Pressure vessel

Abstract

The pressure vessel comprises a shell, a hanging basket and a vortex suppression piece, in the using process, the hanging basket is used for arranging a reactor core, a coolant enters through an input port in the shell, then flows into an annular descending channel formed between the outer side wall of the hanging basket and the shell, continuously flows downwards along the descending channel, and is cooled to the outside, and the vortex suppression piece is arranged in the shell. And the lower cavity area at the bottom of the shell is reached. After entering the lower cavity at the bottom of the shell, the coolant is changed in flowing direction by the arc-shaped wall surface at the bottom of the shell to flow upwards, is in contact with the vortex suppression piece arranged in the shell and then continuously flows upwards in the area, and the upwards flowing coolant enters and flows through the reactor core lower plate, then enters the reactor core area used in the hanging basket and flows through the reactor core area to form a reactor core. And finally, the coolant flows out of the pressure vessel through the output port in the shell, and the vortex suppression plate can enable the coolant entering the reactor core to be distributed more uniformly, so that the reactor core is effectively cooled.

Description

pressure vessel Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of nuclear reactor technology, and more particularly to a pressure vessel. Background Technology

[0002] The flow distribution at the reactor core inlet is a crucial parameter affecting the reactor's thermal-hydraulic performance. To improve the reactor's thermal-hydraulic performance, it is necessary to ensure that the flow rate difference through the coolant channels of each fuel assembly after entering the core is not too large.

[0003] The lower chamber between the pressure vessel core support plate or the lower core plate and the lower head is a structure with a large cavity. When coolant flows into the lower chamber from the upper inlet of the pressure vessel, a large area of ​​swirling vortices is formed in this region. Due to the disturbance of the swirling vortices, as the fluid continues to enter the core, a significant difference in flow rate between the central and peripheral components occurs, resulting in an unreasonable flow distribution. The presence of swirling vortices alters the flow direction of the fluid entering the core inlet, causing excessive flow to concentrate in the central region, while less flow reaches the periphery of the core. Thus, when the coolant enters the core inlet, the radial flow distribution of the core is extremely uneven. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This part of the invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related art.

[0006] In view of this, embodiments of this application propose a pressure vessel, comprising: a shell having an inlet and an outlet formed thereon; a basket disposed within the shell, wherein an annular descent channel is formed between the outer wall of the basket and the shell, and the inlet is connected to the descent channel; a core lower plate disposed at the bottom of the basket; and an eddy current suppressor disposed in the lower cavity at the bottom of the shell and bolted to the lower core plate below.

[0007] In one feasible implementation, the eddy current suppressor includes: a plate; and a plurality of guide holes formed on the plate.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the plurality of guide holes are divided into multiple groups, and the multiple groups of guide holes are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the plate. The guide holes located in the central region of the plate are round holes, and the other guide holes are waist-shaped holes or elongated holes.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the area of ​​the flow guide hole gradually increases along the radial direction of the plate, from the center of the plate to the edge.

[0010] In one feasible embodiment, the pressure vessel further includes an annular bar arranged on the side of the plate facing the shell, the annular bar being disposed between two adjacent sets of the flow guide holes.

[0011] In one feasible implementation, the plate is a one-piece molded plate structure.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the input port is connected to the suspended basket, and the input port is connected to a pipe body; wherein there are multiple input ports and multiple output ports.

[0013] In one feasible embodiment, the pressure vessel further includes: a core lower plate disposed at the bottom of the cradle; in another feasible embodiment, the pressure vessel further includes: a radial support block disposed below the core lower plate.

[0014] In one feasible implementation, the radial support block is welded to the shell to support the reactor core and the cradle.

[0015] Radial support blocks are disposed under the lower core plate and welded to the shell to support the core and the cradle.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The pressure vessel provided in this application includes a shell, a basket, and an eddy current suppressor. During use, the core is housed in the basket. Coolant enters through the inlet on the shell and then flows into the annular descending channel formed between the outer wall of the basket and the shell, continuing to flow downwards along the descending channel until it reaches the lower chamber region at the bottom of the shell. After entering the lower chamber at the bottom of the shell, the coolant impacts the arc-shaped wall at the bottom of the shell, changing its flow direction to flow upwards. It then contacts the eddy current suppressor located there and continues to flow in this region. The upward-flowing coolant enters and flows through the lower core plate and into the core region inside the basket. After flowing through the core region, the core is cooled, and finally, the coolant flows out of the pressure vessel through the outlet on the shell.

