A plate-type new fuel assembly transport container

Abstract

This invention relates to a transport container for plate-type new fuel assemblies. The transport container includes a hollow cylindrical body, a first shock absorber, a second shock absorber, a first cover, and a second cover. The cylindrical body is used to hold the new fuel assembly to be transported. The first and second shock absorbers are respectively fitted at both ends of the cylindrical body, employing a multi-layer heat insulation structure and a steel pipe and steel plate covering design. The first and second covers are located on the inner side of the top of the cylindrical body, forming a double-layer containment structure. The internal cushioning assembly includes a cushioning liner, a fireproof cloth sleeve, and an accelerometer mounting part, providing double protection for the fuel assembly. Simultaneously, the accelerometer detects dynamic changes during transport to ensure the integrity of the fuel assembly. The transport container provided by this invention has excellent shock absorption, heat insulation, and containment performance, making it suitable for the safe transport of plate-type new fuel assemblies and showing broad application prospects in the field of nuclear fuel transport.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radioactive material transportation, and more particularly to a new plate-type fuel assembly transportation container. Background Technology

[0002] The safety requirements for transporting radioactive materials are extremely high, especially for new fuel assemblies. Under both normal transport conditions and accidental transport conditions, the fuel assemblies must be kept inside the transport container. This requires comprehensive design from multiple aspects, including mechanical properties, thermal protection, radiation shielding, and critical safety.

[0003] Currently, various radioactive material transport containers are used in actual transport activities. For example, the transport container with publication number CN111095436A adopts a double-layer shell design with a hollow sandwich layer filled with heat-insulating and shock-absorbing material. The support structure includes a load-bearing frame and support components, which can realize the fixation and encapsulation of fuel assemblies. However, its heat insulation performance and sealing performance under complex conditions still need further improvement. The transport container with publication number CN111095434A has a support component consisting of a bracket, an outer cover plate, and an inner cover plate. A cavity is formed by a semi-circular arc cover plate and a cylindrical structure, providing basic protection. However, there are still limitations in shock absorption and sealing design. The transport container with publication number CN117711656A introduces multiple shock-absorbing blocks and a bed frame structure, emphasizing the buffer protection of fuel assemblies, but it fails to meet higher requirements for heat resistance and sealing performance.

[0004] Although these technologies have met the needs of road, rail and waterway transportation to some extent, the current domestic new fuel assembly transport containers generally cannot meet the higher safety requirements of air transport.

[0005] In view of the above problems, this invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention discloses a new plate-type fuel assembly transport container, which aims to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] This invention provides a new plate-type fuel assembly transport container, comprising a cylindrical body, a first shock absorber, a second shock absorber, a first cover, and a second cover; The cylinder is designed as a hollow cylinder to hold the new fuel assembly to be transported; The first and second shock absorbers are respectively fitted at both ends of the cylinder, and both have annular cross-sections for shock absorption. The first shock absorber is provided with a second heat insulation layer, a third heat insulation layer and a first steel pipe layer connected in sequence. The second shock absorber is provided with a fourth heat insulation layer, a fifth heat insulation layer and a second steel pipe layer connected in sequence. The second heat insulation layer and the fourth heat insulation layer are respectively connected to the top and the tail of the cylinder. The first and second steel pipe layers are both provided with steel plates, and the steel plates cover multiple steel pipes. The first cover and the second cover are located on the inner side of the top of the cylinder and are distributed from the outside to the inside, forming a double-layer enclosure. Both the first cover and the second cover are set in a disc shape to match the circular cross-section of the cylinder. The first cover is connected to the inner side of the top of the cylinder, and the outer peripheral edge of the second cover is set in a threaded shape to be threaded to the top of the cylinder.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, the second cover includes a second cover body, and the second cover body has an airtightness detection port inside.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the first cover includes a first cover body and a plurality of third bolt holes, which are evenly distributed on the outer periphery of the first cover body.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the second insulation layer is provided with a plurality of second stiffeners arranged along its axial direction.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the second heat insulation layer and the fourth heat insulation layer are respectively provided with at least one first bolt hole and at least one second bolt hole, and bolt assemblies are installed on the first bolt hole and the second bolt hole so that the second heat insulation layer and the fourth heat insulation layer are respectively fastened to the top and the tail of the cylinder.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the third insulation layer and the fifth insulation layer are respectively provided with at least one third stiffener and at least one fifth stiffener arranged along the axial direction.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the third and fifth insulation layers are further provided with a plurality of fourth and sixth stiffeners arranged circumferentially, respectively, with the plurality of fourth and sixth stiffeners being evenly distributed circumferentially along the third and fifth insulation layers, respectively. As a preferred technical solution, a buffer assembly is also included. The buffer assembly is disposed inside the cylinder and includes a buffer liner and a fireproof cloth cover. The buffer liner carries the new fuel assembly, and the fireproof cloth cover covers the outside of the buffer liner.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution, the buffer assembly also includes an accelerometer mounting section, which is located inside the buffer pad.

