Separation method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the field of material separation by utilizing a distillation technology, in particular to a separation method which is realized by adopting a distillation separation device. The distillation separation device comprises a distillation part and a collection part, target components in the to-be-separated materials are evaporated, cooled and collected by the collection part, and the remaining to-be-separated materials are reserved in the distillation part, so that the target components in the to-be-separated materials are separated. The separation method comprises the following steps: S10, putting one of materials to be separated into a distillation piece; s20, transferring the distillation piece and the collection piece to a first preset position, and heating the distillation piece to a preset temperature under a vacuum condition; s30, the preset temperature is kept for preset time; s40, stopping heating, and naturally cooling; and S50, transferring the distillation piece and the collection piece to a second preset position, and taking out substances in the distillation piece and the collection piece. According to the separation method provided by the embodiment of the invention, the separation efficiency of various to-be-separated materials is improved, and the utilization rate of the distillation separation device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of material separation using distillation technology, and specifically to a separation method. 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] After nuclear fuel has been used in a reactor for a long time, its uranium content decreases, turning it into spent fuel. Because the uranium content of spent fuel has decreased, it can no longer meet the reactor's operating requirements, so it needs to be removed from the reactor. Furthermore, since spent fuel is still radioactive, it needs to be properly disposed of to avoid environmental pollution.

[0004] Currently, the process for processing spent fuel typically involves first cutting the spent fuel, then electrolytically reducing and refining it, and finally separating and recovering radionuclides from the cathode products obtained from the electrolytic refining. The separation and recovery of radionuclides usually requires the use of a distillation separation device in a heated chamber to separate the radionuclides from the material.

[0005] However, because nuclear fuel becomes contaminated with coolant in the reactor during use and spent fuel becomes contaminated with molten salt during electrolytic refining, the materials to be separated during the separation process are a mixture of various materials, and it is necessary to separate multiple target components, including radioactive nuclides. Summary of the Invention

[0006] 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.

[0007] The embodiments of this application provide a separation method that uses a distillation separation device to separate target components from various materials to be separated.

[0008] The distillation separation device includes a distillation element and a collection element. One of the various materials to be separated is in the distillation element. The target component is evaporated and cooled before being collected by the collection element. The remaining materials to be separated are retained in the distillation element, thereby achieving the separation of the target component from the materials to be separated.

[0009] The separation method includes the following steps: S10, placing one of the materials to be separated into a distillation element; S20, transferring the distillation element and the collection element to a first predetermined position, and heating the distillation element to a predetermined temperature under vacuum conditions; S30, maintaining the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time; S40, stopping heating and allowing it to cool naturally; S50, transferring the distillation element and the collection element to a second predetermined position, and removing the substances from the distillation element and the collection element.

[0010] The separation method provided in the embodiments of this application can use a distillation separation device to separate multiple materials to be separated, and can separate the target components in multiple materials to be separated. This eliminates the need to set up multiple distillation separation devices to separate multiple materials to be separated, which is beneficial to improving the separation efficiency of multiple materials to be separated. At the same time, it can also improve the utilization rate of the distillation separation device, so that the distillation separation device can be fully utilized. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Other objects and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of this application.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the separation method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distillation separation apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the distillation separation apparatus is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the main structure of the distillation separation apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein the collecting element does not seal the opening at the bottom of the housing.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the main structure of the distillation separation apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein the collecting element seals the opening at the bottom of the housing.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing and distillation collection element of the distillation separation apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the furnace body assembly of the distillation and separation apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of region A in the main structure of the distillation separation device shown.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the housing cooling component of the distillation separation apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. An annular plate is omitted in the figure.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the distillation collection element of the distillation separation apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 100. Distillation separation apparatus;

[0024] 10. Furnace body assembly; 11. Shell; 111. Shell connection; 1110. Guide surface; 112. Seal; 113. Sealing and cooling component; 114. Temperature measuring pipe; 1140. Temperature measuring groove; 115. Vacuum interface;

[0025] 12. Furnace body; 121. Main furnace section; 1210. Heating and insulation cavity;

[0026] 1211. Furnace lid body; 12111. Furnace lid outer shell; 12112. Top insulation layer; 12113. Furnace lid splicing parts;

[0027] 1212, First furnace body section; 12121, First furnace outer shell; 12122, First annular insulation component; 12124, First water-cooling cavity; 12125, Main body splicing and mating component; 12126, Support plate;

[0028] 122. Second furnace body section; 1221. Second furnace outer shell; 1222. Second annular insulation component; 1223. Second water-cooled cavity; 1224. Second connecting part;

[0029] 101. Body lifting component; 102. Cover lifting component; 103. Temperature measuring component; 104. First positioning component; 105. Second positioning component; 106. Annular slot;

[0030] 13. Main heating element; 131. Heating section;

[0031] 14. Auxiliary heating elements;

[0032] 15. Shell cooling component; 151. Annular body; 1511. Inner ring component; 1512. Outer ring component; 1513. Annular plate component; 152. Fluid separator component; 1521. First separator rod component; 1522. Second separator rod component; 15221. First groove; 15222. Second groove;

[0033] 16. Vacuum piping;

[0034] 20. Distillation collection component; 21. Distillation component; 211. Distillation positioning part;

[0035] 22. Collection component; 221. Collection body; 2210. Reception slot; 222. Collection connection; 2220. Guide surface;

[0036] 223. Heat dissipation structure; 224. First collection and positioning part; 225. Second collection and positioning part; 226. Support part;

[0037] 23. Thermal insulation component; 231. First thermal insulation positioning part; 232. Second thermal insulation positioning part;

[0038] 24. Condensation auxiliary component; 241. Pipe fitting; 2411. First through hole; 242. Reinforcing component; 2422. Second through hole;

[0039] 30. Clamping assembly; 31. Clamping element; 311. Clamping slot; 32. Clamping drive element;

[0040] 40. Support platform; 41. Platform body; 411. Platform clearance channel; 42. Platform support component; 43. Platform mounting plate; 431. Mounting clearance through hole; 44. Platform base plate;

[0041] 50. Lifting mechanism; 51. Guide component; 52. Lifting platform; 521. Moving positioning slot;

[0042] 53. Lifting drive components.

[0043] 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. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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 meeting 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.

[0045] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring this application with unnecessary details, only the device 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.

[0046] Distillation separation devices in related technologies can only separate a single material. When there are many types of materials to be separated, it is necessary to use a separate distillation separation device to separate each type of material, resulting in low separation efficiency for multiple materials.

[0047] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a separation method that employs a distillation separation apparatus to separate target components from various materials to be separated. See also Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distillation separation apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the distillation separation apparatus shown;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing and distillation collection element of the distillation separation apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the distillation collection element of the distillation separation apparatus provided in the embodiment of this application. The distillation separation apparatus 100 includes a distillation element 21 and a collection element 22. One of the various materials to be separated is in the distillation element 21. The target component is evaporated and cooled and collected by the collection element 22. The remaining materials to be separated are retained in the distillation element 21, thereby achieving the separation of the target component from the materials to be separated.

[0049] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a separation method provided in an embodiment of this application. The separation method includes the following steps: S10, placing one of the materials to be separated into a distillation element 21; S20, transferring the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 to a first predetermined position, and heating the distillation element 21 to a predetermined temperature under vacuum conditions; S30, maintaining the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time; S40, stopping heating and allowing it to cool naturally; S50, transferring the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 to a second predetermined position, and removing the substances from the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22.

