the guide rod 15, is threaded onto the lead screw 14. A telescopic device 22, which is vertically arranged and used to drive the core block placement frame 26 to rise and fall, is connected to the moving seat 12. Rotation of the lead screw 14 causes the moving seat 12 to move laterally, thereby realizing the lateral movement of the core block placement frame 26. The telescopic device 22 raises and lowers the core block placement frame 26. The protective cover 11 is equipped with at least two position sensors 13 for monitoring the position of the moving seat 12, so that the moving seat 12 can be accurately moved above the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 and the hot air blower 2. The protective cover 11 is equipped with a suction pipe 17 to draw the moisture and gas generated during the drying process into other processing equipment, ensuring that radioactive aerosols and dust generated during the core block 27 cleaning process do not enter the open environment.

[0035] The lower end of the telescopic device 22 is connected to a connecting plate 24, and a rotating motor 23 is installed on the connecting plate 24. The rotating motor 23 is connected to a vertically arranged output shaft 33, and the output shaft 33 is connected to the core block placement frame 26. A drying cylinder 19 is installed on the hot air blower 2. An air outlet 21 communicating with the hot air blower 2 is provided at the bottom of the drying cylinder 19. A water baffle 20 is provided on the inner wall of the drying cylinder 19. The water baffle 20 is funnel-shaped and the diameter of the upper opening of the water baffle 20 is smaller than the diameter of the lower opening.

[0036] The trumpet-shaped water baffle 20, together with the drying drum 19, forms a water collection tank, which facilitates the collection of the splashed-out cleaning liquid. The rotating motor 23 can rotate the core block placement frame 26, which, when combined with the drying drum 19, can splash most of the cleaning liquid adhering to the core block 27 out of the core block placement frame 26. The splashed-out cleaning liquid collects on the water baffle 20, thereby increasing the drying efficiency of the hot air blower 2 for the core block 27.

[0037] The core block placement frame 26 includes at least two mesh plates 2601 that are assembled and detachably connected. A connecting seat 2603 is provided on the upper surface of the core block placement frame 26. A positioning rod 2605 is movably passed through the side wall of the connecting seat 2603. A tension spring 2604 is sleeved on the positioning rod 2605. One end of the tension spring 2604 is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 2603, and the other end of the tension spring 2604 is fixedly connected to the positioning rod 2605. A guide groove 34 communicating with the lower end face of the output shaft 33 is vertically opened on the side wall of the output shaft 33. A positioning groove 35 that cooperates with the positioning rod 2605 is opened in the guide groove 34. Two mesh plates 2601 can be connected by screws. After the two mesh plates 2601 are assembled, the core block 27 is surrounded in a mesh-like space, which facilitates the cleaning and drying of the core block 27. In order to facilitate quick and easy loading and unloading of the core block placement frame 26, a positioning rod 2605 is set to cooperate with the positioning groove 35 to install the core block placement frame 26 on the output shaft 33. During the process of inserting the output shaft 33 into the connecting seat 2603, the positioning rod 2605 also cooperates with the guide groove 34, so that the output shaft 33 can only slide axially relative to the connecting seat 2603, which facilitates the quick insertion of the positioning rod 2605 into the positioning groove 35. When the positioning rod 2605 is aligned with the positioning groove 35, the tension spring 2604 pulls the positioning rod 2605 into the positioning groove 35 to lock it. When removing the core block placement frame 26, simply pull the positioning rod 2605 to disengage it from the positioning groove 35, and the core block placement frame 26 will detach from the output shaft 33 due to gravity.

[0038] A plug 2602 is provided on the lower surface of the core block placement frame 26, and a conical head 30 is provided in the drying cylinder 19. A socket 29 is provided on the upper end of the conical head 30, and a bearing 28 that movably engages with the plug 2602 is installed in the socket 29. The lower end of the plug 2602 is arc-shaped to facilitate insertion into the bearing 28. When the moving mechanism moves the core block placement frame 26 above the drying cylinder 19 and extends into the drying cylinder 19, the plug 2602 is inserted into the bearing 28. During the rotation and spin-drying process of the core block placement frame 26, the stability of the core block placement frame 26 can be maintained, and the moving mechanism can be prevented from being damaged by the unstable swing of the core block placement frame 26.

