Electromagnetic lifting device and method for spherical element

Abstract

The invention provides an electromagnetic lifting device and method for a spherical element, and the device comprises a fixed pipe assembly which is used for conveying the spherical element and comprises an inlet end and an outlet end; the conductive part is arranged in the fixed pipe assembly and is electrically connected with an external power supply; the bearing body is arranged in the fixed pipe assembly in a sliding manner and is used for bearing the spherical element; the lifting assembly is arranged in the fixing pipe assembly in a sliding mode and is in linkage with the bearing body; the external static magnetic field generator is fixedly arranged outside the fixed pipe assembly; the lifting assembly comprises a lifting body, an electric connecting piece and a driving magnetic field generator, a magnetic field generated after the driving magnetic field generator is powered on interacts with a static magnetic field generated by an external static magnetic field generator, and electromagnetic force driving the lifting assembly and the bearing body to move towards the outlet end in the axis direction of the fixing pipe assembly is generated. The device can simplify the system structure, reduce the equipment manufacturing cost and improve the conveying efficiency and the control precision of the spherical element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology, and specifically relates to an electromagnetic lifting device and lifting method for spherical elements. Background Technology

[0002] With its core advantage of non-stop refueling, the pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor requires the continuous removal of spherical fuel elements from the reactor core during operation. These elements undergo processes such as fragmentation, burnup measurement, and reloading into the core. The efficient circulation and transportation of fuel elements is a key aspect of ensuring the stable operation of the reactor.

[0003] Currently, the industry widely uses compressed helium pneumatic conveying technology to lift fuel spheres. The core solution involves using compressed helium as a power source to blow fuel spheres from the bottom to the top of the reactor, lifting three fuel elements at a time. Each reactor is equipped with four parallel transport pipelines to complete the recycling and reloading of fuel elements. This technology has been widely applied in pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor refueling systems and is the current mainstream conveying method.

[0004] However, the existing technology has the following technical defects:

[0005] 1) The system has a complex structure and high cost: the pneumatic conveying cycle is not an independent loop. The top and bottom of the stack need to exchange airflow with the primary loop, which requires additional flow obstruction devices. The supporting equipment and pipeline layout is complicated, resulting in a high overall system cost.

[0006] 2) High difficulty in coordination and control: During the airflow exchange process, the matching requirements between the flow obstruction device and the conveying airflow and the movement state of the fuel ball are extremely high. It is necessary to precisely control multiple parameters to work together, which increases the complexity of system operation and control.

[0007] 3) Limited conveying efficiency: Due to factors such as airflow characteristics, pipeline resistance and fixed number of fuel balls per lift, it is difficult to further improve the conveying efficiency.

[0008] Therefore, how to simplify the system structure, reduce equipment costs, and improve the conveying efficiency and control accuracy of fuel balls are technical problems that urgently need to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements, which can simplify the system structure, reduce equipment cost, and improve the conveying efficiency and control accuracy of fuel balls.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lifting a spherical element.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0012] An electromagnetic lifting device for a spherical element, comprising:

[0013] A fixed tube assembly for conveying spherical elements, including an inlet end and an outlet end;

[0014] A conductive element is disposed within the fixed tube assembly and is electrically connected to an external power source;

[0015] The carrier is slidably disposed within the fixed tube assembly and is used to support the spherical element;

[0016] The lifting component is slidably disposed within the fixed tube assembly and is linked with the carrier.

[0017] An external static magnetic field generator is fixedly installed outside the fixed tube assembly;

[0018] The lifting assembly includes a lifting body, an electrical connector, and a driving magnetic field generator. Both the electrical connector and the driving magnetic field generator are disposed on the lifting body. The electrical connector is configured to maintain electrical contact with the conductive element to obtain electrical energy from the conductive element and supply power to the driving magnetic field generator. After the driving magnetic field generator is energized, the magnetic field generated interacts with the static magnetic field generated by the external static magnetic field generator to generate an electromagnetic force that drives the lifting assembly and the carrier to move towards the outlet end along the axial direction of the fixed tube assembly.

