Radioactive material dissolution system and device for measuring radioactive material concentration using X-ray fluorescence.

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of radioactive substance analysis, and particularly relate to a radioactive substance dissolving system and a device for measuring concentration of radioactive substance by X-ray fluorescence. The device comprises: a plurality of fluid receiving members for receiving fluid carrying radioactive substance respectively, the fluid receiving members having windows for X-ray to pass through; a measuring member for measuring intensity of X-ray fluorescence formed after the radioactive substance is irradiated by X-ray, so as to determine the concentration of the radioactive substance according to the intensity of the X-ray fluorescence; and a moving member arranged to enable the plurality of fluid receiving members to move relative to the measuring member, so as to enable the measuring member to measure the concentration of the radioactive substance in each fluid receiving member. Embodiments of the present application enable the windows of different fluid receiving members to be sequentially opposite to the measuring member by the moving member, so as to measure the concentration of the radioactive substance in the plurality of pipelines by the same measuring member respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of radioactive material analysis technology, specifically to a radioactive material dissolution system and an apparatus for measuring the concentration of radioactive materials using X-ray fluorescence. Background Technology

[0002] When performing component analysis on radioactive materials, a dissolving device can be used to dissolve the radioactive material. A radioactive plate sample containing the radioactive material is placed in the dissolving device, and a solution capable of dissolving radioactive material is added to dissolve the material.

[0003] Currently, when radioactive materials are dissolved in a dissolving device, it is impossible to accurately analyze the composition of the radioactive materials to determine the degree of dissolution because it is not visible to the naked eye. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A brief overview of this application is provided below to offer a basic understanding of certain aspects thereof. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the application. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the application, nor is it intended to limit its scope. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus for measuring the concentration of radioactive material using X-ray fluorescence, comprising: a plurality of fluid receivers, each for receiving a fluid carrying radioactive material, the fluid receivers having windows for X-ray transmission; a measuring element for measuring the intensity of X-ray fluorescence formed after the radioactive material is irradiated by X-rays, thereby determining the concentration of the radioactive material based on the intensity of the X-ray fluorescence; and a moving element configured such that the plurality of fluid receivers can move relative to the measuring element, so that the measuring element can measure the concentration of radioactive material in each fluid receiver.

[0006] The apparatus for measuring the concentration of radioactive materials using X-ray fluorescence, provided in the embodiments of this application, can draw out the dissolving liquid from the dissolving device through a fluid receiving member, thereby determining the degree of dissolution of the radioactive material by measuring the radioactivity of the dissolving liquid. The embodiments of this application can utilize multiple fluid receiving members to separately receive fluids carrying radioactive materials from multiple pipelines. Then, a moving member sequentially aligns the windows of different fluid receiving members with the measuring element, achieving the purpose of measuring the concentration of radioactive materials in multiple pipelines separately using the same measuring element, resulting in high measurement efficiency. Furthermore, using multiple fluid receiving members to separately receive fluids carrying radioactive materials can also avoid cross-contamination between fluids carrying radioactive materials, which could lead to inaccurate measurements.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a radioactive material dissolution system, which may include: a plurality of dissolution devices and an apparatus for measuring the concentration of radioactive material using X-ray fluorescence according to the first aspect of this application. Each dissolution device is configured to provide a dissolution space for the radioactive material; the apparatus for measuring the concentration of radioactive material using X-ray fluorescence is configured to measure the concentration of radioactive material in the dissolution solutions of the plurality of dissolution devices.

[0008] These and other advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of this application, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, together with the following detailed description, are included in and form a part of this specification. Elements having the same function and structure are indicated by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that these drawings only depict typical examples of this application and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this application.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the concentration measuring device shown;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the concentration measuring device and the fluid receiving device assembled on the mounting component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fluid receiving device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the fluid receiving component with the panel omitted.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the fluid receiving component shown;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the dissolving apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the dissolving apparatus is shown.

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the dissolving apparatus from another angle is shown;

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The diagram shown is a top view of the dissolving apparatus without the cover.

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The diagram shown is a top view of the melting device omitting the heat sink.

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the melting device consisting of the main body insulation component and the air cooling component is shown;

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the dissolving apparatus from another angle is shown;

[0023] Figure 14 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the dissolving device after the cover is opened above the dissolving tank.

[0024] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are shown only in a schematic manner without affecting the reader's understanding.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 210. Fluid receiving component; 211. Window; 212. Receiving cavity; 213. Inlet pipe; 214. Outlet pipe; 215. Exhaust pipe; 216. Body; 2161. Receiving groove; 2162. Through hole; 2163. First connecting channel; 2164. Second connecting channel; 2165. Mounting groove; 2166. Panel;

[0027] 220. Measuring element; 221. X-ray emitting element; 222. X-ray receiving element;

[0028] 230. Moving part; 231. Drive unit; 233. Lead screw; 234. Threaded mating part;

[0029] 240. Load-bearing base plate;

[0030] 250. Installation component; 251. First channel; 252. Second channel;

[0031] 10. Dissolving apparatus;