[0039] A rubber water-blocking ring 31 is connected to the upper end of the water-blocking cover 20. Several mutually fitting separation rubber plates 36 are arranged radially on the rubber water-blocking ring 31. The separation rubber plates 36 extend to the bottom of the conical head 30. The diameter of the conical head 30 is smaller than the diameter of the upper opening of the water-blocking cover 20. A lifting device 32 connected to the conical head 30 is vertically arranged at the bottom of the drying cylinder 19. The lifting device 32 can raise and lower the conical head 30 to adjust its position. When the conical head 30 is above the rubber water-blocking ring 31, the core block placement frame 26 needs to be spun dry. The conical head 30, in conjunction with the separating rubber plates 36, can guide the cleaning fluid dripping from the core block placement frame 26 to the water-blocking cover 20 before spun dry, preventing the cleaning fluid from entering the hot air blower 2 and causing damage. After spun dry, the conical head 30 moves below the rubber water-blocking ring 31, and the hot air blower 2 generates hot air. The hot air converges in the middle of the conical head 30 and the water-blocking cover 20, reducing the loss of airflow. The multiple separating rubber plates 36 are designed to bend and deform during the passage of the conical head 30, facilitating its passage.

[0040] A baffle plate 25 is fixedly installed on the output shaft 33 above the core block placement frame 26. The baffle plate 25 can prevent the cleaning liquid from hitting the drying cylinder 19 and splashing out of the drying cylinder 19 during the spin drying process, thus preventing contamination.

[0041] The lower surface of the baffle plate 25 is provided with an annular groove 9, and the upper end face of the drying cylinder 19 is provided with several universal balls 18 that cooperate with the annular groove 9. The baffle plate 25, in conjunction with the universal balls 18, further increases the rotational stability of the core block placement frame 26. During the spin-drying process, the baffle plate 25 needs to maintain contact with the universal balls 18. During the drying process, the telescopic device 22 needs to be raised a certain distance to leave a gap for gas flow between the baffle plate 25 and the upper end face of the drying cylinder 19. During the drying process, the core block placement frame 26 can be slowly rotated to generate turbulence in the hot air, thereby drying the core blocks 27 evenly.

[0042] A centrifugal filter 6 is installed on the outside of the protective cover 11. The centrifugal filter 6 is connected to an inlet pipe 5 and a suction pipe 7. The outlet of the suction pipe 7 extends into the ultrasonic cleaning device 1. A suction pump 8 is installed on the suction pipe 7. A first drain pipe 3, connected to the drying cylinder 19, and a second drain pipe 4, connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device 1, are connected to the inlet pipe 5. Valves are installed on both the first drain pipe 3 and the second drain pipe 4. The opening of the first drain pipe 3 is located at the junction of the inclined outer wall of the water-blocking cover 20 and the inner wall of the drying cylinder 19. The cleaning fluid in the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 and the drying cylinder 19 can enter the centrifugal filter 6 through the pipes for impurity filtration, allowing the cleaning fluid to be reused in the ultrasonic cleaning device 1, avoiding the generation of excessive radioactive waste liquid and reducing the cost of radioactive waste liquid treatment.

[0043] The centrifugal filtration device 6 includes a housing 601 with an opening at the top and a cover plate 603 detachably connected to the housing 601. A stirring motor 602 is installed on the cover plate 603. The stirring motor 602 is connected to a stirring shaft 606 that extends into the housing 601. A stirring blade 604 is installed on the stirring shaft 606. A filter screen 605 is connected to the cover plate 603 and covers the outside of the stirring shaft 606. A water inlet pipe 5 is located inside the filter screen 605, and a water suction pipe 7 is located outside the filter screen 605.

[0044] The stirring motor 602 drives the stirring shaft 606 and stirring blades 604 to rotate, agitating the cleaning liquid at high speed. The centrifugal force generated by the cleaning liquid accelerates its passage through the filter screen 605, thereby improving filtration efficiency. After a period of use, the cover plate 603 can be opened to clean the filter screen 605. The connection between the filter screen 605 and the cover plate 603, and between the cover plate 603 and the outer casing 601, can all be made by screws, facilitating disassembly.

