Activation device and control method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electron guns of accelerators, and provides an activation device and a control method, the activation device is used for irradiating an electron gun of an accelerator, and the activation device comprises a filament power supply, a vacuum pump assembly and a control assembly. The filament power supply is used for supplying power to filaments of the electron gun; the vacuum pump assembly is used for vacuumizing the irradiation accelerator; the control assembly is in communication connection with the filament power supply and the vacuum pump assembly, and the control assembly is configured to adjust the output current of the filament power supply according to the vacuum value in the irradiation accelerator so as to activate the electron gun. According to the activation device and the control method provided by the invention, the labor intensity of operators is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electron gun technology for accelerators, and more particularly to an activation device and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Irradiation processing refers to the process of irradiating a workpiece with high-energy rays generated by an accelerator or radioactive nuclide, causing a series of biological, chemical, and physical effects, thereby improving its quality or performance. Irradiation processing has broad applications and market prospects. Irradiation accelerators have advantages such as controllability, high energy, and short irradiation time, and are currently the most widely used irradiation devices on the market. The electron gun is the beam source of the irradiation accelerator. It is tightly connected to the traveling wave accelerating tube in the irradiation accelerator through a flange, and the emitted electron beam is continuously accelerated after being injected into the accelerating tube.

[0003] When using the electron gun, a good vacuum state must be maintained inside the electron irradiation accelerator; otherwise, the electron gun's emission will be reduced or even poisoned. Since the accelerator is exposed to the atmosphere after the electron gun is installed, or after replacing or repairing certain components, the electron gun needs to be activated. Activation is a lengthy process, usually lasting several days, which undoubtedly increases the workload of the operators. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an activation device and control method that can reduce the labor intensity of operators.

[0005] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows: One embodiment of this application provides an activation device for an electron gun in an irradiation accelerator, the activation device comprising: A filament power supply is used to power the filament of the electron gun; A vacuum pump assembly for evacuating the irradiation accelerator; A control component is communicatively connected to both the filament power supply and the vacuum pump assembly. The control component is configured to adjust the output current of the filament power supply according to the vacuum value within the irradiation accelerator to activate the electron gun.

[0006] In one embodiment, the vacuum pump assembly includes an ion pump and a pump power supply that are electrically connected. The ion pump is connected to the irradiation accelerator, and the pump power supply is communicatively connected to the control assembly. The control assembly obtains the vacuum value within the irradiation accelerator by acquiring the operating current of the pump power supply.

[0007] In one embodiment, the control component includes a PLC module and a display device. The display device is electrically connected to the PLC module, and the PLC module is communicatively connected to the filament power supply and the vacuum pump assembly. The PLC module is used to adjust and collect the output current of the filament power supply and the operating current of the pump power supply. The display device has a display screen and an output current setting key. The display screen is used to display the output current of the filament power supply and the operating current of the pump power supply.

[0008] In one embodiment, the display device is an industrial control computer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the activation device includes a pulse transformer, which is electrically connected to the filament power supply and the filament, respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pulse transformer has an input terminal and an output terminal, the output terminal being electrically connected to the filament, and the input terminal being electrically connected to the filament power supply via an aviation connector.

[0011] Another aspect of this application provides a control method applied to the activation device in any of the above embodiments, the control method comprising: The control component acquires the real-time vacuum value within the irradiation accelerator and adjusts the output current of the filament power supply based on the real-time vacuum value to activate the electron gun.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control method includes: The filament power supply is controlled to increase the output current to the output limit by a preset step value.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control method includes: During two consecutive output current outputs, the next output current is output only after the real-time vacuum value corresponding to the previous output current drops to a static value.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control method includes: After the real-time vacuum value drops to the static value and remains for a preset duration, the next output current will be output.