[0019] Optionally, the electrical connector includes a carbon brush and a spring, with one end of the carbon brush connected to the conductive element and the other end connected to the spring;

[0020] The driving magnetic field generator is a lifting coil.

[0021] Optionally, it also includes an induction coil and a controller. The induction coil is disposed on the lifting assembly and is used to sense the magnetic field of the external static magnetic field generator and generate an induction signal when the lifting assembly moves. The controller is connected to the induction coil and is configured to determine the position and / or speed of the lifting assembly based on the induction signal.

[0022] Optionally, the lifting assembly includes multiple connected lifting bodies, and the multiple lifting bodies are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the fixed tube assembly.

[0023] Optionally, the conductive element is a conductive sheet.

[0024] Optionally, the fixed tube assembly includes a lifting tube body and an inner liner tube, wherein the inner liner tube is fixed to the inner wall of the lifting tube body.

[0025] Optionally, the inner wall of the inner liner tube is further provided with an insulating surface, and the insulating surface is further provided with a groove, and the conductive element is fixed in the groove.

[0026] Optionally, it may also include a wear-resistant metal strip, which is disposed on the inner wall of the inner liner tube and positioned between the two grooves.

[0027] Optionally, the lifting pipe body includes a straight pipe section and a bent pipe section, with the bent pipe section located at the top of the straight pipe section.

[0028] Optionally, the contact surface of the carrier for contacting the spherical element is an arc-shaped surface;

[0029] The carrier body is also provided with holes that extend vertically.

[0030] Optionally, it also includes a replacement housing, the top of which is connected to the bottom end face of the fixed tube assembly.

[0031] Optionally, it also includes a dust canister, which is connected to the bottom of the replacement housing.

[0032] An electromagnetic lifting method for a spherical element, employing an electromagnetic lifting device for the spherical element as described in any one of the above claims, the electromagnetic lifting method comprising:

[0033] When the external power supply is turned on, current is introduced through the conductive parts, and the power is supplied to the driving magnetic field generator through the electrical connection of the lifting assembly. The driving magnetic field generator interacts with the magnetic field of the external static magnetic field generator, driving the lifting assembly and the carrier to push the spherical element to move towards the outlet end along the axial direction of the fixed tube assembly.

[0034] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, when the electromagnetic lifting device of the spherical element is working, an external power supply can be turned on, the conductive parts obtain electrical energy from the external power supply, and power the driving magnetic field generator. After the driving magnetic field generator is powered on, it generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field interacts with the static magnetic field generated by the external static magnetic field generator, thereby generating an upward electromagnetic thrust on the lifting component, realizing the precise lifting of the spherical element.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0036] 1) The electromagnetic drive structure eliminates complex mechanical transmission components, simplifies the structure, and reduces equipment costs;

[0037] 2) Fast electromagnetic response and precise control can effectively improve the conveying efficiency and control accuracy of spherical components. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the electromagnetic lifting device for the spherical element disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged structural schematic diagram of the lifting body disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention before the lifting body is replaced;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention after the lifting body is replaced.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0045] 100-Fixed pipe body,

[0046] 200-Inner Liner Tube

[0047] 300 - Conductive component,

[0048] 400 - Load-bearing body

[0049] 500 - Lifting body, 501 - Wear-resistant metal strip, 502 - Carbon brush, 503 - Spring.

[0050] 600 - Replacement shell,

[0051] 700-Dust canister. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In view of this, the core of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements, which can simplify the system structure, reduce equipment cost, and improve the conveying efficiency and control accuracy of fuel balls.

[0053] Another core aspect of this invention lies in providing an electromagnetic lifting method for a spherical element.

[0054] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Please refer to [the accompanying drawings]. Figures 1-5 .

