Method and device for treating an outdoor area contaminated by radioactivity

Abstract

The application discloses a method and device for treating outdoor radioactive contaminated areas, wherein the method comprises the following steps: setting up a radioactivity containment air tent of a gas rib type air film structure; arranging an auxiliary operation room which is modularly spliced by multiple containers, and the auxiliary operation room comprises a waste screening room, a waste sorting room, a loading room, a transition room and a duty room; taking waste from the contaminated area and sending the waste to the waste screening room for decomposition and screening; sending contaminated soil to the loading room for containerization; sending the remaining waste to the waste sorting room for sorting, and loading the sorted radioactive waste into a steel drum; after the current contaminated area treatment is completed, the packed waste is hoisted to the next outdoor radioactive contaminated area; the radioactivity containment air tent is re-set up in the next outdoor radioactive contaminated area, the containers are re-connected, and the above treatment steps are repeatedly executed. The application can reduce investment cost, facilitate disassembly and transfer, reduce secondary waste generation, shorten construction period and reduce radiation risk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear facility decommissioning and remediation technology, specifically relating to a method and apparatus for remediating outdoor radioactive contamination areas. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the revision of relevant technical guidelines and standards, the early method of landfilling low-level radioactive waste is no longer in compliance with relevant regulations. Therefore, it is necessary to decommission and remediate the radioactive waste landfills and reprocess the landfilled low-level radioactive waste.

[0003] Radioactive waste landfill decommissioning and remediation is a common nuclear facility decommissioning and remediation project, and it faces several major challenges: First, radioactive waste landfills are widely distributed, typically covering tens of thousands of square meters, resulting in large contaminated areas. Remediation requires segmented treatment of each landfill, but this segmented approach necessitates the dismantling and relocation of remediation equipment and related temporary structures, increasing construction time and investment. Furthermore, dismantling and relocation can shorten the lifespan of some fixed remediation equipment components. Second, the sources of radioactive waste in contaminated areas are complex, with most originating from early nuclear chemical laboratory waste, such as laboratory rubber gloves, protective clothing, ceramic crucibles, evaporators, steel pipes, and radiators. This waste includes metallic and non-metallic combustible waste, non-metallic non-combustible waste, and contaminated soil. Different types of radioactive waste require different treatment and disposal methods, necessitating separate transport to different treatment and disposal facilities, further increasing the complexity of the process. Third, the decommissioning and remediation of radioactive waste landfills generates radioactive dust and aerosols.

[0004] During the decommissioning and remediation of radioactive waste landfills, a radioactive containment structure is constructed above the remediation area to prevent the spread of radioactive dust and aerosols into the atmosphere. Previous decommissioning projects mostly used steel-framed air-supported structures with corrugated steel panels for the walls. The steel frame structure was set on parallel double tracks, and each section of the building used a double-beam walking mechanism, moving via a wheeled system. The top of the rails was convex, and the bottom was a flat plate of a certain width to increase the contact surface with the foundation; the track cross-section was I-beams. However, this type of steel-framed containment structure has at least the following shortcomings:

[0005] 1) High investment costs, especially high costs for steel rails and infrastructure construction;

[0006] 2) When moving between different waste ditches, the components are easily damaged, the reuse rate is low, and a lot of secondary waste is generated after the project is completed; at the same time, the disassembly and assembly operations are difficult to organize, the disassembly and assembly efficiency is low, and the construction period is long.

[0007] 3) Radioactive waste retrieved from the trench is transported to the waste treatment and preparation center by a transfer vehicle for processing and disposal. However, radioactive waste is easily spilled during the transfer process, which increases the radiation risk in the work area. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the above-mentioned shortcomings of the existing technology by providing a method and apparatus for the treatment of outdoor radioactive contamination areas, which can reduce investment costs, facilitate disassembly and relocation, reduce secondary waste generation, shorten construction period, and reduce radiation risk.

[0009] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is:

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for treating an outdoor radioactive contamination area is provided, comprising:

[0011] A radioactive containment air tent with an air ribbed membrane structure is erected above the outdoor radioactive contamination area to be treated.

[0012] Near the radioactive containment gas tent, an auxiliary operating room is arranged, which is composed of multiple modular containers. The auxiliary operating room includes a waste screening room, a waste sorting room, a loading room, a transition room, and a duty room.

[0013] Waste collection robots are used to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and send it to the waste screening room for decomposition and screening.

[0014] The screened contaminated soil is sent to the loading room for packaging.

[0015] The remaining waste after the contaminated soil is screened out is sent to the waste sorting room for sorting, and the sorted radioactive waste is put into steel drums and the steel drums are sealed.

[0016] After the current contaminated area is cleaned up, the radioactive containment gas ribs are degassed and then packed up and hoisted to the next outdoor radioactive contaminated area.

