High-temperature gas cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of high-temperature gas cooled reactors, and discloses a high-temperature gas cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device and a high-temperature gas cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching method. The pressure relief system is connected with the pressure reduction adjusting system; the vacuumizing system is detachably connected with the pressure relief system; the pressurization adjusting system is connected with a primary loop of the reactor; and the depressurization adjusting system, the pressure relief system, the vacuumizing system and the pressurization adjusting system jointly realize atmosphere switching, pressurization and depressurization operations of the primary loop of the reactor. According to the invention, a temporary interface does not need to be additionally arranged on the primary loop of the existing reactor, and the boundary of the primary loop of the reactor does not need to be opened during atmosphere switching, so that suffocation risks and radiation risks caused by leakage of micro-positive pressure helium can be avoided, and the sealing uncertainty caused by repeated disassembly and assembly of the boundary of the primary loop is reduced; the operation convenience and the operation efficiency are improved, and rework and industrial potential safety hazards caused by leakage are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology, specifically to a device and method for switching the primary loop atmosphere of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Background Technology

[0002] The primary coolant loop of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor uses helium as its coolant. Before commissioning, the primary coolant system must undergo an atmosphere switch. This switch requires temporarily opening the boundary flanges on the reactor pressure vessel, hot helium conduits, and steam generator. These flanges must then be restored. Maintaining a slightly positive pressure environment in the primary coolant loop is crucial during both opening and closing of the boundary flanges to prevent ambient air from entering. However, even under this slightly positive pressure, significant helium leakage can still occur, posing risks of asphyxiation and radiation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a device and method for switching the primary circuit atmosphere of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor to solve the problems of inconvenient operation of switching the primary circuit atmosphere in a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor nuclear power plant, repeated disassembly and assembly of the primary circuit boundary, and the risk of helium leakage.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a primary loop atmosphere switching device for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, comprising: The pressure reduction and regulation system is connected to the reactor's primary loop. The pressure relief system is connected to the pressure reduction and regulation system. The vacuum system is detachably connected to the pressure relief system. The pressurization and regulation system is connected to the reactor's primary loop. The depressurization regulation system, pressure relief system, vacuum system, and pressurization regulation system work together to achieve atmosphere switching, pressurization, and depressurization operations in the reactor primary loop.

[0005] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device are as follows: This invention connects a pressure reduction system, a pressure relief system, a vacuum system, and a pressurization system to the existing boundary equipment of the reactor primary loop. The pipelines and valves of these systems form a complete operating path, eliminating the need for temporary disassembly and assembly of flanges on other boundary equipment of the reactor primary loop.

[0006] This invention eliminates the need for additional temporary interfaces on the existing reactor primary loop and avoids opening the reactor primary loop boundary during atmosphere switching. It avoids the risk of asphyxiation and radiation caused by micro-positive pressure helium leakage, reduces the sealing uncertainty caused by repeated disassembly and reassembly of the primary loop boundary, improves operational convenience and efficiency, and reduces rework and industrial safety hazards caused by leakage.

[0007] This invention integrates atmosphere switching, pressurization, and depressurization functions into one unit, simplifying the operation process; it eliminates the need for temporary disassembly and assembly of the boundary, avoiding rework steps for boundary seal verification and leakage, and improving operational convenience.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the pressure reduction regulation system includes a pressure reduction regulation pipeline and a pressure reduction regulation valve, wherein the pressure reduction regulation pipeline is connected to the reactor primary loop and the pressure reduction regulation valve is disposed on the pressure reduction regulation pipeline.

[0009] In one alternative implementation, the pressure relief system includes: The main pressure relief pipeline is connected to the side of the pressure reduction regulating pipeline; At least two parallel pressure relief branches are connected to the main pressure relief branch, and each of the main pressure relief branches is equipped with an electric isolation valve and an overpressure protection safety valve.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the overpressure protection safety valves in different pressure relief branches have different setting values, thereby achieving multiple levels of different overpressure protection functions.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, each pressure relief branch in the pressure relief system is connected to a connecting branch on its side. Each connecting branch is equipped with a manual isolation valve and they converge to the main connecting branch. The end of the main connecting branch is equipped with a vacuum inlet flange, which is detachably connected to the vacuum system.

