Metal nuclear fuel continuous casting forming system

By designing a continuous casting system for nuclear fuel metals, continuous casting of smelting and crystallization in a sealed environment was achieved, solving the problem of excessive radioactive waste generation and realizing efficient continuous casting of nuclear fuel while maintaining a sealed environment.

CN122007358APending Publication Date: 2026-05-12CHINA INSTITUTE OF ATOMIC ENERGY +7
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA INSTITUTE OF ATOMIC ENERGY
Filing Date
2026-03-10
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing metal nuclear fuel casting processes generate a lot of radioactive waste, and existing continuous casting systems are difficult to apply to the production of metal nuclear fuel rods.

Method used

A continuous casting system for metallic nuclear fuel was designed, including a raw material container, a raw material conveying device, and a melting and crystallization device. The system achieves continuous casting by melting and crystallizing in a sealed environment and by using a traction shearing discharge device. The sealed operating shell facilitates disassembly and maintenance, and reduces the leakage of radioactive nuclides.

Benefits of technology

It enables the reduction of radioactive waste generation during nuclear fuel casting, continuous casting in a sealed environment, reuse of components, and reduction of radionuclide leakage.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the field of fuel manufacturing of nuclear reactors, in particular to a metal nuclear fuel continuous casting forming system which comprises a raw material containing part, a raw material conveying device, a smelting crystallization device and a traction shearing discharging device. The raw material conveying device is used for conveying the raw material accommodating piece to the smelting crystallization device in a sealed environment; the smelting and crystallizing device is arranged to be capable of smelting the solid metal raw materials in the raw material containing part in a sealed environment so that the solid metal raw materials can be melted and crystallized to form rod-shaped metal. According to the continuous casting forming system, the traction shearing discharging device is arranged to drag rod-shaped metal, and the raw material conveying device is matched with the smelting crystallization device; a new solid metal raw material can be added into a raw material containing piece in the smelting and crystallizing device or sampled from the raw material containing piece through the raw material conveying device under the condition that the sealed environment of the smelting and crystallizing device is kept, and therefore nuclear fuel can be continuously cast.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of nuclear reactor fuel manufacturing, specifically to a continuous casting and forming system for metallic nuclear fuel. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein are provided merely as background information in connection with this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Metallic nuclear fuels are characterized by high burnup and high safety, and are also the most promising type of nuclear fuel for sodium-cooled fast reactors. Metallic fuels can be prepared using a casting process, which involves melting materials at high temperatures into liquid metal and then solidifying it.

[0004] Currently, there are still limitations in the process of casting metal fuels. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A brief overview of this application is provided below to offer a basic understanding of certain aspects thereof. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the application. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the application, nor is it intended to limit its scope. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a continuous casting and forming system for metallic nuclear fuel, comprising: a raw material container for containing solid metal raw materials; a raw material conveying device and a melting and crystallization device, wherein the raw material conveying device is used to convey the raw material container to the melting and crystallization device in a sealed environment; the melting and crystallization device is configured to melt the solid metal raw materials in the raw material container in a sealed environment to form liquid metal; the raw material container is configured to allow the molten liquid metal to flow out from the raw material container; the melting and crystallization device is further configured to crystallize the liquid metal flowing out from the raw material container to form rod-shaped metal; a traction shearing discharge device is configured to traction the rod-shaped metal formed by the melting and crystallization device, so that the melting and crystallization device can continuously form rod-shaped metal, and to shear and transport the traction rod-shaped metal to the outside; the raw material conveying device and the melting and crystallization device are further configured to cooperate with each other so that, while maintaining the sealed environment of the melting and crystallization device, the raw material conveying device can be used to add new solid metal raw materials to the raw material container in the melting and crystallization device or to take samples from the raw material container.

[0007] The embodiments of this application, by setting up a raw material container to hold solid metal raw materials and allowing the molten metal formed in the raw material container to flow out from the raw material container, can directly use a raw material conveying device to transport the raw material container and solid metal raw materials to the smelting and crystallization device in a sealed environment, and carry out smelting in a sealed environment, thereby reducing the leakage of radioactive nuclides. The continuous casting and forming system provided by this application, by setting up a traction shearing discharge device to traction the rod-shaped metal to continuously discharge it, and by cooperating with the raw material conveying device and the smelting and crystallization device, can, during the nuclear fuel casting process, maintain the sealed environment of the smelting and crystallization device while adding new solid metal raw materials to the raw material container located in the smelting and crystallization device and taking samples from the raw material container, thereby realizing continuous casting of nuclear fuel.

[0008] Because each component can be reused during the continuous casting process of nuclear fuel, the generation of radioactive waste can be reduced.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a continuous casting system for metallic nuclear fuel, comprising: a raw material container for containing solid metal raw materials; a raw material conveying device and a continuous casting device, the raw material conveying device being used to convey the raw material container to the continuous casting device in a sealed environment; the continuous casting device being configured to melt and crystallize the solid metal raw materials in the raw material container in a sealed environment to continuously form multiple rod-shaped metals; the raw material conveying device and the continuous casting device being further configured to cooperate with each other to maintain the sealed environment of the continuous casting device when new solid metal raw materials are added to the raw material container located in the continuous casting device using the raw material conveying device; a discharge assembly configured to convey the rod-shaped metals outward; a first operating shell forming a sealed first operating space to provide a sealed environment for disassembling and servicing the raw material conveying device; and a second operating shell forming a sealed second operating space to provide a sealed environment for disassembling and servicing the continuous casting device.

[0010] The embodiments of this application, by setting up a raw material container to hold solid metal raw materials and allowing the molten metal formed in the raw material container to flow out from the raw material container, can directly use a raw material conveying device to transport the raw material container and solid metal raw materials to the continuous casting device in a sealed environment, and carry out smelting in a sealed environment, reducing the leakage of radioactive nuclides. The continuous casting forming system provided by this application, by setting up a continuous casting device and a discharge assembly to continuously discharge rod-shaped metal, and by cooperating with the raw material conveying device and the continuous casting device, can maintain the sealed environment of the continuous casting device and add new solid metal raw materials to the raw material container located in the continuous casting device, thereby realizing the continuous casting of nuclear fuel. The sealed operating space formed by the first operating shell and the second operating shell facilitates the disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the raw material conveying device and the continuous casting device. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Other objects and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of this application.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a continuous casting system for metallic nuclear fuel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a continuous casting system for metallic nuclear fuel according to an embodiment of this application, with some parts of the shell omitted.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gripping and moving seal at different positions according to an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the melting and crystallization shell and the receiving shell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a melting and crystallization assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the raw material container and the melting and crystallization assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a crystallized mating component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a crystallization component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a raw material container according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a melting and crystallization apparatus according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a guide according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a traction component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a cutting component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the discharge assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of installing a guide using a guide auxiliary installation component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a rod receiving and placing component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the melting and crystallization apparatus according to an embodiment of this application from another angle.

[0029] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are shown only in a schematic manner without affecting the reader's understanding.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Raw material container; 11. Container body; 111. Metal container cavity; 112. Liquid metal flow channel; 12. Container gripping fitting; 13. Container positioning fitting; 131. First mating groove; 132. Second mating groove; 133. Mating surface; 20. Raw material conveying device; 21. Transport component; 22. Conveying sealing housing; 221. First inspection port; 222. Cover; 23. Grasping moving seal; 231. Grasping component; 232. Moving track; 233. Horizontal moving component; 234. Horizontal moving drive component; 235. Lifting installation component; 236. Telescopic component; 237. Telescopic drive component; 238. Sealing cylinder; 30. Melting and crystallization apparatus; 31. Melting and crystallization shell; 310. Melting and crystallization chamber; 311. Melting and crystallization shell body; 3111. Threaded hole; 3112. Feed inlet; 3113. Vacuum pipe interface; 3114. Observation window; 312. Melting and crystallization shell cover; 32. Feeding component; 321. Feeding chamber; 33. Melting and crystallization assembly; 331. Melting and crystallization mating component; 3311. Positioning and mating channel; 3312. Heating chamber; 3313. Heating component; 3314. Shell; 3315. Fitting body; 332. Melting connector; 333. Electrode; 34. Crystallization assembly; 341. Crystallization fitting; 3411. Crystallization channel; 3412. Liquid metal buffer chamber; 3413. Crystallization positioning fitting part; 342. Cooling component; 3421. Cooling component body; 34210. Cooling channel; 34211. Variable temperature cooling chamber; 34212. Constant temperature cooling chamber; 3422. Metal receiving fitting part; 3423. Coolant pipeline; 3424. Cooling positioning part; 40. Guide component; 41. First part; 411. Guide groove; 42. Second part; 50. Traction assembly; 51. Traction drive component; 52. Tightening adjustment component; 521. Tightening drive component; 522. Connecting rod; 53. Traction wheel assembly; 531. Traction wheel; 532. Guide wheel; 54. Alignment wheel assembly; 541. Alignment wheel; 60. Shearing assembly; 61. Shearing component; 62. Shearing drive component; 70. Discharge assembly; 71. Receiving housing; 710. Receiving chamber; 711. Observation window; 72. Bar receiving and placement component; 721. Gripping part; 722. Rotating part; 723. Moving part; 7231. Vertical moving part; 7232. First horizontal moving part; 7233. Second horizontal moving part; 73. Bar collecting component; 74. Discharge conveyor track; 75. Isolation housing; 750. Isolation chamber; 76. Guiding auxiliary installation component; 77. Traction port baffle; 78. Traction port; 80. First operating housing; 90. Second operating housing; 100. Inspection and maintenance housing; 101. Second inspection port; 102. Inspection and maintenance chamber; 110. Isolation components; 120. Cast moving parts; 121. Cast sliding parts; 122. Cast moving tracks; 1301. Main gas pipeline; 1302. Feed gas pipeline; 200. Rod-shaped metal. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and brevity, not all features of actual implementations are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific decisions must be made in the development of any such actual embodiment to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with constraints related to the system and business, and these constraints may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while development work can be very complex and time-consuming, such development work is merely a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the content of this application.