[0015] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention employs a hollow cylindrical design filled with high-efficiency thermal insulation material, significantly improving fire resistance and thermal insulation performance. This ensures that the transport container can effectively prevent heat transfer to the interior under extreme conditions such as fires, protecting the safety of the new fuel assembly. The first and second shock absorbers at both ends of the cylinder are designed with multi-layered thermal insulation structures and reinforced with stiffeners, effectively isolating heat transfer from the top and bottom, further improving the overall thermal insulation effect.

[0016] 2. The external shock absorption device of this invention adopts a multi-layer steel pipe covering structure, which not only effectively alleviates the load caused by impact but also improves the overall mechanical strength. The double-layer sealing structure at the top of the container includes a first cover and a second cover, which are connected by bolts and threads to enhance the sealing effect, prevent moisture intrusion and leakage of contents, and ensure the environmental safety during the transportation of radioactive materials. The second cover is also equipped with an airtightness detection port for real-time airtightness monitoring, improving the safety and reliability of the transportation process.

[0017] 3. The internal buffer assembly of this invention adopts a dual protection design of buffer pad and fireproof cloth cover, which not only effectively reduces the impact of vibration on the fuel assembly, but also reduces the risk of fire. The buffer assembly also integrates an accelerometer mounting part, which ensures that the fuel assembly meets the transportation limit requirements by detecting changes in acceleration during transportation, thereby improving the intelligence and safety of transportation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below, forming part of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of a cross-section of a novel plate-type fuel assembly transport container according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of a new plate-type fuel assembly transport container according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first shock absorber of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the left side structure of the first shock absorber of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second shock absorber of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the left side of the second shock absorber of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first cover of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second cover of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Cylinder body; 11. First insulation layer; 12. First stiffening plate; 2. First shock absorber; 21. Second insulation layer; 211. Second insulation material; 212. Second stiffening plate; 213. First bolt hole; 22. Third insulation layer; 221. Third insulation material; 222. Third stiffening plate; 223. Fourth stiffening plate; 23. First steel pipe layer; 3. Second shock absorber; 31. Fourth insulation layer; 311. Fourth insulation material; 312. Second bolt hole; 32. Fifth insulation layer; 321. Fifth insulation material; 322. Fifth stiffening plate; 323. Sixth stiffening plate; 33. Second steel pipe layer; 4. First cover; 41. First cover body; 42. Third bolt hole; 5. Second cover; 51. Second cover body; 52. Air tightness test port; 6. Buffer assembly; 61. Accelerometer mounting part; 62. 63. Buffer pad; 7. Fireproof cloth cover; 8. First seal; 9. Second seal; 10. Lifting lug; 11. Bolting and limiting ring. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the term "or" is generally used to include the meaning of "and / or," unless otherwise expressly indicated.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or a magnetic connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] To address the problems existing in the prior art, embodiments of the present invention provide a plate-type new fuel assembly transport container, particularly a horizontal transport container, such as... Figures 1-6As shown, the assembly includes a cylinder 1, a first shock absorber 2, a second shock absorber 3, a first cover 4, a second cover 5, and a buffer assembly 6. The cylinder 1 is cylindrical and serves as the main structure, providing necessary strength and rigidity while preventing radiation leakage from the plate-type new fuel assembly and providing heat insulation. The buffer assembly 6 is located inside the cylinder 1 and supports the plate-type new fuel assembly. The first shock absorber 2 and the second shock absorber 3 are respectively located at both ends of the cylinder 1 for mechanical shock absorption. The first cover 4 and the second cover 5 are connected and located on the inner side of the top of the cylinder 1 for sealing.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the cylinder 1 is hollow inside to provide space for storing the plate-type new fuel assembly. The buffer assembly 6 carries the plate-type new fuel assembly and is disposed in the hollow structure. The cylinder 1 includes a first heat insulation layer 11 and first stiffening ribs 12. The first heat insulation layer 11 is disposed on the inner side of the cylinder 1 and serves as fireproof and heat insulation to effectively reduce the transfer of heat to the interior of the cylinder 1 under fire conditions. Multiple circumferential first stiffening ribs 12 are disposed inside the first heat insulation layer 11 to increase the overall strength of the cylinder 1. Preferably, to enhance the fireproof and heat insulation effect, the first heat insulation layer 11 is made of aluminum silicate cotton blanket.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a first shock absorber 2 and a second shock absorber 3 are provided at both ends of the cylinder 1. The cross-sections of the first shock absorber 2 and the second shock absorber 3 are both annular and are sleeved at both ends of the cylinder 1 for mechanical shock absorption and heat insulation.