[0012] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: it not only realizes independent vacuum control of each pressure relief branch, but also the detachable vacuum inlet flange facilitates the quick docking and disassembly of the vacuum system. Therefore, there is no need to add a connection interface on the reactor primary loop, which improves the flexibility and efficiency of system maintenance.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the vacuum system includes a vacuum pump pipeline, a vacuum pump inlet isolation valve, and a vacuum pump assembly. At least one vacuum pump pipeline is provided, and each vacuum pump pipeline is sequentially provided with a vacuum pump inlet isolation valve and a vacuum pump assembly.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: the vacuum system is connected to the pressure relief system, and the vacuuming step can be completed directly using the existing pressure relief system pipeline, avoiding the cumbersome process of temporary disassembly and assembly in traditional methods. The pressure relief system pipeline not only realizes the pressure relief function of the pipeline before the safety valve, but also supports the connection of the vacuum system, improving the pipeline utilization rate and integrating the functional requirements of atmosphere switching and overpressure protection.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the pressurization system includes a pressurization pipeline and a pressurization valve, the pressurization valve being connected to the reactor primary loop and disposed on the pressurization pipeline.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the reactor primary loop includes a reactor pressure vessel, a hot helium conduit, and a steam generator. The reactor pressure vessel is connected to the steam generator via the hot helium conduit, which has a double-layered sleeve structure.

[0017] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for switching the primary circuit atmosphere of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, the method being based on the aforementioned high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary circuit atmosphere switching device, and comprising the following steps: S1. Depressurize the reactor primary loop to atmospheric pressure and isolate the depressurization and pressurization systems; S2. Establish a vacuuming path; S3. After evacuating the reactor primary loop to the target vacuum level, isolate the evacuation system; S4. Pressurize the reactor primary circuit to the target pressure using the pressurization regulation system.

[0018] The above-mentioned method for switching the primary circuit atmosphere of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor has the same effect as the device for switching the primary circuit atmosphere of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, and will not be described in detail here.

[0019] In one optional implementation, the operation of establishing a vacuum passage in step S2 includes: opening the electric isolation valve, the manual isolation valve of the pressure relief system and the vacuum pump inlet isolation valve of the vacuum system, and performing a vacuum operation through the vacuum pump unit. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a primary loop atmosphere switching device for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor provided by the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Reactor pressure vessel; 2. Hot helium conduit; 3. Steam generator; 4. Pressure reduction regulating pipeline; 5. First branch electric isolation valve; 6. First branch overpressure protection safety valve; 7. Manual isolation valve; 8. Vacuum inlet flange; 9. Vacuum pump inlet isolation valve; 10. Vacuum pump assembly; 11. Vacuum outlet flange; 12. Second branch overpressure protection safety valve; 13. Second branch electric isolation valve; 14. Pressure boosting regulating pipeline; 15. Pressure reduction regulating valve; 16. Pressure boosting regulating valve; 17. Pressure relief main pipeline; 18. Pressure relief branch; 19. Connecting branch; 20. Connecting main pipeline; 21. Evacuation pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a first aspect, in conjunction with Figure 1 As shown, a primary loop atmosphere switching device for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor is provided to realize the primary loop atmosphere switching function of the reactor, including a pressure reduction regulation system, a pressure relief system, a vacuum system and a pressure boosting regulation system.

[0025] The pressure regulation system is connected to the reactor primary loop and to a designated vessel for use in reactors. The helium in the reactor's primary loop is depressurized and placed into a designated container.

[0026] The pressure relief system is connected to the pressure reduction regulation system and is used to release pressure when the pressure in the reactor primary loop exceeds the safe range.

[0027] The vacuum system and pressure relief system are detachably connected and are used to perform a vacuum operation on the reactor primary loop before atmosphere switching in the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop, so as to remove air from the pipeline and provide a clean environment for subsequent atmosphere filling or switching, ensuring the accuracy of atmosphere switching and the stability of system operation.

[0028] The pressurization and regulation system is connected to the reactor primary loop and is used to replenish helium to the reactor primary loop when helium needs to be replenished. It also precisely regulates the pressure in the loop to the preset operating range to meet the pressure requirements of the reactor operating conditions after atmosphere switching and ensures that the system operates stably at the target pressure.