[0045] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic cleaning device for nuclear fuel pellets, characterized in that, The device includes a protective cover (11), on the inner side of which is installed an ultrasonic cleaning device (1), a hot air blower (2), and a moving mechanism. A core block placement frame (26) is connected to the moving mechanism, which moves the core block placement frame (26) to the ultrasonic cleaning device (1) or the hot air blower (2). The moving mechanism includes a horizontally arranged lead screw (14) and a guide rod (15). The lead screw (14) is rotatably connected to the protective cover (11), and a drive motor (16) is connected to the lead screw (14). A threaded connection is made on the lead screw (14) that is slidably connected to the guide rod (15). A movable base (12) is connected to a vertically arranged telescopic device (22) for driving the core block placement frame (26) to rise and fall; the lower end of the telescopic device (22) is connected to a connecting plate (24), a rotating motor (23) is installed on the connecting plate (24), the rotating motor (23) is connected to a vertically arranged output shaft (33) and the output shaft (33) is connected to the core block placement frame (26), a drying cylinder (19) is installed on the hot air blower (2), and an air outlet (21) communicating with the hot air blower (2) is provided at the bottom of the drying cylinder (19). The inner wall of the core block placement frame (26) is provided with a water baffle (20). The water baffle (20) is funnel-shaped and the diameter of the upper opening of the water baffle (20) is smaller than the diameter of the lower opening. A plug (2602) is provided on the lower surface of the core block placement frame (26). A conical head (30) is provided in the drying cylinder (19). A socket (29) is provided at the upper end of the conical head (30). A bearing (28) that is movable and fits with the plug (2602) is installed in the socket (29). A rubber water baffle ring (31) is connected to the upper end of the water baffle (20). Several mutually arranged on the rubber water baffle ring (31) are arranged radially. The separating rubber plate (36) is attached and extends directly below the conical head (30). The diameter of the conical head (30) is smaller than the diameter of the upper opening of the water baffle (20). A lifting device (32) connected to the conical head (30) is vertically installed at the bottom of the drying cylinder (19). A water baffle (25) located above the core block placement frame (26) is fixedly installed on the output shaft (33). An annular groove (9) is provided on the lower surface of the water baffle (25). Several universal balls (18) that cooperate with the annular groove (9) are provided on the upper end face of the drying cylinder (19).

2. The automatic cleaning equipment for nuclear fuel pellets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core block placement frame (26) includes at least two mesh plates (2601) that are assembled and detachably connected. A connecting seat (2603) is provided on the upper surface of the core block placement frame (26). A positioning rod (2605) is movably passed through the side wall of the connecting seat (2603). A tension spring (2604) is sleeved on the positioning rod (2605). One end of the tension spring (2604) is fixedly connected to the connecting seat (2603), and the other end of the tension spring (2604) is fixedly connected to the positioning rod (2605). A guide groove (34) communicating with the lower end face of the output shaft (33) is vertically opened on the side wall of the output shaft (33). A positioning groove (35) that cooperates with the positioning rod (2605) is opened in the guide groove (34).

3. The automatic cleaning equipment for nuclear fuel pellets according to claim 1, characterized in that, A centrifugal filter device (6) is provided on the outside of the protective cover (11). A water inlet pipe (5) and a water pump (7) are connected to the centrifugal filter device (6). The outlet of the water pump (7) extends into the ultrasonic cleaning device (1). A suction pump (8) is provided on the water pump (7). A first drain pipe (3) connected to the drying cylinder (19) and a second drain pipe (4) connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device (1) are connected to the water inlet pipe (5). Valves are provided on both the first drain pipe (3) and the second drain pipe (4).

4. The automatic cleaning equipment for nuclear fuel pellets according to claim 3, characterized in that, The centrifugal filtration device (6) includes a housing (601) with an opening at the top and a cover plate (603) detachably connected to the housing (601). A stirring motor (602) is provided on the cover plate (603). The stirring motor (602) is connected to a stirring shaft (606) extending into the housing (601). A stirring blade (604) is provided on the stirring shaft (606). A filter screen (605) covering the outside of the stirring shaft (606) is connected on the cover plate (603). A water inlet pipe (5) is located inside the filter screen (605), and a water suction pipe (7) is located outside the filter screen (605).

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