Low-altitude long-time radioactive aerosol pressing equipment and operation method

Abstract

The invention relates to low-altitude long-time radioactive aerosol pressing equipment and an operation method.The equipment comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of flying to approach a radioactive aerosol release crevasse, the unmanned aerial vehicle is provided with an airborne power source and a high-pressure atomization spray gun, and the airborne power source is connected with a movable ground power supply station through a cable; the high-pressure atomizing spray gun is connected with a radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank through a water conveying pipeline provided with a high-pressure pump; the unmanned aerial vehicle can hover in the low altitude for a long time, the high-pressure pump machine continuously conveys the radioactive aerosol inhibitor to the high-pressure atomization spray gun through the water conveying pipeline, the atomization spray head sprays the radioactive aerosol inhibitor fog drops out in a curtain mode, and radioactive aerosol pressing is achieved. Diffusion of radioactive aerosol can be greatly reduced, the emergency protection range is effectively controlled, the inhalation dosage of personnel is greatly reduced, long-term harm to the public and the environment is reduced, public panic is reduced, the waste amount is reduced, and the environment restoration cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to radioactive source aerosol suppression technology, specifically to a low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment and operating method. Background Technology

[0002] In a nuclear accident scenario, a large amount of radioactive aerosols are released, and their diffusion boundary can rapidly extend to tens of kilometers with the wind, forming a long-lasting suspended pollution cloud. Traditional high-altitude water spraying or ground spraying is difficult to achieve sustained wet deposition of the low-altitude contaminant layer due to the large drop and short residence time. Meanwhile, single-point fixed fog cannons are limited by their altitude and range, making it impossible to accurately suppress radioactive aerosols released at the accident breach, and they also cannot dynamically adjust to the wind field, leading to missed suppression windows. Experience shows that in the early stages of the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents, if an aerosol-pressing droplet curtain could be maintained at a certain distance downwind and a certain altitude for a certain period, the aerosol concentration could be reduced by several orders of magnitude, and the subsequent exclusion zone area could be significantly reduced. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a low-altitude, long-duration aerosol suppression device that can approach the aerosol release location and hover at low altitudes for extended periods to continuously spray a special suppressing agent. This device can quickly contain a large amount of radioactive aerosol within a localized area, reduce the spread of radioactive aerosol, buy time for subsequent ground rescue and containment, and reduce the radiation hazards of the accident to the public and the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the need for rapid and accurate suppression of radioactive aerosols in nuclear accident emergency scenarios by providing a low-altitude, long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment and operating method that controls radioactive aerosols within a localized area, thereby significantly reducing their spread.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a low-altitude, long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression device, comprising a drone capable of flying close to the radioactive aerosol release point. The drone is equipped with an onboard power supply and a high-pressure atomizing spray gun. The onboard power supply is connected to a mobile ground power station via a cable, and the high-pressure atomizing spray gun is connected to a radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank via a water pipeline equipped with a high-pressure pump. The drone can hover at low altitude for extended periods, and the high-pressure pump continuously supplies radioactive aerosol inhibitors to the high-pressure atomizing spray gun via the water pipeline. The atomizing nozzle sprays out a curtain of radioactive aerosol inhibitor droplets, thereby suppressing the radioactive aerosols.

[0005] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment described above includes an aerosol sampling device on the drone and a wireless image transmission device in the pointing direction of the high-pressure atomizing spray gun.

[0006] Furthermore, the aerosol sampling device consists of a filter membrane and an air pump, and the air pump extracts and traps the aerosol on the filter membrane.

[0007] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment described above includes a multi-rotor drone.

[0008] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment described above includes an airborne power supply comprising a high-voltage input interface, an airborne DC / DC step-down module, a secondary voltage regulator module, and an emergency backup battery.

[0009] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment described above includes a ground power supply station comprising an AC input module, a rectification and boost module, a high-voltage DC filter module, a circuit protection module, and a high-voltage output interface connected to the UAV.

[0010] Furthermore, the ground power station is equipped with an automatic cable rewinding device for controlling the cable length between the airborne power supply and the ground power station; it is also equipped with a cooling device for heat exchange.

[0011] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment described above includes a high-pressure atomizing spray gun equipped with an electric adjustment device for adjusting the nozzle spray angle.