[0032] 11. Body; 111. First side plate; 1111. First limiting part; 1112. Second limiting part; 112. Second side plate; 113. Connecting and mating part; 12. Heat dissipation component; 121. Water-cooled heat dissipation part; 122. Cooling water inlet; 123. Cooling water outlet; 124. Air-cooled heat dissipation part; 125. Connecting part;

[0033] 13. Melting tank; 131. First zone; 132. Second zone; 133. Third zone; 14. Cover; 141. Cover plate; 142. Cover plate heating assembly; 1421. Cover plate heating element; 1422. Cover plate heat conduction element; 1423. Cover plate protective shell; 1424. Cover plate insulation element; 15. Sealing element;

[0034] 16. Main body heating assembly; 161. Main body heating element; 162. Main body heat conduction element; 163. Main body insulation element; 1631. Insulation body; 1632. Partition plate; 1633. Heat dissipation channel; 164. Main body protective shell; 17. Air cooling assembly; 171. Air inlet pipe; 172. Air outlet pipe; 173. Cooling pipe;

[0035] 101. Feed pipe; 102. Air inlet pipe; 103. Liquid return pipe; 104. Liquid outlet pipe; 105. Air extraction pipe; 106. Air venting pipe; 107. Bottom insulation component; 108. Side insulation component; 109. Side protective shell. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and brevity, not all features of actual implementations are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific decisions must be made in the development of any such actual embodiment to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with constraints related to the system and business, and these constraints may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while development work can be very complex and time-consuming, such development work is merely a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the content of this application.

[0037] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring this application with unnecessary details, only the equipment structure and / or processing steps closely related to the solution according to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to this application are omitted.

[0038] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by a person with ordinary skills in the field to which this application pertains.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] Embodiments of this application provide an apparatus for measuring the concentration of radioactive materials using X-ray fluorescence (hereinafter referred to as a concentration measuring apparatus). Figure 1As shown, the concentration measuring device in this embodiment may include: a plurality of fluid receiving elements 210, a measuring element 220, and a moving element 230.

[0041] In some embodiments, a plurality of fluid receivers 210 may be used to receive fluids carrying radioactive material. Each fluid receiver 210 may have a window 211 for X-ray transmission. A measuring element 220 may be used to measure the intensity of X-ray fluorescence formed after the radioactive material is irradiated by X-rays, thereby determining the concentration of the radioactive material based on the intensity of the X-ray fluorescence. A moving element 230 may be configured to allow the plurality of fluid receivers 210 to move relative to the measuring element 220, so that the measuring element 220 can measure the concentration of radioactive material within each fluid receiver 210.

[0042] The concentration measuring device provided in the embodiments of this application can draw out the solution from the dissolving device through the fluid receiving member 210, thereby determining the degree of dissolution of radioactive materials by measuring the radioactivity of the solution. The embodiments of this application can utilize multiple fluid receiving members 210 to receive fluids carrying radioactive materials from multiple pipelines, and then use the moving member 230 to sequentially align the windows 211 of different fluid receiving members 210 with the measuring member 220, so as to achieve the purpose of measuring the concentration of radioactive materials in multiple pipelines separately using the same measuring member 220, resulting in high measurement efficiency. At the same time, using multiple fluid receiving members 210 to receive fluids carrying radioactive materials separately can also avoid cross-contamination between fluids carrying radioactive materials, which could lead to inaccurate measurements.

[0043] Different elements will produce corresponding characteristic X-ray fluorescence after being irradiated with X-rays, and the intensity of the X-ray fluorescence is positively correlated with the concentration of the element. Therefore, when X-rays pass through window 211, the measuring device 220 can determine the concentration of the radioactive material based on the intensity of the X-ray fluorescence formed after the X-rays pass through window 211.

[0044] In some embodiments, once the concentration of the radioactive material carried in the current fluid receiver 210 has been measured, the moving member 230 can be used to move the next fluid receiver 210 to the position of the current fluid receiver 210, so as to measure the concentration of the radioactive material carried in the next fluid receiver 210. In some embodiments, the moving member 230 can be implemented using a slide rail or a conveyor belt, etc.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the window 211 on the fluid receiver 210 can be a circular window or a rectangular window, etc. In this embodiment, the window 211 is a circular window.

[0046] In some embodiments, window 211 may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Because PTFE can be made very thin, it is advantageous for measuring the intensity of X-ray fluorescence. In some embodiments, the thickness of window 211 may be 0.1-0.2 mm. Since the intensity of X-ray fluorescence is related to the concentration of the radioactive material and is independent of the path length of the X-rays passing through window 211, although the thin PTFE material may deform during use, it does not affect the measurement results.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the measuring element 220 may include an X-ray emitter 221 and an X-ray receiver 222. The X-ray emitter 221 and the X-ray receiver 222 may be disposed on one side of a plurality of fluid receivers 210 having windows 211. The X-ray emitter 221 may be used to emit X-rays toward the windows 211 of the fluid receivers 210. The X-ray receiver 222 may be used to receive X-ray fluorescence transmitted through the windows 211. The moving element 230 may be configured such that the plurality of fluid receivers 210 are movable relative to the X-ray emitter 221 and the X-ray receiver 222, so that the windows 211 of each fluid receiver 210 are simultaneously facing the X-ray emitter 221 and the X-ray receiver 222.