[0017] The pressure vessel provided in this application embodiment utilizes the cooperation of the shell, the basket, and the eddy current suppressor. Firstly, the basket stores the reactor core, providing a stable installation space. Simultaneously, the annular descending channel formed by the basket and the shell ensures that the coolant flows along a predetermined path after entering through the inlet, avoiding initial flow turbulence. Secondly, the eddy current suppressor acts within the lower chamber at the bottom of the shell, a region prone to eddy current generation. The suppressor significantly weakens or even eliminates rotating eddies, preventing the coolant from changing its flow direction due to eddy current disturbances and ensuring stable coolant flow to the reactor core. Thirdly, after eliminating eddies, the coolant can uniformly enter the reactor core within the basket, avoiding the problem of flow concentration at the core center and insufficient flow at the periphery, reducing flow differences in coolant channels across different areas of the reactor core. Ultimately, this provides a uniform cooling environment for the reactor core, improves the reactor's thermal-hydraulic performance, ensures safe and reliable reactor operation, and meets the stringent requirements for coolant flow distribution within the reactor core.

[0018] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of this application; FIG2 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of this application; FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an eddy current suppressor of a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of this application; FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of this application from another angle.

[0020] The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in Figures 1 to 4 is as follows: 110 Shell, 120 Hanging basket, 130 Eddy current suppressor, 140 Core lower plate, 150 Radial support block; 111 Inlet, 112 Outlet, 113 Tube; 131 Plate, 132 Flow guide hole. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of the technical solutions provided by this invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technical solutions provided by this invention can be implemented without one or more of these details.

[0022] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the invention is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this application proposes a pressure vessel, including: a shell 110, on which an inlet 111 and an outlet 112 are formed; a basket 120, which is disposed inside the shell 110, and an annular descent channel is formed between the outer wall of the basket 120 and the shell 110, with the inlet 111 connected to the descent channel; a core lower plate 140, which is disposed at the bottom of the basket 120; and an eddy current suppressor 130, which is disposed in the lower cavity at the bottom of the shell, and is bolted to the lower core lower plate 140, located in the lower cavity of the pressure vessel shell.

[0025] The pressure vessel provided in this embodiment includes a shell 110, a basket 120, and an eddy current suppressor 130. During use, the reactor core is located inside the basket 120. Coolant enters through the inlet 111 on the shell 110 and then flows into the annular descending channel formed between the side wall of the basket 120 and the shell 110, continuing to flow downwards along this channel until it reaches the bottom region of the shell 110. In the space between the lower core plate 140 and the lower chamber at the bottom of the shell, the flow direction of the coolant is adjusted to flow upwards in this region, contacting the eddy current suppressor 130 located there, and then continuing to flow upwards. The upward-flowing coolant enters and flows through the lower core plate into the core region inside the basket 120. After flowing through the core region, the coolant enters the core through the holes on the lower core plate 140 to complete the cooling of the core, and finally flows out of the pressure vessel through the outlet 112 on the shell 110.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the pressure vessel provided in this embodiment utilizes the cooperation of the shell 110, the basket 120, the core lower plate 140, and the eddy current suppressor 130. On one hand, the basket 120 is used to store the core, providing a stable installation space for the core. At the same time, the descending channel formed by the basket 120 and the shell 110 ensures that the coolant flows along a predetermined path after entering through the inlet 111, avoiding initial flow turbulence. On the other hand, the eddy current suppressor 130 acts on the eddy current generation area in the lower chamber between the core lower plate 140 and the shell 110, significantly weakening or even eliminating the rotating eddy current, preventing the coolant from changing its flow direction due to eddy current disturbance, and ensuring stable flow of coolant to the core. Furthermore, after eliminating the eddy current, the coolant can uniformly enter the core in the basket 120, avoiding the problem of flow concentration in the core center and insufficient flow in the periphery, and reducing the flow difference of coolant channels in different areas of the core. Ultimately, this provides a uniform cooling environment for the reactor core, improves the reactor's thermal-hydraulic performance, ensures the safe and reliable operation of the reactor, and meets the core's stringent requirements for coolant flow distribution.

[0027] In one feasible embodiment, the eddy current suppressor 130 includes: a plate 131; and a plurality of guide holes 132 formed on the plate 131.