[0050] The separation method provided in the embodiments of this application can use a distillation separation device 100 to separate multiple materials to be separated, and can separate the target components in multiple materials to be separated, so that there is no need to set up multiple distillation separation devices to separate multiple materials to be separated, which is beneficial to improving the separation efficiency of multiple materials to be separated; at the same time, it can also improve the utilization rate of the distillation separation device 100, so that the distillation separation device 100 can be fully utilized.

[0051] In some embodiments, the materials to be separated can be one of the following: spent fuel rods containing sodium, metallic uranium dendrites containing molten salt, or cathode products extracted after an electrolytic reaction, wherein the cathode products contain cadmium, molten salt, uranium, and transuranic acid. In such embodiments, the separation method can use a distillation separation apparatus 100 to separate sodium from spent fuel rods, molten salt from metallic uranium dendrites, and cadmium and molten salt from cathode products; wherein the sodium from spent fuel rods originates from the residue of liquid sodium used as a coolant in the reactor on the nuclear fuel rods, and the molten salt from metallic uranium dendrites and cathode products originates from the residue of molten salt from the electrolytic refining process on metallic uranium dendrites and cathode products.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the material to be separated is spent fuel rods containing sodium, the spent fuel rods can be removed from the distillation unit 21 after the distillation separation is completed.

[0053] In some embodiments, the distillation separation apparatus 100 may further include a lifting platform 52, configured to transfer the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 to a first predetermined position, and the lifting platform 52 is configured to transfer the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 to a second predetermined position. In such embodiments, transferring the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 to the first and second predetermined positions via the lifting platform 52 facilitates the addition of materials to be separated to the distillation element 21, the removal of the separated target components from the collection element 22, and the removal of residual products after distillation from the distillation element 21.

[0054] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the distillation separation apparatus 100 may also include a lifting mechanism 50 for moving the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22. The lifting mechanism 50 includes a lifting platform 52.

[0055] In some embodiments, when the materials to be separated are spent fuel rods containing sodium, the predetermined temperature in step S20 is 500°C-600°C. In such embodiments, heating to 500°C-600°C facilitates the separation of sodium from the spent fuel rods containing sodium.

[0056] In some embodiments, in step S30, the weight of the material to be separated is approximately 2000 grams, and the predetermined time is 1.5 to 2 hours. In such embodiments, the above arrangement facilitates the complete separation of sodium from the spent fuel rods containing sodium, thereby reducing sodium residue on the spent fuel rods.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the materials to be separated are metallic uranium dendrites containing molten salt, the predetermined temperature in step S20 is 850°C-1000°C. In such embodiments, heating to 850°C-1000°C facilitates the separation of molten salt from metallic uranium dendrites.

[0058] In some embodiments, in step S30, the weight of the material to be separated is approximately 3000 grams, and the predetermined time is 80 minutes to 2 hours. In such embodiments, the above arrangement facilitates the complete separation of molten salt from the uranium dendrites containing molten salt, thereby reducing the residue of molten salt on the uranium dendrites.

[0059] In some embodiments, when the various materials to be separated are cathode products extracted after an electrolytic reaction, in step S20, there are two predetermined temperatures: a first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature. The first predetermined temperature is 600°C-700°C, and the second predetermined temperature is 800°C-1000°C. Since the cadmium contained in the cathode product has a different boiling point than the molten salt, in such embodiments, heating to 600°C-700°C and 800°C-1000°C respectively facilitates the separation of cadmium and molten salt from the cathode product.

[0060] In some embodiments, in step S30, the weight of the material to be separated is approximately 33,000 grams, the predetermined time is 1 hour to 1.5 hours at a first predetermined temperature, and the predetermined time is 1.5 hours to 2 hours at a second predetermined temperature. In such embodiments, the above-described arrangement facilitates the thorough separation of cadmium and molten salt from the cathode product, thereby reducing the residue of cadmium and molten salt.

[0061] In some embodiments, the vacuum level is in the range of 10 Pa to 100 Pa. In such embodiments, this vacuum level facilitates the flow of vapor generated within the distillation unit to the collection unit for cooling.

[0062] In some embodiments, after step S50, the separation method further includes: analyzing the components in the collection container 22 and weighing them to determine the recovery rate; and analyzing the components of the substances remaining in the distillation container 21 to determine the separation rate of the target component.

[0063] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 10The distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application includes a furnace assembly 10, a distillation element 21, a collection element 22, and a transition element disposed between the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22. The furnace assembly 10 includes a housing 11 for forming a chamber. The distillation element 21 and the transition element are configured to enter the chamber of the housing 11, and the collection element 22 is configured to close the chamber of the housing 11. The furnace assembly 10 may also include a main heating element 13 and an auxiliary heating element 14. The main heating element 13 is used to heat the distillation element 21 so that the target component can evaporate in the distillation element 21 to form vapor; the auxiliary heating element 14 is used to heat the transition element so that the target component condensed in the transition element can melt and flow into the collection element 22 under gravity.

[0064] The distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application, by providing a transition member, avoids direct contact between the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22, while increasing the physical distance between the collection element 22 and the distillation element 21. This prevents heat transfer from the main heating element 13 to the collection element 22, thus avoiding excessively high temperatures in the collection element 22. The portion of the transition member close to the collection element 22 has a lower temperature, and vapor may condense on the transition member and solidify. The transition member is heated by the auxiliary heating element 14, so that the target component condensed on the transition member can melt and flow into the collection element 22 under gravity. This, in turn, allows the target component condensed on the inner wall of the shell 11 and the transition member to liquefy and flow into the collection element 22, thereby improving the collection efficiency.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 are transferred to a first predetermined position, the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 enter the cavity formed by the housing 11, and the collection element 22 closes the cavity formed by the housing 11; when the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 are transferred to a second predetermined position, the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 are located outside the cavity formed by the housing 11, and the collection element 22 opens the cavity formed by the housing 11.

[0066] For ease of description, the distillation element 21, the collection element 22, and the transition element can be collectively referred to as the distillation collection element 20. In some embodiments, the distillation collection element 20 is detachably connected to the housing 11 to seal the bottom opening of the housing 11. The target component evaporates in the distillation collection element 20 and is separated from the material to be separated and condenses into a solid.

[0067] In some embodiments, the transition member is disposed in the lower middle part of the housing 11, and the auxiliary heating member 14 is disposed facing the middle part of the housing 11. It is easy to understand that the upper part of the housing 11 has a higher temperature because the target component needs to be evaporated, while the lower part of the housing 11 has a lower temperature because the target component needs to be condensed. Therefore, the target component easily condenses in the middle part of the housing 11 and the area surrounding the middle part of the housing 11. In such an embodiment, the residue and accumulation of the target component in the easily condensable area outside the collecting member 22 can be effectively avoided, thus improving the recovery rate of the target component.

[0068] See Figure 10 In some embodiments, the transition element may include a heat insulation element 23, which is spliced ​​between the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 to insulate the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22, so as to prevent the heat of the distillation element 21 from being transferred to the collection element 22.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, splicing two components means that one component is placed or stacked on top of another component and supported by the other component. The component on top can move vertically upward under the action of external force to separate from the component below. In some embodiments, the two spliced ​​components can be positioned by respectively providing positioning holes and positioning pins extending vertically; or by respectively providing grooves or protrusions extending vertically.

