A system for detecting the content of elements in concrete using a neutron tube

Abstract

The application discloses a system for detecting element content in concrete by using a neutron tube, which comprises an integrated radiation detection device, a bearing frame, a foldable cantilever and a device bearing vehicle, wherein the device bearing vehicle is connected with the bearing frame through the foldable cantilever, and the integrated radiation detection device is located in the bearing frame, wherein the integrated radiation detection device comprises a DD neutron generator and a gamma ray spectrometer, and the gamma ray spectrometer is connected with the DD neutron generator, and the system can detect the element content in concrete by using the neutron tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of radionuclide detection technology and relates to a system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube. Background Technology

[0002] The basic components of concrete are water, aggregates such as sand and gravel, cement, and some additives. Hardened cement is mainly composed of hydrated silicate alkaline substances, which are easily corroded, leading to exposed and loose aggregates, ultimately causing overall deterioration. Furthermore, the surface and internal structure of concrete contain many tiny channels and pores, allowing water and other substances to easily penetrate and undergo physical or chemical reactions, resulting in expansion, loosening, and cracking.

[0003] Research indicates that the main corrosive substances in seawater and salt spray that damage concrete structures are sulfates and magnesium salts. The specific corrosion process involves sulfates reacting chemically with substances within the concrete structure to generate substances that expand in volume. As their quantity increases, these substances directly damage the concrete structure – this is sulfate corrosion. Magnesium salts also react with substances within the concrete structure to form water-soluble gels. Magnesium salt erosion reduces the bonding strength of the concrete structure, leading to a decrease in hardness. Carbonation occurs when calcium hydroxide within the concrete reacts with carbon dioxide gas that penetrates the pores. This neutralization reaction lowers the alkalinity of the concrete structure, damaging the protective film on the reinforcing steel and causing it to rust. Initially, the high alkalinity of the concrete structure provides a good environment to prevent steel corrosion. However, when chloride ions carried by water vapor enter the concrete, their properties cause severe damage to the protective film on the steel surface within a short time, leading to corrosion and reduced mechanical properties. Simultaneously, the continuous accumulation of corrosion products further destroys the concrete structure on the surface of the steel. During service, concrete structures are subjected to prolonged dynamic and static loads, as well as erosion from waves and other factors, which damages the surface, exposing the internal reinforcing steel and leading to structural failure. Furthermore, concrete is highly susceptible to cracks and other defects under load, and these cracks further exacerbate chemical corrosion from other harmful agents.

[0004] The safety performance of concrete structures such as bridge piers, dams, and nuclear power plant containment structures is extremely important, but they are exposed to humid and high-concentration salt spray environments for a long time, and the concrete is subject to severe erosion. Currently, the sampling test method is often used to detect whether concrete has failed. The specific operation process is as follows: multiple samples are dug from different locations of the concrete structure, and the microstructure and element content of the samples are tested (mainly Cl, S and other elements) to determine whether it has failed. This test method has the following problems: (1) Sampling can cause cracks, which is also a kind of damage to the concrete structure. Shallow sampling depth will lead to inaccurate analysis results, and excessive sampling depth will destroy the protective function of concrete for steel reinforcement. (2) Sampling is inconvenient: For the offshore parts of structures such as bridge piers and dams, manual sampling is inconvenient and often cannot cover all surfaces of the structure.

[0005] To address the issue of optimizing sampling and measurement methods, there is an urgent need to design a method that utilizes a DD neutron generator as a radiation source to directly measure concrete structures that are difficult or inconvenient to sample, such as bridge piers, dams, nuclear power plant containment vessels, and the exterior walls of important coastal buildings. The equipment should be lightweight, allowing it to be transported to the testing area using elevators or similar devices, and operated remotely by personnel. Radiation protection should primarily rely on distance shielding. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a system for detecting the element content in concrete using a neutron tube.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses a system for detecting the elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube, comprising an integrated X-ray detection device, a support frame, a foldable cantilever, and an equipment carrier vehicle. The equipment carrier vehicle is connected to the support frame via the foldable cantilever, and the integrated X-ray detection device is located within the support frame. The integrated X-ray detection device includes a DD neutron generator and a gamma-ray spectrometer, with the gamma-ray spectrometer connected to the DD neutron generator.

[0008] The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube, as described in this invention, is further improved in that: Furthermore, it also includes a remote control, which is connected to the integrated X-ray detection device 2 and the foldable cantilever.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a remote transmission function module, which is connected to the integrated X-ray detection device.