[0032] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring this application with unnecessary details, only the equipment structure and / or processing steps closely related to the solution according to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to this application are omitted.

[0033] The casting process for metals typically includes injection casting and continuous casting. Injection casting involves injecting molten metal into a quartz mold, allowing it to cool and solidify before breaking the mold to remove the formed metal. Continuous casting, on the other hand, involves continuously supplying metal raw materials to the casting system, where the metal melts and is then subjected to traction and cooling to crystallize and solidify.

[0034] When producing metallic nuclear fuel rods using injection molding, the quartz molds need to come into contact with the metallic fuel, and cannot be recycled after each molding, resulting in a large amount of radioactive waste. Continuous casting, on the other hand, does not require molds and therefore does not generate significant amounts of radioactive waste during the production of metallic nuclear fuel rods. However, existing continuous casting systems are designed for non-radioactive metals and are difficult to apply to the production of metallic nuclear fuel rods.

[0035] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a continuous casting and forming system for metallic nuclear fuel, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a continuous casting and molding system for metallic nuclear fuel according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a continuous casting system for metallic nuclear fuel according to an embodiment of this application, with some parts of the shell omitted. The continuous casting system provided in the embodiment of this application includes a raw material container, a raw material conveying device 20, a melting and crystallization device 30, and a traction shearing discharge device. The raw material container is used to contain solid metal raw materials; the raw material conveying device 20 is used to convey the raw material container to the smelting and crystallization device 30 in a sealed environment; the smelting and crystallization device 30 is configured to smelt the solid metal raw materials in the raw material container in a sealed environment so that the solid metal raw materials melt to form liquid metal; the raw material container is configured to allow the molten liquid metal to flow out from the raw material container, and the smelting and crystallization device 30 is also configured to crystallize the liquid metal flowing out from the raw material container to form rod-shaped metal; the traction shearing discharge device is configured to traction the rod-shaped metal formed by the smelting and crystallization device 30 so that the smelting and crystallization device 30 can continuously form rod-shaped metal, and to shear and transport the traction rod-shaped metal to the outside; the raw material conveying device 20 and the smelting and crystallization device 30 are also configured to cooperate with each other so that, while maintaining the sealed environment of the smelting and crystallization device 30, the raw material conveying device 20 can be used to add new solid metal raw materials to the raw material container in the smelting and crystallization device 30 or to take samples from the raw material container.

[0036] The embodiments of this application, by setting up a raw material container to hold solid metal raw materials and allowing the molten metal formed in the raw material container to flow out from the raw material container, can directly use the raw material conveying device 20 to transport the raw material container and solid metal raw materials to the melting and crystallization device 30 in a sealed environment, and carry out melting in a sealed environment, thereby reducing the leakage of radioactive nuclides. The continuous casting and forming system provided by this application, by setting up a traction shearing discharge device to traction the rod-shaped metal to continuously discharge it, and by cooperating with the raw material conveying device 20 and the melting and crystallization device 30, can, during the nuclear fuel casting process, maintain the sealed environment of the melting and crystallization device 30 while adding new solid metal raw materials to the raw material container located in the melting and crystallization device 30 and taking samples from the raw material container, thereby realizing continuous casting of nuclear fuel.

[0037] Because each component can be reused during the continuous casting process of nuclear fuel, the generation of radioactive waste can be reduced.

[0038] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The raw material conveying device 20 includes: a conveying component 21, a conveying sealed housing 22, and a gripping moving seal 23; the feed chamber 321 of the smelting and crystallization device 30 is located inside the conveying sealed housing 22; the gripping moving seal 23 is disposed inside the conveying sealed housing 22 and is configured to grip the raw material container and carry the raw material container to move; the conveying component 21 is configured to convey the raw material container to the gripping position so that the raw material container can be gripped by the gripping moving seal 23; the gripping moving seal 23 is also configured to move the raw material container into the conveying sealed housing 22 and send the raw material container into the smelting and crystallization device 30 through the feed chamber 321 within the conveying sealed housing 22, and cooperate with the smelting and crystallization device 30 to add new solid metal raw materials to or take samples from the raw material container in the smelting and crystallization device 30 while maintaining the sealed environment of the smelting and crystallization device 30.

[0039] The embodiments of this application, by setting the feed chamber 321 of the melting and crystallization device 30 to be located inside the conveying and sealing housing 22, and by setting the gripping and moving sealing member 23 to cooperate with the melting and crystallization device 30, can maintain the sealed environment of the melting and crystallization device 30 during the casting process, while adding new solid metal raw materials to the raw material container located in the melting and crystallization device 30 and taking samples from the raw material container, thereby realizing continuous casting of nuclear fuel.

[0040] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the gripping and moving seal 23 at different positions according to an embodiment of this application. The gripping and moving seal 23 includes: a gripping member 231, a moving track 232, a horizontal moving member 233 that is moved along the moving track 232, a horizontal moving drive member 234 for driving the horizontal moving member 233 to move along the moving track 232, a lifting assembly and a sealing cylinder 238 disposed on the horizontal moving member 233.

[0041] The gripper 231 is disposed radially inside the sealing cylinder 238; the horizontal moving member 233 is configured to move the gripper 231 and the sealing cylinder 238 from the gripping position to a position aligned with the feed chamber 321; the sealing cylinder 238 is capable of lifting and lowering relative to the horizontal moving member 233 so as to seal the feed chamber 321 when aligned with it; the lifting assembly is configured to move the gripper 231 up and down so that the gripper 231 can extend out of the conveying sealing housing 22 to grip the raw material container 10 located at the gripping position and move the gripped raw material container 10 into the conveying sealing housing 22, and can enter the feed chamber 321 when the sealing cylinder 238 seals the feed chamber 321.

[0042] The embodiments of this application, by setting the gripper 231 and the sealing cylinder 238 to move horizontally and vertically, and the gripper 231 is set on the radial inner side of the sealing cylinder 238, the sealing cylinder 238 can be aligned with the feeding chamber 321 and create a sealed environment with the feeding chamber 321. This arrangement can prevent the conveying sealing shell 22 from having air communication with the melting and crystallization device 30, prevent the raw material container 10 from damaging the internal environment and atmosphere of the melting and crystallization device 30 when it enters the feeding chamber 321, and at the same time avoid cross-contamination of radioactive materials.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sealing cylinder 238 can be driven to rise and fall relative to the horizontal moving member 233 by a drive mechanism.

[0044] In some embodiments, the horizontal movement drive 234 may be a motor.

[0045] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly may include a lifting mounting member 235, a telescopic member 236, and a telescopic drive member 237. The gripping member 231 is connected to the telescopic member 236, and the telescopic drive member 237 is disposed on the horizontal moving member 233 via the lifting mounting member 235. The telescopic drive member 237 is used to drive the telescopic member 236 to extend and retract, thereby driving the gripping member 231 to rise and fall. In some embodiments, the telescopic drive member 237 may be a cylinder.

[0046] In some embodiments, when it is necessary to replace the raw material container 10, the raw material container 10 can be returned along the original route by the raw material conveying device 20.

[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The smelting and crystallization apparatus 30 includes a smelting and crystallization shell 31, a feed component 32, and a smelting and crystallization assembly 33.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a melting and crystallization shell and a receiving shell according to an embodiment of this application. The melting and crystallization shell 31 is configured to form a sealed melting and crystallization chamber 310 and a feed inlet 3112 communicating with the melting and crystallization chamber 310; see also Figure 2 The feeding component 32 forms a feeding chamber 321 and is configured to be able to close or open the feeding port 3112. The gripping and moving sealing component 23 of the raw material conveying device 20 can seal the feeding chamber 321. The feeding component 32 is also configured to evacuate or pressurize the feeding chamber 321 so that the atmosphere of the feeding chamber 321 is the same as that of the melting and crystallization chamber 310. This allows for the continuous melting of metal fuel while supplying raw materials to the melting and crystallization chamber 310, thus preventing the environment and atmosphere inside the melting and crystallization device 30 from being affected during feeding.

[0049] Specifically, during intermediate feeding or sampling, the feeding chamber 321 is first sealed by the sealing cylinder 238 of the gripping and moving sealing element 23. Then, the feeding chamber 321 is evacuated, and inert gas is introduced to make the environment and atmosphere of the feeding chamber 321 consistent with the melting and crystallization chamber 310. Then, the feeding port 3112 is opened to send the raw material container 10 into the melting and crystallization chamber 310 for feeding or sampling, so as to avoid damaging the environment and atmosphere inside the melting and crystallization chamber 310.