[0070] In some embodiments, a distillation positioning portion 211 is formed at the bottom of the distillation member 21, and a first heat insulation positioning portion 231 is formed at the top of the heat insulation member 23. The distillation member 21 and the heat insulation member 23 are joined together through the cooperation of the distillation positioning portion 211 and the first heat insulation positioning portion 231, which helps to maintain the stability of the distillation member 21 and the heat insulation member 23 after joining. The distillation positioning portion 211 and the first heat insulation positioning portion 231 may have stepped surfaces, and the joining of the distillation member 21 and the heat insulation member 23 is achieved through the cooperation of the two stepped surfaces.

[0071] In some embodiments, the materials of the heat insulation component 23 and the distillation component 21 can both be graphite. Graphite has excellent heat insulation and high temperature resistance properties. At the same time, graphite can also avoid contaminating the materials.

[0072] See Figure 10 In some embodiments, the transition member also includes a condensation auxiliary member 24, which is spliced ​​between the heat insulation member 23 and the collection member 22. The steam entering the chamber from the distillation member 21 can be condensed into liquid on the surface of the condensation auxiliary member 24 and flow into the collection member 22 under the action of gravity, thereby facilitating steam condensation and collection by the collection member 22.

[0073] In some embodiments, a second heat insulation positioning part 232 is formed at the bottom of the heat insulation member 23. The shape of the second heat insulation positioning part 232 is adapted to the top of the condensation auxiliary member 24. The heat insulation member 23 and the condensation auxiliary member 24 are spliced ​​together by the cooperation of the second heat insulation positioning part 232 and the top of the condensation auxiliary member 24, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of the heat insulation member 23 and the condensation auxiliary member 24 after splicing.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second heat-insulating positioning portion 232 forms a stepped surface adapted to the top shape of the condensation auxiliary member 24, and the upper end of the condensation auxiliary member 24 is embedded in the stepped surface.

[0075] In some embodiments, the collector 22 may include a plurality of support portions 226 for supporting the condensation auxiliary component 24. The support portions 226 are disposed radially inside the collector body 221, and each support portion 226 forms a stepped surface adapted to the lower end of the condensation auxiliary component 24, so that the condensation auxiliary component 24 is fitted onto the collector 22. When the housing 11 is connected to the collector 22, the support portions 226 may partially enter the interior of the housing 11.

[0076] In some embodiments, the top of the condensation aid 24 and the bottom of the heat insulation member 23 can face the auxiliary heating member 14, which is more conducive to the target components condensed at the bottom of the heat insulation member 23 and the condensation aid 24 melting and flowing into the collection member 22 under gravity.

[0077] In some embodiments, the condensation auxiliary component 24 may include a perforated pipe 241. It is readily understood that if the condensation auxiliary component 24 is not perforated, steam may condense on it, hindering material recovery. By configuring the condensation auxiliary component 24 to include the perforated pipe 241, steam can be condensed, liquid condensation on the condensation auxiliary component 24 is prevented, steam diffusion and condensation are facilitated, and the condensed liquid flows into the collection component 22 under gravity, preventing the liquid from condensing on the inner wall of the condensation auxiliary component 24.

[0078] In some embodiments, the pipe fitting 241 is provided with a plurality of through-hole groups, which are spaced apart along the length of the pipe fitting 241; each through-hole group includes a plurality of first through-holes 2411 spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the pipe fitting 241. In such embodiments, uniform diffusion and rapid condensation of steam can be effectively promoted, while preventing liquid materials from solidifying on the inner wall of the condensation aid 24, thereby improving condensation efficiency and material recovery rate.

[0079] In some embodiments, the length of the first through hole 2411 along the length direction of the pipe fitting 241 is greater than the length of the first through hole 2411 along the circumferential direction of the pipe fitting 241, thereby helping the steam to diffuse and circulate better inside the pipe fitting 241, while ensuring that the steam can fully contact the inner wall of the condensation auxiliary component 24, promoting the rapid condensation of the steam into liquid, improving the condensation efficiency and the uniformity of material recovery.

[0080] In some embodiments, the condensation auxiliary component 24 may further include a plurality of reinforcing members 242 disposed radially inside the pipe component 241 and located between two adjacent through-hole groups. Since the condensation auxiliary component 24 needs to support the heat insulation component 23 and the distillation component 21, the perforated structure has an adverse effect on its mechanical strength. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, the structural strength of the condensation auxiliary component 24 is enhanced by providing reinforcing members 242.

[0081] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 242 can be a plate with multiple second through holes 2422, thereby ensuring the structural strength of the condensing auxiliary member 24 while ensuring the flow of steam, which is conducive to the uniform diffusion of steam and contact with the surface of the condensing auxiliary member 24, and improving the condensing efficiency.

[0082] In some embodiments, the plate is connected to the lower edge of the first through hole 2411 in the upper through hole group of two adjacent through hole groups. In such an embodiment, the direct connection between the plate and the upper through hole group enhances the overall structural strength of the condensation aid 24 while maintaining the continuity of steam flow, ensuring that steam can pass through multiple through hole groups for condensation, thereby improving condensation efficiency.

[0083] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the main structure of the distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein the collecting member 22 does not seal the opening at the bottom of the shell 11. In some embodiments, the auxiliary heating member 14 can also be used to heat the shell 11, so that the target component that has not condensed in the collecting member 22 melts and flows into the collecting member 22 under gravity. In such an embodiment, by heating the shell 11 by the auxiliary heating member 14, the target component that has not condensed in the collecting member 22 melts and flows into the collecting member 22 under gravity, thereby avoiding the target component from remaining or accumulating in areas outside the collecting member 22, and ensuring that the target component is fully collected by the collecting member 22.

[0084] In related technologies, distillation separation devices are typically monolithic structures, requiring disassembly and reassembly for replacement or maintenance of heating elements. However, for distillation separation devices used within a hot chamber, due to the radioactivity within the chamber, operators cannot directly enter and operate the device; it must be removed from the hot chamber. Since the distillation separation device itself is also radioactive, removing it requires disassembling and reassembling the entire structure, a cumbersome process that increases the operator's exposure time to radiation.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the main structure of the distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application, wherein the collecting member 22 seals the opening at the bottom of the housing 11.

[0086] For this question, see [link / reference] Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the furnace body assembly 10 may further include a furnace body 12, a furnace cover 1211, and a cover lifting member 102. The furnace body 12 forms a heating and heat preservation cavity 1210 with a top opening. The furnace cover 1211 is spliced ​​to the furnace body 12 at the top opening of the furnace body 12. The shell 11 extends downward inside the furnace body 12 and forms a bottom opening. The main heating element 13 is connected to the furnace cover 1211 and extends downward from the furnace cover 1211 into the heating and heat preservation cavity 1210. The cover lifting member 102 is disposed on the furnace cover 1211 so that the furnace cover 1211 and the main heating element 13 can be hoisted as a whole using a hoisting device via the cover lifting member 102.