[0026] The first shock absorber 2 includes a second heat insulation layer 21, a third heat insulation layer 22, and a first steel pipe layer 23 connected in sequence. The second heat insulation layer 21 is located on the inner side and is directly connected to the cylinder 1. From the inside out, the third heat insulation layer 22 and the first steel pipe layer 23 are distributed in sequence, with the first steel pipe layer 23 in direct contact with the outside. The second heat insulation layer 21 includes a second heat insulation material 211 and a plurality of second stiffening plates 212. The plurality of second stiffening plates 212 are axially arranged on the inner side of the second heat insulation layer 21. The second heat insulation material 211 fills the second heat insulation layer 21 and covers the plurality of second stiffening plates 212, which are used to insulate the top of the cylinder 1. The second stiffening plates 212 are used to increase strength. The second heat insulation layer 21 is also provided with at least one first bolt hole 213 for installing bolt assemblies. The first shock absorber 2 and the top of the cylinder 1 are fastened together through the first bolt hole 213 and the bolt assembly installed thereon. Preferably, there are multiple first bolt holes 213. More preferably, the number of first bolt holes 213 is 14-18. The third insulation layer 22 includes a third insulation material 221, at least one third stiffening plate 222, and multiple fourth stiffening plates 223. The third stiffening plate 222 is axially disposed in the third insulation material 221, and the multiple fourth stiffening plates 223 are uniformly disposed circumferentially in the third insulation material 221 to increase the strength of the third insulation layer 22. The first steel pipe layer 23 includes multiple steel pipes covered by steel plates, mainly used for mechanical vibration damping.