[0012] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment described above includes a high-pressure pump equipped with an accumulator for suppressing the water hammer effect during pump start-up and shutdown.

[0013] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment described above includes a stirring device in the radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank.

[0014] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention provide an operating method for the above-mentioned low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment, including:

[0015] The deployment location of the equipment was determined based on the release status of radioactive aerosols at the accident site and meteorological conditions, and the equipment was assembled.

[0016] Start the drone, move it to a suitable height close to the radioactive aerosol release rupture using a remote control device and hover it, and then use an aerosol sampling device to sample the radioactive aerosols.

[0017] Turn on the high-pressure pump and continuously deliver radioactive aerosol inhibitors to the high-pressure atomizing spray gun through the water pipeline. The atomizing nozzle sprays out a curtain of radioactive aerosol inhibitor droplets, causing the radioactive aerosols to settle quickly and suppress them.

[0018] After the suppression mission is completed, the high-pressure pump is turned off, the drone is controlled to land via remote control, the equipment is cleaned and organized, and the samples from the aerosol sampling device are taken out and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The low-altitude, long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment provided by this invention can accurately approach the area above the radioactive aerosol release breach and hover at low altitude for an extended period, simultaneously spraying radioactive aerosol inhibitors. The inhibitors are sprayed out in the form of a mist curtain, achieving rapid suppression of released radioactive aerosols in the early stages of a nuclear accident and controlling them within a localized area. This invention can significantly reduce the spread of radioactive aerosols, effectively control the emergency protection area, drastically reduce the inhalation dose to personnel, reduce long-term harm to the public and the environment, reduce public panic, reduce waste volume, and lower environmental remediation costs. Attached Figure Description

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

[0021] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of a low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression device in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structural composition of a low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Drone; 2. Power supply; 3. High-pressure atomizing spray gun; 4. Cable; 5. Ground power station; 6. Automatic cable reeling / unloading device; 7. Aerosol sampling device; 8. Water pipeline; 9. High-pressure pump; 10. Water inlet; 11. Radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank; 12. Stirring device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0026] The terms “comprising”, “including”, etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the steps, features, operations, or components, but do not preclude the addition of one or more other steps, features, operations, or components.

[0027] This invention provides a low-altitude, long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment designed for situations requiring rapid and accurate suppression of radioactive aerosols in nuclear accident emergency scenarios. Utilizing automation, power electronics, and high-pressure fluid atomization technology, this equipment allows for long-term low-altitude hovering and continuous spraying of atomized radioactive aerosol inhibitors. The equipment primarily consists of a drone, an onboard power supply, a ground power station, a high-pressure atomizing spray gun, a ground high-pressure pump, and an aerosol sampling device. The drone carries the high-pressure atomizing spray gun, and the ground power station supplies power to the drone's onboard power module via cables, enabling the drone to hover at low altitudes for extended periods. The ground high-pressure pump continuously delivers radioactive aerosol inhibitors to the high-pressure atomizing spray gun via water pipes (water hoses), which are then sprayed out as a curtain of radioactive aerosol inhibitor droplets, achieving long-duration low-altitude radioactive aerosol inhibitor spraying.

[0028] This equipment can rapidly suppress released radioactive aerosols in the early stages of an accident, confining them to a localized area, significantly reducing their spread, effectively controlling the emergency protection zone, minimizing long-term harm to the public and the environment, reducing public panic, and lowering environmental remediation costs. The drones can operate at altitudes ranging from tens to 200 meters, and the lengths of the power cable and water hose can be configured according to the altitude of the target area.

[0029] Example

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a low-altitude, long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression device. The device comprises a drone 1 capable of flying close to the radioactive aerosol release point. The drone 1 is equipped with an onboard power supply 2, a high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3, and an aerosol sampling device 7. The onboard power supply 2 is connected to a mobile ground power station 5 via a cable 4. The high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3 is connected to a radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank 11 via a water pipeline 8 equipped with a high-pressure pump 9.