[0015] The activation device and control method provided in this application can, on the one hand, reduce the operator's operation time and waiting time, thereby reducing labor intensity and time costs; on the other hand, through automated processing, the activation process of the electron gun can be made more coherent, making the whole process safe, time-saving and efficient; furthermore, this application adjusts the output current of the filament power supply by adjusting the vacuum value in the irradiation accelerator. That is to say, this application activates the electron gun by installing it on the irradiation accelerator, rather than activating the electron gun separately and then installing it on the irradiation accelerator. This allows the activated electron gun to be used directly afterward, reducing the need for multiple adjustments during subsequent use due to increased variables. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main unit of the irradiation accelerator provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the equipment room, filament power supply, and pump power supply provided for another embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method provided in yet another embodiment of this application.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 100. Main unit of irradiation accelerator; 1. Filament power supply; 2. Vacuum pump assembly; 21. Ion pump; 22. Pump power supply; 3. Inlet waveguide window; 4. Waveguide; 5. Electron gun; 6. Solenoid coil; 7. Accelerator tube; 8. Gate valve; 9. Outlet waveguide window; 10. Connecting flange; 200. Equipment room. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be regarded as limitations on this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] In the following description, reference is made to "an embodiment," which describes a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that "an embodiment" may be the same subset or a different subset of all possible embodiments and may be combined with each other without conflict.

[0020] One embodiment of this application provides an activation device for the electron gun 5 of an irradiation accelerator. (See also...) Figure 1 and Figure 2The activation device includes a filament power supply 1, a vacuum pump assembly 2, and a control assembly. The filament power supply 1 supplies power to the filament of the electron gun 5. The vacuum pump assembly 2 is used to evacuate the irradiation accelerator. The control assembly is communicatively connected to both the filament power supply 1 and the vacuum pump assembly 2, and is configured to adjust the output current of the filament power supply 1 according to the vacuum level within the irradiation accelerator to activate the electron gun 5.

[0021] For example, the electron gun 5 includes a cathode, a filament, and an anode. The cathode can be made of barium tungsten.

[0022] It should be noted that the electron gun 5 must be kept in a good vacuum state inside the irradiation accelerator when in use, otherwise the electron gun 5 will be reduced in emission or even poisoned.

[0023] Filament power supply 1 refers to the power supply that can supply power to the filament of electron gun 5 to heat the filament.

[0024] Vacuum pump assembly 2 refers to a device capable of evacuating the irradiation accelerator. It should be noted that electron gun 5 is a component of the irradiation accelerator, with one end connected to the interior of the irradiation accelerator; therefore, the vacuum value inside the irradiation accelerator is the vacuum value inside electron gun 5.

[0025] The control component refers to the component that can communicate with the filament power supply 1 and the vacuum pump assembly 2 to collect and control the output signals of the filament power supply 1, such as the output current, and to collect the operating information of the vacuum pump assembly 2, so as to indirectly obtain the vacuum value inside the irradiation accelerator.

[0026] Communication connections can be via Ethernet cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, etc.

[0027] The activation device provided in this application comprises a filament power supply 1, a vacuum pump assembly 2, and a control assembly. The filament power supply 1 supplies power to the filament of the electron gun 5, the vacuum pump assembly 2 evacuates the irradiation accelerator, and the control assembly, through communication with the filament power supply 1 and the vacuum pump assembly 2, adjusts the output current of the filament power supply 1 according to the vacuum value within the irradiation accelerator. Thus, when the filament power supply 1 supplies power to the electron gun 5 to heat the filament, impurities on the filament surface release gas upon heating, causing the vacuum value within the irradiation accelerator, i.e., the electron gun 5, to rise. Since the vacuum pump assembly 2 is constantly operating, it can remove the discharged gas, causing the vacuum value within the irradiation accelerator, i.e., the electron gun 5, to decrease. At this point, the control assembly can adjust the output current of the filament power supply 1 according to the vacuum value to regulate the filament temperature. Heating is performed, and the process is repeated until the electron gun 5 is activated. During this activation process, the output current of the filament power supply 1 can be automatically adjusted according to the vacuum value by the control component to activate the electron gun 5. In this way, on the one hand, the operation time and waiting time of the operator can be reduced, thereby reducing labor intensity and time costs; on the other hand, through automation, the activation process of the electron gun 5 can be made more coherent, making the whole process safe, time-saving and efficient. Furthermore, this application adjusts the output current of the filament power supply 1 by adjusting the vacuum value in the irradiation accelerator. That is to say, this application activates the electron gun 5 by installing it on the irradiation accelerator, rather than activating the electron gun 5 separately and then installing it on the irradiation accelerator. This allows the activated electron gun 5 to be used directly afterward, reducing the need for multiple adjustments due to increased variables.

