A fixing device for spent fuel transport containers

Abstract

This application discloses a fixing device for a spent nuclear fuel transport container, including a support frame and a saddle assembly, a front support member, and a rear support member mounted on the support frame. The saddle assembly has an arc-shaped groove on its upper part, and a shock-absorbing structure is provided on the arc-shaped groove. A binding strap is provided on the saddle assembly, and the binding strap works with the arc-shaped groove to lock the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. The front support member includes a column, and a first lifting lug is provided on the top of the column. The rear support member includes two support plates, and opposing trunnion units are provided on the upper part of the two support plates. The trunnion units are connected to the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container for overturning the container. A second lifting lug is provided on the top of the support plates. A shielding cover is also included, which is placed over the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. The fixing device of this application possesses shock resistance, cushioning, sealing, and corrosion resistance performance in complex transportation environments. The binding strap and trunnion units allow the fixing device to adapt to high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport containers of different sizes and shapes, increasing flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of nuclear fuel waste transportation, and more particularly to a fixing device for a spent fuel transportation container. Background Technology

[0002] Spent nuclear fuel, also known as irradiated nuclear fuel, is highly radioactive nuclear fuel that has been exposed to radiation and used. It contains large amounts of uranium / plutonium fission products, minor actinides, and other radioactive elements. If not properly handled, it can seriously affect the environment and the health of those exposed to it. Therefore, spent nuclear fuel is typically transported in special transport containers, usually multi-layered shielded containers, also known as high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport containers. These containers are typically made of steel-lead-boron-polyethylene composite. According to IAEA SSR-6 standards, the container securing system must be able to withstand a dynamic load of 0.3g acceleration. To ensure that the transport containers are not damaged by vibration or collisions during transport (road, rail, sea), securing devices are usually installed on the outside of the containers to secure and protect them.

[0003] Currently, the design of the fixing devices for transport containers is relatively simple, mainly to meet basic fixing and protection functions, and has the following disadvantages: 1. The rigid welded frame is used, which has a narrow range of applicability; 2. The modularity is low, and replacement requires the removal of the entire structure; 3. These defects result in the average time taken for the replacement operation being 3-5 working days, which significantly increases the turnover cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, this application provides a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container includes a support frame composed of two bottom beams and two cross beams. The support frame is a rectangular frame and includes opposing first and second ends. A saddle assembly is disposed on the first end of the support frame. The upper part of the saddle assembly is provided with an arc-shaped groove for supporting the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. A shock-absorbing structure made of flexible polymer material is provided on the contact surface between the arc-shaped groove and the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. A binding strap is a flexible arc-shaped structure obtained by bending a metal strip. The binding strap cooperates with the arc-shaped groove to lock the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. A front support is also included. The support consists of a front support member disposed at the first end of the support frame, comprising two columns respectively disposed on both sides of the saddle assembly, with a first lifting lug at the top of each column; a rear support member disposed at the second end of the support frame, comprising two support plates, with opposing retractable trunnions at the upper part of each support plate, the trunnions being connected to the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container for overturning the container, and a second lifting lug at the top of each support plate; and a shielding cover connected to both the front and rear support members, covering the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container.

[0006] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein the saddle assembly (20) is provided with two mounting slots (23), and the two ends of the binding strap (30) are respectively inserted into the two mounting slots (23).

[0007] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein a first connecting hole (22) is provided at the mounting slot (23), and a second connecting hole (31) is provided on the binding strap (30) to cooperate with the first connecting hole (22). After the binding strap (30) is inserted into the mounting slot (23), a bolt is used to pass through the first connecting hole (22) and the second connecting hole (31) to fix the binding strap (30) on the saddle assembly (20).

[0008] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein a plurality of first connection holes (22) are provided on the wall of the mounting slot (23), and the plurality of first connection holes (22) are arranged in the vertical direction. After the binding strap (30) is inserted into the mounting slot (23), the second connection hole (31) can select one of the first connection holes (22) for mating connection.

[0009] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein the trunnion unit (51) includes a fixing member (511) fixed to the support plate (50) and a sliding member (512) slidably connected within the fixing member (511).

[0010] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein both the bottom beam and the crossbeam are I-beams.

[0011] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein a plurality of heat dissipation holes are provided on the vertical surface of the bottom beam.

[0012] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein a plurality of reinforcing ribs are provided on the outer side of the bottom beam.