[0029] The depressurization system, pressure relief system, vacuum system, and pressurization system work together to achieve atmosphere switching, pressurization, and depressurization operations in the reactor's primary loop.

[0030] The reactor primary loop consists of three main boundary devices: reactor pressure vessel 1, hot helium conduit 2, and steam generator 3. Reactor pressure vessel 1 is connected to steam generator 3 via hot helium conduit 2. Reactor pressure vessel 1 is where the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor generates heat through nuclear fission. Steam generator 3 contains heat exchange components that transfer the heat generated by nuclear fission to water on the other side of the heat exchange tubes, causing it to evaporate and generate steam, which drives a steam turbine generator set to produce electricity.

[0031] The aforementioned atmosphere switching device for the primary loop of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor connects a pressure reduction regulation system, a pressure relief system, a vacuum system, and a pressurization regulation system to the existing boundary equipment of the reactor primary loop. The pipelines and valves of these systems form a complete operating path, eliminating the need for temporary disassembly and assembly of flanges on other boundary equipment of the reactor primary loop.

[0032] This embodiment achieves primary loop depressurization through a pressure-reducing regulation system connected to the steam generator, without needing to open other boundaries. The pressure relief system is connected to the pressure-reducing regulation system, and the vacuum system utilizes existing pressure relief piping to achieve primary loop vacuuming, eliminating the need for additional temporary interfaces. Primary loop pressurization is achieved through a separate pressure-boosting regulating valve and piping connected to the steam generator, directly utilizing existing connection pathways. Because this embodiment eliminates the need for additional temporary interfaces on the existing reactor primary loop and avoids opening the reactor primary loop boundaries during atmosphere switching, it avoids the asphyxiation and radiation risks caused by micro-positive pressure helium leakage, reduces sealing uncertainties caused by repeated disassembly and reassembly of the primary loop boundaries, improves operational convenience and efficiency, and reduces rework and industrial safety hazards caused by leaks.

[0033] This embodiment integrates atmosphere switching, pressurization, and depressurization functions into one unit, simplifying the operation process; it eliminates the need for temporary disassembly and assembly of the boundary, avoiding rework steps for boundary seal verification and leakage, and improving operational convenience.

[0034] In some embodiments, the hot helium conduit 2 has a double-layered sleeve structure, which can connect the steam generator 3 and the reactor pressure vessel 1 to achieve heat transfer.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pressure reduction regulation system includes a pressure reduction regulation pipeline 4 and a pressure reduction regulation valve 15. The pressure reduction regulation pipeline 4 is connected to the steam generator 3 of the reactor primary loop, and the pressure reduction regulation valve 15 is disposed on the pressure reduction regulation pipeline 4.

[0036] In some embodiments, the pressure relief system includes a main pressure relief line 17 and at least two parallel pressure relief branches 18. The main pressure relief line 17 is connected to the side of the pressure reducing regulating line 4. Each pressure relief branch 18 is connected to the main pressure relief line 17, and each main pressure relief line 17 is equipped with an electrically operated isolation valve and an overpressure protection safety valve.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure relief branch 18 is provided with two branches: a first pressure relief branch and a second pressure relief branch. The first pressure relief branch is equipped with a first branch electrically operated isolation valve 5 and a first branch overpressure protection safety valve 6, with the first branch overpressure protection safety valve 6 located at the end of the first pressure relief branch. The second pressure relief branch is equipped with a second branch electrically operated isolation valve 13 and a second branch overpressure protection safety valve 12, with the second branch overpressure protection safety valve 12 located at the end of the second pressure relief branch. The first branch electrically operated isolation valve 5 and the first branch overpressure protection safety valve 6, together with the second branch electrically operated isolation valve 13 and the second branch overpressure protection safety valve 12, constitute the relief path for overpressure in the reactor primary loop, and also act as isolation valves to prevent excessive pressure relief.

[0038] In some embodiments, the overpressure protection safety valves in different pressure relief branches 18 have different setting values, thereby achieving multiple levels of different overpressure protection functions.