[0017] Disconnect the fixed connections between the containers and hoist each container to the next outdoor radioactive contamination area;

[0018] In the next outdoor radioactive contamination area, a radioactive containment gas tent is rebuilt and the containers are reconnected, and then the above remediation steps are repeated.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for the treatment of outdoor radioactive contamination areas as described above is also provided, comprising a radioactive containment tent, an auxiliary operating room, and a waste retrieval robot;

[0020] The radioactive containment air tent adopts an air-ribbed air membrane structure and is used to build above the outdoor radioactive contamination area to be treated to prevent radioactive dust and aerosols from spreading into the atmosphere.

[0021] The auxiliary operating room is located near the radioactive containment gas tent and is assembled from multiple modular containers, including a waste screening room, a waste sorting room, a loading room, a transition room, and a duty room;

[0022] The waste screening room is used to receive waste retrieved from the contaminated area and decompose and screen it, as well as to send the screened contaminated soil to the loading room and send the remaining waste after the contaminated soil has been screened to the waste sorting room.

[0023] The loading room is used to receive the contaminated soil and pack it into boxes;

[0024] The waste sorting room is used to receive the remaining waste and manually sort it, then put the sorted radioactive waste into steel drums and seal the drums.

[0025] The transition room is used to provide a place for personnel to change and remove work clothes to remove dirt;

[0026] The duty room is the operating room and the location of the power distribution box. It is used for personnel to operate the waste retrieval robot to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and to provide a rest area for personnel.

[0027] The waste retrieval robot is located inside the radioactive containment gas tent and is used to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and send it to the waste screening room.

[0028] Optionally, the radioactive containment gas tent includes air ribs, a membrane, a fan, and a fixing assembly; multiple air ribs are arranged in sequence to form a frame structure, and the frame structure is fixed to the ground by the fixing assembly; the membrane covers the outside of the frame structure to form a closed space, and the perimeter of the membrane in contact with the ground is sealed; the fan is connected to the air ribs and is used to blow gas into the air ribs.

[0029] Optionally, the fixing component includes a tightening strap and a counterweight, with one end of the tightening strap connected to the frame structure and the other end of the tightening strap connected to the counterweight.

[0030] Optionally, the waste screening room is equipped with a screening system, which includes a receiving hopper, a screening machine, a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a third conveying unit. The receiving hopper is located inside the radioactive containment gas tent and is used to receive waste retrieved from the contaminated area and decompose it. The screening machine is connected to the receiving hopper through the first conveying unit, which is used to transport the decomposed waste from the receiving hopper to the screening machine, and the screening machine is used to screen the decomposed waste. The second conveying unit is connected to the screening machine and is used to send the screened contaminated soil to the loading room. The third conveying unit is connected to the screening machine and is used to send the remaining waste after the contaminated soil has been screened to the waste sorting room.

[0031] Optionally, the screening system further includes a remote controller, which is electrically connected to the screening machine, the first conveying unit, the second conveying unit, and the third conveying unit, respectively, for remote control of start and stop.

[0032] Optionally, the screening machine is a drum screen, and the two ends of the screen of the drum screen are provided with baffles.

[0033] Optionally, the first conveying unit, the second conveying unit, and the third conveying unit all include a conveyor belt and a support frame. The conveyor belt is mounted on the support frame, a dust cover is provided above the conveyor belt, and pulleys are provided at the bottom of the support frame.

[0034] Optionally, the waste sorting room is equipped with a sorting glove box, a roller conveyor, and a lifting mechanism; the sorting glove box is connected to the third conveying unit and is used for manual sorting of the remaining waste after the contaminated soil has been screened out; the roller conveyor is located below the sorting glove box and is used to transfer the steel drum to a position below the discharge port of the sorting glove box; the lifting mechanism is located below the discharge port and is used to lift the steel drum so that it aligns with the discharge port of the sorting glove box.

[0035] Optionally, the sorting glove box is equipped with a shielding plate on its exterior, a radiation-proof viewing window on its exterior, and a sealing gasket on its discharge port.

[0036] Optionally, the roller conveyor is equipped with a positioning mechanism, which is interlocked with the motor of the roller conveyor to detect whether the steel drum has been transferred to the correct position. When the steel drum is detected to be in position, the interlocking roller conveyor motor stops rotating.

[0037] Optionally, the lifting mechanism is equipped with a lifting stroke detection sensor, which is connected to the motor of the lifting mechanism to detect whether the steel drum has been lifted to the correct position. When the lifting is detected to be in place, the motor of the lifting mechanism is interlocked to stop.

[0038] Optionally, the waste screening room, the waste sorting room, the loading room, the transition room, and the duty room are all equipped with lifting holes.

[0039] Optionally, a drain pipe is provided on the top of the auxiliary operating room, and the drain point of the drain pipe is located at a low point.