[0050] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a melting and crystallization assembly according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the raw material container and the melting and crystallization assembly according to an embodiment of this application. The melting and crystallization assembly 33 is configured to form a positioning and fitting channel 3311 to receive and position the raw material container 10. The gripping and moving seal 23 of the raw material conveying device 20 can move the raw material container 10 into the positioning and fitting channel 3311 through the feed inlet 3112. The melting and crystallization assembly 33 is also configured to melt the solid metal raw material in the raw material container 10 to form liquid metal, and to crystallize the liquid metal to form rod-shaped metal. In this embodiment, the gripping and moving seal 23 can be used to lift the raw material container 10 from the feed inlet 3112 into the positioning and fitting channel 3311, thereby realizing the initial feeding stage.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 9The raw material container 10 includes a container body 11, a container gripping fitting 12, and a container positioning fitting 13. The container body 11 forms a metal container cavity 111 for containing solid metal raw materials. The container gripping fitting 12 is used to cooperate with the gripping member 231 of the raw material conveying device 20 so that the container body 11 can be gripped. The container positioning fitting 13 is used to cooperate with the crystallization component 34 of the melting and crystallization device 30 so that the liquid formed by melting in the metal container cavity 111 can flow into the crystallization component 34. It also cooperates with the melting and crystallization fitting 331 so that the melting and crystallization fitting 331 provides positioning and support for the container body 11.

[0052] The embodiments of this application provide a receiving gripping fitting 12 so that the gripping member 231 can grip the raw material receiving member 10 and transport it to the melting and crystallization device 30, which facilitates remote operation in a radioactive environment and avoids accidental drop during gripping that could lead to nuclear criticality; and provide a receiving positioning fitting 13 so that the raw material receiving member 10 can be directly placed into the positioning fitting channel 3311 and docked with the crystallization component 34, so that the molten liquid metal flows directly from the raw material receiving member 10 into the crystallization component 34.

[0053] In some embodiments, if it is necessary to test the composition of the smelting alloy during the smelting process, it is necessary to sample the liquid metal. Similarly, the raw material conveying device 20 is used to convey the sampling cup into the smelting crystallization device 30. The sampling cup has a receiving and gripping fitting 12 with the same structure as the raw material receiving member 10, and can be gripped by the gripping member 231.

[0054] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 The bottom of the metal container 111 has a conical structure, which facilitates the clean flow of liquid metal after each melting from the metal container 111 into the crystallization component 34, thus avoiding waste of nuclear materials.

[0055] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 9 The radially outer side of the receiving positioning fitting 13 forms a fitting surface 133 that matches the shape of the positioning fitting channel 3311 of the melting and crystallizing fitting 331, so that the melting and crystallizing fitting 331 provides positioning and support for the receiving body 11.

[0056] In some embodiments, the mating surface 133 can be a conical surface to give the raw material container 10 a self-centering function, which facilitates the assembly and positioning of the raw material container 10, is beneficial for alignment with the crystallization assembly 34, and prevents leakage. The taper of the mating surface 133 can be, for example, 85 degrees.

[0057] In some embodiments, the receiving body 11 further forms a liquid metal flow channel 112 in fluid communication with the metal receiving cavity 111, so that the liquid metal in the metal receiving cavity 111 flows downward through the liquid metal flow channel 112 to the crystallization assembly 34. When the raw material receiving component 10 and the solid raw material are initially transported to the melting and crystallization apparatus 30 using the raw material conveying device 20, the size of the solid raw material may be larger than the size of the liquid metal flow channel 112 to prevent the solid raw material from falling downward from the liquid metal flow channel 112.

[0058] In some embodiments, the raw material container 10 is made of graphite and has a yttrium oxide coating on its inner and outer surfaces to prevent the nuclear material from corroding the raw material container 10 during the smelting process.

[0059] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 The melting and crystallization assembly 33 includes: a melting and crystallization mating component 331, a heating component 3313, and a crystallization assembly 34. The melting and crystallization mating component 331 forms a positioning and mating channel 3311 for positioning and mating with the raw material container 10 and a heating chamber 3312 located radially outside the positioning and mating channel 3311. The heating component 3313 is disposed in the heating chamber 3312 for heating the material in the raw material container 10 to form liquid metal. The crystallization assembly 34 forms a crystallization channel 3411. The crystallization assembly 34 is disposed in the positioning and mating channel 3311 and can cooperate with the raw material container 10 so that the liquid metal flowing out of the raw material container 10 can flow into the crystallization channel 3411 and crystallize to form rod-shaped metal. In this embodiment, the structure of the melting and crystallization assembly 33 is advantageous for receiving the raw material container 10 and for forming the material in the raw material container 10 into a liquid and recrystallizing it to form rod-shaped metal.

[0060] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 The melting and crystallization assembly 331 includes an assembly body 3315 and a shell 3314. The assembly body 3315 forms a positioning and fitting channel 3311. The shell 3314 covers the assembly body 3315 and together with the assembly body 3315 forms a heating chamber 3312. The heating element 3313 is an induction coil wound around the assembly body 3315. When the heating element 3313 is energized, the material in the raw material container 10 generates heat through electromagnetic induction and melts.

[0061] In some embodiments, the melting and crystallization shell 31 may be provided with a cooling jacket for supplying coolant flow to cool the melting and crystallization shell 31.

[0062] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The melting and crystallization shell 31 is provided with a vacuum pipe interface 3113 to facilitate evacuation and gas transfer to the melting and crystallization chamber 310. The melting and crystallization shell 31 is also provided with an observation window 3114 to facilitate observation of the interior of the melting and crystallization chamber 310.

[0063] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a crystallization mating component according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a crystallization assembly according to an embodiment of this application. The crystallization assembly 34 includes a cooling member 342 and a crystallization mating member 341 detachably engaged with the cooling member 342; the crystallization mating member 341 forms a crystallization channel 3411 for receiving liquid metal flowing out from the raw material container 10; the cooling member 342 is configured to cool the crystallization mating member 341 so that the liquid metal crystallizes in the crystallization channel 3411 to form rod-shaped metal.

[0064] The embodiments of this application provide a crystallization mating member 341 and a cooling member 342 so that the molten liquid metal can be cooled and crystallized in the crystallization mating member 341 to form a rod-shaped metal for subsequent shearing. By making the cooling member 342 detachably connected to the crystallization mating member 341, the diameter of the rod-shaped metal can be changed by replacing the crystallization mating member 341 with crystallization channels 3411 of different sizes.

[0065] In some embodiments, the crystallization mating part 341 is made of high-purity silicon nitride material to prevent the metal core material from corroding the crystallization mating part 341, while also facilitating replacement and maintenance and improving economy.

[0066] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 The bottom outlet of the crystallization channel 3411 in the crystallization assembly 341 has a fixed size of 6.7mm in diameter. The top inlet diameter is smaller than the bottom outlet diameter. The whole structure is an inverted frustum with a smaller top and a larger bottom. This design results in less resistance during the subsequent traction process, which facilitates the forming of the bar.

[0067] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 Cooling component 342 forms cooling channel 34210, and crystallization component 341 is located in cooling channel 34210.

[0068] The cooling component 342 also forms a cooling positioning part 3424, and the crystallization mating component 341 also forms a crystallization positioning mating part 3413, so that the crystallization mating component 341 and the cooling component 342 can be combined together by the cooperation of the cooling positioning part 3424 and the crystallization positioning mating part 3413.

[0069] In some embodiments, the crystallization mating member 341 further forms a liquid metal buffer cavity 3412, the inner diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the liquid metal flow channel 112 and the crystallization channel 3411, so that the liquid metal in the liquid metal flow channel 112 can flow smoothly into the crystallization channel 3411.

[0070] See Figure 8 The cooling component 342 includes a cooling component body 3421 and a metal receiving and mating part 3422. The cooling component body 3421 is used to cool the crystallization mating part 341, and the metal receiving and mating part 3422 is used to cooperate with the receiving and positioning mating part 13 of the raw material receiving component 10, so that when the raw material receiving component 10 and the solid raw material are initially transported to the melting and crystallization apparatus 30 by the raw material conveying device 20, the raw material receiving component 10 can be positioned and mated with the metal receiving and mating part 3422 through the receiving and positioning mating part 13, so that the liquid metal flowing out of the raw material receiving component 10 can enter the crystallization mating part 341.

[0071] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a melting and crystallization apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. The continuous casting assembly includes a coolant pipeline 3423, which is configured to provide circulating coolant to the cooling body 3421 to reduce the temperature of the liquid metal in the crystallization channel 3411.

[0072] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 The cooling component 342 forms a variable-temperature cooling chamber 34211 and a constant-temperature cooling chamber 34212 that are not interconnected. The variable-temperature cooling chamber 34211 circulates a first coolant with an adjustable temperature to regulate the cooling rate of the liquid metal. The constant-temperature cooling chamber 34212 is located below the variable-temperature cooling chamber 34211 and circulates a second coolant with a constant temperature inside to avoid the rod-shaped metal from being subjected to secondary stress due to temperature changes.

[0073] The embodiments of this application, by setting up a non-interconnected variable-temperature cooling chamber 34211 and a constant-temperature cooling chamber 34212, allow the liquid metal entering the crystallization mating part 341 to first pass through the variable-temperature cooling chamber 34211 for cooling, generating a solid-liquid paste-like region. By adjusting the temperature of the first coolant, the cooling temperature and rate of the liquid metal in this region can be controlled, avoiding excessively fast or slow cooling that could affect the quality of the final product. The constant-temperature cooling chamber 34212 uses a coolant with a constant temperature to cool the metal in the crystallization mating part 341, thereby avoiding secondary stress caused by temperature changes that could affect the quality of the final product.