[0028] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vacuum pump assembly 2 includes an ion pump 21 and a pump power supply 22 that are electrically connected. The ion pump 21 is connected to the irradiation accelerator, and the pump power supply 22 is communicatively connected to the control assembly. The control assembly obtains the vacuum value inside the irradiation accelerator by acquiring the operating current of the pump power supply 22.

[0029] For example, ion pump 21 can be electrically connected to pump power supply 22 via a high-voltage line. Pump power supply 22 is communicatively connected to control components and can obtain the operating current of ion pump 21, and thus obtain the vacuum value within the irradiation accelerator.

[0030] It should be noted that the ion pump 21 mainly relies on the ionization of gas molecules and adsorption to achieve gas extraction. Its core components are the anode and cathode. The cathode discharge generates ions of gas molecules, which collide with and are captured by the cathode, thus producing a sputtering effect. This causes an active film to form on the inner wall of the ion pump 21, which continues to react with gas molecules, thereby continuously extracting gas from the irradiation accelerator. Since the extraction speed of the ion pump 21 remains constant, the discharge current is proportional to the pressure. In other words, measuring the operating current of the pump power supply 22 facilitates the acquisition of the vacuum value.

[0031] Here, an ion pump 21 and a pump power supply 22 are used together to evacuate the irradiation accelerator. On the one hand, the ion pump 21 does not use oil or other hydrocarbons as the working medium, avoiding the backflow problem present in oil diffusion pumps or mechanical pumps, and ensuring an extremely high cleanliness of the vacuum environment. On the other hand, the ion pump 21 can reach extremely low ultimate pressure, enabling the irradiation accelerator to achieve an extremely high vacuum environment with low operating noise. Furthermore, by using the ion pump 21 to evacuate the vacuum, the vacuum value can be obtained by measuring its operating current, thus reducing the use of sensors and lowering costs.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control component includes a PLC module and a display device. The display device is electrically connected to the PLC module, and the PLC module is communicatively connected to the filament power supply 1 and the vacuum pump assembly 2. The PLC module is used to adjust and collect the output current of the filament power supply 1 and the operating current of the pump power supply 22. The display device has a display screen and an output current setting key. The display screen is used to display the output current of the filament power supply 1 and the operating current of the pump power supply 22.

[0033] Here, the PLC module can be configured to collect and adjust the output current of the filament power supply 1 and the operating current of the pump power supply 22, and then transmit the signals to the display screen of the display device for easy observation by the operator. Secondly, the parameters can be adjusted by using a preset program built into the PLC module, which can automatically adjust the output current of the filament power supply 1 according to the vacuum value. Alternatively, the relevant parameters of the output current can be set by using the output current setting key to achieve automatic activation.

[0034] For example, in one embodiment, the display device also has adjustment keys for turning the filament power supply 1 on and off, and for system reset.

[0035] In one embodiment, the display device is an industrial control computer.

[0036] For example, an industrial control computer is used to accurately display the output voltage and current of the filament power supply 1, the operating current of the pump power supply 22, and so on, through curve implementation.

[0037] Here, an industrial control computer is used as the display device, which is not only suitable for harsh environments and stable and reliable, but also allows for easy connection to various industrial equipment and expansion cards by utilizing its rich industrial interfaces and expansion capabilities.

[0038] In one embodiment, the activation device includes a pulse transformer, which is electrically connected to the filament power supply 1 and the filament, respectively.

[0039] Here, a pulse transformer is used to convert the output voltage of the filament power supply 1 into a driving voltage that is compatible with the electron gun 5.