[0027] The second shock absorber 3 includes a fourth heat insulation layer 31, a fifth heat insulation layer 32, and a second steel pipe layer 33 in sequence. The fourth heat insulation layer 31 is provided with a fourth heat insulation material 311 and at least one second bolt hole 312. The second bolt hole 312 is used to install bolt assemblies. The bottom of the second shock absorber 3 and the cylinder 1 are fastened together through the second bolt hole 312 and the bolt assembly installed thereon. Preferably, there are multiple second bolt holes 312. More preferably, there are 14-18 second bolt holes 312. The structure of the fifth heat insulation layer 32 is similar to that of the third heat insulation layer 22, including a fifth heat insulation material 321, at least one fifth stiffener 322, and multiple sixth stiffeners 323. The fifth stiffener 322 is axially arranged in the fifth heat insulation material 321, and the multiple sixth stiffeners 323 are evenly arranged circumferentially in the fifth heat insulation material 321 to increase the strength of the fifth heat insulation layer 32. The second steel pipe layer 33 is located outside the fifth insulation layer 32 and includes multiple steel pipes covered by steel plates, mainly for mechanical shock absorption.

[0028] Preferably, the second insulation material 211, the third insulation material 221, the fourth insulation material 311 and the fifth insulation material 321 are made of polystyrene foam board, polyurethane foam, vacuum insulation board, aerogel material, mineral wool (rock wool or glass wool), foam glass, etc.

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a first cover 4 and a second cover 5 are sequentially arranged from the outside to the inside on the inner side of the top of the cylinder 1 for sealing. The first cover 4 has a disc-shaped first cover body 41 and a plurality of third bolt holes 42 evenly distributed along the outer periphery of the first cover body 41 for fixing. The second cover 5 has a disc-shaped second cover body 51 and an airtightness detection port 52 disposed within the second cover body 51. The outer periphery of the second cover body 51 is threaded and threaded to the top of the cylinder 1. A self-locking pressure testing connector is installed at the airtightness detection port 52 to test the airtightness of the inner cavity of the cylinder 1.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the cushioning assembly 6 includes a cushioning pad 62 that wraps around the plate-type new fuel assembly, and a fireproof cloth cover 63 disposed outside the cushioning pad 62. The cushioning pad 62 is used for shock absorption and cushioning to ensure that the acceleration of the plate-type new fuel assembly meets the transportation limit requirements during transportation. The cushioning assembly 6 also has an accelerometer mounting part 61, located inside the cushioning pad 62, for mounting an accelerometer to detect the acceleration of the plate-type new fuel assembly during transportation. The fireproof cloth cover 63 wraps the cushioning pad 62 to further reduce the risk of fire and injury, and increase safety.

[0031] Through the above structural design, the cylinder 1 adopts a cylindrical shape and is horizontally arranged. It is equipped with a first heat insulation layer 11 and a first reinforcing rib 12 to increase strength. It can not only provide efficient heat insulation but also has high structural strength, effectively preventing external heat transfer and ensuring the safety of the fuel assembly under extreme conditions such as fire. The cylinder 1 is equipped with a first shock absorber 2 and a second shock absorber 3 at both ends. Both adopt a multi-layer heat insulation and steel pipe covering structure, which not only provides excellent shock absorption performance but also increases the heat insulation effect and reduces the impact of impact and fire on the fuel assembly. The internal buffer assembly 6 covers the fuel assembly with a flexible pad and integrates an accelerometer to detect the transport acceleration, further ensuring that the fuel assembly meets the transport safety requirements. The top seal of the cylinder 1 adopts a double-layer design of a first cover 4 and a second cover 5. The second cover 5 is also equipped with an airtightness detection port 52, which can realize airtightness testing, prevent the leakage of radioactive materials, and effectively resist the intrusion of external water vapor. In the overall structural optimization design of this invention, the external shock absorption device reduces the impact load during transportation, the multi-layer heat insulation material in the cylinder and shock absorber significantly improves the fireproof and heat insulation performance, and the double-layer sealing structure ensures radiation safety and environmental protection. It can simultaneously meet the needs of road, rail, waterway and air transportation, and is an efficient and safe transportation container.

