A control system for a neutron activation analyzer

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automatic control design technology, and in particular to a control system for a neutron activation analyzer. The technical solution includes a control core module, an electrical isolation module, a power supply module, a communication module, an auxiliary protection module, a host computer module, and a database module. The electrical isolation module includes digital isolation units and analog isolation units. The digital isolation units are used to achieve electrical isolation and conversion between control signals and load signals based on a physical disconnect structure. This invention avoids the impact of voltage spikes and surge currents, protects the PLC module, and improves system stability. It integrates the PLC core control architecture, host computer, and database to achieve integrated management and control of peripheral devices and full-process acquisition, storage, and traceability of operational data. It is equipped with auxiliary protection and maintenance units to ensure safe equipment operation, while simplifying operation and deployment and adapting to on-site testing needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic control design technology, and in particular to a control system for a neutron activation analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Neutron activation analysis is a high-precision non-destructive testing technique based on nuclear reactions, widely used in the field of elemental quantitative analysis, especially suitable for elemental detection in complex organic and inorganic mixed matrices such as coal. The elemental composition of coal directly determines its combustion efficiency, pollutant emission levels, and the quality of subsequent chemical products. Therefore, achieving rapid and accurate detection of multiple elements in coal samples is of great practical significance for the efficient development and clean utilization of coal resources.

[0003] Currently, most industrially used neutron activation analysis methods are based on nuclear reactors. However, this method faces significant limitations in practical application, severely restricting its widespread adoption in industrial scenarios such as coal detection. Firstly, it relies on a strong radioactive source and large-scale supporting facilities. During equipment operation, the extremely high voltage spikes or surge currents generated during ignition can easily be transmitted through signal lines to the PLC I / O modules of the control system, leading to module burnout and communication abnormalities. Furthermore, the large-scale facilities have stringent installation space requirements, making on-site or near-site detection difficult. Secondly, the control system's operation is complex, requiring professional technicians for full-process management and real-time monitoring, resulting in a high operational threshold and making it unsuitable for a wider range of industrial applications. Therefore, this application proposes a control system for a neutron activation analyzer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems in the background art, such as the reliance on large facilities for neutron activation analysis, the susceptibility of PLC modules to damage by voltage spikes and surge currents, and the complexity of operation requiring professional personnel. The invention proposes a control system for neutron activation analyzers.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention: a control system for a neutron activation analyzer, comprising a control core module, an electrical isolation module, a power supply module, a communication module, an auxiliary protection module, a host computer module, and a database module;

[0006] The power supply module provides the appropriate voltage for all modules and peripheral equipment of the neutron activation analyzer;

[0007] The control core module is connected to peripheral devices through an electrical isolation module, communicates with the host computer module and peripheral devices through a communication module, and communicates with the auxiliary protection module.

[0008] The host computer module and the database module communicate bidirectionally.

[0009] The host computer module sends control commands to the control core module via the communication module. The control core module drives the peripheral devices to start and stop and adjust parameters through the electrical isolation module. At the same time, it collects the operation feedback data of the peripheral devices and transmits it to the host computer for real-time display and database storage.

[0010] The auxiliary protection module monitors the status of peripheral devices in real time and triggers protection when abnormalities occur. The host computer module can query historical data through the database to achieve full-process control and traceability.

[0011] Optionally, the control core module is a PLC controller, which is equipped with an analog module, including an analog input module and an analog output module.

[0012] The digital interface and analog module of the PLC controller are connected to the control port, feedback port and analog interface of the peripheral equipment through the corresponding unit of the electrical isolation module, respectively, for the output of control signals, operation status and parameter feedback acquisition.

[0013] The PLC controller's multi-channel control is used for mechanical pump operation feedback, start / stop and reset control of various peripheral devices, and parameter setting and feedback.

[0014] Optionally, the electrical isolation module includes a digital isolation unit and an analog isolation unit;

[0015] Digital isolation units are used to achieve electrical isolation and conversion between control signals and load signals by relying on physical disconnection structures;

[0016] Analog isolation units are used to achieve triple isolation of input, output and power supply, configure signal range, suppress signal interference, and protect PLC analog modules.

[0017] Optionally, the power supply module includes multiple rail-mounted switching power supplies for outputting different adaptive voltages to power the electrical isolation module, the control core module, the microwave source, and the molecular pump.

[0018] Optionally, the communication module includes a serial communication unit and a serial-to-network unit;

[0019] The serial communication unit connects to the microwave source; the serial-to-Ethernet unit integrates a TCP / IP protocol stack for bidirectional transparent transmission between serial port and Ethernet, connecting the molecular pump and the control core module.