[0039] For example, the setpoint of the first branch overpressure protection safety valve 6 can be set to 1.1 times the normal operating pressure of the system, and the setpoint of the second branch overpressure protection safety valve 12 can be set to 1.3 times the normal operating pressure of the system. When the reactor primary loop pressure rises to the first setpoint, the first branch overpressure protection safety valve 6 opens first, releasing pressure to the pressure reduction regulating pipeline 4 through the pressure relief main pipeline 17; if the pressure continues to rise to the second setpoint, the second branch overpressure protection safety valve 12 opens immediately, further increasing the pressure relief flow, effectively preventing the system pressure from exceeding the safety threshold, and ensuring the stability and safety of equipment operation. This multi-stage overpressure protection design can flexibly adjust the pressure relief intensity according to the pressure change gradient, avoiding the impact of excessive single pressure relief flow on pipelines and related equipment, while improving the system's adaptability and reliability in dealing with different overpressure conditions.

[0040] In some embodiments, each pressure relief branch 18 in the pressure relief system is connected to a connecting branch 19 on its side. Specifically, the connecting branch 19 is located on the pressure relief branch 18 between the electric isolation valve and the overpressure protection safety valve. The connecting branch 19 can realize the pressure relief function of the pipeline before the overpressure protection safety valve, and at the same time provide a vacuum pumping channel for the vacuum pump group 10. Each connecting branch 19 is provided with a manual isolation valve 7 and they converge and connect to the main connecting pipeline 20. The end of the main connecting pipeline 20 is provided with a vacuum inlet flange 8, which is detachably connected to the vacuum pumping system.

[0041] In this embodiment, the manual isolation valve 7 is normally closed and is selectively opened only when the system requires internal maintenance, atmosphere replacement, or other specific operating conditions. When it is necessary to process the interior of a certain pressure relief branch 18, the operator can first close the overpressure protection safety valve corresponding to that branch, and then open the manual isolation valve 7 on the corresponding connecting branch 19. The vacuum system is then connected through the vacuum inlet flange 8 to perform a vacuuming operation on the interior space of that branch to remove residual gas or impurities. This design not only enables independent vacuuming control of each pressure relief branch, but the detachable vacuum inlet flange 8 also facilitates the quick docking and disassembly of the vacuum system. Therefore, there is no need to add a connection interface on the reactor primary loop, improving the flexibility and efficiency of system maintenance.

[0042] In some embodiments, the vacuum system includes a vacuum pump pipeline 21, a vacuum pump inlet isolation valve 9, and a vacuum pump assembly 10. The vacuum pump inlet isolation valve 9 is located before the vacuum pump assembly 10. At least one vacuum pump pipeline 21 is provided, and each vacuum pump pipeline 21 is sequentially provided with a vacuum pump inlet isolation valve 9 and a vacuum pump assembly 10. The ends of each vacuum pump pipeline 21 converge on a main vacuum pump pipeline, which is provided with a vacuum outlet flange 11, which is detachably connected to a gas collection pipeline.

[0043] In this embodiment, the vacuuming system is connected to the pressure relief system, directly utilizing the existing pressure relief system piping to complete the vacuuming step, avoiding the cumbersome process of temporary disassembly and assembly in traditional methods. The pressure relief system piping not only provides pressure relief for the pipeline before the safety valve but also supports the connection of the vacuuming system, improving pipeline utilization and integrating the functional requirements of atmosphere switching and overpressure protection.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pressurization system includes a pressurization line 14 and a pressurization valve 16. The pressurization valve 16 is connected to the steam generator 3 of the reactor primary loop and is installed on the pressurization line 14.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a second aspect, a method for switching the primary loop atmosphere of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor is provided, comprising the following steps: S1. Depressurize the reactor primary loop to atmospheric pressure and isolate the depressurization and pressurization systems, specifically: The reactor primary loop is depressurized to atmospheric pressure through depressurization regulating pipeline 4 and depressurization regulating valve 15, and depressurization regulating valve 15 is closed, while pressurization regulating valve 16 is closed and isolated.

[0046] S2. Establish a vacuuming path. The operation of establishing a vacuuming path includes: opening the electric isolation valve and manual isolation valve 7 of the pressure relief system and the vacuum pump inlet isolation valve 9 of the vacuuming system, and performing a vacuuming operation through the vacuum pump unit 10.