[0028] In this technical solution, a vortex suppressor 130 is further provided. The vortex suppressor 130 may include a plate 131 and multiple guide holes 132. Coolant enters through the inlet 111 of the shell 110, flows into the descending channel between the basket 120 and the shell 110, and descends to the lower chamber at the bottom of the shell 110. In the lower chamber, the direction of the coolant is changed to upward flow by the arc-shaped wall at the bottom of the shell, and then contacts the vortex suppressor 130 containing the plate 131 and the guide holes 132. The coolant, through the guide holes 132 on the plate 131, adjusts the distribution amount and distribution path of the coolant entering the lower core plate, enters the core in the basket 120, flows through the core to complete cooling, and finally flows out from the outlet 112 of the shell 110. The vortex suppressor 130, composed of the plate 131 and the guide holes 132, can guide the coolant to pass through the guide holes 132 in an orderly manner, avoiding the formation of rotating vortices at the bottom of the shell 110. At the same time, it ensures that the coolant flows evenly to the reactor core, reduces the flow difference between different areas of the reactor core, ensures uniform cooling of the reactor core, improves the thermal-hydraulic performance of the reactor, and provides support for the safe and stable operation of the reactor.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one feasible embodiment, the multiple guide holes 132 are divided into multiple groups, and the multiple groups of guide holes 132 are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the plate 131. The guide holes 132 located in the central region of the plate 131 are round holes, and the other guide holes 132 are waist-shaped holes or elongated holes.

[0030] This technical solution further provides a distribution pattern of multiple flow guide holes 132. Multiple sets of flow guide holes 132 arranged radially along the plate 131 achieve precise flow distribution through differentiated hole shape design. The circular hole structure in the central region of the plate 131 stably guides the coolant flow to the core center region, avoiding excessive or insufficient flow concentration in the center. The peripheral waist-shaped holes and elongated holes, with their greater flow adaptability, adapt to the flow requirements of the core peripheral components, ensuring stable flow in the central region and adaptable flow in the periphery. The central circular hole suppresses small-scale eddies in the central region, while the peripheral waist-shaped holes and elongated holes guide the orderly flow of fluid, disrupting large-scale swirling eddies in the peripheral region, thus eliminating the interference of lower chamber eddies on coolant flow. Ultimately, after passing through multiple sets of flow guide holes 132 with different hole shapes, the coolant can enter all regions of the core radially and uniformly, significantly reducing the coolant flow difference between the core center and peripheral components, providing a balanced cooling environment for the core, ensuring stable thermal performance of each fuel assembly, and further improving the overall safety and reliability of the reactor operation.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one feasible embodiment, the area of ​​the guide hole 132 gradually increases along the radial direction of the plate 131, from the middle to the edge of the plate 131.

[0032] This technical solution further provides the aperture and area relationship of different groups of guide holes 132. The design of gradually increasing area of ​​the guide holes 132 along the radial direction of the plate 131 from its center to its edge allows for targeted matching of the differences in radial flow requirements of the reactor core. The smaller area of ​​the guide holes 132 in the center of the plate 131 controls the flow velocity and flow rate of coolant towards the center of the reactor core, preventing excessive flow concentration in the center. The larger area of ​​the guide holes 132 at the edge increases the coolant flow in the outer region of the reactor core, compensating for the insufficient flow in the outer region in traditional structures. This gradient hole area design guides the coolant to be evenly distributed in the radial direction, while weakening the eddy current intensity in different radial regions. The small-area holes in the center suppress local eddies, while the large-area holes at the edges accelerate fluid flow to disintegrate large-area rotating eddies, ultimately significantly reducing the coolant flow differences in different regions of the reactor core, ensuring the uniformity of core cooling, and providing support for stable reactor operation.

[0033] In one feasible embodiment, the pressure vessel further includes an annular bar, which is arranged on the side of the plate 131 facing the shell 110, and the annular bar is disposed between two adjacent sets of guide holes 132.