[0020] Optionally, the auxiliary protection module includes a thermal overload protection unit and an auxiliary maintenance unit;

[0021] The thermal overload protection unit is located between the PLC controller and the mechanical pump to adapt to the rated current of the mechanical pump drive motor and prevent the motor from overheating.

[0022] The auxiliary maintenance unit is connected to the PLC controller via a network and is used for independent testing and routine maintenance of the subsystem. It does not involve system integration or the neutron generation process.

[0023] Optionally, after the host computer module verifies login permissions and establishes a connection with the PLC controller, it issues equipment control and parameter setting instructions, receives and visualizes real-time equipment operation data, and queries, replays, and exports historical data by time period.

[0024] Optionally, the database module receives and stores peripheral device operation data in real time according to a preset data table. The data table includes a non-empty sampling time field and an operation parameter field of the appropriate type, and responds to the data query command of the host computer module to provide corresponding historical data.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0026] This invention achieves electrical isolation between the control system and field equipment through an electrical isolation module, effectively avoiding the impact of voltage spikes, surge currents, and electromagnetic interference on the PLC module, preventing module burnout and communication abnormalities. Simultaneously, the adaptive design of the control core module and power supply module significantly improves the stability and reliability of the entire control system, reducing equipment damage frequency and maintenance costs. It constructs a collaborative management system integrating the control core module, host computer module, and database module, realizing integrated start-stop control and parameter adjustment of peripheral equipment of the neutron activation analyzer, as well as real-time acquisition, storage, and visualization of equipment operation data. It also allows for querying and replaying historical data by time period, eliminating reliance on professional personnel, lowering the operational threshold, and achieving full data traceability.

[0027] This invention provides real-time status monitoring and anomaly protection for core peripheral equipment such as mechanical pumps through an auxiliary protection module. Combined with the flexible signal transmission capability of the communication module and the lightweight overall architecture design, it not only ensures the long-term safe and continuous operation of the system, but also simplifies deployment requirements, adapts to the needs of industrial scenarios for on-site or near-site detection, breaks through the spatial limitations of traditional technologies, and expands the industrial application scope of neutron activation analysis technology.

[0028] In summary, this invention avoids the impact of voltage spikes and surge currents through an electrical isolation module, protecting the PLC module and improving system stability. It integrates the PLC core control architecture, host computer, and database to achieve integrated management and control of peripheral devices and full-process collection, storage, and traceability of operational data. With the addition of auxiliary protection and maintenance units, it ensures safe operation of equipment, simplifies operation and deployment, and adapts to on-site testing needs. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of a control system for a neutron activation analyzer.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a control program for the host computer module in this invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is another control program flowchart for the host computer module in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features described therein can be combined with each other.

[0033] Example

[0034] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention proposes a control system for a neutron activation analyzer, comprising a control core module, an electrical isolation module, a power supply module, a communication module, an auxiliary protection module, a host computer module, and a database module; the electrical isolation module includes a digital isolation unit and an analog isolation unit; the digital isolation unit is used to achieve electrical isolation and conversion between control signals and load signals by relying on a physical disconnect structure; the analog isolation unit is used to achieve triple isolation of input, output, and power supply, configure signal range, suppress signal interference, and protect the PLC analog module.

[0035] The power supply module provides the appropriate voltage for all modules and peripheral equipment of the neutron activation analyzer; the power supply module includes multiple sets of rail-mounted switching power supplies, which output different appropriate voltages to power the electrical isolation module, the control core module, the microwave source and the molecular pump respectively.

[0036] The control core module is connected to peripheral devices through an electrical isolation module, communicates with the host computer module and peripheral devices through a communication module, and communicates with the auxiliary protection module. The control core module is a PLC controller, which is equipped with an analog module, which includes an analog input module and an analog output module.

[0037] The digital interface and analog module of the PLC controller are connected to the control port, feedback port and analog interface of the peripheral equipment through the corresponding unit of the electrical isolation module, respectively, for the output of control signals, operation status and parameter feedback acquisition.

[0038] The PLC controller's multi-channel control is used for mechanical pump operation feedback, start / stop and reset control of various peripheral devices, and parameter setting and feedback.

[0039] The host computer module and the database module communicate bidirectionally; the database module receives and stores peripheral device operation data in real time according to a preset data table. The data table includes a non-empty sampling time field and an operation parameter field of the appropriate type, and responds to the host computer module's data query command to provide corresponding historical data.