[0055] The electromagnetic lifting device for a spherical element disclosed in this invention includes a fixed tube assembly, a conductive element 300, a carrier 400, a lifting assembly, and an external static magnetic field generator. The fixed tube assembly is used to transport the spherical element. The conductive element 300 is disposed within the fixed tube assembly and electrically connected to an external power source. The carrier 400 is slidably disposed within the fixed tube assembly and is used to support the spherical element. The lifting assembly is slidably disposed within the fixed tube assembly and is linked with the carrier 400. The external static magnetic field generator is fixedly disposed outside the fixed tube assembly. The lifting assembly includes a lifting body, an electrical connector, and a driving magnetic field generator. Both the electrical connector and the driving magnetic field generator are disposed on the lifting body. The electrical connector is configured to maintain electrical contact with the conductive element 300 to obtain electrical energy from the conductive element 300 and supply power to the driving magnetic field generator. After the driving magnetic field generator is energized, the magnetic field generated interacts with the static magnetic field generated by the external static magnetic field generator, producing an electromagnetic force that drives the lifting assembly and the carrier 400 to move upward along the fixed tube assembly.

[0056] When the electromagnetic lifting device of the spherical element is working, the external power supply can be turned on, the conductive component 300 obtains electrical energy from the external power supply and powers the driving magnetic field generator. After the driving magnetic field generator is powered on, it generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field interacts with the static magnetic field generated by the external static magnetic field generator, thereby generating an upward electromagnetic thrust on the lifting component, realizing the precise lifting of the spherical element.

[0057] Compared with the prior art, the electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0058] 1) The electromagnetic drive structure eliminates complex mechanical transmission components, simplifies the structure, and reduces equipment costs;

[0059] 2) Fast electromagnetic response and precise control can effectively improve the conveying efficiency and control accuracy of spherical components.

[0060] It should be noted that the electrical connector disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention includes a carbon brush 502 and a spring 503. One end of the carbon brush 502 is connected to the conductive component 300, and the other end is connected to the spring 503. With this configuration, the combination of the carbon brush 502 and the spring 503 can form a reliable sliding electrical contact pair. The constant pressure provided by the spring 503 can ensure that the carbon brush 502 and the conductive component 300 maintain stable contact during dynamic movement and can automatically compensate for wear. The conductivity and self-lubrication of the carbon brush 502 itself ensure the stability of power transmission and reduce contact loss, thereby effectively ensuring the continuity and reliability of power supply to the moving parts.

[0061] In addition, the driving magnetic field generator is a lifting coil. Using a lifting coil as the driving magnetic field generator allows the strength and direction of the magnetic field to be precisely and quickly electrically controlled.

[0062] As a further embodiment, the electromagnetic lifting device for the spherical element disclosed in this embodiment of the invention further includes an induction coil and a controller. The induction coil is disposed on the lifting assembly and is used to sense the magnetic field of an external static magnetic field generator and generate an induction signal when the lifting assembly moves. The controller is connected to the induction coil and is configured to determine the position and / or speed of the lifting assembly based on the induction signal.

[0063] With this setup, the magnitude of the magnetic field experienced by the induction coil as it passes through the external static magnetic field generator via the induction lifting component is fed back to the controller to calculate the number of times the external static magnetic field generator has passed, and to infer the speed and position of the lifting component, thus completing closed-loop control.

[0064] It should be noted that the external static magnetic field generator can be a magnet or a permanent magnet.

[0065] As a further embodiment, the lifting assembly disclosed in this invention includes multiple connected lifting bodies 500, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the fixed tube assembly. This arrangement ensures that if one lifting body 500 malfunctions, the other lifting bodies 500 can still function normally, providing sufficient lifting force to ensure the ball element can be safely lifted to the designated position without getting stuck in the middle of the fixed tube assembly.

[0066] The present invention does not specifically limit the structure of the conductive element 300. The conductive element 300 can be a block structure, a sheet structure, or other structures. Any structure that meets the requirements of the present invention is within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0067] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conductive element 300 disclosed in the present invention is a conductive sheet.