[0031] In some embodiments, the UAV 1 may be a multi-rotor UAV. This type of UAV has vertical take-off and landing capabilities and performs well in terms of hovering accuracy, load capacity and anti-interference ability. Multi-rotors have fault tolerance capabilities. When individual motors or propellers fail, the system can redistribute power to maintain stable flight and hovering. This feature is very suitable for the needs of radioactive aerosol inhibitor spraying operations and can ensure the continuity and stability of aerosol suppression operations.

[0032] On a multi-rotor drone, a spray gun mounting bracket, a power supply mounting bracket, and an aerosol sampling device mounting bracket are installed to fix the high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3, the onboard power supply 2, and the aerosol sampling device 7 to the fuselage, respectively. Typically, the high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3 can be installed on the lower part of the fuselage, and the aerosol sampling device 7 can be installed on the top surface of the fuselage. The payload capacity of the multi-rotor drone should be sufficient to counteract the recoil of the high-pressure atomizing spray gun. Additionally, a wireless image transmission device can be installed in the pointing direction of the high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3. This device connects to a server or image receiving device at the control end via a mobile network, allowing real-time transmission of operational images back to the control end to obtain information on the aerial inhibitor spraying status. Simultaneously, the drone can also supply power to the aerosol sampling device, ensuring the smooth operation of the aerosol sampling process.

[0033] In some embodiments, the airborne power supply 2 mainly consists of a high-voltage input interface, an airborne DC / DC step-down module, a secondary voltage regulator module, and an emergency backup battery. The airborne power supply 2 can continuously provide power to the UAV, enabling it to hover at low altitudes for more than 10 hours. The high-voltage input interface of the airborne power supply 2 is connected to the ground power station 5 via cable 4 and can withstand a high voltage difference of 1500V. The airborne DC / DC step-down module converts the high voltage provided by the ground power station 5 into the UAV's power bus voltage. The secondary voltage regulator module further regulates the stepped-down bus voltage, distributing multiple isolated power supplies to power various modules on the UAV (such as image transmission, communication, flight control, and peripherals). The emergency backup battery is used in case of a ground power station power outage. When the ground power station fails or the connecting cables malfunction, preventing power supply to the UAV's modules for a short period, the emergency backup battery is activated to ensure control of the UAV in the event of a ground power station power outage.

[0034] In some embodiments, the high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3 is mounted on the lower part of the UAV fuselage via a mounting bracket. It mainly consists of a spray bar and a nozzle. The nozzle can be installed at the end of the spray bar via a quick-release mechanism. The spray bar stabilizes the high-pressure jet, ensuring a stable and uniform liquid spray. The nozzle atomizes the radioactive aerosol inhibitor, spraying it as droplets for better radioactive aerosol suppression. The nozzle and spray bar are detachable, allowing for replacement based on the type of inhibitor and atomization effect. An electric adjustment device can also be added to adjust the nozzle's spray angle. The high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3 is connected to the radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank 11 via a water supply pipe 8 (water hose), powered by an onboard power supply 2, and controlled by a remote control to open, close, or adjust the spray height and angle. In some embodiments, the high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3 can be equipped with a wireless image transmission device to monitor its operating status and inhibitor spraying effect at any time, allowing for timely adjustments to the spraying operation.

[0035] In some embodiments, the drone 1 is equipped with a radioactive aerosol sampling device 7. Since the drone can fly close to the radioactive aerosol release breach, the radioactive aerosol sampling device 7 can directly sample the radioactive aerosol at the breach for subsequent laboratory analysis. The radioactive aerosol sampling device 7 mainly consists of a filter membrane and an air pump. The air pump is powered by an onboard power supply 2 and can be remotely controlled by a remote control device. It is used to extract aerosol samples, trapping the aerosols on the filter membrane. After the suppression task is completed, the drone is retrieved, the filter membrane from the aerosol sampling device is removed, and sent to the laboratory for analysis of the trapped aerosol samples.