[0034] In this technical solution, the pressure vessel may further include an annular strip. Coolant enters the descending channel through the inlet 111 of the shell 110, flows downwards to the bottom of the shell 110, and then its flow direction changes upwards. It first contacts the annular strip on the side of the plate 131 facing the shell 110, located between adjacent groups of guide holes 132, and then flows through each group of guide holes 132 into the core inside the basket 120. After cooling, it flows out from the outlet 112. The annular strip provides initial guidance for the coolant during flow. The annular strip can separate adjacent groups of guide holes 132, preventing mutual interference of coolant from different groups of guide holes 132 during flow, reducing local eddies caused by fluid mixing, and improving the orderly flow of coolant through the guide holes 132. Simultaneously, the annular strip can pre-guide the coolant flowing through the guide holes 132, allowing the fluid to enter the corresponding guide holes 132 more precisely, further optimizing the flow distribution effect. The differentiated design of the flow guide hole 132 can more effectively reduce the overall vortex intensity at the bottom of the shell 110, allowing the coolant to flow into the core more evenly in the radial direction, reducing the flow difference in different areas, ensuring balanced core cooling, and improving the stability of reactor operation.

[0035] In one feasible implementation, the plate 131 is an integrally formed plate structure. This design can ensure the mechanical strength of the plate 131, making the use of the pressure vessel safer.

[0036] In one feasible implementation, inlet 111 is connected to basket 120, and inlet 111 is connected to pipe 113; there are multiple inlet ports 111 and outlet ports 112. This configuration allows multiple inlet ports 111 to deliver coolant into the shell 110 from multiple directions, avoiding excessively high local flow velocities or uneven flow caused by a single inlet port 111. Simultaneously, the pipe 113 stabilizes the delivery path, improving coolant supply efficiency. Multiple outlet ports 112 can simultaneously discharge the medium after passing through the reactor core, avoiding fluid stagnation caused by a single outlet port 112. The cooperation of multiple inlet ports 111 and multiple outlet ports 112 further optimizes the flow and circulation of coolant within the shell 110. Combined with the descending channel and eddy current suppressor 130, eddy currents are more effectively weakened, allowing the coolant to flow more evenly to the reactor core, reducing flow differences, ensuring balanced core cooling, and improving reactor operational stability.

[0037] In one feasible embodiment, the pressure vessel further includes: a core lower plate 140 disposed at the bottom of the basket 120; and a radial support block 150 disposed below the core lower plate 140.

[0038] In one possible implementation, radial support blocks 150 are welded to the shell 110 to support the core 140 and the basket 120.

[0039] In this technical solution, the pressure vessel also includes a radial support block 150, which is disposed between the basket 120 and the shell 110. This arrangement places the core lower plate 140 at the bottom of the basket 120, providing stable support for the basket 120 and the core stored inside, preventing displacement of the basket 120 due to its own weight or coolant impact, ensuring core stability, and guaranteeing precise coolant flow to all areas of the core. The radial support block 150, located below the core lower plate 140 and welded to the shell 110, limits radial swaying of the basket 120 and the core lower plate 140, provides support for the basket 120 and the core, and maintains a uniform width of the descending channel between the basket 120 and the shell 110, preventing uneven channel width from causing coolant flow turbulence. Together, these two components ensure the stability of the internal structure of the pressure vessel, laying the foundation for the eddy current suppressor 130 to function effectively and for uniform coolant distribution, further improving reactor operational reliability.

[0040] In this invention, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0042] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel, characterized in that, Includes: a housing having an input port and an output port formed thereon; A suspended platform is disposed within the housing, and an annular descent channel is formed between the outer wall of the suspended platform and the housing, with the input port leading to the descent channel; The core lower plate is disposed at the bottom of the cradle; Eddy current suppressor, which is disposed in the lower cavity at the bottom of the shell and is bolted to the lower core plate.

2. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The eddy current suppressor includes: a plate; and a plurality of flow guide holes, wherein the flow guide holes are formed on the plate.

3. The pressure vessel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multiple guide holes are divided into multiple groups, and the multiple groups of guide holes are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the plate. The guide holes located in the central area of ​​the plate are round holes, and the other guide holes are waist-shaped holes or elongated holes.

4. The pressure vessel according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the plate, from the center to the edge of the plate, the area of ​​the guide hole gradually increases.

5. The pressure vessel according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: An annular bar is arranged on the side of the plate facing the housing, and the annular bar is disposed between two adjacent sets of the guide holes.

6. The pressure vessel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plate is a one-piece molded plate structure.

7. The pressure vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The input port leads to the suspended platform and is connected to a pipe; there are multiple input ports and output ports.

8. The pressure vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A radial support block is disposed below the lower core plate.

9. The pressure vessel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The radial support block is welded to the shell and is used to support the reactor core and the basket.

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