[0048] The embodiments of this application utilize X-ray emitting element 221 and X-ray receiving element 222 to quickly obtain the intensity of X-ray fluorescence after passing through window 211. Thus, without the need for other complex measuring devices, the concentration of radioactive material can be determined based on the intensity of X-ray fluorescence after X-rays pass through window 211, and efficiency can be further measured.

[0049] As is easily understood, the X-ray emitting element 221 has an emitting window for emitting X-rays, and the X-ray receiving element 222 has a receiving window for receiving X-rays. The emitting window of the X-ray emitting element 221 and the receiving window of the X-ray receiving element 222 both face the window 211, so that the X-rays emitted from the emitting window can pass through the window 211 and enter the interior of the fluid receiving element 210, and the X-ray fluorescence emitted from the window 211 can enter the receiving window.

[0050] In some embodiments, a plurality of fluid receivers 210 may be arranged along a first horizontal direction, with the window 211 of each fluid receiver 210 being parallel to the first horizontal direction. An X-ray emitter 221 may be disposed below an X-ray receiver 222.

[0051] In some embodiments, the concentration measuring device may further include a mounting member 250. A fluid receiver 210, an X-ray emitter 221, and an X-ray receiver 222 are mounted on the mounting member 250. See also Figure 2The mounting component 250 may have two components configured to form a first channel 251 and a second channel 252. One end of the first channel 251 and the second channel 252 are connected, and they are arranged at an acute angle so that they simultaneously face the window 211. The first channel 251 connects the emitting window of the X-ray emitting component 221 and the window 211, and the second channel 252 connects the receiving window of the X-ray receiving component 222 and the window 211.

[0052] In some embodiments, refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the movable component 230 may also include a support base plate 240, and the mounting component 250 is mounted on the support base plate 240.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the fluid receiving device 210 may include a receiving cavity 212, an inlet pipe 213, and an outlet pipe 214. The receiving cavity 212 can be used to contain fluid. The window 211 can be used to seal the receiving cavity 212. The inlet pipe 213 can be used to supply fluid to the receiving cavity 212, and the outlet pipe 214 can be used to allow the fluid in the receiving cavity 212 to flow out. The inlet pipe 213 can be in fluid communication with the outlet pipe of the dissolving device, and the outlet pipe 214 can be in fluid communication with the return pipe of the dissolving device, thereby enabling online measurement of the radioactivity of the dissolving solution in the dissolving device.

[0054] Experiments revealed that the fluid receiver 210 with the aforementioned structure suffers from large measurement errors. The inventors of this application discovered that this is because small air bubbles inevitably are carried in the fluid as it is pumped into the receiving cavity 212 via a pumping device, and the presence of these bubbles affects the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, in some embodiments, the fluid receiver 210 may further include an exhaust pipe 215. The exhaust pipe 215 can be in fluid communication with the inlet pipe 213. The exhaust pipe 215 can be used to allow gas to flow out of the inlet pipe 213. By configuring the fluid receiver 210 with an exhaust pipe 215, the embodiments of this application, which utilize the exhaust pipe 215 to allow gas to flow out of the inlet pipe 213, can avoid sending air bubbles carried by the fluid into the corresponding receiving cavity 212, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the concentration of radioactive materials.

[0055] In some embodiments, the inlet pipe 213, the outlet pipe 214, and the exhaust pipe 215 may all be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to reduce the adsorption of radioactive substances in the pipeline.

[0056] In embodiments of this application, the radioactive material concentration measuring device may further include a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump can be used to extract fluid so that the fluid can enter the receiving cavity 212 of the fluid receiving member 210 via the inlet pipe 213 and flow out of the receiving cavity 212 via the outlet pipe 214. This ensures that the fluid extraction speed can be controlled relatively accurately without the peristaltic pump directly contacting the fluid carrying the radioactive material, thereby improving the overall operational safety.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the exhaust pipe 215 and the liquid inlet pipe 213 are coaxially arranged, with the exhaust pipe 215 positioned above the liquid inlet pipe 213. Therefore, during the liquid inlet process, the gas can rise to the exhaust pipe 215 under buoyancy, separating from the liquid and preventing gas from entering the receiving cavity 212 and affecting the measurement results.

[0058] In some embodiments, the fluid receiver 210 may further include a body 216. (See also...) Figure 2 The body 216 may have a receiving groove 2161 extending in a first direction, a through hole 2162 penetrating the body 216 in a second direction, a first connecting channel 2163 connecting the receiving groove 2161 and the through hole 2162, and a second connecting channel 2164 communicating with the receiving groove 2161. The receiving groove 2161 has an opening in the first direction. A window 211 may be sealed on one side of the opening of the receiving groove 2161 to form a receiving cavity 212 together with the receiving groove 2161. The second connecting channel 2164 may be in fluid communication with the liquid outlet pipe 214. The upper end of the through hole 2162 may be in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe 215. The lower end of the through hole 2162 may be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet pipe 213.