[0036] The UAV onboard power supply 2 of this invention transmits electrical energy through a mobile ground power station 5, thereby ensuring that the UAV can hover over the work area for an extended period of time to spray aerosol inhibitors. In some embodiments, the ground power station 5 mainly consists of an AC input module, a rectification and boost module, a high-voltage DC filter module, a circuit protection module, an automatic cable rewinding device, a cooling device, and a high-voltage output interface connected to the UAV 1. The ground power station 5 typically uses a generator to supply electrical energy to the onboard power supply 2. The AC input module is compatible with mains power, generators, energy storage vehicles, and other power sources. After AC input, it passes through leakage protection, surge protectors, and EMI filtering before being sent to the rectification and boost module. The rectification and boost module converts the AC input into a high-voltage DC output through a three-phase rectifier bridge and a power factor correction circuit. The high-voltage DC filter module filters the high-voltage DC power, and the circuit protection module provides overcurrent, overvoltage, and short-circuit protection. The ground power station 5 is connected to the UAV's onboard power supply 2 via a power cable 4. Since the height of the breach is uncertain, the length adjustment of the cable 4 is primarily accomplished by an automatic cable reel-in / reel-out device 6. This device controls the cable length between the UAV and the ground power station and can take various forms, such as a flexible mechanical reel-in, a hydraulically driven cable reel, or a motor-driven cable reel. The cable 4 is coiled on the reel of the automatic reel-in / reel-out device 6. When the UAV ascends, the cable can be pulled out; when the UAV descends, the cable can be automatically retrieved. In some embodiments, the ground power station 5 is equipped with a cooling device to dissipate heat generated by the ground power station, ensuring optimal operating conditions. The high-voltage output interface connects to the high-voltage input interface of the UAV's onboard power supply 2 and is equipped with a cable securing device to prevent loosening caused by pulling on the interface.

[0037] The high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3 of the drone is connected to the radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank 11 via a water supply pipeline 8. In some cases, the drone needs a certain flight altitude to approach the radioactive aerosol release rupture point; therefore, a lighter water hose should be used as the water supply pipeline to reduce the additional load on the drone. A ground-based high-pressure pump 9 is installed on the water supply pipeline 8, and the inlet 10 of the high-pressure pump is connected to the radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank 11 via a pipeline. In some embodiments, the high-pressure pump 9 can be powered by a generator (or other power supply device). The high-pressure pump 9 is equipped with an accumulator to suppress the water hammer effect during pump start-up and shutdown, preventing the drone from overloading and losing control. The high-pressure pump has a high outlet pressure and high head, and the outlet flow rate can be adjusted or selected according to the operating flow rate, enabling continuous delivery of aerosol inhibitors at an altitude of 120m and a flow rate of 70L / min. The water hose is used to connect and supply liquid between the radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank 11, the high-pressure pump 9, and the high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3. The length of the water hose between the high-pressure pump 9 and the high-pressure atomizing spray gun 3 is determined according to factors such as the height of the breach at the accident site. The water hose is equipped with quick-connect mechanisms at both ends for rapid deployment.

[0038] In some embodiments, the radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank 11 consists of a large-capacity storage tank and a stirring device 12. The storage tank is used to store radioactive aerosol inhibitors, and rollers can be installed at the bottom to facilitate the movement of the tank during on-site deployment. The stirring device 12 is installed inside the tank and continuously stirs during operation to keep the radioactive aerosol inhibitors in a uniform state.

[0039] In some embodiments, a remote control device is used to control the drone's flight attitude and hovering position, control the spray height and spray angle of the high-pressure atomizing spray gun, and control the start and stop of the high-pressure pump.

[0040] The low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment provided in this embodiment deploys the equipment at appropriate locations based on the radioactive aerosol release status and meteorological conditions at the accident site. It can suppress radioactive aerosols released at the accident breach for a long period and continuously in the early stages of a nuclear accident. The specific operation method includes the following steps:

[0041] The deployment location of the equipment was determined based on the release status of radioactive aerosols at the accident site and meteorological conditions, and the equipment was assembled. The airborne power supply, high-pressure atomizing spray gun, and radioactive aerosol sampling device were fixed on the UAV, and the cables of the ground power station were connected to the airborne power interface, while the cable fixing device was installed. The outlet of the high-pressure pump was connected to the high-pressure atomizing spray gun through a water hose, and the inlet of the high-pressure pump was connected to the radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank. The ground power station and the high-pressure pump were connected to a generator or other power source.

[0042] Start the drone, move it to a suitable height close to the radioactive aerosol release rupture using a remote control device and hover it, and then use an aerosol sampling device to sample the radioactive aerosols.