[0074] In some embodiments, grooves are provided on the inner walls of the variable temperature cooling chamber 34211 and the constant temperature cooling chamber 34212, which can increase the heat exchange area and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0075] In some embodiments, the variable temperature cooling chamber 34211 has a temperature measuring element inside, which adjusts the flow rate or velocity of the first coolant according to the temperature measured by the temperature measuring element, the solid-liquid phase temperature of the metal fuel and the determined solid-liquid interface position, thereby changing the cooling rate of the liquid metal entering the crystallization mating member 341, avoiding the problem of cooling too fast, which would make it difficult to perform the next traction and pulling after the metal solidifies, or cooling too slow, which would result in the semi-liquid metal being pulled out.

[0076] In some embodiments, the walls of the variable temperature cooling chamber 34211 and the constant temperature cooling chamber 34212 are both constructed with a double-layer structure. The inner layer is corrosion-resistant and has good thermal conductivity, while the outer layer uses boron-containing polyethylene shielding material to prevent the coolant from contacting the metal core material in the event of an accident or damage.

[0077] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 and Figure 9 The accommodating positioning fitting 13 also forms a crystallization fitting part for cooperating with the crystallization component 34 of the melting and crystallization apparatus 30 so that the liquid formed by melting in the metal accommodating cavity 111 can flow into the crystallization component 34.

[0078] In some embodiments, the crystallization mating portion includes a first mating groove 131 and a second mating groove 132, the second mating groove 132 being in fluid communication with the liquid metal flow channel 112 through the first mating groove 131. The shape of the metal receiving mating portion 3422 matches the shape of the first mating groove 131, and the shape of the cooling component body 3421 matches the shape of the second mating groove 132, so that the cooling component 342 can be embedded in the raw material receiving component 10, allowing the liquid metal flow channel 112 to enter the crystallization mating portion 341 without flowing to the outside.

[0079] See Figure 1 The traction shearing discharge device includes: a guide and a traction assembly 50, a shearing assembly 60, and a discharge assembly 70; the traction assembly 50 is configured to pull the guide downward, and the guide is configured to allow the liquid metal in the metal receiving cavity 111 to follow the guide downward to form a rod-shaped metal. The traction assembly 50 is also configured to pull the rod-shaped metal continuously downward, thereby continuously casting the liquid metal into a rod-shaped metal, and correcting the straightness of the formed rod-shaped metal; the shearing assembly 60 is configured to shear the rod-shaped metal into a preset length; the discharge assembly 70 is configured to receive the sheared rod-shaped metal and convey it to the outside.

[0080] In this embodiment, a guide member is used to pull out the crystallized rod-shaped metal and connect it to the traction assembly 50. The traction assembly 50 provides traction force and correction to the rod-shaped metal, enabling it to move continuously downwards and maintain a straight line. Finally, the shearing assembly 60 cuts the rod-shaped metal into a preset length and conveys it out via the discharge assembly 70. This configuration allows for continuous casting of the rod-shaped metal through traction and shearing.

[0081] In some embodiments, see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a guide member according to an embodiment of this application. A guide groove 411 is provided at the top of the guide member 40, and the diameter of the guide member 40 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the bottom of the liquid metal flow channel 112. With this configuration, when the liquid metal flows to the guide groove 411, it combines with the guide member 40, preventing the guide member 40 from separating from the rod-shaped metal during the traction process.

[0082] In some embodiments, the guide member 40 passes underneath the traction assembly 50 and the crystallization mating member 341 to enter the top of the liquid metal flow channel 112 of the raw material container 10 during the guiding process. In the early stage of solid metal raw material melting, the guide member 40 can block the liquid metal flow channel 112 to prevent liquid metal from flowing out of the liquid metal flow channel 112, and then can pull the metal down.

[0083] In some embodiments, see Figure 11 The guide member 40 is detachably connected from a first part 41 and a second part 42. A guide groove 411 is formed in the first part 41. Since the first part 41 is in contact with the nuclear material, the detachable segmented design facilitates the replacement of the first part 41 and the reuse of the second part 42.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first portion 41 is formed of graphite, and the second portion 42 is formed of stainless steel. The first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are threaded together. The surface of the first portion 41 is provided with a yttrium oxide coating to prevent the nuclear material from corroding the first portion 41.

[0085] In some embodiments, the guide member 40 is required to be at least at the top bottom of the liquid metal flow channel 112, with its bottom end exposed below the traction assembly 50, so that the guide member 40 can guide the rod-shaped metal 200 out under the action of the traction assembly 50. The guide member 40 is approximately 900 mm long.

[0086] In some embodiments, see Figure 12 , Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of a traction assembly 50 according to an embodiment of this application. The traction assembly 50 includes a traction drive 51, a clamping adjustment member 52, a plurality of traction wheel sets 53, and a correction wheel set 54; each traction wheel set 53 and correction wheel set 54 is arranged at intervals along the direction of movement of the rod-shaped metal 200, with the rod-shaped metal 200 located between each wheel set; the clamping adjustment member 52 is used to adjust the clamping degree of each traction wheel set 53 on the rod-shaped metal 200; the traction drive 51 is configured to drive the traction wheel sets 53 to rotate, so as to provide power for traction of the rod-shaped metal 200; the correction wheel set 54 is configured to correct the straightness of the formed rod-shaped metal 200.

[0087] The embodiments of this application use a traction wheel set 53 and a traction drive 51 to traction the rod-shaped metal 200. At the same time, a clamping adjustment component 52 is provided to adjust the clamping degree of the traction wheel set 53 on the rod-shaped metal 200, so as to avoid it being too loose or too tight and unable to be pulled. The straightness of the rod-shaped metal 200 is corrected by multiple sets of traction wheel sets 53 and correction wheel sets 54 to ensure that the straightness of the final product meets the standard.

[0088] In some embodiments, see Figure 12 Each traction wheel assembly 53 includes a traction wheel 531 and a guide wheel 532 arranged opposite to each other; a rod-shaped metal 200 is located between the traction wheel 531 and the guide wheel 532; a traction drive 51 drives the traction wheel 531 to rotate, and a clamping adjustment 52 adjusts the distance between the traction wheel 531 and the guide wheel 532. When the traction drive 51 drives the traction wheel 531 to rotate, the rod-shaped metal 200 or the guide 40 moves downward, and the guide wheel 532, being a free wheel, rotates under the force of the rod-shaped metal 200 or the guide 40. By adjusting the distance between the traction wheel 531 and the guide wheel 532 through the clamping adjustment 52, the traction effect on the rod-shaped metal 200 can be controlled.

[0089] In some embodiments, see Figure 12 The straightening wheel assembly 54 includes two opposing straightening wheels 541, which rotate as the rod-shaped metal 200 moves. The two straightening wheels 541 of the straightening wheel assembly 54 are free wheels. This arrangement reduces the need for a drive mechanism, allowing the driving force of the traction drive member 51 to be transmitted through the rod-shaped metal 200 to the straightening wheels 541 of the straightening wheel assembly 54, thereby correcting the straightness of the rod-shaped metal 200.

[0090] In some embodiments, see Figure 12 The clamping adjustment component 52 includes a clamping drive component 521 and a connecting rod 522. The connecting rod 522 is connected to the guide wheel 532. The clamping drive component 521 drives the connecting rod 522 to extend or retract, thereby driving the guide wheel 532 to move, thereby adjusting the distance between the guide wheel 532 and the traction wheel 531.

[0091] In some embodiments, see Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a shearing assembly according to an embodiment of this application. The shearing assembly 60 includes a shearing member 61 and a shearing drive member 62. The shearing drive member 62 drives the shearing member 61 to shear the rod-shaped metal 200, so that the rod-shaped metal 200 is sheared by the shearing member 61 to form a predetermined size.

[0092] In some embodiments, the shearing component 60 can also move up and down relative to the traction component 50 to adjust the shearing position of the rod-shaped metal 200. This configuration allows for a larger shearing range of the rod-shaped metal 200, thereby adjusting the length of the rod-shaped metal 200.

[0093] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 14 , Figure 14 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the discharge assembly according to an embodiment of this application. The discharge assembly 70 includes: a receiving shell 71, a bar receiving and placing member 72, a bar collecting member 73, a discharge conveying track, and an isolation shell 75; the receiving shell 71 forms a sealed receiving chamber 710, which is connected to the melting and crystallization chamber 310 of the melting and crystallization apparatus 30, so that the bar-shaped metal 200 can enter the receiving chamber 710; the bar receiving and placing member 72 is configured to receive the sheared bar-shaped metal 200 and place the bar-shaped metal 200 on the bar collecting member 73; the isolation shell 75 forms an isolation chamber 750 that can be operably connected to or isolated from the receiving chamber 710; the discharge conveying track is used to transport the bar collecting member 73 from the receiving chamber 710 to the isolation chamber 750, and then transport the bar collecting member 73 to the outside of the isolation chamber 750 when the isolation chamber 750 is isolated from the receiving chamber 710.