[0040] In one embodiment, the pulse transformer has an input terminal and an output terminal, the output terminal being electrically connected to the filament, and the input terminal being electrically connected to the filament power supply 1 via an aviation plug.

[0041] For example, the output connector of filament power supply 1 is electrically connected to the input terminal via an aerospace plug, and then the output terminal supplies power to the filament.

[0042] Here, an aviation plug is used to connect the pulse transformer and the filament power supply 1. On the one hand, high voltage isolation can be achieved to protect operators and equipment; on the other hand, the aviation plug can achieve a durable, stable and low-impedance electrical connection in vibration and pollution environments; furthermore, the shielding design of the aviation plug can ensure signal purity and reduce electromagnetic compatibility issues.

[0043] As an example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The main unit 100 of the irradiation accelerator may include an inlet waveguide window 3, an ion pump 21, a pump power supply 22, a control assembly, a waveguide 4, an electron gun 5, a solenoid coil 6, an accelerating tube 7, a gate valve 8, an outlet waveguide window 9, and a connecting flange 10. The electron gun 5 is sealed to the accelerating tube 7 via the connecting flange 10. The solenoid coil 6 is wound around the outer circumference of the accelerating tube 7. The ion pump 21 is connected to the accelerating tube 7 via the waveguide 4. The inlet waveguide window 3 is connected to the end of the waveguide 4 furthest from the accelerating tube 7. The outlet waveguide window 9 and the gate valve 8 are connected to the end of the accelerating tube 7 furthest from the electron gun 5. A vacuum environment exists between the inlet waveguide window 3, the waveguide 4, the electron gun 5, the accelerating tube 7, the gate valve 8, and the outlet waveguide window 9, maintained by the ion pump 21. Both the inlet waveguide window 3 and the outlet waveguide window 9 are used to isolate the irradiation accelerator from the atmospheric environment. The gate valve 8 is used to connect other components of the irradiation accelerator. The activation device provided in this application utilizes relevant components of the host 100 of the irradiation accelerator. These components, through the control components, can realize the activation function and also perform irradiation processing, thereby reducing activation costs.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the pump power supply 22 and the filament power supply 1 may be located in the equipment room 200 and then connected to the ion pump 21 and the electron gun 5 via cables.

[0045] Another aspect of this application provides a control method applied to the activation device in any of the above embodiments. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The control methods include: S1. The real-time vacuum value inside the irradiation accelerator is obtained through the control component, and the output current of the filament power supply is adjusted according to the real-time vacuum value through the control component to activate the electron gun.

[0046] For example, the operating current of the pump power supply 22 can be collected by the control component, thereby obtaining the real-time vacuum value inside the irradiation accelerator. The control component adjusts the output current of the filament power supply 1 based on the real-time vacuum value to heat the filament at variable temperature and activate the electron gun 5.

[0047] Here, by acquiring the real-time vacuum value inside the irradiation accelerator and adjusting the output current of the filament power supply 1 according to the vacuum value, the filament is heated to a variable temperature. This process is repeated until the electron gun 5 is activated. During this activation process, the control component can automatically adjust the output current of the filament power supply 1 according to the vacuum value to activate the electron gun 5. This not only reduces the operator's operation time and waiting time, thereby reducing labor intensity and time costs, but also makes the activation process of the electron gun 5 more coherent through automation, making the whole process safe, time-saving and efficient.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control method includes: S2, controlling the filament power supply to increase the output current to an output limit by a preset step value.

[0049] For example, the output limit can be 1.5A, and the preset step value can be 0.1A, that is, it can be gradually increased from 0A to 0.1A to power the filament until the output current increases to 1.5A.

[0050] Here, by increasing the output current to the output limit with a preset step size, the filament is heated in stages. This not only reduces the possibility of the filament burning out due to sudden changes in the output current, but also eliminates impurities on the filament surface more thoroughly.

[0051] In one embodiment, the control method includes: S3. During two consecutive output currents, after the real-time vacuum value corresponding to the previous output current drops to the static value, the next output current is then output.