[0059] In the embodiments of this application, the fluid receiving device 210 can quickly receive or discharge radioactive materials through the receiving groove 2161, through hole 2162, first connecting channel 2163, and second connecting channel 2164 formed in the body 216. Simultaneously, during the flow of radioactive material that has entered the inlet pipe 213, air bubbles can be continuously discharged from the exhaust pipe 215, thereby timely venting the gas before the fluid enters the receiving cavity 212, preventing gas from entering the receiving cavity 212 and affecting the measurement results.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first connecting channel 2163 extends horizontally. The first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other and both perpendicular to the extending direction of the first connecting channel 2163, thereby facilitating the timely discharge of gas before the fluid enters the receiving cavity.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first direction can be a horizontal direction; the first direction can be perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the plurality of fluid receivers 210. The second direction can be a vertical direction, which is beneficial for timely discharge of gas before the fluid enters the receiving cavity.

[0062] In some embodiments, the body 216 may be detachably connected to the mounting piece 250 via fasteners.

[0063] In some embodiments, the number of fluid receivers 210 is two. The bodies 216 of the two fluid receivers 210 are integrally formed, which facilitates the overall disassembly of the fluid receivers 210.

[0064] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 4 to 6 The fluid receiving member 210 may further include a panel 2166 and a window film. A mounting groove 2165 may be formed on the body 216. The panel 2166 is embedded in the mounting groove 2165 and is mounted in the mounting groove 2165 by fasteners. A panel opening is formed on the panel 2166, and the window film is disposed between the panel opening and the receiving cavity 212. The size of the panel opening may be the same as the size of the receiving cavity 212.

[0065] In some embodiments, the body 216 may be made of a corrosion-resistant material. In some embodiments, the panel 2166 may be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the window film may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to reduce X-ray absorption.

[0066] It is easy to understand that the portion of the window film corresponding to the receiving groove 2161 forms window 211.

[0067] Because polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is easily deformable, in order to ensure the sealing of the opening of the receiving groove 2161, in some embodiments, the fluid receiving member 210 may also include multiple sealing rings. The mounting groove 2165 of the body 216 forms multiple receiving grooves corresponding to the position of the receiving cavity 212, and each sealing ring is disposed in one receiving groove. The panel 2166 and the window film are pressed and sealed with the receiving cavity 212 by a sealing gasket. The sealing rings can be fluororubber sealing rings.

[0068] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The concentration measuring device may include a drive unit 231. The drive unit 231 can be used to drive the moving member 230 to move. Thus, the fluid receiving member 210 can be moved by the drive unit 231 so that the concentration of radioactive material carried by each of the multiple fluid receiving members 210 can be measured by the measuring member 220.

[0069] In some embodiments, the drive unit 231 may include a stepper motor and a lead screw 233. The lead screw 233 may be threaded. (See reference...) Figure 3The moving part 230 may be provided with a threaded engagement part 234. The stepper motor can drive the lead screw 233 to rotate. Through the threaded engagement between the lead screw 233 and the threaded engagement part 234, the moving part 230 is moved, which in turn drives the multiple fluid receiving parts 210 to move.

[0070] Embodiments of this application also provide a radioactive material dissolution system, which may include: multiple dissolution devices and a radioactive material concentration measuring device according to any embodiment of this application. Each dissolution device is configured to provide a dissolution space for the radioactive material; the radioactive material concentration measuring device is configured to measure the concentration of the radioactive material in the dissolution solutions of the multiple dissolution devices.

[0071] See Figure 7 The dissolving apparatus 10 provided in the embodiments of this application may include a body 11 for dissolving radioactive materials, a heat dissipation member 12 connected to the body 11, and a cover 14 for closing or opening the body 11. A seal 15 is formed between the cover 14 and the heat dissipation member 12. The heat dissipation member 12 is configured to diffuse the heat of the body 11 outward.

[0072] The dissolving apparatus 10 provided in the embodiments of this application can reduce the temperature at the seal 15 by using the heat dissipation component 12, thereby avoiding a significant shortening of the service life of the seal 15 due to the high temperature of the seal 15 caused by the introduction of high temperature mixed gas.

[0073] In some embodiments, the solution added to the dissolving device 10 for dissolving radioactive materials may be an acidic solution, such as nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid. In some embodiments, the dissolving device 10 may be located inside a glove box.

[0074] In some embodiments, the radioactive material may be in powder form. In some embodiments, the temperature of the high-temperature mixed gas may be 350°C.

[0075] In some embodiments, the seal 15 may be a rubber sealing ring. The seal 15 may be disposed on the heat sink 12.

[0076] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the body 11 may form a dissolution tank 13 for containing a radioactive sample plate. In some embodiments, the dissolution apparatus 10 may further include a feed line 101 and an air inlet line 102. The feed line 101 is configured to connect the feeding system to the dissolution tank 13 in fluid communication to add a liquid for dissolving radioactive materials into the dissolution tank 13. The air inlet line 102 is configured to connect the gas supply system to the dissolution tank 13 in fluid communication to introduce a high-temperature mixed gas into the body 11.

[0077] In some embodiments, the dissolving apparatus 10 may further include a pressure measuring element for monitoring the pressure inside the dissolving tank 13. In some embodiments, a high-temperature mixed gas is introduced into the dissolving tank 13 under negative pressure through the air inlet pipe 102.