[0094] The embodiments of this application provide a sealed partitioned chamber by setting a receiving shell 71, and simultaneously setting a bar receiving and placing component 72 and a bar collecting component 73 to place and collect the cut bar-shaped metal 200, so as to avoid the bar-shaped metal 200 from being bumped and deformed; by setting an isolation shell 75, the collected bar-shaped metal 200 is transported to the isolation chamber 750 by a discharge conveying track. When the isolation chamber 750 is isolated from the receiving chamber 710, the bar collecting component 73 is transported to the outside of the isolation chamber 750, so as to avoid disrupting the environment and atmosphere inside the receiving chamber 710.

[0095] In some embodiments, see Figure 15 , Figure 15This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation of a guide member using a guide auxiliary mounting member according to an embodiment of this application. The discharge assembly 70 may further include a guide auxiliary mounting member 76, configured to convey the guide member 40 to a location cooperating with the traction assembly 50, so that the traction assembly 50 can reverse-pull the guide member 40 to the bottom of the metal receiving cavity 111 (i.e., the top of the liquid metal flow channel 112). The guide auxiliary mounting member 76 can enter and exit the receiving chamber 710 via the discharge conveying track 74. By providing the guide auxiliary mounting member 76, the guide member 40 can be conveyed to a location cooperating with the traction assembly 50, and further conveyed to the bottom of the metal receiving cavity 111.

[0096] The guide auxiliary mounting component 76 includes a lifting mechanism for lifting the guide component 40 so that the guide component 40 enters the wheel set of the traction assembly 50.

[0097] In some embodiments, the receiving chamber 710 is connected to the melting and crystallization chamber 310 via a traction port 78. The traction port 78 is used to deliver the rod-shaped metal 200 out of the melting and crystallization chamber 310 and the guide 40 into the melting and crystallization chamber 310. The receiving chamber 710 also has a traction port baffle 77 for opening or closing the traction port 78. The traction port baffle 77 is configured to keep the traction port 78 closed during the melting process to maintain the environment and atmosphere inside the melting and crystallization chamber 310, and to open during the delivery of the guide 40 and the shearing and receiving process so that the guide 40 can enter the melting and crystallization chamber 310 and the sheared rod-shaped metal 200 can enter the receiving shell 71.

[0098] In some embodiments, an observation window 711 is formed on the side of the receiving housing 71 to facilitate observation by the operator.

[0099] In some embodiments, see Figure 14 The bar collecting component 73 is transported to the traction component 50 directly below it via the discharge conveyor track, where the bar receiving and placing component 72 places the cut bar-shaped metal 200 into the bar collecting component 73. Once the bar collecting component 73 is full, it is transported to the isolation chamber 750 via the discharge conveyor track. When the isolation chamber 750 is isolated from the receiving chamber 710, the bar collecting component 73 is transported to the outside of the isolation chamber 750 to avoid disrupting the environment and atmosphere inside the receiving chamber 710.

[0100] The bar collecting component 73 has multiple collecting slots, and the bar receiving and placing component 72 is configured to place the cut bar-shaped metal 200 into the corresponding collecting slots.

[0101] In some embodiments, see Figure 14 and Figure 16 , Figure 16This is a schematic diagram of a bar receiving and placing device according to an embodiment of this application. The bar receiving and placing device 72 includes a gripping part 721, a rotating part 722, and a moving part 723; the gripping part 721 is used to grip or release bar-shaped metal 200; the rotating part 722 is used to drive the gripping part 721 to rotate so that the bar-shaped metal 200 rotates from the vertical direction to a first horizontal direction parallel to the extension direction of the discharge conveying track; the moving part 723 is configured to drive the rotating part 722 and the gripping part 721 to move along the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction, and the vertical direction, the second horizontal direction being perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, so that the gripping part 721 can place the bar-shaped metal 200 into each receiving slot of the bar collecting device 73.

[0102] The embodiments of this application, by setting up a gripping part 721, a rotating part 722 and a moving part 723, realize multi-angle material picking and placement of the bar receiving and placing part 72, making the operating area larger and avoiding the inability to adjust when the placement position is unsuitable or accidentally falls.

[0103] In some embodiments, see Figure 14 The moving part 723 further includes a vertical moving part 7231, a first horizontal moving part 7232, and a second horizontal moving part 7233. The vertical moving part 7231 is used to adjust the position of the rotating part 722 and the gripping part 721 in the vertical direction. The first horizontal moving part 7232 is used to adjust the position of the rotating part 722 and the gripping part 721 in the first horizontal direction. The second horizontal moving part 7233 is used to adjust the position of the rotating part 722 and the gripping part 721 in the second horizontal direction. This arrangement allows the gripping part 721 to move and rotate within the receiving housing 71, adjusting and placing the position of the rod-shaped metal 200.

[0104] The first horizontal direction can be the same as the extension direction of the collection groove of the rod collecting member 73, and the second horizontal direction can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the collection groove of the rod collecting member 73.

[0105] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 The continuous casting assembly may also include an electrode 333 for supplying current to the heating element 3313.

[0106] In some embodiments, see Figure 1The continuous casting and forming system for metallic nuclear fuel according to embodiments of this application may further include a first operating shell 80 and a second operating shell 90. The first operating shell 80 forms a sealed first operating space to provide a sealed environment for disassembling, assembling, and maintaining the raw material conveying device 20. The second operating shell 90 forms a sealed second operating space to provide a sealed environment for disassembling, assembling, and maintaining the smelting and crystallization assembly 33, the traction assembly 50, and the shearing assembly 60. The sealed operating space formed by the first and second operating shells facilitates the disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the raw material conveying device 20, the smelting and crystallization assembly 33, the traction assembly 50, and the shearing assembly 60.

[0107] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 10 , Figure 17 , Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a melting and crystallization apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the smelting and crystallization apparatus from another angle according to an embodiment of this application. The smelting and crystallization apparatus 30 may further include an isolation member 110, a casting moving member 120, and a maintenance and fitting housing 100. The smelting and crystallization housing 31 forms a smelting and crystallization chamber 310 with an opening on one side; the maintenance and fitting housing 100 forms a maintenance and fitting chamber 102 with an opening on one side and a second maintenance port 101 for connecting the maintenance and fitting chamber 102 and the second operating space; the opening side of the smelting and crystallization housing 31 and the opening side of the maintenance and fitting housing 100 are connected.

[0108] In some embodiments, the melting and crystallization assembly 33, the traction wheel assembly 53, the correction wheel assembly 54, and the shearing member 61 are detachably disposed on the side of the isolation member 110 facing the melting and crystallization chamber 310; the traction drive member 51, the shearing drive member 62, and the clamping drive member 521 are disposed on the side of the isolation member 110 facing away from the melting and crystallization chamber 310. A coolant pipe 3423 for providing coolant to the melting and crystallization assembly 33 and an electrode 333 for providing current pass through the isolation member 110 and are quickly connected to the melting and crystallization assembly 33.

[0109] The casting moving part 120 is configured to move the isolating part 110 toward the melting and crystallization chamber 310 so that the melting and crystallization assembly 33, the traction wheel set 53, the straightening wheel set 54, and the shearing part 61 are located within the melting and crystallization chamber 310 and the melting and crystallization chamber 310 is closed. Alternatively, it can move the isolating part 110 toward the maintenance and fitting chamber 102 so that the melting and crystallization assembly 33, the traction wheel set 53, the straightening wheel set 54, and the shearing part 61 can be inspected through the second maintenance port 101. Furthermore, the traction drive 51, the shearing drive 62, and the clamping drive 521 can also be inspected through the second maintenance port 101. Therefore, the above configuration facilitates the maintenance of components prone to damage.

[0110] Since the traction drive 51, shear drive 62, and clamping drive 521 are located on the side of the isolation member 110 opposite to the melting and crystallization chamber 310, they also help to reduce the radiation of nuclear material to the traction drive 51, shear drive 62, and clamping drive 521, and improve the service life of the traction drive 51, shear drive 62, and clamping drive 521.

[0111] In some embodiments, the smelting and crystallizing shell 31 includes a smelting and crystallizing shell body 311 forming a top opening and a smelting and crystallizing shell cover 312 detachably connected to the smelting and crystallizing shell body 311 to close or open the top opening; the top of the conveying sealing shell 22 of the raw material conveying device 20 forms an outlet and a cover 222 for closing or opening the outlet, the outlet being aligned with the top opening to allow the smelting and crystallizing assembly 33, the traction wheel set 53, the correction wheel set 54, and the shearing member 61 to be removed from the top opening and the outlet for easy maintenance.

[0112] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 The continuous casting assembly may also include a melting connector 332 for detachably mounting the melting crystallization assembly 33 to the separator 110.

[0113] Embodiments of this application also provide a continuous casting system for metallic nuclear fuel, comprising: a raw material container 10, a raw material conveying device 20, a continuous casting apparatus, a discharge assembly 70, a first operating shell 80, and a second operating shell 90. The raw material container 10 is used to contain solid metal raw materials. The raw material conveying device 20 is used to convey the raw material container 10 to the continuous casting apparatus in a sealed environment. The continuous casting apparatus is configured to melt and crystallize the solid metal raw materials in the raw material container 10 in a sealed environment to continuously form a plurality of rod-shaped metals 200. The raw material conveying device 20 and the continuous casting apparatus are also configured to cooperate with each other to maintain the sealed environment of the continuous casting apparatus when new solid metal raw materials are added to the raw material container 10 located in the continuous casting apparatus using the raw material conveying device 20. The discharge assembly 70 is configured to convey the rod-shaped metals 200 outwards. The first operating shell 80 forms a sealed first operating space to provide a sealed environment for disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the raw material conveying device 20. The second operating housing 90 forms a sealed second operating space to provide a sealed environment for disassembly and maintenance of the continuous casting unit.