[0040] The method and apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0041] (1) The present invention adopts a movable radioactive containment air tent with air rib type air film structure. Compared with the traditional steel frame containment structure, it does not require the laying of steel rails and complex foundations, which greatly reduces the investment cost and foundation construction cost of containment structure. At the same time, the air rib type air film structure is lightweight and easy to pack. After deflating, it can be hoisted and transferred as a whole, avoiding the problems of easy damage to components and low reuse rate of steel frame structure when transferred between different waste trenches. It significantly reduces the generation of secondary waste and shortens the disassembly and assembly period.

[0042] (2) The auxiliary operating room is formed by modular splicing of containers, realizing modular zoning of process flow. This modular design allows the decommissioned treatment equipment to be modularly packaged and transported separately when transferring between different pollution zones by simply disconnecting the fixed connecting parts. There is no need to repeatedly disassemble and reassemble the internal equipment, which greatly improves the efficiency of construction organization, shortens the construction period, and reduces the risk of personnel radiation. At the same time, the container structure is sturdy and durable and can be reused multiple times, further reducing project investment and reducing secondary waste.

[0043] (3) By integrating decommissioning treatment equipment such as screening systems and sorting glove boxes into the radioactive containment tent, radioactive waste can be sorted and transported in situ within the containment structure, avoiding the waste spillage problem caused by long-distance transport by transfer carts in the traditional method, and effectively reducing the radiation risk in the work area; at the same time, the screened contaminated soil and sorted waste can be directly packed into boxes or barrels and sealed, providing a prerequisite for the treatment and disposal of radioactive waste in the later stage, and greatly reducing the difficulty and safety risk of subsequent treatment.

[0044] (4) The radioactive containment gas tent and the auxiliary operating room are both designed with a detachable modular structure. After the current contaminated area is treated, the gas tent can be degassed and packed, and the container can be disconnected. Each module can be hoisted to the next contaminated area and quickly reassembled. This modular and mobile design not only realizes the reuse of decommissioned treatment equipment and significantly improves economic efficiency, but also greatly shortens the transfer period when treating in sections and ditches, and reduces the occupational radiation exposure of personnel during the treatment process. It provides a complete equipment and process solution for the efficient, safe and economical treatment of large-area outdoor radioactive contaminated areas. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the method and apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a radioactive containment gas tent in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary operation room in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of BB;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the screening machine and the sorting glove box in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] In the diagram: 1-Radioactive waste landfill trench; 2-Radioactive containment gas tent; 3-Auxiliary operating room; 4-Receiving hopper; 5-Air rib; 6-Sheet membrane; 7-Tightening belt; 8-Counterweight; 9-Gable wall sealing membrane; 10-Gateway; 11-Waste screening room; 12-Waste sorting room; 13-Loading room; 14-Transition room; 15-Duty room; 16-Screening machine; 17-First conveyor unit; 18-Second conveyor unit; 19-Third conveyor unit; 20-Sorting glove box; 21-Dust cover. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "above" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience and simplification of the description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0053] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "setting," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] It is understood that, without conflict, the various embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0056] It is understood that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, while the parts unrelated to the present invention are not shown in the drawings.

[0057] To address the problems of high investment costs, inconvenient dismantling and relocation, long construction periods, large amounts of secondary waste, and high radiation risks associated with the decommissioning and remediation of existing radioactive waste landfills, this invention provides a method for the remediation of outdoor radioactive contaminated areas. The method includes: constructing a radioactive containment gas tent with an air-ribbed membrane structure above the outdoor radioactive contaminated area to be remediated; arranging an auxiliary operating room near the radioactive containment gas tent, composed of multiple modularly assembled shipping containers, including a waste screening room, a waste sorting room, a loading room, a transition room, and a duty room; using a waste retrieval robot to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and send it to the waste screening room for decomposition and screening; and then screening the waste... The contaminated soil is sent to the loading room for packing; the remaining waste after the contaminated soil has been screened is sent to the waste sorting room for sorting, and the sorted radioactive waste is packed into steel drums and sealed; after the current contaminated area is treated, the air ribs of the radioactive containment gas tent are depressurized, and the tent is packaged and hoisted to the next outdoor radioactive contaminated area; the fixed connections between the containers are disconnected, and each container is hoisted to the next outdoor radioactive contaminated area; in the next outdoor radioactive contaminated area, the radioactive containment gas tent is erected and the containers are reconnected, and the above treatment steps are repeated until all contaminated areas are treated.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an apparatus for the treatment of outdoor radioactive contaminated areas using the methods described above, comprising a radioactive containment tent, an auxiliary operating room, and a waste retrieval robot; the radioactive containment tent adopts an air-ribbed air-film structure, used to be erected above the outdoor radioactive contaminated area to be treated, preventing radioactive dust and aerosols from spreading into the atmosphere; the auxiliary operating room is located near the radioactive containment tent and is composed of multiple modularly assembled containers, including a waste screening room, a waste sorting room, a loading room, a transition room, and a duty room; the waste screening room is used to receive waste retrieved from the contaminated area and decompose and screen it, as well as to process the screened waste... The contaminated soil is sent to the loading room, and the remaining waste after the contaminated soil is screened out is sent to the waste sorting room; the loading room is used to receive the contaminated soil and pack it into boxes; the waste sorting room is used to receive the remaining waste and sort it, and the sorted radioactive waste is loaded into steel drums and the steel drums are sealed; the transition room is used to provide a place for personnel to change and decontaminate their work clothes; the duty room is the operating room and the location of the power distribution box, used by personnel to operate the waste retrieval robot to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and to provide a rest place for personnel; the waste retrieval robot is located in the radioactive containment gas tent and is used to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and send it to the waste screening room.