[0078] See Figure 8 In some embodiments, a connecting portion 125 is formed at the end of the heat sink 12 facing the body 11, and a connecting mating portion 113 is formed at the end of the body 11 facing the heat sink 12. The thickness of the connecting portion 125 is less than the thickness of other parts of the heat sink 12, and the thickness of the connecting mating portion 113 is less than the thickness of other parts of the body 11, to reduce heat conduction between them. This reduces direct heat transfer to the heat sink 12 and significantly lowers the temperature of the sealing member 15 through the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink 12.

[0079] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 125 may include a tapered segment extending in a direction close to the body 11 and an annular protrusion segment engaging with the tapered segment; the connecting mating portion 113 may include a tapered segment extending in a direction close to the heat sink 12 and an annular groove segment engaging with the tapered segment. The annular protrusion segment of the connecting portion 125 is embedded in the annular groove segment of the connecting mating portion 113, thereby both reducing the contact area between the two and facilitating a sealed connection between them.

[0080] In some embodiments, the heat sink 12 can dissipate heat from the melting tank 13 outwards. The heat sink 12 may include multiple heat dissipation sections to improve heat dissipation, significantly reduce the temperature of the seal 15, and prevent damage to the seal 15.

[0081] To reduce radioactive contamination, the radioactive sample plate needs to be dried in the dissolution tank 13 after dissolution. The inventors of this application discovered that the high temperature at the seal 15 during drying significantly shortens its lifespan. The dissolution apparatus 10 provided in this application, by incorporating a heat dissipation component 12, can reduce the temperature at the seal 15, thus preventing the significant shortening of the seal 15's lifespan due to the high temperature at the seal 15 during drying of the radioactive sample plate.

[0082] See Figure 8In some embodiments, the heat sink 12 may include a water-cooled heat sink 121, which may be disposed radially outside the dissolution tank 13 for supplying cooling water flow to diffuse heat from the dissolution tank 13 outwards. In some embodiments, the water-cooled heat sink 121 may include a water-cooling inlet and a water-cooling outlet. The heat sink 12 may also have a cooling water inlet 122 and a cooling water outlet 123, with the cooling water inlet 122 communicating with the water-cooling inlet of the water-cooled heat sink 121 and the cooling water outlet 123 communicating with the water-cooling outlet of the water-cooled heat sink 121. Cooling water can enter the water-cooled heat sink 121 through the cooling water inlet 122 and the water-cooling inlet, and the cooling water entering the water-cooled heat sink 121 can exchange heat with the dissolution tank 13 to diffuse heat from the dissolution tank 13 outwards. After heat exchange, the cooling water can leave the water-cooled heat sink 121 through the cooling water outlet 123 and the water-cooling outlet. In such embodiments, heat diffusion from the dissolution tank 13 can be achieved through cooling water heat exchange. See also Figure 9 In some embodiments, the water-cooled heat dissipation section 121 can be an annular water-cooled cavity.

[0083] See Figure 7 In some embodiments, the heat sink 12 may further include an air-cooled heat sink 124, which may be disposed between the melting tank 13 and the water-cooled heat sink 121. A temperature gradient can be formed at the air-cooled heat sink 124, which further diffuses the heat from the melting tank 13 outwards. In some embodiments, the air-cooled heat sink may be a heat dissipation chamber containing cold air. The cross-sectional shape of the air-cooled heat sink 124 may be L-shaped, with the long side of the L-shaped air-cooled heat sink 124 formed radially inside the water-cooled heat sink 121, and the short side of the air-cooled heat sink 124 formed on the side of the water-cooled heat sink 121 facing the melting tank 13. The long and short sides of the air-cooled heat sink 124 can form a temperature gradient, which further diffuses the heat from the melting tank 13 outwards.

[0084] See Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the body 11 may include two first side plates 111 and two second side plates 112 arranged opposite to each other, wherein the width of the first side plate 111 is greater than the length of the second side plate 112.

[0085] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the dissolving apparatus 10 may further include a main body heating assembly 16, wherein there are two main body heating assemblies 16, each facing one of the two first side plates 111, for heating the two first side plates 111. This arrangement allows for a larger heating area and heat dissipation area of ​​the main body 11, which is beneficial for improving heating efficiency and heat dissipation efficiency.

[0086] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the main body heating assembly 16 may include multiple main body heating elements 161, main body heat conducting elements 162, main body insulation elements 163, and main body protective shell 164. The multiple main body heating elements 161 provide heat; the multiple main body heating elements 161 are disposed within the main body heat conducting elements 162, which are thermally connected to the two first side plates 111 to conduct the heat provided by the main body heating elements 161 to the first side plates 111; the main body insulation elements 163 are disposed outside the main body heat conducting elements 162 to insulate the main body heat conducting elements 162; and the main body protective shell 164 is disposed outside the main body insulation elements 163 to protect the main body insulation elements 163. In such embodiments, heating the main body 11 improves heating efficiency and insulation effect; and cooling the main body 11 facilitates rapid heat dissipation.

[0087] In some embodiments, the heat-conducting body 162 may have multiple openings along the height direction, and multiple body heating elements 161 may be respectively embedded in one opening. In some embodiments, the connector of the body heating element 161 may be configured as a quick-release type for easy inspection and maintenance.