[0114] The embodiments of this application, by setting up a raw material container 10 to hold solid metal raw materials and allowing the molten liquid metal formed in the raw material container 10 to flow out from the raw material container 10, can directly use the raw material conveying device 20 to transport the raw material container 10 and solid metal raw materials to the continuous casting device in a sealed environment, and carry out smelting in a sealed environment, reducing the leakage of radioactive nuclides. The continuous casting forming system provided by this application, by setting up a continuous casting device and a discharge assembly 70 to continuously discharge the rod-shaped metal 200, and by cooperating with the raw material conveying device 20 and the continuous casting device, can maintain the sealed environment of the continuous casting device and add new solid metal raw materials to the raw material container 10 located in the continuous casting device, thereby realizing the continuous casting of nuclear fuel. The sealed operating space formed by the first operating shell and the second operating shell facilitates the disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the raw material conveying device 20 and the continuous casting device.

[0115] Because each component can be reused during the continuous casting process of nuclear fuel, the generation of radioactive waste can be reduced.

[0116] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The raw material conveying device 20 includes: a conveying component 21, a conveying sealed housing 22, and a gripping moving seal 23. The feed chamber 321 of the continuous casting device is located inside the conveying sealed housing 22; the gripping moving seal 23 is disposed within the conveying sealed housing 22 and is configured to grip the raw material container 10 and carry it along; the conveying component 21 is configured to convey the raw material container 10 to the gripping position so that the raw material container 10 can be gripped by the gripping moving seal 23; the gripping moving seal 23 is also configured to move the raw material container 10 into the conveying sealed housing 22 and remain within it. The raw material container 10 is fed into the continuous casting device through the feed chamber 321, and cooperates with the continuous casting device to maintain the sealed environment of the continuous casting device when new solid metal raw material is added to the raw material container 10 located in the continuous casting device using the gripping moving seal 23; the conveying sealing housing 22 forms a first inspection port 221 that can be opened or closed, and the first operating space is connected to the conveying sealing housing 22 through the first inspection port 221, thereby facilitating the disassembly and maintenance of the raw material conveying device 20 in a sealed environment.

[0117] In this embodiment, the feed chamber 321 of the continuous casting device is located inside the conveying sealing housing 22. This allows the raw material container 10, including solid metal raw materials, to be conveyed into the continuous casting device within the sealed environment provided by the conveying sealing housing 22, preventing radiation leakage. Furthermore, the gripping moving seal 23 cooperates with the continuous casting device to maintain the sealed environment of the smelting and crystallization device 30 when new solid metal raw materials are added to the raw material container 10 within the continuous casting device using the gripping moving seal 23. Simultaneously, the conveying sealing housing 22 forms a first inspection port 221 that can be opened or closed and communicates with the first operating space, facilitating the disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the raw material conveying device 20 by operators within the first operating space.

[0118] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The continuous casting apparatus includes a casting shell, a continuous casting assembly, an isolator 110, and a casting moving part 120. The casting shell forms a melting and crystallization chamber 310 for casting rod-shaped metal 200, a maintenance and cooperation chamber 102 for facilitating maintenance of the continuous casting assembly, and a second maintenance port 101 for communicating with the maintenance and cooperation chamber 102 and the second operating space. The continuous casting assembly is disposed on the isolator 110. The casting moving part 120 is configured to move the isolator 110 toward the melting and crystallization chamber 310 so that the main body of the continuous casting assembly is located in the melting and crystallization chamber 310 and to close the melting and crystallization chamber 310, or to move the isolator 110 toward the maintenance and cooperation chamber 102 so that the continuous casting assembly can be maintained through the second maintenance port 101.

[0119] The embodiments of this application form a melting and crystallization chamber 310 by setting a casting shell, a maintenance and cooperation chamber 102 for facilitating the maintenance of the continuous casting assembly, a casting moving part 120, and a movable isolation part 110, so that the isolation part 110 can move within the sealed casting shell, so that the part to be maintained can be moved to a position facing the second maintenance port 101, which facilitates the operator to disassemble, assemble, and maintain the continuous casting assembly set on the isolation part 110 in the second operating space.

[0120] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The side of the isolation member 110 away from the melting and crystallization chamber 310 is arc-shaped. This design makes it easier for the isolation member 110 to withstand the pressure generated during melting in the melting and crystallization chamber 310.

[0121] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 as well as Figure 10The casting moving part 120 includes a casting sliding part 121, a casting moving track 122, and a sliding drive. The isolation part 110 is disposed on the casting sliding part 121, the casting sliding part 121 is slidably disposed on the casting moving track 122, and the sliding drive is used to drive the casting sliding part 121 to slide relative to the casting moving track 122.

[0122] The casting moving track 122 is disposed in the maintenance and fitting chamber 102 so that the casting sliding member 121 can drive the isolating member 110 to move toward the melting and crystallization chamber 310 so that the main body of the continuous casting assembly is located in the melting and crystallization chamber 310 and the melting and crystallization chamber 310 is closed, or drive the isolating member 110 to move toward the maintenance and fitting chamber 102 so that the continuous casting assembly can be inspected through the second maintenance port 101.

[0123] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The casting shell includes: a melting and crystallization shell 31 and a maintenance and fitting shell 100. The melting and crystallization shell 31 forms a melting and crystallization chamber 310 with an opening on one side; the maintenance and fitting shell 100 forms a maintenance and fitting chamber 102 with an opening on one side; the opening side of the melting and crystallization shell 31 and the opening side of the maintenance and fitting shell 100 are connected.

[0124] The embodiments of this application provide a melting and crystallization shell 31 and a maintenance and repair shell 100, so that different shell configurations can meet the functional requirements of melting and crystallization and maintenance.

[0125] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The melting and crystallization shell 31 includes a melting and crystallization shell body 311 forming a top opening and a melting and crystallization shell cover 312 detachably connected to the melting and crystallization shell body 311 to close or open the top opening; see also Figure 1 The top of the conveying sealing housing 22 of the raw material conveying device 20 forms an outlet and a cover 222 for closing or opening the outlet. The outlet formed by the conveying sealing housing 22 is aligned with the top opening of the melting and crystallizing housing 31 so that the body of the continuous casting assembly can be taken out from the top opening and the outlet.

[0126] The embodiments of this application, by setting up a smelting and crystallizing shell body 311 and a detachable smelting and crystallizing shell cover 312, and setting up a cover 222 for conveying and sealing the shell 22, enable one or more components of the gripping and moving seal 23 and the continuous casting assembly to be hoisted to the outside after disassembly, and then the replacement components are transported into the smelting and crystallizing shell 31 for replacement, which facilitates the overall replacement operation when multiple components need to be replaced.

[0127] In some embodiments, the melting and crystallization shell body 311 and the melting and crystallization shell cover 312 can be connected by fasteners, such as screws that are threaded into the threaded hole 3111.

[0128] In some embodiments, see Figure 17 The continuous casting assembly includes: a melting and crystallization assembly 33, detachably connected to an isolation member 110 on the side facing the melting and crystallization chamber 310; a coolant pipe 3423 for providing coolant to the melting and crystallization assembly 33 and an electrode 333 for providing current, which pass through the isolation member 110 and are quickly connected to the melting and crystallization assembly 33; a traction member capable of traction of a rod-shaped metal 200, causing the rod-shaped metal 200 to continuously move downward from the melting and crystallization device 30, the traction member being detachably connected to the isolation member 110 on the side facing the melting and crystallization chamber 310; and a traction drive member 51 for driving the traction member to traction the rod-shaped metal 200, the traction drive member 51 being located on the side opposite to the melting and crystallization chamber 310. The traction component 52 is detachably connected to the isolation member 110 on the side facing away from the melting and crystallization chamber 310. The clamping degree adjustment member 52 is used to adjust the clamping degree of the traction member on the rod-shaped metal 200. The clamping degree adjustment member 52 is detachably connected to the isolation member 110 on the side facing away from the melting and crystallization chamber 310. The shearing member 61 is detachably connected to the isolation member 110 on the side facing away from the melting and crystallization chamber 310. The shearing drive member 62 is used to drive the shearing member 61 to shear the rod-shaped metal 200. The shearing drive member 62 is detachably connected to the isolation member 110 on the side facing away from the melting and crystallization chamber 310. The melting and crystallization component 33, the traction member (i.e., the traction wheel set 53 and the correction wheel set 54), and the shearing member 61 form the main body of the continuous casting component.

[0129] This configuration enables a complete casting process for melting, crystallizing, drawing, and shearing the rod-shaped metal 200 under sealed conditions. Furthermore, by setting the aforementioned components to be quick-release and detachably connected to the isolation member 110, operators can quickly disassemble and replace components during maintenance or replacement, reducing the operator's workload.

[0130] The continuous casting system for nuclear fuel provided in the embodiments of this application is used in a radioactive environment. The raw material conveying device 20, the continuous casting device, the discharge assembly 70, the first operating shell 80, and the second operating shell 90 can be located in a hot chamber.