[0010] Furthermore, the integrated X-ray detection device is equipped with a camera.

[0011] Furthermore, the camera is connected to external devices via a remote transmission module.

[0012] Furthermore, the remote controller is connected to the integrated X-ray detection device and the foldable cantilever via a remote transmission module.

[0013] Furthermore, during operation, the integrated X-ray detection device's position image is captured by a camera, and the foldable cantilever is controlled by a remote control to ensure that the integrated X-ray detection device is directly facing the detection location.

[0014] Furthermore, the lifting and lowering height of the foldable cantilever is greater than or equal to 15m.

[0015] Furthermore, the foldable cantilever and equipment-carrying vehicle together form a load-bearing crane.

[0016] Furthermore, the vehicle carrying the equipment is electrically driven.

[0017] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube, as described in this invention, involves aligning the integrated X-ray detection device with the detection position via a foldable cantilever, and then using a DD neutron generator and a gamma-ray spectrometer for detection. The elemental content in the concrete is calculated based on the detection results. The system is simple to operate and highly practical. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present invention.

[0019] Among them, 1 is the containment vessel, 2 is the integrated radiation detection device, 3 is the load-bearing frame, 4 is the foldable cantilever, and 5 is the equipment carrying vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0022] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this invention generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship.

[0024] It should be understood that although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in the embodiments of the present invention to describe the preset range, these preset ranges should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the preset ranges from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present invention, the first preset range may also be referred to as the second preset range, and similarly, the second preset range may also be referred to as the first preset range.

[0025] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate various structural schematic diagrams according to embodiments disclosed in this invention. These drawings are not to scale, and some details have been enlarged for clarity, and some details may have been omitted. The shapes of the various regions and layers shown in the drawings, as well as their relative sizes and positional relationships, are merely exemplary and may deviate from reality due to manufacturing tolerances or technical limitations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can design regions / layers with different shapes, sizes, and relative positions as needed.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to the present invention includes an integrated X-ray detection device 2, a support frame 3, a foldable cantilever 4, and an equipment carrier vehicle 5. The equipment carrier vehicle 5 is connected to the support frame 3 via the foldable cantilever 4, and the integrated X-ray detection device 2 is located inside the support frame 3.

[0029] It should be noted that the integrated X-ray detection device 2 includes a DD neutron generator and a gamma-ray spectrometer, with the gamma-ray spectrometer connected to the DD neutron generator.

[0030] In this embodiment, the DD neutron generator uses a DD neutron tube as the radiation source and provides the Cl and S nuclide content through transient gamma measurement. Since rapid measurement is not required, the neutron yield requirement for the DD neutron tube is not high, generally exceeding 5 × 10⁻⁶. 7 n / s is sufficient to meet the requirements. Based on the characteristics of the concrete structure being measured, the measurement depth must be no less than 15cm. According to radiation protection requirements, a single measurement should generally not exceed 10 minutes.

[0031] In this embodiment, the gamma-ray spectrometer has the ability to accurately identify the gamma rays of elements such as Cl, Si, Ca, S, Mg, Na, and K. Using standard concrete content information and the relative proportions of Cl and S, the absolute contents of Cl and S are calculated.

[0032] According to standards such as GB 50164-2010 "Maximum Chloride Ion Content in Prestressed Concrete" and GB 50476-2019 "Durability Design Standard for Concrete Structures," when accurate identification of target elements is required, the lower limits for measurement of each target element are: Cl: 600 ppm, S: 5000 ppm, Na: 2500 ppm, K: 1645 ppm, Mg: 50000 ppm. The measurement precision for each target element is (one-tenth of the lower limit, rounded to 200 for values ​​exceeding 200): Cl: 60 ppm, S: 200 ppm, Na: 200 ppm, K: 164 ppm, Mg: 200 ppm.

[0033] The DD neutron generator and gamma-ray spectrometer need to be integrated into one unit, forming an integrated X-ray detection device 2. The integrated X-ray detection device 2 also includes a camera and a remote transmission module, ensuring that remote operators can understand the probe position through a user's laptop.