[0088] The heating element 161 is, for example, an electric heating rod; the heat-conducting element 162 is, for example, graphite; and the insulation element 163 is, for example, insulation cotton.

[0089] In some embodiments, the body heating assembly 16 can be used to heat the body 11 when dissolving radioactive materials; the body heating assembly 16 can also be used to heat the body 11 when drying a radioactive sample plate.

[0090] In some embodiments, when dissolving radioactive materials, the body heating assembly 16 heats the body 11 at a dissolution temperature of 80–90°C. In some embodiments, when heating and drying a radioactive sample plate, the body heating assembly 16 heats the body 11 at a drying temperature of 170–180°C.

[0091] See Figure 11 and Figure 13In some embodiments, the two first side plates 111 of the main body 11 respectively form two opposing first limiting portions 1111, which sequentially divide the dissolving tank 13 into a first region 131, a second region 132, and a third region 133, which are interconnected. Liquid feed from the feed pipe 101 enters the first region 131 and can flow to the second region 132. High-temperature mixed gas from the gas inlet pipe 102 enters the second region 132, and a radioactive sample plate is disposed in the second region 132.

[0092] See Figure 7 In some embodiments, the dissolving device 10 may further include a return pipe 103 and an outlet pipe 104, which are respectively located in the third zone 133 and the first zone 131. The return pipe 103 is used to allow the liquid in the dissolving tank 13 to flow out of the dissolving tank 13, and the outlet pipe 104 is used to allow the liquid flowing out of the dissolving tank 13 to flow back into the dissolving tank 13. Since the return pipe 103 and the outlet pipe 104 are respectively located in the third zone 133 and the first zone 131, the flow of liquid between the three zones can be accelerated after the liquid flows out of the dissolving tank 13 and during the process of flowing back, thereby playing a role in stirring the liquid in the dissolving tank 13 and accelerating the dissolution of radioactive materials.

[0093] In some embodiments, a gap exists between two opposing first limiting portions 1111 on the two first side plates 111 to allow for the flow of the feed liquid. The gap between the two first limiting portions 1111 is smaller than the thickness of the radioactive sample plate to prevent the radioactive sample plate from entering the gap. In some embodiments, the first limiting portion 1111 may be a protrusion.

[0094] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the dissolving tank 13 may be formed with an incline, and the inlet of the liquid outlet pipe 104 may be located at the lowest point of the incline of the bottom wall of the dissolving tank 13, so that the liquid can converge to the inlet of the liquid outlet pipe 104, which is beneficial to completely remove the dissolved liquid after dissolving is completed.

[0095] See Figure 11 and Figure 13 In some embodiments, the two first side plates 111 of the body 11 may also form opposing second limiting portions 1112, which are located within the second region 132 and are used to restrict the movement of the radioactive sample plate toward the first side plates 111, so that the radioactive sample plate can stand upright in the second region 132. In some embodiments, there is a gap between the two opposing second limiting portions 1112 on the two first side plates 111, and the gap is greater than the thickness of the radioactive sample plate.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second limiting portion 1112 may be a protrusion, and the protrusion forms an inclined surface on the end face of the heat sink 12 to guide the radioactive sample plate so that the radioactive sample plate can enter between the two oppositely arranged second limiting portions 1112.

[0097] See Figure 7 and Figure 14 In some embodiments, the dissolution tank 13 may have a top opening, and a cover 14 is used to close the top opening of the dissolution tank 13. A radioactive sample plate can be inserted into the second zone 132 through the top opening. In some embodiments, the cover 14 is connected to a lifting mechanism to achieve overall lifting and lowering movement of the cover 14, thereby closing or opening the top opening of the dissolution tank 13.

[0098] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the cover 14 may include a cover plate 141 and a cover plate heating assembly 142, the cover plate heating assembly 142 being disposed on the cover plate 141 for heating the cover plate 141.

[0099] The inventors of this application discovered that condensation remains on the inner surface of the cover plate 141 after the radioactive sample plate is dried. Even with extended drying time, it is difficult to completely dry the inside of the cover plate 141. This poses a radioactive contamination problem. The inventors of this application further discovered that this is because the cover plate 141 is located in the external environment during the drying of the radioactive sample plate. Since the cover plate 141 is usually made of metal, which conducts heat quickly, the temperature of the cover plate 141 is relatively low. This results in condensation remaining on the inner surface of the cover plate 141 after drying.

[0100] The dissolving apparatus 10 provided in the embodiments of this application heats the cover plate 141 by setting the cover plate heating assembly 142 to increase the temperature of the cover plate 141, which can avoid the formation of condensate residue due to the low temperature of the cover plate 141 when drying the radioactive sample plate.

[0101] In some embodiments, when drying the radioactive sample plate, the cover plate heating assembly 142 heats the cover plate 141 at a temperature lower than the drying temperature to avoid adverse effects on the seal 15. The heating temperature of the cover plate heating assembly 142 can be, for example, 110–120°C.

