Fused salt electrolytic refining apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application relates to the technical field of electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metal by molten liquid electrolysis, in particular to a molten salt electrolytic refining device, and the molten salt electrolytic refining device provided by the embodiment of the present application comprises an electrolysis heating device, a cathode, a cathode transfer device, an anode and an anode transfer device, wherein the anode is arranged to enable sufficient contact of spent fuel with molten salt, and the molten salt electrolytic refining device provided by the embodiment of the present application improves the efficiency of the electrolysis process due to the arrangement of the anode to enable sufficient contact of spent fuel with molten salt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of metal production, recycling or refining technology by molten liquid electrolysis, and particularly to a molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein are provided merely as background information in connection with this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Spent fuel refers to nuclear fuel that has been used in a reactor for a period of time and contains recyclable nuclides. Spent fuel typically requires recycling and processing.

[0004] Currently, molten salt electrolytic refining is a common method for processing spent fuel and recycling it. It primarily involves dissolving the nuclides on the spent fuel in molten salt through an electrolytic reaction, which then precipitates them from the cathode. The precipitates from the cathode are then recovered. However, current industrial molten salt electrolytic refining equipment cannot meet the requirements for processing spent fuel and needs modification. Summary of the Invention

[0005] 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.

[0006] An embodiment of this application provides a molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus, comprising: an electrolytic heating device for containing molten salt, which provides a medium for the electrolysis of spent fuel, and the molten salt is melted before electrolysis; a cathode and a cathode transfer device, wherein the cathode is detachably fixed to the cathode transfer device, and the cathode transfer device transfers the cathode into the electrolytic heating device, and after electrolysis is completed, the cathode is transferred away from the electrolytic heating device; and an anode and an anode transfer device, wherein the anode is detachably fixed to the anode transfer device, and the anode transfer device transfers the anode into the electrolytic heating device, and after electrolysis is completed, the anode is transferred away from the electrolytic heating device, and spent fuel is disposed within the anode; the anode is configured to allow sufficient contact between the spent fuel and the molten salt.

[0007] The molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus provided according to the embodiments of this application improves the efficiency of the electrolysis process because the anode is configured to allow sufficient contact between spent fuel and molten salt. Attached Figure Description

[0008] 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.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main components of the molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus according to an embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cathode and cathode transfer device of the molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus according to an embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the anode and anode transfer device of the molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus according to an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pickup component of the molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the anode structure of the molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus according to an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0016] 10. Electrolysis heating device; 20. Cathode; 30. Cathode transfer device; 40. Anode; 50. Anode transfer device; 60. Electrolysis product scraping, collecting, and transferring device; 70. Molten salt discharge device; 80. Integrated glove box system; 11. Body; 12, 13, 14. Movable cover; 15. Moving track; 16. Heat insulation component; 17. Pick-up component; 121, 131, 141. Matching groove; 171. Pick-up section; 172. First direction reinforcement section; 173. Second direction reinforcement section; 21. Blocking component; 22. Lifting component; 31. Rotation drive component; 32. Frame structure; 33. Transmission component; 41. Anode basket; 42. First support section; 43. Second support section; 44. Feeding section; 45. Stirring section. Detailed Implementation

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The following disclosure provides several different implementations or examples for carrying out this application. To simplify the disclosure of this application, specific examples of components and methods are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit this application. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0020] The inventors of this application have discovered that in the process of electrolyzing spent fuel using a molten salt electrolytic refining device, molten salt is used as the medium. However, in the relevant design, because the spent fuel is placed in the anode, the contact between the spent fuel and the molten salt is not good, resulting in low electrolysis efficiency. The existing molten salt electrolytic refining device cannot meet the needs of processing spent fuel.

[0021] Embodiments of this application provide a molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus, such as... Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic representation of the main components of a molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. The molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus includes:

[0022] Electrolysis heating device 10 is used to contain molten salt, which is used to provide a medium for the electrolysis of spent fuel. The molten salt is melted before electrolysis.

[0023] See appendix Figure 2 , Figure 2 The image shows a cathode 20 and a cathode transfer device 30 provided according to an embodiment of the present application. The cathode 20 is detachably fixed to the cathode transfer device 30, which transfers the cathode 20 into the electrolytic heating device 10. After electrolysis is completed, the cathode 20 is transferred away from the electrolytic heating device 10.

[0024] See appendix Figure 3,like Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an anode 40 and an anode transfer device 50 according to an embodiment of this application. The anode 40 is detachably fixed to the anode transfer device 50, which transfers the anode 40 into the electrolytic heating device 10. After electrolysis is completed, the anode 40 is transferred away from the electrolytic heating device 10, with spent fuel disposed within the anode 40. The anode 40 is configured to ensure sufficient contact between the spent fuel and the molten salt. The molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus provided according to the embodiment of this application improves the efficiency of the electrolysis process because the anode 40 is configured to ensure sufficient contact between the spent fuel and the molten salt.