[0043] Turn on the high-pressure pump and continuously deliver radioactive aerosol inhibitors to the high-pressure atomizing spray gun through the water pipeline. The atomizing nozzle sprays out a curtain of radioactive aerosol inhibitor droplets, causing the radioactive aerosols to settle rapidly and suppressing the radioactive aerosols in the early stage of the accident. The duration of the suppression operation depends on the release of radioactive aerosols at the accident site and the implementation of other emergency measures.

[0044] After the suppression mission is completed, the high-pressure pump is turned off, the drone is controlled to land via remote control, the equipment is cleaned and organized, and the samples from the aerosol sampling device are taken out and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific order of steps in the disclosed process is an example of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order of steps in the process can be rearranged without departing from the scope of the invention. The appended methods provide elements of various steps in an exemplary order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy described.

[0046] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. Thus, the invention also intends to include such variations and adaptations if they fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0047] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present invention. The present invention may also be implemented in other specific ways or forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting in any respect. The scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the claims, and any variations equivalent to the intent and scope of the claims should also be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol pressurized device, characterized in that, The system includes a drone (1) capable of flying close to the radioactive aerosol release vent. The drone is equipped with an onboard power supply (2) and a high-pressure atomizing spray gun (3). The onboard power supply (2) is connected to a mobile ground power station (5) via a cable (4). The high-pressure atomizing spray gun (3) is connected to a radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank (11) via a water supply pipeline (8) equipped with a high-pressure pump (9). The drone (1) can hover at low altitude for a long time. The high-pressure pump (9) continuously delivers radioactive aerosol inhibitors to the high-pressure atomizing spray gun (3) via the water supply pipeline (8). The atomizing nozzle sprays out a curtain of radioactive aerosol inhibitor droplets to suppress radioactive aerosols.

2. The low altitude long endurance radioactive aerosol pressurized apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The drone (1) is equipped with an aerosol sampling device (7); the high-pressure atomizing spray gun (3) is equipped with a wireless image transmission device in the direction of its pointing.

3. The low altitude long endurance radioactive aerosol pressurized apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The aerosol sampling device (7) consists of a filter membrane and an air pump. The air pump extracts and traps the aerosol on the filter membrane.

4. The low altitude long endurance radioactive aerosol pressurized apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The drone (1) is a multi-rotor drone.

5. The low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The airborne power supply (2) includes a high-voltage input interface, an airborne DC / DC step-down module, a secondary voltage regulator module, and an emergency backup battery.

6. The low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol suppression equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ground power station (5) includes an AC input module, a rectification and boost module, a high-voltage DC filter module, a circuit protection module, and a high-voltage output interface connected to the UAV.

7. The low altitude long endurance radioactive aerosol pressurized apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The ground power station (5) is equipped with an automatic cable rewinding device (6) for controlling the cable length between the airborne power supply and the ground power station; it is also equipped with a cooling device for heat exchange.

8. The low altitude long endurance radioactive aerosol pressurized apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The high-pressure atomizing spray gun (3) is equipped with an electric adjustment device for adjusting the spray angle of the nozzle.

9. The low altitude long endurance radiological aerosol pressurized device of claim 1, wherein, The high-pressure pump (9) is equipped with an accumulator to suppress the water hammer effect when the pump starts and stops.

10. The low altitude long endurance radioactive aerosol pressurized apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The radioactive aerosol inhibitor storage tank (11) is equipped with a stirring device (12).

11. A method of operating a low-altitude long-duration radioactive aerosol pressurized device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, include: The deployment location of the equipment was determined based on the release status of radioactive aerosols at the accident site and meteorological conditions, and the equipment was assembled. Start the drone, move it to a suitable height close to the radioactive aerosol release rupture using a remote control device and hover it, and then use an aerosol sampling device to sample the radioactive aerosols. Turn on the high-pressure pump and continuously deliver radioactive aerosol inhibitors to the high-pressure atomizing spray gun through the water pipeline. The atomizing nozzle sprays out a curtain of radioactive aerosol inhibitor droplets, causing the radioactive aerosols to settle quickly and suppress them. After the suppression mission is completed, the high-pressure pump is turned off, the drone is controlled to land via remote control, the equipment is cleaned and organized, and the samples from the aerosol sampling device are taken out and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Images