[0102] See Figure 8 and Figure 13In some embodiments, the cover plate heating assembly 142 may include a cover plate heating element 1421, a cover plate heat-conducting element 1422, a cover plate insulation element 1424, and a cover plate protective shell 1423. The cover plate heating element 1421 provides heat; the cover plate heat-conducting element 1422 is thermally connected to the cover plate 141 to conduct the heat provided by the cover plate heating element 1421 to the cover plate 141; the cover plate insulation element 1424 is disposed outside the cover plate heat-conducting element 1422 to insulate the cover plate heat-conducting element 1422; and the cover plate protective shell 1423 is disposed outside the cover plate insulation element 1424 to protect the cover plate insulation element 1424. The cover plate heating element 1421 may be, for example, an electric heating rod. The material of the cover plate heat-conducting element 1422 may be, for example, graphite.

[0103] In some embodiments, a plurality of openings may be formed on the cover heat conductor 1422 along the height direction, and a plurality of cover heating elements 1421 may be respectively embedded in one of the openings. In some embodiments, the cover heating assembly 142 may further include: a temperature measuring element disposed in the cover heat conductor 1422 for detecting the temperature of the cover heat conductor 1422.

[0104] See Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 12 In some embodiments, the dissolving apparatus 10 may further include an air-cooling assembly 17 for dissipating heat from the body 11 outwards. The air-cooling assembly 17 includes an inlet pipe 171, an outlet pipe 172, and a cooling pipe 173. The inlet pipe 171 is located at the end of the body insulation member 163 away from the heat sink 12, the outlet pipe 172 is located at the end of the body insulation member 163 close to the heat sink 12, and the cooling pipe 173 is located inside the body insulation member 163. The inlet pipe 171 is connected to and in fluid communication with the cooling pipe 173, allowing gas to flow through the inlet pipe 171 to the cooling pipe 173. The cooling pipe 173 has multiple through holes, allowing gas entering the cooling pipe 173 to flow out through the through holes and dissipate heat from the body 11, thereby dissipating heat from the body 11 outwards. After heat dissipation, the gas can flow out of the air-cooling assembly 17 through the outlet pipe 172. This configuration allows for heat exchange between the gas and the main body 11, which is beneficial for further rapid heat dissipation of the main body 11.

[0105] After one dissolution process is completed, the temperature of the dissolution tank 13 is high because the heating assembly 16 heats the body 11 during the dissolution process to dry the radioactive sample plate. During the next dissolution, when an acidic solution is introduced into the dissolution tank 13 under negative pressure, the high temperature within the tank causes the acidic solution to vaporize, forming acidic gas. This acidic gas is drawn away under negative pressure and cannot be recovered.

[0106] To shorten the time interval between the two dissolution processes and prevent the acidic solution added in the next step from vaporizing and generating acidic gas at a high temperature, the dissolution apparatus 10 provided in this application includes an air-cooling component 17. This allows for heat exchange between the gas and the main body 11, facilitating rapid heat dissipation from the main body 11. After the temperature of the main body 11 has decreased to a suitable level, the acidic solution is introduced into the dissolution tank 13 under negative pressure, preventing vaporization of the acidic solution due to high temperature.

[0107] See Figure 12 In some embodiments, the main body insulation component 163 may include an insulation body 1631 and a plurality of partition plates 1632. The plurality of partition plates 1632 are connected to the insulation body 1631, and the plurality of partition plates 1632 and the insulation body 1631 together form a plurality of heat dissipation channels 1633. In some embodiments, the cooling air pipe 173 is in fluid communication with the heat dissipation channels 1633, and the gas entering the cooling air pipe 173 can enter the heat dissipation channels 1633 through through holes; the heat dissipation channels 1633 are also in fluid communication with the air outlet pipe 172, and the gas entering the heat dissipation channels 1633 can flow out through the air outlet pipe 172.

[0108] See Figure 7 In some embodiments, the dissolving apparatus 10 may further include an extraction pipe 105 and a venting pipe 106, which are in fluid communication with the dissolving tank 13. Gas in the dissolving tank 13 can flow out of the dissolving tank 13 through the extraction pipe 105, thereby creating a negative pressure environment in the dissolving tank 13. The venting pipe 106 is also in fluid communication with a glove box, allowing gas in the glove box to enter the dissolving tank 13 through the venting pipe 106, thereby changing the dissolving tank 13 from a negative pressure environment to a normal pressure environment. In some embodiments, the extraction pipe 105 and the venting pipe 106 may be disposed on the heat sink 12.

[0109] See Figure 13 In some embodiments, the dissolving device 10 further includes two side insulation members 108, which are respectively fixedly disposed on the two second side plates 112 for heat preservation of the second side plates 112. Since the length of the second side plate 112 is less than the length of the first side plate 111, the side insulation members 108 have little impact on the heat dissipation of the body 11.

[0110] See Figure 7 In some embodiments, the dissolving device 10 may further include a side protective shell 109 disposed outside the side insulation member 108 for protecting the side insulation member 108.

[0111] See Figure 8 In some embodiments, the dissolving apparatus 10 may also include a bottom heat preservation member 107 disposed at the bottom of the body 11 for heat preservation of the dissolving tank 13.