[0025] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the anode 40 includes an anode basket 41, a first support portion 42 extending along the extending direction of the anode basket 41, and a second support portion 43 extending perpendicular to the extending direction of the anode basket. The anode basket 41 contains the spent fuel. The first support portion 42 extends within the anode basket 41 and is fixedly connected to the second support portion 43, which is disposed at the bottom of the anode basket 41. By providing the first and second support portions, the anode basket can stably hold the spent fuel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the anode 40 further includes a feeding section 44 disposed in the anode basket 41, and the feeding section 44 is funnel-shaped. The funnel-shaped opening of the feeding section 44 helps to improve the feeding efficiency and can effectively prevent spent fuel material from being delivered to the outside of the anode basket 41.

[0027] like Figure 6 As shown, a stirring section 45 is formed on the outer side of the anode basket 41 so that the stirring section 45 stirs the molten salt when the anode basket 41 rotates. The stirring action of the stirring section 45 can make the composition of the molten salt uniformly distributed, which is beneficial to the electrolysis reaction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first support portion 42 is formed as a hollow component, and the hollow component is in fluid communication with the outside of the anode, so that molten salt can enter the interior of the first support portion. This increases the contact area between the molten salt and the spent fuel, which is beneficial for the electrolysis reaction.

[0029] See appendix Figure 4 , attached Figure 4 A molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown, wherein, as Figure 4 As shown, the molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus of this application may further include: an electrolytic product scraping, collecting and transferring device 60, wherein a cathode transferring device 30 transfers the cathode 20 from the electrolytic heating device 10 to the electrolytic product scraping, collecting and transferring device 60, the electrolytic product scraping, collecting and transferring device 60 collects the electrolytic products on the cathode 20 and transfers the collected electrolytic products away.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus of this application further includes: a molten salt discharge device 70 for transferring the molten salt after electrolysis by the electrolytic heating device 10.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus of this application further includes: an integrated glove box system 80, wherein the electrolytic heating device 10, the cathode 20 and the cathode transfer device 30, the anode 40 and the anode transfer device 50, the electrolytic product scraping, collecting and transferring device, and the molten salt discharge device are disposed in the integrated glove box system 80.

[0032] According to the embodiments provided in this application, since the electrolysis heating device 10, cathode 20 and cathode transfer device 30, anode 40 and anode transfer device 50, electrolysis product scraping, collection and transfer device, and molten salt discharge device are arranged in the integrated glove box system 80, the entire electrolysis reaction is operated in a low water and oxygen sealed atmosphere. This avoids the molten salt absorbing moisture and the electrolytically decomposed products being oxidized, thereby reducing the probability of problems occurring in the electrolysis process and enabling the electrolysis reaction to proceed continuously, meeting the needs of spent fuel processing.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the electrolytic heating device 10 includes a main body 11 and movable covers 12, 13, and 14. The main body 11 forms a cavity, and molten salt is disposed inside the cavity 11. The movable covers 12, 13, and 14 are movably connected to the main body. The movable covers 12, 13, and 14 are provided with mating grooves 121, 131, and 141, and the cathode 20 is inserted into the cavity through the mating grooves 121, 131, and 141.

[0034] By moving the cover, the cathode can be inserted into the molten salt while preventing the molten salt from evaporating and flowing above the cavity through the cavity opening, thus protecting the device above the cavity from damage by molten salt vapor. Furthermore, the cooling of the cover can isolate heat radiation. In some embodiments of this application, a water-cooled liquid supply may also be included. The movable covers 12, 13, and 14 form cover-receiving cavities for containing water-cooled liquid, and the water-cooled liquid supply provides water-cooled liquid to the cover-receiving cavities. The body 11 forms a water-cooled liquid receiving cavity for containing water-cooled liquid, and the water-cooled liquid supply provides water-cooled liquid to both the cover-receiving cavity and the water-cooled liquid receiving cavity.

[0035] By providing water-cooled liquid within the cover cavity, the movable cover can better cool the evaporated molten salt, preventing the evaporated molten salt from flowing to the top of the cavity.

[0036] In some embodiments, by cooling the body 11 and making different parts of the body 11 have different temperatures, with the lower part of the body 11 having a higher temperature and the upper part of the body 11 having a lower temperature, a temperature gradient is formed, thereby slowing down the volatilization of molten salt.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a movable track 15, which is fixedly connected to the main body 11. Covers 12, 13, and 14 are disposed on the movable track 15, allowing them to move between different positions to either block or not block the opening of the main body 11. For example, during electrolysis, covers 12, 13, and 14 block the opening of the main body 11, reducing heat radiation from the molten salt inside the main body 11 to the surface of the main body 11.