[0087] In this embodiment, by configuring the furnace cover 1211 to be spliced ​​with the furnace body 12 at the top opening of the furnace body 12, and configuring the main heating element 13 to be connected to the furnace cover 1211, when the main heating element 13 needs to be replaced or repaired, the furnace cover 1211 and the main heating element 13 can be lifted out of the hot chamber as a whole using the cover lifting device 102. The operation is simple, which helps to shorten the time for operators to replace or repair the main heating element 13 and reduce radioactive radiation.

[0088] In some embodiments, the furnace cover 1211 is stacked on top of the furnace body 12 and supported by the furnace body 12. In some embodiments, the housing 11 extends downward inside the heating and insulation cavity 1210 to below the furnace body 12.

[0089] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the furnace body 12 may include a plurality of first positioning members 104, which are arranged along the top opening to position the furnace cover 1211 so that the furnace cover 1211 is aligned with the top opening of the furnace body 12. In such embodiments, positioning the furnace cover 1211 with the top opening of the furnace body 12 by the plurality of first positioning members 104 facilitates the hoisting of the furnace cover 1211 to the top opening of the first furnace body section 1212 for splicing with the first furnace body section 1212.

[0090] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the surface of the first positioning member 104 facing the furnace cover 1211 is beveled. In such embodiments, the beveled surface of the first positioning member 104 can guide the furnace cover 1211 during the hoisting of the furnace cover 1211 to the furnace body 12, so that the top opening of the furnace cover 1211 and the furnace body 12 are aligned.

[0091] In some embodiments, the furnace cover body 1211 may include a furnace cover shell 12111 with an opening at the bottom, a top insulation layer 12112 disposed within the furnace cover shell 12111, and a furnace cover splicing fitting 12113 disposed at the opening of the furnace cover shell 12111. See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the furnace body 12 includes a furnace body shell with an opening at the top, a body insulation layer disposed within the furnace body shell, and a body splicing fitting 12125 disposed at the opening of the furnace body shell. The body splicing fitting 12125 faces the furnace cover splicing fitting 12113. In such embodiments, the furnace cover 1211 and the furnace body 12 can be spliced ​​together by the cooperation of the facing body splicing fitting 12125 and the furnace cover splicing fitting 12113.

[0092] In some embodiments, the cover hanger 102 is disposed on the upper surface of the furnace cover shell 12111.

[0093] In some embodiments, the furnace cover splicing component 12113 and the body splicing component 12125 have flange structures. In such embodiments, the flange structure facilitates the increase of the contact area, thereby facilitating the splicing of the furnace cover body 1211 with the furnace body 12 at the top opening of the furnace body 12, and also helps to improve stability.

[0094] In some embodiments, the body splicing fitting 12125 forms a body positioning member, and the furnace cover splicing fitting 12113 correspondingly forms a furnace cover positioning hole. When the furnace cover body 1211 is hoisted onto the furnace body 12, the body positioning member can enter the furnace cover positioning hole to circumferentially position the furnace cover body 1211 and the furnace body 12. In such embodiments, the furnace cover body 1211 and the furnace body 12 can be circumferentially positioned by the cooperation of the body positioning member with the furnace cover positioning hole, thereby preventing relative circumferential rotation between the body splicing fitting 12125 and the furnace cover splicing fitting 12113. In some embodiments, the body positioning member can be a positioning post fixed to the body splicing fitting 12125.

[0095] See Figure 4In some embodiments, the furnace body 12 may include a first furnace body section 1212, a second furnace body section 122, and a body lifting member 101. The second furnace body section 122 is detachably connected to the first furnace body section 1212 below the first furnace body section 1212, and the housing 11 is connected to the second furnace body section 122. The body lifting member 101 is disposed on the first furnace body section 1212 so that the first furnace body section 1212 and the second furnace body section 122 can be hoisted as a whole using hoisting equipment via the body lifting member 101. In such embodiments, the first furnace body section 1212 and the second furnace body section 122 can be hoisted as a whole using hoisting equipment via the body lifting member 101, facilitating the removal of the first furnace body section 1212 and the second furnace body section 122 from the hot chamber for maintenance.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first furnace body section 1212 may be pressed or stacked on the second furnace body section 122 and supported by the second furnace body section 122.

[0097] In some embodiments, the furnace cover 1211 and the first furnace body segment 1212 together form a heating and insulation cavity 1210, and the furnace cover 1211 and the first furnace body segment 1212 are spliced ​​together. In such embodiments, since the furnace cover 1211 and the first furnace body segment 1212 are spliced ​​together, it is convenient to assemble and disassemble the furnace cover 1211 and the first furnace body segment 1212 in the hot chamber, and it is also convenient for segmented maintenance, improving the convenience of maintenance. In some embodiments, the first furnace body segment 1212 has a top opening, and the furnace cover 1211 closes the top opening of the first furnace body segment 1212.

[0098] The first furnace body section 1212 and the furnace cover 1211 can be collectively referred to as the main furnace body section 121.

[0099] In some embodiments, the body splicing and mating component 12125 may be disposed on the first furnace body section 1212.

[0100] In some embodiments, the main heating element 13 is disposed in the first furnace body section 1212 for heating the shell 11 so that the target component can evaporate in the distillation collection element 20. In some embodiments, the main heating element 13 may include a plurality of heating sections 131 arranged in an annular structure, and the shell 11 can enter the annular structure. This arrangement can uniformly heat the portion of the shell 11 that enters the annular structure, ensuring that the target component can evaporate sufficiently.

[0101] In some embodiments, each heating segment 131 may have a U-shaped structure, with the openings of the U-shaped structure of each heating segment 131 extending to both ends and passing through the top insulation layer 12112 to connect with the furnace cover shell 12111, thereby securely mounting the heating segment 131 to the furnace cover body 1211. These U-shaped heating segments 131 may be arranged at equal intervals around a circumference concentric with the shell 11 to facilitate uniform heating of the shell 11. In some embodiments, the heating segments 131 of the main heating element 13 may be arranged in parallel.

[0102] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the auxiliary heating element 14 is disposed on the second furnace body section 122. When the auxiliary heating element 14 needs to be repaired, the furnace cover 1211 can be lifted off first using the cover lifting member 102, and then the auxiliary heating element 14, the second furnace body section 122, and the first furnace body section 1212 can be lifted off together using the main body lifting member 101, thereby facilitating the repair of the auxiliary heating element 14.

[0103] See Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first furnace body segment 1212 may include a first furnace shell 12121, a first annular heat-insulating member 12122 disposed radially inside the first furnace shell 12121, and a support plate 12126 connected to the lower end of the first furnace shell 12121 and disposed below the first annular heat-insulating member 12122; wherein, the first annular heat-insulating member 12122 forms a heating and heat-insulating cavity 1210; the upper part of the shell 11 enters the heating and heat-insulating cavity 1210; the support plate 12126 is used to support the first annular heat-insulating member 12122. Since the first annular heat-insulating member 12122 is usually not made of rigid material, in such embodiments, the support plate 12126 can provide support for the first annular heat-insulating member 12122.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first annular insulation member 12122 is connected to the first furnace shell 12121 for joint lifting. When it is necessary to repair the first annular insulation member 12122 or clean the inside of the heating and insulation cavity 1210, the first annular insulation member 12122 and the first furnace shell 12121 can be lifted off together.

[0105] In some embodiments, the main body lifting member 101 and the furnace cover splicing and mating member 12113 can both be provided on the first furnace shell 12121.