[0112] Regarding the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0113] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for measuring the concentration of a radioactive substance by X-ray fluorescence, characterized by comprising: The device includes: a plurality of fluid receiving members each for receiving a fluid carrying radioactive material, the fluid receiving members having a window for X-rays to pass through; a measuring member for measuring intensity of X-ray fluorescence formed by the radioactive material after being irradiated by X-rays, so as to determine concentration of the radioactive material according to the intensity of the X-ray fluorescence; and a moving member arranged to enable the plurality of fluid receiving members to move relative to the measuring member, so as to enable the measuring member to measure concentration of the radioactive material in each of the fluid receiving members; the fluid receiving member includes: a containing cavity for containing the fluid, the window being used to seal the containing cavity; a liquid inlet pipe for providing the fluid to the containing cavity; a liquid outlet pipe for the fluid in the containing cavity to flow out; an exhaust pipe in fluid communication with the liquid inlet pipe for gas in the liquid inlet pipe to flow out; the fluid receiving member further includes: a body formed with a receiving groove extending along a first direction, a through hole penetrating through the body along a second direction, a first connecting passage communicating the receiving groove and the through hole, and a second connecting passage communicating the receiving groove; the window is sealingly arranged at one side of the opening of the receiving groove to form the containing cavity together with the receiving groove; the second connecting passage is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet pipe, the upper end of the through hole is in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe, and the lower end of the through hole is in fluid communication with the liquid inlet pipe.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The measuring member includes an X-ray emitting member and an X-ray receiving member arranged at one side of the plurality of fluid receiving members provided with the window, the X-ray emitting member is used to emit X-rays to the window of the fluid receiving member, and the X-ray receiving member is used to receive X-ray fluorescence transmitted through the window; the moving member is arranged to enable the plurality of fluid receiving members to move relative to the X-ray emitting member and the X-ray receiving member, so that the window of each of the fluid receiving members can face the X-ray emitting member and the X-ray receiving member at the same time.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The exhaust pipe is coaxially arranged with the liquid inlet pipe, wherein the exhaust pipe is arranged above the liquid inlet pipe.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first connecting passage extends along a horizontal direction, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other, and both are perpendicular to the extension direction of the first connecting passage.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The number of the fluid receiving members is two, and the bodies of the two fluid receiving members are integrally formed.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The window is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Further including: a driving part for driving the moving member to move.

8. A radioactive material dissolving system characterized by comprising: The device includes: a plurality of dissolving devices each arranged to provide a dissolving space for the radioactive material; a device for measuring concentration of radioactive material by X-ray fluorescence arranged to measure concentration of radioactive material in the dissolving liquid of the plurality of dissolving devices; wherein the device for measuring concentration of radioactive material by X-ray fluorescence includes: a plurality of fluid receiving members each for receiving a fluid carrying radioactive material, the fluid receiving members having a window for X-rays to pass through; a measurement member for measuring intensity of X-ray fluorescence formed by X-ray irradiation of the radioactive substance, thereby determining the concentration of the radioactive substance based on the intensity of the X-ray fluorescence; and a moving member configured to move the plurality of fluid receiving members relative to the measurement member to enable the measurement member to measure the concentration of the radioactive substance in each of the fluid receiving members; the fluid receiving member includes: a receiving cavity for receiving the fluid, the window being configured to seal the receiving cavity; a liquid inlet tube for supplying the fluid to the receiving cavity; a liquid outlet tube for allowing the fluid in the receiving cavity to flow out; an exhaust tube in fluid communication with the liquid inlet tube for allowing gas in the liquid inlet tube to flow out; the fluid receiving member further includes: a body formed with a receiving groove extending in a first direction, a through hole extending through the body in a second direction, a first connecting passage communicating the receiving groove and the through hole, and a second connecting passage communicating the receiving groove; the window is sealingly disposed at one side of the opening of the receiving groove to form the receiving cavity together with the receiving groove; the second connecting passage is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet tube, the upper end of the through hole is in fluid communication with the exhaust tube, and the lower end of the through hole is in fluid communication with the liquid inlet tube.

9. The radioactive material dissolution system of claim 8, wherein, the measurement member includes an X-ray emitting member and an X-ray receiving member disposed at one side of the plurality of fluid receiving members provided with the window, the X-ray emitting member is configured to emit X-rays to the window of the fluid receiving member, and the X-ray receiving member is configured to receive X-ray fluorescence transmitted through the window; the moving member is configured to move the plurality of fluid receiving members relative to the X-ray emitting member and the X-ray receiving member to enable the window of each of the fluid receiving members to face the X-ray emitting member and the X-ray receiving member at the same time.

10. The radioactive material dissolution system of claim 8, wherein, the exhaust tube is coaxially disposed with the liquid inlet tube, wherein the exhaust tube is disposed above the liquid inlet tube.

11. The radioactive material dissolution system of claim 8, wherein, the first connecting passage extends in a horizontal direction, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other, and both are perpendicular to the extension direction of the first connecting passage.

12. The radioactive material dissolution system of claim 9, wherein, the number of the fluid receiving members is two, and the bodies of the two fluid receiving members are integrally formed.

13. The radioactive material dissolution system of claim 8, wherein, the window is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

14. The radioactive material dissolution system of claim 8, wherein, the device for measuring the concentration of the radioactive substance by X-ray fluorescence further includes: a driving portion for driving the moving member to move.

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