[0034] In this embodiment, the foldable cantilever 4 and the equipment carrier vehicle 5 form a carrier crane. The carrier crane is used to fix the integrated X-ray detection device 2, which includes a DD neutron generator and a gamma-ray spectrometer, and to control the integrated X-ray detection device 2 to complete the detection work. The carrier crane is electrically driven, and the foldable cantilever 4 can freely lift, lower, and rotate, ensuring that all planes of the structure can be measured. The lifting and lowering height of the foldable cantilever 4 is not less than 15m. The lifting and rotation of the foldable cantilever 4 can be remotely controlled.

[0035] Before conducting radiation detection operations, a protected area must be established around the concrete structure to prevent radiation contamination of people and objects. Then, the equipment carrier vehicle 5 is driven to the working position, the DD neutron generator and gamma-ray spectrometer are turned on, and the integrated radiation detection device 2 is remotely controlled. After completing the detection of the concrete structure, the DD neutron generator and gamma-ray spectrometer are turned off. Once the radiation intensity in the protected area has decreased below the safe limit, the protective device is removed.

[0036] The specific usage process of this invention is as follows: Before inspecting containment vessel 1, the equipment carrier vehicle 5 is driven to the vicinity of containment vessel 1 to determine the locations on containment vessel 1 where equipment flaw detection is required. A fence is then erected around containment vessel 1 to prevent personnel from approaching. The foldable cantilever 4 is adjusted via remote control, and the camera function of the integrated X-ray detection device 2 is activated to confirm the specific locations requiring X-ray irradiation.

[0037] Remotely activate the integrated X-ray detection device 2 to preheat and burn-in the equipment. After preheating, activate the integrated X-ray detection device 2 and perform X-ray irradiation. After irradiation, confirm the X-ray spectrum is correct and save it. Readjust the foldable cantilever 4 to complete the irradiation of all points.

[0038] After shutting down the integrated radiation detection device 2 and waiting for a certain period of time until the radioactivity of the irradiated area meets radiation protection requirements, the fence is removed and the equipment carrier vehicle 5 is driven away. Based on the stored detection results, the absolute contents of Cl and S are calculated using standard concrete content information and the relative proportions of Cl and S.

[0039] This invention has the following characteristics: This invention is non-destructive to concrete structures: Currently used sampling and testing methods often suffer from inaccurate analysis results due to shallow sampling depths, while excessively deep sampling depths can damage the concrete's protective function against reinforcing steel. This method uses X-ray detection, which is non-destructive to concrete buildings.

[0040] This invention eliminates the need for manual sampling: For offshore sections of structures such as bridge piers and dams, manual sampling is inconvenient and often cannot cover all surfaces of the structure. Radiographic testing only requires remote control of the foldable cantilever 4 to deliver the integrated radiographic detection device 2 to the location to be tested, eliminating the need for manual sampling.

[0041] The present invention has a fast detection speed: traditional detection methods require sampling and detection of the microstructure and elemental content of the sample, and physical and chemical analysis is slow; radiographic testing generally takes no more than 10 minutes for a single measurement and can image on the spot.

[0042] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and disclosure of the invention. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0043] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0044] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Any simple modifications, alterations, or equivalent structural changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube, characterized in that, The device includes an integrated X-ray detection device (2), a support frame (3), a foldable cantilever (4), and an equipment carrier vehicle (5). The equipment carrier vehicle (5) is connected to the support frame (3) via the foldable cantilever (4). The integrated X-ray detection device (2) is located inside the support frame (3). The integrated X-ray detection device (2) includes a DD neutron generator and a gamma-ray spectrometer, and the gamma-ray spectrometer is connected to the DD neutron generator.

2. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a remote control, which is connected to the integrated X-ray detection device (2) and the foldable cantilever (4).

3. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a remote transmission function module, which is connected to the integrated X-ray detection device (2).

4. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 3, characterized in that, The integrated X-ray detection device (2) is equipped with a camera.

5. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, The camera is connected to external devices via a remote transmission module.

6. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 5, characterized in that, The remote controller is connected to the integrated X-ray detection device (2) and the foldable cantilever (4) via the remote transmission function module.

7. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 6, characterized in that, During operation, the camera captures the position image of the integrated X-ray detection device (2), and the remote control controls the foldable cantilever (4) so ​​that the integrated X-ray detection device (4) faces the detection position.

8. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting and lowering height of the foldable cantilever (4) is greater than or equal to 15m.

9. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foldable cantilever (4) and the equipment carrying vehicle (5) form a carrying crane.

10. The system for detecting elemental content in concrete using a neutron tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The equipment carrier vehicle (5) is electrically driven.

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