[0068] The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the specific structure of the fixed tube assembly. Any structure that meets the requirements of the present invention is within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0069] As one embodiment, the fixed pipe assembly disclosed in this invention includes a fixed pipe body 100 and an inner liner pipe 200, wherein the inner liner pipe 200 is fixed to the inner wall of the fixed pipe body 100. The fixed pipe body 100 serves as the main pressure-bearing structure, ensuring mechanical strength, while the inner liner pipe 200 reduces the possibility of a short circuit between the conductive component 300 and the external fixed pipe body 100, thereby greatly improving electrical safety.

[0070] As a further embodiment, the inner wall of the inner liner tube 200 disclosed in this embodiment of the invention is further provided with an insulating surface, and a groove is provided on the insulating surface, in which the conductive component 300 is fixed. This arrangement allows the conductive component 300 to be quickly and accurately embedded into the groove, simplifying the installation process, and also avoids the lifting component from rubbing against the surface of the conductive component 300 during movement.

[0071] As a further embodiment, the electromagnetic lifting device for the spherical element disclosed in this embodiment of the invention further includes a wear-resistant metal strip 501. The wear-resistant metal strip 501 is disposed on the inner wall of the inner liner tube 200 and positioned between two grooves. When the lifting assembly moves within the fixed tube assembly, the wear-resistant metal strip 501 is the first to come into contact with and wear down, rather than the inner liner tube 200 itself. Therefore, the presence of the wear-resistant metal strip 501 can effectively extend the service life of the inner liner tube 200. Moreover, the wear-resistant metal strip 501 protrudes from the surface of the inner liner tube 200, which can protect the grooves from wear, thereby indirectly protecting the installation stability of the conductive component 300 and preventing mechanical damage, and maintaining the reliability of power transmission.

[0072] It should be noted that the fixed pipe body 100 disclosed in this embodiment of the invention includes a straight pipe section and a bent pipe section, with the bent pipe section disposed at the top of the straight pipe section. The outlet end is disposed at the end of the bent pipe section. With this configuration, after the spherical element is vertically lifted to the top of the straight pipe section, it can immediately change its direction of movement through the bent pipe section, smoothly sliding down or being transported to the next workstation.

[0073] The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the specific structure of the carrier 400. Any structure that meets the requirements of the present invention is within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0074] As one embodiment, the contact surface of the carrier 400 disclosed in this embodiment of the invention for contacting the spherical element is an arc-shaped surface. With this configuration, the arc-shaped surface can form a good fit with the spherical surface of the spherical element. Compared with planar or point contact, arc-shaped surface contact can more stably support the spherical element and prevent it from shaking, rolling or deviating during the lifting process.

[0075] As a further embodiment, the carrier 400 disclosed in this embodiment of the invention is also provided with vertically penetrating pores for filtering debris and dust from the spherical element. Since the spherical element is radioactive, this component has a shielding effect.

[0076] As a further embodiment, the electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements disclosed in this invention further includes a replacement housing 600, the top of which is connected to the bottom end face of the fixed tube assembly. With this configuration, when the lifting component in the electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements fails, the replacement housing 600 can be used to isolate the faulty component and switch to a backup component, allowing the system to restore function without downtime.

[0077] As a further embodiment, the electromagnetic lifting device for the spherical element disclosed in this invention also includes a dust tank 700, which is connected to the bottom of the replacement housing 600. This arrangement enables systematic and graded collection of debris and dust generated by the spherical element, effectively maintaining the cleanliness inside the fixed tube assembly, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the moving parts.

[0078] This invention also discloses an electromagnetic lifting method for a spherical element, employing the electromagnetic lifting device for a spherical element disclosed in any of the above embodiments. The electromagnetic lifting method includes: turning on an external power supply, introducing current through a conductive element 300, supplying power to a driving magnetic field generator via an electrical connector of the lifting assembly, and driving the lifting assembly and the carrier to move the spherical element toward the outlet end along the axial direction of the fixed tube assembly through the interaction of the magnetic fields of the driving magnetic field generator and the external static magnetic field generator.