[0040] The host computer module sends control commands to the control core module via the communication module. The control core module drives the start and stop of peripheral devices and adjusts parameters through the electrical isolation module. At the same time, it collects the operation feedback data of the peripheral devices and transmits it synchronously to the host computer for real-time display and database storage. After the host computer module verifies the login permissions and establishes a connection with the PLC controller, it sends equipment control and parameter setting commands, receives and visualizes the real-time operation data of the equipment, and queries, replays, and exports historical data by time period.

[0041] The auxiliary protection module monitors the status of peripheral devices in real time and triggers protection when abnormalities occur. The host computer module can query historical data through the database to achieve full-process control and traceability. The auxiliary protection module includes a thermal overload protection unit and an auxiliary maintenance unit. The thermal overload protection unit is located between the PLC controller and the mechanical pump and is used to adapt to the rated current of the mechanical pump drive motor to prevent the motor from overheating. The auxiliary maintenance unit is connected to the PLC controller through the network and is used for independent testing and daily maintenance of the subsystem. It does not involve system integration and the neutron generation process.

[0042] In this embodiment, the neutron activation analyzer control system is equipped with 1 DI channel for mechanical pump operation feedback, 5 DQ channels for high-voltage power supply start / stop / reset, microwave source start / stop, and mechanical pump start / stop, respectively; 6 AI channels for high-voltage power supply voltage / current feedback, microwave source output / reflection feedback, flow meter flow feedback, and vacuum gauge vacuum feedback; 4 AQ channels for high-voltage power supply voltage / current setting, microwave source input setting, and flow meter flow setting, respectively; and 2 485 signal microwave sources and molecular pump signal requirements. The system control cabinet schematic is first drawn using AutoCAD Electrical 2025, and an S7-1200 PLC is used as the control core, with expansion of S... The core hardware architecture consists of an M1231 analog input module, an SM1232 analog output module, a CM1241 RS422 / 485 communication module, and a Maiwei Mport3101R serial-to-Ethernet module. It also includes a WAGO857-304 relay module, a WAGO857-409 isolation converter module, a Schneider LRN10N thermal overload protector, and three sets of NDR-240-24, NDR-480-24, and NDR-480-48 rail-mounted switching power supplies. These three power supplies supply power to the PLC, isolation module, microwave source fan, and molecular pump, respectively, while providing power to the microwave source. The thermal overload protector is connected in series with the mechanical... In the pump control circuit, during hardware wiring, PLC pins Q0.0-Q0.4 are connected to the high-voltage power supply, microwave source, and mechanical pump control interface via a WAGO857-304 relay module, respectively. Mechanical pump operation feedback is connected to PLC I0.1 via this module. SM1231 pins I0.0-I0.5 and SM1232 pins Q0.0-Q0.3 are connected to the analog feedback and setting interfaces of peripheral devices via a WAGO857-409 isolation conversion module. The microwave source's 485 signal is connected to the PLC via a CM1241 module, and the molecular pump's 485 signal is connected to the PLC's network port via a Maiwei Mport3101R. The microwave source communication is configured with a baud rate of 96. The Modbus RTU protocol, with 0.00 parity and 0.8 data bits, allows the molecular pump to achieve bidirectional transparent transmission between serial port and Ethernet. It communicates with the PLC using a custom TCP / IP protocol. Subsequently, a PLC control program was written using TIAPortalV17, defining digital signals as boolean type and analog signals as real type. The PLC's internal 0-27648 values ​​were mapped to 0-10V voltage signals, and the conversion was performed according to the device's range. Specifically, high-voltage power supplies (0-100kV voltage, 0-10mA current) correspond to 0-10V, microwave sources (0-300W power) correspond to 0-3V, flow meters (0-5Sccm flow rate), and vacuum gauges (10⁻⁻⁴). 5 -10 5The vacuum level corresponds to 0-5V. At the same time, the microwave source communication program is written by calling the "Modbus_Comm_Load" and "Modbus_Master" instructions. The communication and data transmission of the molecular pump are realized through the "TCON", "TSEND" and "TRCV" instructions. Then, the host computer program is developed based on Visual Studio and used with SQL Server database to realize data storage. A data table containing datetime2(1) type non-empty sampling time column and float type equipment operation parameter field is created in SQL Server to store data such as molecular pump speed, vacuum feedback, flow feedback, microwave positive and negative feedback, and high voltage power supply voltage / current feedback. The host computer sets up a login permission verification mechanism. After the verification is passed, it can realize the connection / disconnection with PLC. After the connection is successful, it can issue peripheral equipment parameter setting and start / stop control instructions. The system collects equipment operating data in real time and displays the operating status with indicator lights. It also visualizes flow rate / microwave power and high-voltage power supply voltage / current data using hyperbolic curves. The host computer is equipped with a historical data playback module, supporting data queries by time period, displayed in tabular and curve formats. Detailed information can be viewed by clicking on data points, and the queried data can be exported to Excel format. The export function is disabled when no data is being queried. Furthermore, an industrial touch screen all-in-one machine is configured and connected to the PLC via network. This machine is used solely for independent functional testing and daily maintenance verification of each subsystem. The operation process does not involve system integration or the physical processes of neutron generation, ensuring the safety of maintenance operations. Through the combination and implementation of the aforementioned hardware and software, the entire system achieves integrated and stable control of peripheral equipment of the neutron activation analyzer, such as mechanical pumps, molecular pumps, vacuum gauges, flow meters, high-voltage power supplies, and microwave sources, enabling real-time acquisition, storage, and traceability of equipment operating data.