[0106] In some embodiments, the main heating element 13 is disposed radially outward of the housing 11. The auxiliary heating element 14 is disposed radially outward of the housing 11 and located below the main heating element 13. The first annular heat-insulating element 12122 is located between the auxiliary heating element 14 and the main heating element 13.

[0107] See Figure 4In some embodiments, the first furnace body section 1212 may further include a first water-cooling cavity 12124 formed on the first furnace shell 12121 for cooling the first furnace body section 1212. In such embodiments, the first furnace body section 1212 can be cooled by the first water-cooling cavity 12124 to reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the first furnace body section 1212.

[0108] See Figure 4 In some embodiments, the second furnace body section 122 may include a second furnace shell 1221 and a second annular heat insulation member 1222 disposed radially inside the second furnace shell 1221. In such embodiments, the second annular heat insulation member 1222 disposed radially inside the second furnace shell 1221 can reduce heat loss and ensure the heat insulation effect of the second furnace body section 122.

[0109] In some embodiments, the auxiliary heating element 14 may be connected to the second furnace shell 1221. Specifically, the auxiliary heating element 14 may be connected to the second furnace shell 1221 through the second annular insulation element 1222. In some embodiments, the auxiliary heating element 14 may be formed by a tortuous electric heating wire that forms an annular structure around the shell 11 to facilitate uniform heating of the shell 11.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second furnace body section 122 may further include a second water-cooled cavity 1223. The second water-cooled cavity 1223 is formed in the second furnace shell 1221 and is used to cool the second furnace shell 1221 to reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the second furnace shell 1221.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first furnace shell 12121 and the second furnace shell 1221 can be cylindrical components that extend vertically. In some embodiments, the body insulation layer can include a first annular insulation component 12122 and a second annular insulation component 1222, both of which can be aluminum silicate boards.

[0112] In some embodiments, the second furnace body section 122 may further include a second connecting portion 1224 formed on the upper part of the second furnace outer shell 1221, the second connecting portion 1224 cooperating with the support plate 12126. The second connecting portion 1224 may have a flange structure with mounting holes, and the support plate 12126 and the second connecting portion 1224 are detachably connected by bolts.

[0113] Distillation separation apparatus typically includes a shell forming a furnace chamber and heating elements for heating the shell. The heating elements heat the shell to allow the molten salt in the raw material powder inside the shell to evaporate. In related technologies, to improve the condensation efficiency of the steam, a coolant is usually used to cool the evaporated molten salt vapor, causing the molten salt vapor to condense into a liquid. However, using a coolant to cool the molten salt vapor consumes a relatively high amount of energy.

[0114] For this question, see [link / reference] Figure 6 In some embodiments, the collector 22 is detachably connected to the housing 11 below the furnace body 12 to seal the opening at the bottom of the housing 11; wherein, after the target component is heated and evaporated in the distillation unit 21, it can enter the housing 11 for condensation. In such embodiments, since the housing 11 extends below the furnace body 12 and the collector 22 is positioned below the furnace body 12, the heating and heat preservation effects within the furnace body 12 have minimal impact on the temperature of the lower part of the housing 11 and the collector 22, resulting in lower temperatures in the lower part of the housing 11 and the collector 22, which is conducive to condensation; at the same time, this arrangement can utilize the inherent atmosphere within the hot chamber to cool the collector 22, which is beneficial for the condensation of the evaporated target component and reduces energy consumption.

[0115] In some embodiments, the distillation element 21 may be connected to the collection element 22. In some embodiments, the main heating element 13 may be used to heat the distillation element 21 so that the target component in the distillation element 21 can evaporate. In some embodiments, the distillation element 21 is disposed on the upper part of the housing 11, and the main heating element 13 is disposed facing the upper part of the housing 11 so that the distillation element 21 is heated by the main heating element 13, while avoiding excessive temperature in the lower part of the housing 11.

[0116] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the furnace body assembly 10 of the distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 7 In some embodiments, the housing 11 may further include a housing connection portion 111 located radially outward of the opening and a sealing member 112 disposed on the housing connection portion 111. In some embodiments, the collecting member 22 may include a collecting body 221 and a collecting connection portion 222. A receiving groove 2210 for collecting the target component is formed on the inner side of the collecting body 221; the collecting connection portion 222 is connected to the top end of the collecting body 221 and is used to detachably connect to the housing connection portion 111 to seal the opening of the housing 11 using the sealing member 112. In such embodiments, the detachable connection between the collecting connection portion and the housing connection portion 111 to seal the opening of the housing 11 using the sealing member 112 simplifies the overall structure while ensuring the airtightness between the housing 11 and the collecting member 22.

[0117] See Figure 4 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, an annular groove 106 is formed on the lower surface of the housing connection portion 111, and the sealing member 112 is disposed in the annular groove 106, thereby improving the fit between the sealing member 112 and the housing connection portion 111.

[0118] In some embodiments, the width of the opening of the annular groove 106 is smaller than the width of the bottom of the annular groove 106, thereby preventing the seal 112 from detaching from the housing connection portion 111 and improving the stability of the seal 112 within the annular groove 106. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the annular groove 106 may be trapezoidal to prevent the seal 112 from detaching from the annular groove 106.

[0119] Distillation separation apparatuses typically include a shell forming a furnace chamber and heating elements for heating the shell. The heating elements heat the shell to evaporate the molten salt in the raw material powder inside, which is then collected after condensation. To prevent vapor leakage, sealing rings are usually installed at the shell openings to ensure a tight seal. However, due to the high temperature of the shell, the temperature of the sealing elements at the shell openings is also high, thus affecting the sealing performance of the shell.

[0120] For this question, see [link / reference] Figure 7 In some embodiments, the furnace body assembly 10 may also include a sealing cooling element 113 for cooling the sealing element 112, preventing the temperature at the sealing element 112 from rising, and thus improving the sealing performance of the sealing element 112.

[0121] In some embodiments, a sealing cooling member 113 is disposed on the housing connection portion 111 to facilitate cooling of the sealing member 112, which is also disposed on the housing connection portion 111.

[0122] In some embodiments, the sealing cooling element 113 may include a cooling cavity formed in the housing connection portion 111. The cooling cavity is used for the flow of a cooling medium, thereby effectively reducing the temperature of the sealing element 112 and improving the sealing performance of the sealing element 112. The cooling medium in the cooling cavity can reduce the temperature of the housing connection portion 111, thereby reducing the temperature of the lower end of the housing 11, which is beneficial for condensation.

[0123] In some embodiments, a heat dissipation structure 223 is formed on the outer side of the collecting body 221. In such embodiments, the collecting member 22 is cooled by natural heat dissipation through the heat dissipation structure 223 to improve the cooling effect.

[0124] In some embodiments, the heat dissipation structure 223 may be a plurality of heat dissipation fins formed on the radially outer surface of the collection body 221.

[0125] See Figure 3 and Figure 8 , Figure 8 yes Figure 5The diagram shows a partially enlarged view of region A in the main structure of the distillation separation apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the distillation separation apparatus 100 may further include a clamping assembly 30. In step S20, when the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 are transferred to the first predetermined position, the clamping assembly 30 clamps the collection element 22. In step S50, before the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 are transferred to the second predetermined position, the clamping assembly 30 releases the collection element 22. In such embodiments, clamping the collection element 22 by the clamping assembly 30 ensures a stable connection and seal between the collection element 22 and the distillation element 21; releasing the collection element 22 by the clamping assembly 30 ensures that the collection element 22 and the distillation element 21 can be transferred again.