[0038] In some embodiments, a vacuum device (not shown in the drawings) is also included, for example, such as Figure 1 As shown, a vacuum device is connected to the cover 12 to draw in the molten salt volatilized from the body 11. Each cover can be connected to the vacuum device, or only one cover can be connected to it.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cover 13 is configured to be connected to an inert gas to provide an inert gas environment to the body 11. Each cover may be connected to an inert gas, or only one cover may be connected to an inert gas.

[0040] To provide insulation, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a heat insulation element 16. For example, the heat insulation element 16 is disposed on the upper part of the cover 14 to block the molten salt and heat radiation inside the body 11. Here, the heat insulation element can be provided on each cover, or the heat insulation element can be provided on the one cover that is in use.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple covers 12, 13, and 14 are provided. Multiple covers 12, 13, and 14 are moved above the main body, and mating grooves 121, 131, and 141 form mating grooves that allow the cathode to pass through.

[0042] In some embodiments, the electrolytic heating device 10 further includes a protective element and an insulating element, the insulating element being disposed between the protective element and the body 11, and the protective element being disposed outside the body.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electrolytic heating device 10 further includes a heating element disposed on the protective member, the heating element being used to heat the protective member. The protective member heats the body 11 to melt the molten salt within the body 11.

[0044] In some embodiments, the heating element forms different heating zones in the vertical extension direction of the body 11, and different heating temperatures are controlled for different heating zones. This facilitates the formation of different temperature gradients in the vertical direction of the body, so that the molten salt can remain in a molten state while preventing the molten salt in the upper part of the body from becoming too hot and evaporating to the outside of the body through the openings of the body.

[0045] In some embodiments, the electrolytic heating device 10 further includes a pickup element 17, see Appendix Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the pickup element 17 is shown. The pickup element 17 is disposed within the body to allow electrolytic products detached from the cathode 20 to fall into the pickup element 17. The pickup element can also pick up other objects that fall into the body.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the pickup part 17 includes a pickup part 171, a first direction reinforcement part 172 and a second direction reinforcement part 173. The first direction reinforcement part 172 is fixedly connected to the pickup part 171, and the second direction reinforcement part 173 is fixedly connected to the first direction reinforcement part 172. The external shape of the pickup part 171, the first direction reinforcement part 172 and the second direction reinforcement part 173 after being fixedly connected is similar to that of the body 11, and the two are close in size.

[0047] Based on the above results, when the pickup 17 is placed into the molten salt inside the cavity of the body 11, no other structure is required, and the pickup can be stably held in the molten salt.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cathode 20 is provided with a blocking element 21, which is configured to block molten salt.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cathode 20 is provided with a lifting member 22 for lifting the cathode 20 in the event of failure of the cathode transfer device 30.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cathode transfer device 30 includes a rotary drive 31, which can drive the cathode 20 to rotate.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the cathode transfer device 30 may include a frame structure 32, which may be formed by rod-shaped members with mutually perpendicular extension directions fixedly connected to each other. The rotary drive member 31 may be fixedly connected to the frame structure 32. For example, the rotary drive member 31 may also transmit its rotational power to the cathode 20 through the transmission member 33.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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. A molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus, characterized in that, The molten salt electrolytic refining apparatus includes: An electrolysis heating device for containing molten salt, the molten salt being used as a medium for the electrolysis of spent fuel, wherein the molten salt is melted prior to electrolysis; A cathode and a cathode transfer device, wherein the cathode is detachably fixed to the cathode transfer device, the cathode transfer device transfers the cathode into the electrolytic heating device, and after electrolysis is completed, the cathode is transferred away from the electrolytic heating device; An anode and an anode transfer device, wherein the anode is detachably fixed to the anode transfer device, the anode transfer device transfers the anode to the electrolysis heating device, and after electrolysis is completed, the anode is transferred away from the electrolysis heating device, and the spent fuel is disposed inside the anode; The anode is configured to allow sufficient contact between the spent fuel and the molten salt; The anode includes an anode basket, a first support extending along the extension direction of the anode basket, and a second support extending along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the anode basket, wherein the anode basket contains the spent fuel; The first support extends within the anode basket and is fixedly connected to the second support. The second support portion is disposed at the bottom of the anode basket; A stirring section is formed on the outside of the anode basket so that the stirring section stirs the molten salt when the anode basket rotates; The first support portion is formed as a hollow component, which is in fluid communication with the outside of the anode so that the molten salt can enter the interior of the first support portion.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode also includes a feeding section, which is disposed in the anode basket and is funnel-shaped.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support portion is formed as a hollow component, and the hollow component is in fluid communication with the outside of the anode so that the molten salt can enter the interior of the first support portion.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode is provided with a blocking element, which is configured to block molten salt.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode is provided with a lifting device for lifting the cathode in the event of failure of the cathode transfer device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode transfer device includes a rotary drive component that can drive the cathode to rotate.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cathode transfer device includes a frame structure, which is formed by mutually perpendicular rod-shaped members fixedly connected to each other, and the rotary drive member can be fixedly connected to the frame structure.

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