[0013] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein the front support member (40) includes two columns (41), the two columns (41) are respectively disposed on both sides of the saddle assembly (20), the top of the columns (41) is respectively provided with a first lifting lug (43), and the top of the two support plates (50) is respectively provided with a second lifting lug (52).

[0014] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein a reinforcing member (42) is provided between the column (41) and the bottom beam (10).

[0015] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein the upper part of the binding strap is provided with a plurality of third lifting lugs.

[0016] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein two wedges for supporting a transport container of highly radioactive nuclear fuel waste are fixedly installed on the crossbeam, and the inclined surfaces of the wedges are arranged opposite each other to form a trapezoidal or V-shaped structure.

[0017] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein one side of the shield is connected to the front support and the rear support via a hinge.

[0018] According to the first aspect of this application, a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container is provided, wherein the contact surface between the arc groove (21) and the high-radioactivity nuclear fuel waste transport container is provided with a shock-absorbing structure made of flexible polymer material.

[0019] This application has the following beneficial effects: This application provides a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container, comprising a support frame, a saddle assembly, straps, a front support, a rear support, and a shielding cover. Through modular design, it constructs a fixing device capable of securing and protecting a spent fuel transport container. It possesses high strength and shock absorption capabilities, exhibiting anti-vibration, buffering, heat dissipation, and corrosion resistance in complex transport environments, ensuring the stability, reliability, and safety of spent fuel transport. The straps and trunnion units allow the fixing device to adapt to transport containers of different sizes and shapes of high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste, increasing its flexibility and compatibility.

[0020] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the remaining components of the fixing device after the shielding cover has been removed; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The main view; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Side view; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the binding strap; Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the saddle assembly; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the trunnion unit.

[0022] Explanation of icon numbers: Bottom beam 10, bolt mounting holes 11, vertical surface 12, reinforcing rib 13, heat dissipation hole 14, saddle assembly 20, arc groove 21, first connecting hole 22, mounting slot 23, binding strap 30, second connecting hole 31, third lifting lug 32, front support 40, column 41, reinforcing member 42, first lifting lug 43, support plate 50, trunnion unit 51, fixing member 511, sliding member 512, second lifting lug 52, crossbeam 60, wedge block 61, shielding cover 70, hinge 71. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0024] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0025] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0026] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 6 The provided embodiments further illustrate the fixing device for a spent fuel transport container proposed in this application.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments of this application provide a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container, including multiple components such as a support frame, a saddle assembly 20, a binding strap 30, a front support 40, a rear support, and a shield 70.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the support frame is composed of two bottom beams 10 and two cross beams 60. The support frame is a rectangular frame structure, with the bottom beams 10 as the long side and the cross beams 60 as the short side. It is conceivable that in some embodiments, diagonal steel bars can be provided at the corners of the support frame to form a triangular structure, thereby strengthening the structure of the support frame. The support frame includes opposing first and second ends, generally distributed at both ends of the long side of the support frame. The bottom of the support frame is provided with several bolt mounting holes 11 for fixed connection with the transport vehicle. The support frame also provides support for the entire fixed device and the high-radioactivity nuclear fuel waste transport container placed on the fixed device.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the saddle assembly 20 is disposed on the first end of the support frame. The upper part of the saddle assembly 20 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 21 for supporting the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. It is easy to understand that the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container is generally cylindrical or pseudo-cylindrical. The arc-shaped groove 21 can fit well with the surface of the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container to provide better support without damaging the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. Furthermore, a shock-absorbing structure made of flexible polymer material is provided on the contact surface between the arc-shaped groove 21 and the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container, which can effectively reduce the impact of vibration during transportation and ensure the stability, reliability and safety of spent fuel transportation.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the binding strap 30 is an elastic arc-shaped structure obtained by bending a metal strip. The binding strap 30, together with the arc-shaped groove 21, forms a near-circular limiting ring to lock the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container, ensuring that the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container does not move radially during transportation, thereby improving the stability of spent fuel transportation.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a front support member 40 is disposed at the first end of a support frame, and a rear support member is disposed at the second end of the support frame. The front support member 40 includes two columns 41, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the saddle assembly 20. Each column 41 has a first lifting lug 43 at its top. The rear support member includes two support plates 50, with opposing trunnion units 51 disposed on their upper parts. The trunnion units 51 are connected to the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container for the purpose of overturning the container. Each support plate 50 has a second lifting lug 52 at its top. The front and rear support members protect parts of the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container and provide support for the shielding cover 70. Furthermore, the first lifting lugs 43 and second lifting lugs 52 facilitate the horizontal lifting and handling of the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container by a lifting device. The upper part of the support plate 50 is provided with a corresponding trunnion unit 51. The trunnion unit 51 can be set with an extended length according to the size of the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container to adapt to high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport containers of different sizes, thereby improving the adaptability and flexibility of the fixing device. The trunnion unit 51 extends into the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container for connection, so that the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container can rotate around the trunnion unit 51, thereby realizing the flipping of the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the shielding cover 70 is connected to the front support member 40 and the rear support member respectively. The shielding cover 70 is positioned above the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container, changing the semi-enclosed structure of the fixing device to a fully enclosed structure. This provides protection for the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container, making it safer and more reliable, while also protecting personnel from burns caused by the high temperature of the container. To improve protective capabilities, the shielding cover 70 needs to be made of a robust and heat-resistant material, such as stainless steel. Furthermore, the shielding cover 70 can adopt a mesh structure to achieve a lightweight design, reducing the overall weight of the device, while improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container and facilitating transportation.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the bottom beam 10 and the crossbeam 60 are both I-beams, possessing excellent torsional and compressive strength, forming a robust and reliable support frame structure that also achieves lightweight design. Furthermore, it is readily apparent that in other embodiments of this application, the bottom beam 10 and the crossbeam 60 can also be box beams, similarly providing a robust and reliable structure.