[0047] S3. After evacuating the reactor primary loop to the target vacuum level, isolate the vacuum system. Specifically, start the vacuum pump group 10 to evacuate the reactor primary loop and remove the air. When the vacuum level in the reactor primary loop reaches the target value, close the vacuum pump inlet isolation valve 9 and close the manual isolation valve 7.

[0048] S4. Pressurize the reactor primary circuit to the target pressure using the pressurization regulation system.

[0049] In addition, the existing reactor primary circuit boundary is temporarily disassembled and restored due to atmosphere switching. There is a lack of effective means to verify the sealing of the temporarily restored boundary before the reactor primary circuit is filled with helium. It is very likely that the boundary leakage will be discovered only after helium filling, resulting in problems such as rework and helium leakage.

[0050] The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device and method of the present invention can verify the overall sealing performance of the primary loop (including the sealing performance of system connections) before helium filling by evacuating the vacuum pump group: after starting the vacuum pump group to evacuate the primary loop to the target value, if the vacuum degree can be maintained stably, it indicates that the seal is good; if the vacuum degree drops too quickly, the leakage problem can be detected and dealt with in time, without having to wait until helium filling to detect the leakage, thereby avoiding rework and helium leakage losses.

[0051] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A primary loop atmosphere switching device for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, characterized in that, include: The pressure reduction and regulation system is connected to the reactor's primary loop. The pressure relief system is connected to the pressure reduction and regulation system. The vacuum system is detachably connected to the pressure relief system. The pressurization and regulation system is connected to the reactor's primary loop. The depressurization regulation system, pressure relief system, vacuum system, and pressurization regulation system work together to achieve atmosphere switching, pressurization, and depressurization operations in the reactor primary loop.

2. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure reduction regulation system includes a pressure reduction regulation pipeline (4) and a pressure reduction regulation valve (15). The pressure reduction regulation pipeline (4) is connected to the reactor primary loop, and the pressure reduction regulation valve (15) is installed on the pressure reduction regulation pipeline (4).

3. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure relief system includes: The main pressure relief pipeline (17) is connected to the side of the pressure reduction regulating pipeline (4); At least two parallel pressure relief branches (18) are connected to the main pressure relief branch (17) respectively, and each of the main pressure relief branch (17) is equipped with an electric isolation valve and an overpressure protection safety valve.

4. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The overpressure protection safety valves in different pressure relief branches (18) have different settings.

5. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each pressure relief branch (18) in the pressure relief system is connected to a connecting branch (19) on its side. Each connecting branch (19) is equipped with a manual isolation valve (7) and they converge to the connecting main pipeline (20). The end of the connecting main pipeline (20) is equipped with a vacuum inlet flange (8), which is detachably connected to the vacuum system.

6. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum system includes a vacuum pipe (21), a vacuum pump inlet isolation valve (9), and a vacuum pump group (10). At least one vacuum pipe (21) is provided, and a vacuum pump inlet isolation valve (9) and a vacuum pump group (10) are sequentially provided on each vacuum pipe (21).

7. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurization system includes a pressurization pipeline (14) and a pressurization valve (16). The pressurization valve (16) is connected to the reactor primary loop and is installed on the pressurization pipeline (14).

8. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor primary loop includes a reactor pressure vessel (1), a hot helium conduit (2), and a steam generator (3). The reactor pressure vessel (1) is connected to the steam generator (3) through the hot helium conduit (2), which has a double-layered sleeve structure.

9. A method for switching the primary circuit atmosphere in a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, characterized in that, The method is based on the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor primary loop atmosphere switching device according to any one of claims 1-8, and includes the following steps: S1. Depressurize the reactor primary loop to atmospheric pressure and isolate the depressurization and pressurization systems; S2. Establish a vacuuming path; S3. After evacuating the reactor primary loop to the target vacuum level, isolate the evacuation system; S4. Pressurize the reactor primary circuit to the target pressure using the pressurization regulation system.

10. The method for switching the primary loop atmosphere of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor according to claim 9, characterized in that, In step S2, the operation of establishing a vacuum passage includes: opening the electric isolation valve, the manual isolation valve (7) of the pressure relief system and the vacuum pump inlet isolation valve (9) of the vacuum system, and performing a vacuum operation through the vacuum pump group (10).

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