[0052] It should be noted that the output process of two adjacent output currents refers to the two processes of increasing the output current to the output limit by a preset step size. The static value refers to the vacuum value inside the irradiation accelerator after the ion pump 21 removes the released gas.

[0053] For example, the real-time vacuum value can be obtained by collecting the operating current of the pump power supply 22. After the last output current, the filament will release gas due to heating. At this time, the vacuum value in the irradiation accelerator will rise, and the ion pump 21 will pump away the released gas. The corresponding operating current of the pump power supply 22 will increase. After the gas is pumped away, the vacuum value in the irradiation accelerator will decrease, and the corresponding operating current of the pump power supply 22 will decrease. That is, the real-time vacuum value will first rise and then fall, while the operating current of the pump power supply 22 will first increase and then decrease.

[0054] This reduces the impact of residual gas in the accelerator after the previous output current is applied on the next application, ensuring that the filament is output current under static conditions with a real-time vacuum value each time.

[0055] In one embodiment, the control method includes: S4. After the real-time vacuum value drops to the static value and remains for a preset duration, the output current is output again.

[0056] For example, the preset duration can be 15 minutes, which means that after the real-time vacuum value drops to the static value, it needs to be maintained for 15 minutes before the next output current can be output.

[0057] This maintains a vacuum environment within the irradiation accelerator, reduces damage to the filament from residual gas, and extends the filament's lifespan.

[0058] In one embodiment, the display device further includes an adjustment key for the output limit of the filament power supply 1, a preset step value, and the operating current of the pump power supply 22.

[0059] For example, in one embodiment, the display device can collect relevant data such as the output voltage and output current of the filament power supply 1, the operating current of the pump power supply 22, the operating status of the pump power supply 22, the on and off status of the filament power supply 1, system fault information, and the total time of activation of the electron gun 5.

[0060] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and scope of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An activation device for an electron gun of an irradiation accelerator, characterized in that, The activation device comprises: a filament power supply for powering a filament of the electron gun; a vacuum pump assembly for evacuating the irradiation accelerator; a control assembly in communication with the filament power supply and the vacuum pump assembly, respectively, the control assembly being configured to adjust an output current of the filament power supply according to a vacuum value in the irradiation accelerator to activate the electron gun.

2. The activation device of claim 1, wherein, The vacuum pump assembly comprises an ion pump and a pump power supply connected electrically, the ion pump being in communication with the irradiation accelerator, and the pump power supply being in communication with the control assembly, the control assembly acquiring the working current of the pump power supply to acquire the vacuum value in the irradiation accelerator.

3. The activation device of claim 2, wherein, The control assembly comprises a PLC module and a display device, the display device being electrically connected with the PLC module, the PLC module being in communication with the filament power supply and the vacuum pump assembly, respectively, the PLC module being used to adjust and acquire the output current of the filament power supply and acquire the working current of the pump power supply, and the display device having a display screen and an output current setting key, the display screen being used to display the output current of the filament power supply and the working current of the pump power supply.

4. The activation device of claim 3, wherein, The display device is an industrial control computer.

5. The activation device of claim 1, wherein, The activation device comprises a pulse transformer, the pulse transformer being electrically connected with the filament power supply and the filament, respectively.

6. The activation device of claim 5, wherein, The pulse transformer has input terminals and output terminals, the output terminals being electrically connected with the filament, and the input terminals being electrically connected with the filament power supply through an aviation plug.

7. A control method applied to the activation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The control method comprises: acquiring a real-time vacuum value in the irradiation accelerator through the control assembly, and adjusting the output current of the filament power supply through the control assembly according to the real-time vacuum value to activate the electron gun.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized by The control method comprises: controlling the filament power supply to increase the output current to an output limit value at a preset step value.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized by, The control method comprises: In the output process of the output current for two adjacent times, after the real-time vacuum value corresponding to the output of the output current last time drops to a static value, the output of the output current for next time is performed.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized by The control method comprises: After the real-time vacuum value drops to the static value and maintains for a preset time length, the output of the output current for next time is performed.

Images