[0034] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown in some embodiments of this application, a plurality of heat dissipation holes 14 are provided on the vertical surface 12 of the bottom beam 10. As can be seen from the figure, the middle of the support frame is hollow. With the help of the heat dissipation holes 14 on both sides of the bottom beam 10, some of the heat generated by the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container can be dissipated to the outside through the heat dissipation holes 14 on the bottom beam 10, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a number of reinforcing ribs 13 are provided on the outer side of the bottom beam 10 to strengthen the structure of the bottom beam 10 and enhance its load-bearing capacity. It is conceivable that different numbers of reinforcing ribs 13 can be provided according to the weight of the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. In addition, the reinforcing ribs 13 and the heat dissipation holes 14 need to be staggered to avoid overlapping and affecting the structural integrity.

[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the saddle assembly 20 is provided with two mounting slots 23, and the two ends of the binding strap 30 are respectively inserted into the two mounting slots 23 to better secure the binding strap 30. It is readily apparent that, to further tighten and secure the binding strap 30, in some embodiments, the mounting slot 23 is provided with a first connecting hole 22, and the binding strap 30 is provided with a second connecting hole 31 that mates with the first connecting hole 22. After the binding strap 30 is inserted into the mounting slot 23, bolts are used to pass through the first connecting hole 22 and the second connecting hole 31 to secure the binding strap 30 to the saddle assembly 20. The bolt connection is reliable and stable, and can prevent the binding strap 30 from loosening.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the upper part of the binding strap 30 is provided with a plurality of third lifting lugs 32, which can be used to lift the binding strap 30 onto the high radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container for installation, facilitating construction.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a reinforcing member 42 is provided between the column 41 and the bottom beam 10. The reinforcing member 42 is inclined, so that the column 41, the reinforcing member 42 and the bottom beam 10 form a stable triangular structure, which effectively supports the column 41 and improves the overall stability of the fixing device.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments of this application, two wedges 61 for supporting high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport containers are fixedly provided on the crossbeam 60. The inclined surfaces of the wedges 61 are arranged opposite each other to form a trapezoidal or V-shaped structure, which can adapt to high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport containers of different sizes, and at least two contact force points are formed at the bottom of the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container, thereby improving the stability of the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container after placement.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, one side of the shield 70 can be connected to the front support 40 and the rear support via a hinge 71. The hinge 71 connection allows the shield 70 to rotate and open to one side, thus facilitating the placement and removal of the high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container. It is readily apparent that the other side of the shield 70 can be bolted to the front support 40 and the rear support on the other side.

[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, the various modules of the fixing device, including the support frame, saddle assembly, binding straps, front support, rear support and shielding cover, are all made of corrosion-resistant high-strength alloy materials, which improves the adaptability and strength of the fixing device in various environments and can maintain reliable performance even under extreme conditions.