[0126] See Figure 6 In some embodiments, the collecting connection 222 and the housing connection 111 form guide surfaces 2220 and 1110, respectively, so that the clamping assembly 30 can clamp the collecting connection 222 and the housing connection 111, thereby facilitating a stable connection and sealing between the collecting member 22 and the housing 11.

[0127] See Figure 8 In some embodiments, the clamping assembly 30 may include two clamping members 31 disposed opposite to each other and two clamping drives 32. Each clamping member 31 forms a clamping groove 311; the two clamping drives 32 are respectively connected to the two clamping members 31 and are used to drive the two clamping members 31 to move relative to or away from each other, so that the collecting connection portion 222 and the housing connection portion 111 can enter into the clamping groove 311 and be clamped or removed from the clamping groove 311. In such embodiments, the two clamping members 31 connected to them can be driven by the two clamping drives 32 respectively, so that the collecting connection portion 222 and the housing connection portion 111 can enter or leave the clamping groove 311, which can quickly disassemble the connection, improve assembly and disassembly efficiency, and is more suitable for use in hot chambers.

[0128] In some embodiments, in step S20, when the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 are transferred to the first predetermined position, the clamping element 31 clamps the collection element 22; in step S50, before the distillation element 21 and the collection element 22 are transferred to the second predetermined position, the clamping element 31 releases the collection element 22.

[0129] In some embodiments, the clamping drive 32 can be cylinder-driven, facilitating assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, the absence of individual fasteners prevents parts from falling off, making it more suitable for use in heated environments.

[0130] In some embodiments, both guide surfaces 2220 and 1110 are conical. The wall of the clamping groove 311 conforms to the corresponding surfaces of the collecting connection 222 and the housing connection 111; that is, the wall of the clamping groove 311 is also conical. By setting the guide surfaces 2220 and 1110 as conical surfaces and setting the wall of the clamping groove 311 to conform to the corresponding surfaces, the clamping effect of the clamping assembly 30 on the collecting connection 222 and the housing connection 111 can be guaranteed, which is beneficial to maintaining the sealing of the distillation separation device 100; at the same time, the conical surface also has a certain guiding function, which facilitates the collecting connection 222 and the housing connection 111 to enter the clamping groove 311.

[0131] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the distillation separation apparatus 100 may further include a support platform 40. The support platform 40 includes a platform body 41 and a platform support member 42 connected to the platform body 41 for supporting the platform body 40. The furnace assembly 10 can be hoisted onto the platform body 41 for support by the platform body 41, and can also be hoisted off the platform body 41. The platform body 41 is provided with a platform clearance channel 411. When the furnace assembly 10 is hoisted onto the platform body 41 for support by the platform body 41, the housing connection portion 111 can extend downward to below the platform body 41 via the platform clearance channel 411 to facilitate connection with the collection connection portion 222 of the collection member 22, thereby facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the furnace assembly 10.

[0132] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the support platform 40 further includes a platform mounting plate 43 connected to the platform support member 42 below the platform body 41; the clamping assembly 30 is mounted on the platform mounting plate 43 between the platform mounting plate 43 and the platform body 41; the platform mounting plate 43 forms a mounting clearance through hole 431; the collecting connection portion 222 of the collecting member 22 can enter the clearance through hole and connect with the housing connection portion 111 of the housing 11. In such embodiments, when a part of the clamping assembly 30 falls off, the platform mounting plate 43 facilitates the retrieval of the part, thereby preventing the part from being lost.

[0133] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 50 is disposed below the platform body 41 on the support platform 40, and the lifting mechanism 50 can be hoisted together with the support platform 40.

[0134] See Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the support platform 40 may further include a platform base plate 44 connected to the lower end of the platform support member 42. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 50 may further include a plurality of guide members 51 and a lifting drive member 53. The two ends of the plurality of guide members 51 are respectively connected to the platform mounting plate 43 and the platform base plate 44; the lifting platform 52 is movably disposed on the plurality of guide members 51, and the collecting member 22 is supported by the lifting platform 52; the lifting drive member 53 is disposed on the platform base plate 44 and is used to drive the lifting platform 52 to move up and down along the plurality of guide members 51. In such embodiments, when the lifting drive member 53 or the clamping drive member 32 is damaged, the support platform 40 can be lifted off as a whole for repair or replacement.

[0135] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, the lifting platform 52 is provided with a movable positioning groove 521. In some embodiments, the collecting component 22 may include a first collecting positioning part 224 and a second collecting positioning part 225, which are connected to the bottom of the collecting body 221. The first collecting positioning part 224 enters the movable positioning groove 521 and cooperates with it, while the second collecting positioning part 225 cooperates with the surface of the lifting platform 52. In such embodiments, the first collecting positioning part 224 can position the collecting component 22, and the second collecting positioning part 225 can prevent the collecting component 22 from tilting, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the collecting component 22 from the lifting platform 52.

[0136] In this embodiment, the lifting platform 52 only provides support for the collection component 22, and there is no substantial connection between the two.

[0137] When the lifting drive 53 drives the lifting platform 52 upward, thereby moving the distillation unit 21 and the collecting unit 22 to a preset position, the clamping drive 32 drives the clamping member 31 to move towards the housing connection portion 111, thereby clamping the collecting connection portion 222 and the housing connection portion 111. Since the lifting platform 52 only provides support for the collecting unit 22, and there is no substantial connection between the two, when the lifting drive 53 drives the lifting platform 52 upward, it is not necessary for the collecting connection portion 222 and the housing connection portion 111 to come into contact; a gap of several millimeters can exist between them. When the collecting connection portion 222 and the housing connection portion 111 are clamped by the clamping assembly 30, the collecting connection portion 222 can move upward by several millimeters. In such an embodiment, when the lifting drive 53 drives the lifting platform 52 to move upward, there is no need for the collecting connection 222 and the housing connection 111 to come into contact. At the same time, when the collecting connection 222 and the housing connection 111 are clamped by the clamping assembly 30, the lifting platform 52 will not move upward, thereby avoiding adverse effects on the lifting drive 53.

[0138] In some embodiments, the depth of the movable positioning groove 521 is greater than 1 cm to prevent the collection connection 222 from completely disengaging from the support platform 40 due to the collection connection 222 shifting upward by a few millimeters when the collection connection 222 and the housing connection 111 are clamped by the clamping assembly 30. This also prevents the collection member 22 from being unable to enter the movable positioning groove 521 due to tilting or shaking when the clamping assembly 30 releases the collection connection 222 and the housing connection 111.

[0139] In related technologies, for distillation separation devices where the shell extends downwards from inside the furnace body to below the furnace body, the vacuum port is typically located on the portion of the shell below the furnace body. This allows the vacuum line to connect to the vacuum port without passing through the furnace body. However, the inventors of this application have discovered that when the distillation separation device is used in a hot chamber, the furnace body is typically suspended on a support platform for support. When the vacuum line connects to the vacuum port below the furnace body, the vacuum line interferes with the furnace body's suspension on the support platform.