[0131] See Figure 2In some embodiments, the continuous casting and forming system for metallic nuclear fuel further includes a vacuum pumping device, a gas supply device, a cooling device, and a power supply device located outside the heat exchanger. The vacuum pumping device and the gas supply device are both connected to the melting and crystallization chamber 310 via a main gas pipeline 1301, for evacuating the melting and crystallization chamber 310 and supplying gas. The vacuum pumping device and the gas supply device are both connected to the feed chamber 321 via a feed gas pipeline 1302, for evacuating the feed chamber 321 and supplying gas. The cooling device is fluidly connected to the melting and crystallization shell 31 via a pipeline and to the cooling element 342 via a coolant pipeline 3423, for providing coolant to the melting and crystallization shell 31 and the cooling element 342 respectively for cooling. The power supply device is connected to the heating element 3313 via an electrode 333, for supplying current to the heating element 3313.

[0132] In some embodiments, the transport component 21 may include a sealed housing, a sealed door, a lifting mechanism, and a conveyor roller conveyor. The sealed housing of the transport component 21 and the conveying sealed housing 22 have an openable or closable communication channel. The raw material container 10 is placed on the conveyor roller conveyor. When the sealed door is opened, the raw material container 10 enters the sealed housing along with the conveyor roller conveyor. When the raw material container 10 moves to the gripping position, the lifting mechanism raises the raw material container 10 so that it can be gripped by the gripper 231.

[0133] The following is a brief description of the usage of the continuous casting and molding system for nuclear fuel provided in the embodiments of this application, with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples.

[0134] Before casting begins, solid metal raw materials are placed in the raw material container 10 outside the hot chamber. The bottom of the metal receiving cavity 111 of the raw material container 10 is blocked by a block-shaped solid metal baffle to prevent the solid metal raw materials from spilling. The raw material container 10 containing the solid metal raw materials is placed on the conveyor roller of the transporter 21, and the operator can then begin remote operation.

[0135] The conveyor rollers of transport component 21 transport the raw material container 10 to below the gripper 231. The sealing valve of transport component 21 closes, and the lifting mechanism raises the raw material container 10. The connection channel between the conveying sealing housing 22 and the sealing housing of transport component 21 opens, and the gripper 231 grips the raw material container 10. Under the action of the telescopic drive component 237, the raw material container 10 rises into the conveying sealing housing 22 and further into the sealing cylinder 238. After that, the connection channel between the conveying sealing housing 22 and the sealing housing of transport component 21 closes. The horizontal movement drive component 234 drives the horizontal movement component 233 to move the sealing cylinder 238 until it is aligned with the feed inlet 3112. Then, the sealing cylinder 238 moves down to dock with the feed component 32, and the feed chamber 321 is sealed. At this time, the feed port 3112 remains closed, and the feed chamber 321 is evacuated and filled with gas to make the atmosphere in the feed chamber 321 consistent with that in the melting and crystallization chamber 310. Then, the feed port 3112 is opened, and under the action of the telescopic drive component 237, the raw material container 10 is driven to descend into the melting and crystallization chamber 310 and into the positioning and matching channel 3311 of the melting and crystallization component 33.

[0136] After the raw material container 10 is placed, the grasping and moving sealing component 23 exits the melting and crystallization chamber 310 and enters the feeding chamber 321, and then the feeding port 3112 is closed. The guide component 40, under the action of the guide auxiliary mounting component 76, enters the melting and crystallization chamber 310 through the traction port 78, cooperates with the wheel set of the traction assembly 50, and rises under the traction of the traction assembly 50 until the top of the guide component 40 reaches the bottom of the metal receiving cavity 111 of the raw material container 10, preventing the molten metal from flowing out after melting begins. Then, the traction port baffle 77 closes, the guide auxiliary mounting component 76 leaves the receiving chamber 710 through the discharge conveyor track, and the bar collector 73 enters the receiving chamber 710, located directly below the traction port 78, and melting begins.

[0137] The solid metal raw material in the raw material container 10 is melted into liquid metal under the action of the heating element 3313. The guide element 40 moves downward under the action of the traction component 50. The liquid metal flows from the metal receiving cavity 111 into the liquid metal flow channel 112, and then enters the crystallization channel 3411 in the crystallization component 34. The cooling element 342 in the crystallization component 34 cools down the liquid metal. The liquid metal gradually cools down and crystallizes in the crystallization channel 3411, gradually solidifying from a liquid state into a solid rod-shaped metal 200, which is connected to the guide element 40 and moves downward together with the guide element 40.

[0138] When the bottom of the guide member 40 reaches the traction port 78, the traction port baffle 77 opens, at which point the receiving chamber 710 is isolated from the isolation chamber 750. The guide member 40 moves downward into the receiving housing 71. The shearing assembly 60 shears the formed rod-shaped metal 200 according to the preset shearing length. The gripping part 721 of the rod receiving and placing part 72 in the receiving housing 71 grips the rod-shaped metal 200. The rotating part 722 adjusts the axial direction of the rod-shaped metal 200 to be consistent with the extension direction of the receiving groove of the rod collecting part 73. The moving part 723 adjusts the vertical and horizontal positions of the rod-shaped metal 200 and places the rod-shaped metal 200 in the receiving groove of the rod collecting part 73. After the rod collecting part 73 is full, it is transported to the isolation chamber 750 by the discharge conveyor rail. When the isolation chamber 750 is isolated from the receiving chamber 710, the discharge conveyor rail transports the rod collecting part 73 to the outside of the hot chamber.

[0139] When the continuous casting system for metallic nuclear fuel provided in the embodiments of this application needs to be repaired, the radioactive source in the system needs to be removed and cleaned first. After cleaning, the operator enters the first operating shell 80 or the second operating shell 90 according to the location of the component to be repaired.

[0140] When inspecting the gripping movable seal 23, the operator enters the first operating shell 80, causing the horizontal moving part 233 to move other structures to face the first inspection port 221. The operator then opens the first inspection port 221 to perform inspection and replacement.

[0141] When overhauling the continuous casting assembly, the operator enters the second operating housing 90 and moves the isolation piece 110 so that the component to be overhauled faces the second inspection port 101. The operator then opens the second inspection port 101 to carry out overhaul and replacement.

[0142] When a component in the system needs to be replaced as a whole, the operator first removes the component to be removed from the first operating shell 80 and the second operating shell 90; opens the cover 222 on the top of the melting and crystallizing shell 312 and the conveying sealing shell 22, and lifts the component to be replaced from the top opening of the melting and crystallizing shell 31 and the outlet of the conveying sealing shell 22 to the outside of the system. Then, the replacement component is lifted and transported into the system through the top opening of the melting and crystallizing shell 31, and installed by the operator.