[0042] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, a pressure sensor for detecting the weight of the transport container for high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste is provided on the saddle assembly 20. In addition, a temperature sensor is also provided inside the fixing device. By setting up the pressure sensor and temperature sensor, parameters such as vibration, impact and temperature in the fixing device during transportation can be monitored in real time, thereby improving the safety of transportation.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the trunnion unit 51 includes a fixing member 511 fixed to the support plate 50 and a sliding member 512 slidably connected within the fixing member 511. The sliding member can slide within the fixing member to adapt to high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport containers of different sizes and shapes.

[0044] This application provides a fixing device for a spent fuel transport container, comprising a support frame, a saddle assembly 20, binding straps 30, a front support member 40, a rear support member, and a shielding cover 70. Through modular design, it constructs a fixing device capable of securing and protecting a spent fuel transport container. It possesses high strength and shock absorption capabilities, exhibiting anti-vibration, buffering, sealing, and corrosion resistance performance in complex transport environments, ensuring the stability, reliability, and safety of spent fuel transport. The binding straps 30 and trunnion unit 51 allow the fixing device to adapt to transport containers of different sizes and shapes of high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste, increasing its flexibility and adaptability.

[0045] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, without departing from the concept of this application, the above technical features can be freely combined, and several modifications and improvements can be made, all of which fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this application should fall within the coverage of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A fixing device for a spent fuel transport container, characterized in that, include: The support frame is composed of two bottom beams (10) and two cross beams (60). The support frame is a rectangular frame and includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The saddle assembly (20) is disposed on the first end of the support frame, and the upper part of the saddle assembly (20) is provided with an arc-shaped groove (21) for supporting the transport container of high radioactive nuclear fuel waste. The binding strap (30) is an elastic arc-shaped structure obtained by bending a metal strip. The binding strap (30) works in conjunction with the arc-shaped groove (21) to lock the transport container for high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste. A front support member (40) is disposed at the first end of the support frame. The front support member (40) includes two columns (41), which are respectively disposed on both sides of the saddle assembly (20). The rear support is disposed at the second end of the support frame. The rear support includes two support plates (50). The upper part of the two support plates (50) is provided with opposing retractable trunnion units (51). The trunnion units (51) are used to interact with the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container so that the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container can be rotated around the central axis of the trunnion unit (51). A shield (70) is provided, which is connected to the front support (40) and the rear support respectively, and is placed above the high radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container.

2. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The saddle assembly (20) is provided with two mounting slots (23), and the two ends of the binding strap (30) are respectively inserted into the two mounting slots (23).

3. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting slot (23) is provided with a first connecting hole (22), and the binding strap (30) is provided with a second connecting hole (31) that mates with the first connecting hole (22). After the binding strap (30) is inserted into the mounting slot (23), a bolt is used to pass through the first connecting hole (22) and the second connecting hole (31) to fix the binding strap (30) on the saddle assembly (20).

4. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting slot (23) has a plurality of first connection holes (22) on its wall, and the plurality of first connection holes (22) are arranged in the vertical direction. After the binding strap (30) is inserted into the mounting slot (23), the second connection hole (31) can select one of the first connection holes (22) for connection.

5. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The trunnion unit (51) includes a fixing member (511) fixed to the support plate (50) and a sliding member (512) slidably connected within the fixing member (511).

6. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the bottom beam (10) and the cross beam (60) are I-beams.

7. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom beam (10) has several heat dissipation holes (14) on its vertical surface (12).

8. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Several reinforcing ribs (13) are provided on the outer side of the bottom beam (10).

9. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front support member (40) includes two columns (41), which are respectively disposed on both sides of the saddle assembly (20). The top of each column (41) is provided with a first lifting lug (43), and the top of each of the two support plates (50) is provided with a second lifting lug (52).

10. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A reinforcing member (42) is provided between the column (41) and the bottom beam (10).

11. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper part of the binding strap (30) is provided with several third lifting lugs (32).

12. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Two wedges (61) for supporting transport containers of high-level radioactive nuclear fuel waste are fixedly installed on the crossbeam (60). The inclined surfaces of the wedges (61) are arranged opposite each other to form a trapezoidal or V-shaped structure.

13. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the shield (70) is connected to the front support (40) and the rear support via a hinge (71).

14. The fixing device for a spent fuel transport container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface between the arc-shaped groove (21) and the high-radioactive nuclear fuel waste transport container is provided with a shock-absorbing structure made of flexible polymer material.

Images