[0140] See Figure 3 To address this issue, in some embodiments, the furnace body assembly 10 may further include a vacuum line 16. The housing 11 is provided with a vacuum port 115, located inside the furnace body 12. The vacuum line 16 passes through the furnace body 12 and connects to the vacuum port 115 to create a vacuum inside the housing 11. In such embodiments, creating a vacuum inside the housing 11 through the vacuum line 16 reduces the escape of steam to the outside of the distillation separation device 100, thereby reducing steam loss. Furthermore, since the vacuum line 16 passes through the furnace body 12 and connects to the vacuum port 115, it will not adversely affect the furnace body 12 when it is suspended on or removed from the support platform within the hot chamber.

[0141] In some embodiments, the vacuum port 115 is located inside the second furnace section 122. In some embodiments, the vacuum line 16 is connected to the second furnace section 122 and is connected to the vacuum port 115 of the housing 11 via the second furnace section 122. In such embodiments, by using the vacuum line 16 to create a vacuum inside the housing 11, the boiling point of the target component can be lowered, thereby improving distillation efficiency.

[0142] In some embodiments, the vacuum port 115 is positioned facing the second furnace body section 122, and the vacuum line 16 is connected to the vacuum port 115 of the housing 11 via the second furnace body section 122. Since the housing 11 is connected to the second furnace body section 122, this arrangement does not affect the assembly and disassembly of the furnace assembly 10. Furthermore, because the vacuum port 115 faces the second furnace body section 122, it facilitates the downward flow of steam along the housing 11.

[0143] In some embodiments, the vacuum line 16 passes through the second furnace shell 1221 and the second annular insulation member 1222 and is connected to the vacuum port 115 of the shell 11 to avoid the vacuum line 16 affecting the assembly and disassembly of the furnace body assembly 10.

[0144] In some embodiments, the vacuum line 16 may pass through the second annular insulation member 1222 below the auxiliary heating member 14.

[0145] In related technologies, distillation separation devices typically include a shell forming a furnace cavity and a heating element for heating the shell. The heating element heats the shell to allow the molten salt in the raw material powder inside the shell to evaporate. However, because the shell needs to be heated, the overall temperature of the shell is high, the vapor is not easy to condense inside the shell, and the vapor recovery rate is low.

[0146] For this question, see [link / reference] Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the furnace body assembly 10 may further include a shell cooling element 15 connected to the second furnace body section 122 for cooling the shell 11 to condense the evaporated target component. In such embodiments, by providing the shell cooling element 15, the low steam recovery rate due to the high temperature at the bottom of the shell 11 is avoided. Simultaneously, the shell cooling element 15 enables a reasonable temperature distribution within the shell 11, thereby improving the steam recovery rate. Furthermore, it also helps to shorten the length of the shell 11, allowing the evaporated target component to condense more quickly, thus improving the condensation effect.

[0147] In some embodiments, the shell cooling element 15 can be lifted off together with the second furnace body section 122. In some embodiments, the vacuum port 115 is located close to the shell cooling element 15, which facilitates vacuuming at the location where steam liquefies, thereby reducing steam loss.

[0148] In some embodiments, the housing cooling element 15 is connected to the housing 11, which is beneficial to improving the cooling effect of the housing cooling element 15 on the housing 11.

[0149] In some embodiments, the middle part of the condensation auxiliary member 24 can face the housing cooling member 15, which helps to shorten the length of the housing 11 and improve the condensation effect.

[0150] In some embodiments, the housing cooling member 15 may be disposed below the auxiliary heating member 14.

[0151] In some embodiments, when the furnace body assembly 10 is hoisted to the platform body 41 and supported by the platform body 41, the housing cooling member 15 contacts the platform body 41. The housing cooling member 15 can also cool the platform body 41, thereby preventing the clamping assembly 30 from getting too hot and helping to reduce the temperature of the portion of the housing 11 located between the housing cooling member 15 and the sealing cooling member 113.

[0152] In some embodiments, the platform body 41 is provided with a second positioning member 105 for positioning the housing cooling member 15 so that the housing connection portion 111 is aligned with the platform clearance channel 411, so that the housing connection portion 111 can extend downward to the bottom of the platform body 41 via the platform clearance channel 411.

[0153] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the housing cooling component 15 of the distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. An annular plate 1513 is omitted from the figure. See also... Figure 9 In some embodiments, the housing cooling component 15 may include an annular body 151 and a fluid separator 152 disposed within the annular body 151. The annular body 151 forms an annular cooling cavity for containing the cooling medium and an inlet and an outlet for the cooling medium to enter and exit the annular cooling cavity. The fluid separator 152 divides the annular cooling cavity into multiple fan-shaped cavities. The cooling medium entering the annular cooling cavity through the inlet can flow through each fan-shaped cavity in sequence and then flow out from the outlet. In such embodiments, by dividing the annular cooling cavity into multiple fan-shaped cavities by the fluid separator 152, the cooling medium can be more evenly distributed around the housing 11, resulting in more uniform cooling. At the same time, the sequential flow of the cooling medium through each fan-shaped cavity can prolong the residence time of the cooling medium in the annular cooling cavity, which is beneficial for more fully absorbing and carrying away the heat of the housing 11, thereby achieving effective cooling of the housing 11.

[0154] See Figure 9 In some embodiments, the annular body 151 may include an inner ring 1511 located radially inward, an outer ring 1512 located radially outward, and two oppositely arranged annular plates 1513 connecting the inner ring 1511 and the outer ring 1512. The inner ring 1511, the outer ring 1512, and the two annular plates 1513 together form an annular cooling cavity. The fluid separator 152 includes a plurality of radially distributed separator rods, each separator rod connecting the inner ring 1511, the outer ring 1512, and the two annular plates 1513, with a fan-shaped cavity formed between two adjacent separator rods.

[0155] In this embodiment, the cooling medium can come into more full contact with the housing 11 as it flows through, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and enhancing the cooling effect; at the same time, the radial distribution of the partition rods makes the cooling medium more uniform during the flow process, thus making the cooling effect more uniform.

[0156] See Figure 9 In some embodiments, the fluid separator 152 may include a first separator rod 1521. The two sector-shaped cavities formed by the first separator rod 1521 are not interconnected. The inlet and outlet are respectively connected to the two sector-shaped cavities formed by the first separator rod 1521, so that the cooling medium entering the annular cooling chamber from the inlet can flow through each sector-shaped cavity before flowing out from the outlet, thereby helping to ensure the cooling effect of the cooling component.

[0157] See Figure 9 In some embodiments, the fluid separator 152 may further include a plurality of second separator rods 1522. The second separator rods 1522 are provided with at least one channel for the flow of cooling medium, and the two fan-shaped cavities formed by the second separator rods 1522 are fluidly connected through the channel so that the cooling medium can flow through the fan-shaped cavities, thereby ensuring the cooling effect of the cooling element.

[0158] See Figure 9 In some embodiments, in two adjacent second dividing rods 1522, the channel of one second dividing rod 1522 is disposed near the inner ring 1511, and the channel of the other second dividing rod 1522 is disposed near the outer ring 1512, so that the cooling medium can cool different parts of the housing 11 more fully during the flow process, thereby improving the uniformity of the cooling effect.