[0032] In some preferred embodiments, a first sealing element 7 is provided between the first cover 4 and the inner surface of the top of the cylinder 1 to enhance the sealing effect. Preferably, the first sealing element 7 is a rubber sealing ring, which mainly serves to prevent water and dust.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, a second sealing element 8 is provided at one end of the second cover 5 near the buffer assembly 6 for sealing the second cover 5 against the inner side of the cylinder 1. Preferably, the second sealing element 8 is a polytetrafluoroethylene gasket, a rubber sealing ring, or a vacuum sealing gasket.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the transport container also includes at least one lifting lug 9 for lifting and moving the transport container. Preferably, there are multiple lifting lugs 9. More preferably, there are two lifting lugs 9.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the transport container also includes at least one tethering and retaining ring 10, which can be used in conjunction with an external tethering support for tethering, securing, and stacking the transport container. Preferably, there are multiple tethering and retaining rings 10. More preferably, there are 2-4 tethering and retaining rings 10.

[0036] The present invention also provides a method for loading and unloading the above-mentioned plate-type new fuel assembly transport container, comprising: Remove the first shock absorber 2 located at the top of cylinder 1; Remove the first cover 4 and the second cover 5; During loading, a buffer pad 62 is wrapped around the outside of the plate-type new fuel assembly, and an accelerometer is installed. A fireproof cloth cover 63 is installed on the outside of the buffer pad 62, and the zipper of the fireproof cloth cover is closed. During unloading, the fireproof cloth cover 63 is removed, the accelerometer is removed, and the buffer pad 62 is removed. Install the second cover 5, the first cover 4, and the first shock absorber 2 in sequence to complete the loading or unloading.

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A plate-type new fuel assembly transport container, characterized in that, It includes a cylinder, a first shock absorber, a second shock absorber, a first cover, and a second cover; The cylinder is configured as a hollow cylindrical shape to hold the new fuel assembly to be transported; The first and second shock absorbers are respectively sleeved at both ends of the cylinder, and both have annular cross-sections for shock absorption. The first shock absorber has a second heat insulation layer, a third heat insulation layer, and a first steel pipe layer connected in sequence. The second shock absorber has a fourth heat insulation layer, a fifth heat insulation layer, and a second steel pipe layer connected in sequence. The second and fourth heat insulation layers are respectively connected to the top and tail of the cylinder. The first and second steel pipe layers are each provided with a steel plate, and the steel plate covers multiple steel pipes. The second heat insulation layer has multiple second stiffeners arranged along its axial direction. The third and fifth heat insulation layers each have at least one third stiffener and at least one fifth stiffener arranged along their axial directions. The third and fifth heat insulation layers also each have multiple fourth stiffeners and multiple sixth stiffeners arranged circumferentially. The multiple fourth stiffeners and multiple sixth stiffeners are evenly distributed circumferentially along the third and fifth heat insulation layers. The first cover and the second cover are distributed from the outside to the inside on the top of the cylinder, forming a double-layer enclosure. Both the first cover and the second cover are disc-shaped, matching the circular cross-section of the cylinder. The first cover is connected to the inner side of the top of the cylinder, and the outer peripheral edge of the second cover is threaded, which is threaded to the top of the cylinder.

2. The plate-type new fuel assembly transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cover includes a second cover body, and an airtightness detection port is provided inside the second cover body.

3. The plate-type new fuel assembly transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cover includes a first cover body and a plurality of third bolt holes, which are evenly distributed on the outer peripheral edge of the first cover body.

4. The plate-type new fuel assembly transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heat insulation layer and the fourth heat insulation layer are respectively provided with at least one first bolt hole and at least one second bolt hole, and bolts are installed on the first bolt hole and the second bolt hole so that the second heat insulation layer and the fourth heat insulation layer are respectively fastened to the top and the tail of the cylinder.

5. The plate-type new fuel assembly transport container according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a buffer assembly disposed inside the cylinder, comprising a buffer liner and a fireproof cloth cover, wherein the buffer liner carries the new fuel assembly and the fireproof cloth cover covers the outside of the buffer liner.

6. The plate-type new fuel assembly transport container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The buffer assembly also includes an accelerometer mounting section, which is disposed within the buffer pad.

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