[0079] When the electromagnetic lifting device of the spherical element is working, the external power supply is turned on, the conductive component 300 obtains electrical energy from the external power supply and supplies power to the driving magnetic field generator. After the driving magnetic field generator is powered on, it generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field interacts with the static magnetic field generated by the external static magnetic field generator, thereby driving the lifting assembly and the carrier to push the spherical element to move towards the outlet end along the axial direction of the fixed tube assembly.

[0080] Compared with the prior art, the electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0081] 1) The electromagnetic drive structure eliminates complex mechanical transmission components, simplifies the structure, and reduces equipment costs;

[0082] 2) Fast electromagnetic response and precise control can effectively improve the conveying efficiency and control accuracy of spherical components.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0084] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0085] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. Electromagnetic lifting device for spherical elements, characterized in that, The application relates to an electromagnetic lifting method and device. The device comprises a fixed tube assembly for conveying spherical elements, an electrically conductive part arranged in the fixed tube assembly and electrically connected to an external power source, a carrier body slidably arranged in the fixed tube assembly for carrying the spherical elements, a lifting assembly slidably arranged in the fixed tube assembly and connected to the carrier body, and an external static magnetic field generator fixedly arranged outside the fixed tube assembly. The lifting assembly comprises a lifting body, an electric connector and a driving magnetic field generator, the electric connector and the driving magnetic field generator are arranged on the lifting body, the electric connector is configured to maintain electrical contact with the electrically conductive part to obtain electric energy from the electrically conductive part and supply power to the driving magnetic field generator, and the driving magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field after being powered on, which interacts with the static magnetic field generated by the external static magnetic field generator to generate an electromagnetic force for driving the lifting assembly and the carrier body to move along the axis direction of the fixed tube assembly towards the outlet end. The electric connector comprises a carbon brush and a spring, one end of the carbon brush is connected to the electrically conductive part, and the other end of the carbon brush is connected to the spring. The driving magnetic field generator is a lifting coil. The device further comprises an induction coil arranged on the lifting assembly for sensing the magnetic field of the external static magnetic field generator and generating an induction signal when the lifting assembly moves, and a controller connected to the induction coil and configured to determine the position and / or movement speed of the lifting assembly according to the induction signal. The lifting assembly comprises a plurality of connected lifting bodies, and the plurality of lifting bodies are arranged in sequence along the axis direction of the fixed tube assembly.

2. Electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrically conductive part is an electrically conductive sheet. The fixed tube assembly comprises a lifting tube body and an inner lining tube fixed to the inner wall of the lifting tube body.

3. Electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the inner lining tube is further provided with an insulating surface, and the insulating surface is further provided with a groove, and the electrically conductive part is fixed in the groove.

4. The electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further comprises a wear-resistant metal strip arranged on the inner wall of the inner lining tube and located between two grooves.

5. The electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting tube body comprises a straight tube section and a bent tube section arranged at the top of the straight tube section.

6. The electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface of the carrier body for contacting the spherical elements is an arc surface.

7. Electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 6, characterized in that, The carrier body is further provided with a vertical aperture.

8. Electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device further comprises a replacement shell, and the top of the replacement shell is connected to the bottom end surface of the fixed tube assembly.

9. Electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device further comprises a dust tank connected to the bottom of the replacement shell.

10. The electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnetic lifting method comprises the following steps: Turning on the external power source, introducing electric current through the electrically conductive part, supplying power to the driving magnetic field generator through the electric connector of the lifting assembly, and driving the lifting assembly and the carrier body to push the spherical elements to move along the axis direction of the fixed tube assembly towards the outlet end through the magnetic field interaction between the driving magnetic field generator and the external static magnetic field generator.

11. The electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 1, characterized in that, ​ 12. Electromagnetic lifting device of spherical elements according to claim 11, characterized in that, ​ 13. A method of electromagnetic lifting of a spherical element using the electromagnetic lifting device of any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that ​ ​

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