[0043] The above specific embodiments are merely several optional embodiments of the present invention. Based on the technical solutions of the present invention and the relevant teachings of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various alternative improvements and combinations to the above specific embodiments.

Claims

1. A control system for a neutron activation analyzer, characterized in that, It includes a control core module, an electrical isolation module, a power supply module, a communication module, an auxiliary protection module, a host computer module, and a database module; The power supply module provides the appropriate voltage for all modules and peripheral equipment of the neutron activation analyzer; The control core module is connected to peripheral devices through an electrical isolation module, communicates with the host computer module and peripheral devices through a communication module, and communicates with the auxiliary protection module. The host computer module and the database module communicate bidirectionally. The host computer module sends control commands to the control core module via the communication module. The control core module drives the peripheral devices to start and stop and adjust parameters through the electrical isolation module. At the same time, it collects the operation feedback data of the peripheral devices and transmits it to the host computer for real-time display and database storage. The auxiliary protection module monitors the status of peripheral devices in real time and triggers protection when abnormalities occur. The host computer module can query historical data through the database to achieve full-process control and traceability.

2. The control system for a neutron activation analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core control module is a PLC controller, which is equipped with an analog module, which includes an analog input module and an analog output module. The digital interface and analog module of the PLC controller are connected to the control port, feedback port and analog interface of the peripheral equipment through the corresponding unit of the electrical isolation module, respectively, for the output of control signals, operation status and parameter feedback acquisition. The PLC controller's multi-channel control is used for mechanical pump operation feedback, start / stop and reset control of various peripheral devices, and parameter setting and feedback.

3. The control system for a neutron activation analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical isolation module includes a digital isolation unit and an analog isolation unit; Digital isolation units are used to achieve electrical isolation and conversion between control signals and load signals by relying on physical disconnection structures; Analog isolation units are used to achieve triple isolation of input, output and power supply, configure signal range, suppress signal interference, and protect PLC analog modules.

4. The control system for a neutron activation analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply module includes multiple rail-mounted switching power supplies, which output different adaptive voltages to power the electrical isolation module, the control core module, the microwave source, and the molecular pump.

5. A control system for a neutron activation analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The communication module includes a serial communication unit and a serial-to-network unit; The serial communication unit connects to the microwave source; the serial-to-Ethernet unit integrates a TCP / IP protocol stack for bidirectional transparent transmission between serial port and Ethernet, connecting the molecular pump and the control core module.

6. The control system for a neutron activation analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary protection module includes a thermal overload protection unit and an auxiliary maintenance unit; The thermal overload protection unit is located between the PLC controller and the mechanical pump to adapt to the rated current of the mechanical pump drive motor and prevent the motor from overheating. The auxiliary maintenance unit is connected to the PLC controller via a network and is used for independent testing and routine maintenance of the subsystem. It does not involve system integration or the neutron generation process.

7. The control system for a neutron activation analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the host computer module verifies login permissions and establishes a connection with the PLC controller, it issues equipment control and parameter setting instructions, receives and visualizes real-time equipment operation data, and queries, replays, and exports historical data by time period.

8. The control system for a neutron activation analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The database module receives and stores peripheral device operation data in real time according to a preset data table. The data table includes a non-empty sampling time field and an operation parameter field of the appropriate type, and responds to the data query command of the host computer module to provide corresponding historical data.

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