[0159] See Figure 9 In some embodiments, the two surfaces facing the second separating rod 1522 are respectively formed with a plurality of first grooves 15221 and a plurality of second grooves 15222. The first grooves 15221 and the second grooves 15222 face the two surfaces facing the two annular plates 1513 respectively. The first grooves 15221 and the second grooves 15222 form a channel with the two annular plates 1513, which is more conducive to the uniform temperature of the cooling medium in the fan-shaped cavity.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first groove 15221 and the second groove 15222 are spaced apart, which helps to make the temperature of the cooling medium more uniform in the fan-shaped cavity.

[0161] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the furnace assembly 10 may further include a temperature sensor 103 for measuring the temperature of the housing 11. In such embodiments, the temperature sensor 103 measures the temperature of the housing 11 to ensure that the distillation separation process is carried out at a suitable temperature.

[0162] See Figure 6 In some embodiments, the furnace body assembly 10 may further include a temperature measuring tube 114, which is fixedly connected to the housing 11 and extends vertically. The temperature measuring tube 114 forms a bottom-sealed temperature measuring groove 1140, into which the temperature measuring element 103 can be inserted. The furnace cover 1211 is provided with a channel for the temperature measuring tube 114 to pass through, so that the temperature measuring tube 114 can extend vertically to the top of the furnace cover 1211. In such embodiments, this arrangement does not affect the hoisting of the first furnace body section 1212 and facilitates the installation of the temperature measuring element 103; at the same time, the bottom-sealed temperature measuring groove 1140 ensures that the installation of the temperature measuring element 103 does not affect the sealing of the housing 11.

[0163] In some embodiments, the lower end of the temperature measuring tube 114 enters the interior of the housing 11 to make the temperature measurement result of the temperature measuring element 103 more accurate.

[0164] The process of separating sodium from a fuel rod with adhered sodium using the separation method and distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0165] A 2kg sodium-adhesive fuel rod is placed into the distillation unit 21. The distillation unit 21 and the collection unit 22 are lifted into the housing 11 using the lifting platform 52, so that the collection connection 222 of the collection unit 22 abuts against the housing connection 111. The collection connection 222 is clamped to the housing connection 111 using the clamping member 31, and the opening of the housing 11 is sealed using the sealing member 112. The heating and heat preservation chamber 1210 is evacuated using the vacuum pipe 16 to 10Pa-100Pa. The heating and heat preservation chamber 1210 is heated using the main heating member 13 to heat the distillation unit 21 to 500-600℃. After heat preservation for 1.5-2 hours, heating is stopped and the unit is allowed to cool naturally. The clamping member 31 is released, and the distillation unit 21 and the collection unit 22 are lowered away from the heating and heat preservation chamber 1210 using the lifting platform 52. The distillation unit 21 and the collection unit 22 are flipped using a robotic arm to remove the substances from them.

[0166] The process of separating molten salt from molten salt dendrites of metallic uranium using the separation method and distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0167] 3 kg of molten salt-adhered metallic uranium dendrites are placed into the distillation unit 21. The distillation unit 21 and the collection unit 22 are lifted into the housing 11 using the lifting platform 52, so that the collection connection 222 of the collection unit 22 abuts against the housing connection 111. The collection connection 222 is clamped to the housing connection 111 using the clamping member 31, and the opening of the housing 11 is sealed using the sealing member 112. The heating and heat preservation chamber 1210 is evacuated using the vacuum pipe 16 to 10 Pa-100 Pa. The heating and heat preservation chamber 1210 is heated using the main heating member 13 to heat the distillation unit 21 to 850-1000°C. After heat preservation for 80 minutes to 2 hours, heating is stopped and the unit is allowed to cool naturally. The clamping member 31 is released, and the distillation unit 21 and the collection unit 22 are lowered away from the heating and heat preservation chamber 1210 using the lifting platform 52. The distillation unit 21 and the collection unit 22 are flipped using a robotic arm to remove the substances from them.

[0168] The process of separating cadmium and molten salt from cathode products using the separation method and distillation separation apparatus 100 provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0169] 33 kg of cathode product extracted through electrolysis is placed into distillation unit 21. The distillation unit 21 and collection unit 22 are lifted into the housing 11 using lifting platform 52, so that the collection connection 222 of collection unit 22 abuts against the housing connection 111. The collection connection 222 is clamped to the housing connection 111 using clamping member 31, and the opening of the housing 11 is sealed using sealing member 112. The heating and insulation chamber 1210 is evacuated using vacuum pipe 16 to a pressure of 10 Pa-100 Pa. The heating and insulation chamber 1210 is then heated using main heating element 13 to separate the product into smaller portions. Do not heat the distillation piece 21 to 600-700℃ or 800-1000℃; when heating the distillation piece 21 to 600-700℃, keep it at that temperature for 1-1.5 hours, then stop heating and allow it to cool naturally; when heating the distillation piece 21 to 800-1000℃, keep it at that temperature for 1.5-2 hours, then stop heating and allow it to cool naturally; loosen the clamping piece 31, and use the lifting platform 52 to lower the distillation piece 21 and the collecting piece 22 to leave the heating and heat preservation chamber 1210; use the robotic arm to flip the distillation piece 21 and the collecting piece 22 to remove the substances from the distillation piece 21 and the collecting piece 22.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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 separation method for separating a target component from a plurality of materials to be separated, the separation method comprising a distillation separation device, wherein the target component in one of the plurality of materials to be separated is evaporated in a distillation part of the distillation separation device, and the target component is collected by a collection part of the distillation separation device after being cooled, and the remaining material to be separated is retained in the distillation part, thereby separating the target component from the material to be separated.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of materials to be separated are one of the following: spent fuel rods containing sodium, metal uranium dendrites containing molten salt, or cathode products extracted after electrolysis, wherein the cathode products contain cadmium, molten salt, uranium, and transuranium.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the distillation separation device further comprises a lifting platform configured to transfer the distillation part and the collection part to the first predetermined position, and the lifting platform is configured to transfer the distillation part and the collection part to the second predetermined position.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of materials to be separated are spent fuel rods containing sodium, the predetermined temperature in step S20 is 500-600°C.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein in step S30, the weight of the material to be separated treated is about 2000g, and the predetermined time is 1.5-2 hours.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of materials to be separated are metal uranium dendrites containing molten salt, the predetermined temperature in step S20 is 850-1000°C.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein in step S30, the weight of the material to be separated treated is about 3000g, and the predetermined time is 80 minutes-2 hours.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of materials to be separated are cathode products extracted after electrolysis, the predetermined temperature in step S20 is two: a first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature, wherein the first predetermined temperature is 600-700°C, and the second predetermined temperature is 800-1000°C.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein in step S30, the weight of the material to be separated treated is about 3000g, and the predetermined time is 80 minutes-2 hours. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In the step S30, the weight of the processed material to be separated is about 33000 grams, the predetermined time at the first predetermined temperature is 1-1.5 hours, at the second predetermined temperature, the predetermined time is 1.5-2 hours.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, the vacuum degree of the vacuum condition ranges from 10 Pa to 100 Pa.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the distillation separation device further comprises a clamping assembly, in the step S20, when the distillation part and the collection part are transferred to the first predetermined position, the clamping assembly clamps the collection part, and in the step S50, before the distillation part and the collection part are transferred to the second predetermined position, the clamping assembly releases the collection part.

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