[0143] Regarding the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0144] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A continuous casting and forming system for metallic nuclear fuel, characterized in that, include: Raw material container, used to hold solid metal raw materials; A raw material conveying device and a melting and crystallization device, wherein the raw material conveying device is used to convey the raw material container to the melting and crystallization device in a sealed environment; the melting and crystallization device is configured to melt the solid metal raw material in the raw material container in a sealed environment to melt the solid metal raw material into liquid metal; The raw material container is configured to allow the molten liquid metal formed during melting to flow out of the raw material container; The smelting and crystallization apparatus is also configured to crystallize liquid metal flowing out of the raw material container into rod-shaped metal; The traction shearing discharge device is configured to traction the rod-shaped metal formed by the smelting and crystallization device, so that the smelting and crystallization device can continuously form rod-shaped metal, and shear and transport the traction rod-shaped metal to the outside. The raw material conveying device and the smelting and crystallizing device are also configured to cooperate with each other so that, while maintaining the sealed environment of the smelting and crystallizing device, the raw material conveying device can be used to add new solid metal raw materials to or take samples from the raw material container in the smelting and crystallizing device.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw material conveying device includes: a transport component, a conveying sealed housing, and a gripping moving sealed component; The feed chamber of the smelting and crystallization device is located inside the conveying sealed housing; The gripping and moving seal is disposed inside the conveying sealing housing, and the gripping and moving seal is configured to grip the raw material container and carry the raw material container to move. The transport component is configured to convey the raw material container to the gripping position so that the raw material container can be gripped by the gripping movable seal. The gripping moving seal is also configured to move the raw material container into the conveying sealing housing, and to feed the raw material container into the smelting and crystallizing device through the feeding chamber within the conveying sealing housing. It also cooperates with the smelting and crystallizing device to add new solid metal raw materials to or take samples from the raw material container in the smelting and crystallizing device while maintaining the sealed environment of the smelting and crystallizing device.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gripping and moving sealing component includes: a gripping component, a moving track, a horizontal moving component that moves along the moving track, a horizontal moving drive component that drives the horizontal moving component to move along the moving track, a lifting assembly and a sealing cylinder component disposed on the horizontal moving component; The gripping element is disposed on the radial inner side of the sealing cylinder; The horizontal moving component is configured to drive the gripping component and the sealing cylinder from the gripping position to a position aligned with the feeding chamber; The sealing cylinder can be raised and lowered relative to the horizontal moving member so as to seal the feed chamber when aligned with the feed chamber; The lifting assembly is configured to drive the gripper to move up and down, so that the gripper can extend out of the conveying sealing housing to grip the raw material container located at the gripping position and move the gripped raw material container into the conveying sealing housing, and can enter the feeding chamber when the sealing cylinder seals the feeding chamber.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smelting and crystallization apparatus includes a smelting and crystallization shell, a feed component, and smelting and crystallization components. The smelting and crystallization shell is configured to form a sealed smelting and crystallization chamber and a feed inlet communicating with the smelting and crystallization chamber; The feeding component forms a feeding cavity and is configured to close or open the feeding port. The gripping and moving sealing component of the raw material conveying device can seal the feeding cavity. The feeding component is also configured to evacuate or fill the feeding cavity with gas so that the atmosphere of the feeding cavity is the same as that of the melting and crystallization chamber. The melting and crystallization assembly is configured to form a positioning and fitting channel to receive and position the raw material container. The gripping and moving sealing member can move the raw material container into the positioning and fitting channel through the feed inlet. The melting and crystallization assembly is further configured to melt the solid metal raw material in the raw material container to form liquid metal, and to crystallize the liquid metal to form the rod-shaped metal.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The smelting and crystallization assembly includes: smelting and crystallization components, heating components, and crystallization components; The melting and crystallization assembly forms a positioning and mating channel for positioning and mating with the raw material container and a heating cavity located radially outside the positioning and mating channel; the heating element is disposed in the heating cavity for heating the material in the raw material container to form the liquid metal; The crystallization component forms a crystallization channel. The crystallization component is disposed in the positioning and fitting channel and can cooperate with the raw material container so that the liquid metal flowing out of the raw material container can flow into the crystallization channel to crystallize and form the rod-shaped metal.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The crystallization assembly includes a cooling element and a crystallization fitting element that is detachably engaged with the cooling element; The crystallizing component forms the crystallization channel; The cooling element is configured to cool the crystallizing component so that the liquid metal crystallizes in the crystallization channel to form the rod-shaped metal.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cooling components form independent variable-temperature cooling chambers and constant-temperature cooling chambers. The variable-temperature cooling chamber circulates a first coolant with an adjustable temperature to regulate the cooling rate of the liquid metal. The constant temperature cooling chamber is located below the variable temperature cooling chamber, and a second coolant with a constant temperature circulates inside to avoid the rod-shaped metal being subjected to secondary stress due to temperature changes.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw material container includes a container body, a container gripping fitting, and a container positioning fitting. The receiving body forms a metal receiving cavity for receiving the solid metal raw material; The receiving gripping component is used to cooperate with the gripping component of the raw material conveying device so that the receiving body can be gripped. The receiving and positioning fitting is used to cooperate with the crystallization component of the melting and crystallization device so that the liquid formed by melting in the metal receiving cavity can flow into the crystallization component; And a melting and crystallization fitting that mates with the melting and crystallization apparatus to provide positioning and support for the receiving body.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The traction shearing discharge device includes: a guide, a traction assembly, a shearing assembly, and a discharge assembly; The traction assembly is configured to traction the guide member downward, and the guide member is configured to allow the liquid metal in the metal receiving cavity of the raw material container to follow the guide member downward to form a rod-shaped metal. The traction assembly is also configured to traction the rod-shaped metal to continuously move downward, thereby continuously casting the liquid metal into the rod-shaped metal, and correcting the straightness of the formed rod-shaped metal. The shearing component is configured to cut the rod-shaped metal into a preset length; The discharge assembly is configured to receive the cut rod-shaped metal and discharge it to the outside.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The traction assembly includes a traction drive component, a clamping adjustment component, multiple traction wheel sets, and a correction wheel set; The plurality of traction wheel sets and correction wheel sets are arranged at intervals along the direction of movement of the rod-shaped metal, with the rod-shaped metal located between each wheel set; The clamping adjustment component is used to adjust the clamping degree of each traction wheel assembly on the rod-shaped metal; The traction drive is configured to drive the traction wheel assembly to rotate, thereby providing power for the traction of the rod-shaped metal. The correction wheel set is configured to correct the straightness of the formed rod-shaped metal.

11. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The discharge assembly includes: a receiving shell, a bar receiving and placement component, a bar collecting component, a discharge conveying track, and an isolation shell; The receiving shell forms a sealed receiving chamber, which is connected to the melting and crystallization chamber of the melting and crystallization device, so that the rod-shaped metal can enter the receiving chamber; The rod receiving and placing component is configured to receive the cut rod-shaped metal and place the rod-shaped metal on the rod collecting component; The isolation housing forms an isolation chamber that can be operatively connected to or isolated from the receiving chamber. The discharge conveyor track is used to transport the bar collection piece from the receiving chamber to the isolation chamber, and then transport the bar collection piece to the outside of the isolation chamber when the isolation chamber is isolated from the receiving chamber.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The rod receiving and placing component includes a gripping part, a rotating part, and a moving part; the gripping part is used to grip or release the rod-shaped metal. The rotating part is used to drive the gripping part to flip so that the rod-shaped metal is in a first horizontal direction parallel to the extension direction of the discharge conveying track; The moving part is configured to drive the rotating part and the gripping part to move along a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal direction and a vertical direction, wherein the second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, so that the gripping part can place the rod-shaped metal into each receiving slot of the rod collecting member.

13. A continuous casting system for metallic nuclear fuel, characterized in that, It includes: Raw material container, used to hold solid metal raw materials; A raw material conveying device and a continuous casting device, wherein the raw material conveying device is used to convey the raw material container to the continuous casting device in a sealed environment; The continuous casting apparatus is configured to melt and crystallize the solid metal raw material in the raw material container in a sealed environment to continuously form multiple rod-shaped metals. The raw material conveying device and the continuous casting device are also configured to cooperate with each other to maintain the sealed environment of the continuous casting device when new solid metal raw materials are added to the raw material container located in the continuous casting device using the raw material conveying device. The discharge assembly is configured to convey the rod-shaped metal outward; The first operating housing forms a sealed first operating space to provide a sealed environment for disassembling and servicing the raw material conveying device; The second operating housing forms a sealed second operating space to provide a sealed environment for disassembling and servicing the continuous casting apparatus.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The raw material conveying device includes: a transport component, a conveying sealed housing, and a gripping moving sealed component; The feed chamber of the continuous casting device is located inside the conveying sealed housing; The gripping and moving seal is disposed inside the conveying sealing housing, and the gripping and moving seal is configured to grip the raw material container and carry the raw material container to move. The transport component is configured to convey the raw material container to the gripping position so that the raw material container can be gripped by the gripping movable seal. The gripping moving seal is also configured to move the raw material container into the conveying sealing housing, and to feed the raw material container into the continuous casting device through the feed chamber within the conveying sealing housing, and to cooperate with the continuous casting device to maintain the sealed environment of the continuous casting device when adding new solid metal raw material to the raw material container located in the continuous casting device using the gripping moving seal. The conveying sealed housing forms a first inspection port that can be opened or closed. The first operating space is connected to the conveying sealed housing through the first inspection port, thereby facilitating the disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the raw material conveying device in a sealed environment.

15. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The continuous casting apparatus includes a casting shell, a continuous casting assembly, a separator, and a casting moving part; The casting shell forms a melting and crystallization chamber for casting the rod-shaped metal, a maintenance and coordination chamber for facilitating the maintenance of the continuous casting assembly, and a second maintenance port for connecting the maintenance and coordination chamber and the second operating space. The continuous casting assembly is disposed on the isolation member; The casting moving component is configured to move the isolating component toward the melting and crystallization chamber so that the main body of the continuous casting assembly is located in the melting and crystallization chamber and to close the melting and crystallization chamber, or to move the isolating component toward the maintenance and fitting chamber so that the continuous casting assembly can be maintained through the second maintenance port.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The casting shell includes: a melting and crystallization shell and a maintenance and fitting shell. The melting and crystallization shell forms the melting and crystallization chamber with an opening on one side; The maintenance and fitting shell forms the maintenance and fitting chamber with an opening on one side; the opening side of the melting and crystallization shell and the opening side of the maintenance and fitting shell are connected.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The smelting and crystallizing shell includes a smelting and crystallizing shell body forming a top opening and a smelting and crystallizing shell cover detachably connected to the smelting and crystallizing shell body to close or open the top opening; The top of the conveying sealing housing of the raw material conveying device forms an outlet and a cover for closing or opening the outlet, the outlet being aligned with the top opening to remove the body of the continuous casting assembly from the top opening and the outlet.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The continuous casting assembly includes: The melting and crystallization assembly is detachably connected to the isolation member on the side facing the melting and crystallization chamber; Coolant lines for supplying coolant to the melting and crystallizing assembly and electrodes for supplying current pass through the isolator and are quickly connected to the melting and crystallizing assembly. The traction member is capable of pulling the rod-shaped metal to continuously move the rod-shaped metal downward from the melting and crystallization assembly. The traction member is detachably connected to the isolation member on the side facing the melting and crystallization chamber. A traction drive unit is used to drive the traction member to pull the rod-shaped metal. The traction drive unit is detachably connected to the isolation member on the side opposite to the melting and crystallization chamber. A clamping adjustment component is used to adjust the clamping degree of the traction component on the rod-shaped metal. The clamping adjustment component is detachably connected to the isolation component on the side opposite to the melting and crystallization chamber. The shearing component is detachably connected to the isolation component on the side facing the melting and crystallization chamber; A shearing drive is used to drive the shearing member to shear the rod-shaped metal. The shearing drive is detachably connected to the isolation member on the side opposite to the melting and crystallization chamber. The smelting and crystallization component, the traction component, and the shearing component form the main body of the continuous casting component.