[0059] The method and apparatus for the treatment of outdoor radioactive contaminated areas of this invention, based on the characteristics of radioactive contaminated areas such as large contaminated areas, large dust emissions, and complex types of contaminated waste sources, adopts a radioactive containment gas tent with an air-ribbed air-film structure. This reduces the investment cost of the containment structure. Furthermore, it can be erected and dismantled simply by inflating and deflating the tent. After deflating, it can be packaged and transferred to the next contaminated area for re-erection. Simultaneously, the decommissioning and treatment equipment is placed in an auxiliary operating room with a modular container design, facilitating disassembly, assembly, and transfer, improving the reuse rate of components, reducing secondary waste generation, shortening the construction period, and preventing the spillage of radioactive waste during transportation, thus reducing radiation risks. This invention solves the problems of high transfer costs and long construction periods for decommissioning and treating radioactive waste landfill trenches. It also considers the principles of radioactive waste classification and disposal and the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, laying a technical and equipment foundation for the treatment of outdoor radioactive contaminated areas, reducing waste volume, protecting operator safety, and lowering decommissioning costs.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] like Figures 1-5 As shown in the figure, this embodiment discloses a method for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas, including:

[0062] a. Construct a radioactive containment air tent 2 with an air ribbed air membrane structure above the outdoor radioactive contamination area to be treated; after constructing the radioactive containment air tent, construct gable sealing membranes at both ends of the radioactive containment air tent. The gable sealing membranes are special sealing and protective components at both ends of the radioactive containment air tent, also known as end cap membranes. Their material is the same as that of the radioactive containment air tent, and they are the key barrier to form a complete and sealed containment cavity of the air tent.

[0063] b. An auxiliary operating room 3, which is composed of multiple modular containers, is arranged near the radioactive containment gas tent 2. The auxiliary operating room 3 includes a waste screening room 11, a waste sorting room 12, a loading room 13, a transition room 14, and a duty room 15.

[0064] c. Use a waste retrieval robot to retrieve waste from the contaminated area (radioactive waste landfill 1) and send it to the receiving hopper 4 in the waste screening room 11. Use tools such as cutting saws and hydraulic shears to decompose larger wastes. Use a screening machine 16 to screen the decomposed waste to obtain contaminated soil and residual waste.

[0065] d. The screened contaminated soil is sent to loading room 13 for packing;

[0066] e. The remaining waste after the contaminated soil is screened out is sent to the sorting glove box 20 in the waste sorting room 12. The remaining waste is manually sorted in the sorting glove box 29 into metallic waste, non-metallic combustible waste, and non-metallic non-combustible waste. The sorted radioactive waste is put into steel drums located below the sorting glove box 20. After the steel drums are filled, they are transported away from the sorting glove box 20 and the steel drums are sealed.

[0067] f. After the current contaminated area is treated, the air ribs of the radioactive containment gas tent 2 are degassed, and the radioactive containment gas tent 2 is folded, packed, and hoisted to the next outdoor radioactive contaminated area.

[0068] g. Disconnect the fixed connections between the containers and hoist each container to the next outdoor radioactive contamination area;

[0069] h. In the next outdoor radioactive contamination area, construct a radioactive containment gas tent and reconnect the containers, and repeat the above remediation steps (i.e., steps c to h).

[0070] Example 2

[0071] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this embodiment discloses an apparatus for the treatment of outdoor radioactive contaminated areas using the method described in Embodiment 1, comprising a radioactive containment gas tent 2, an auxiliary operating room 3, and a waste retrieval robot, wherein:

[0072] The radioactive containment tent 2 employs an air-ribbed membrane structure, erected above outdoor radioactive contamination areas to prevent the spread of radioactive dust and aerosols into the atmosphere. Specifically, the radioactive containment tent 2 includes air ribs 5, a membrane 6, a fan, and fixing components. The air ribs are high-pressure inflatable hoses that are supported by air pressure to form a load-bearing frame. Multiple air ribs 5 can be arranged closely to form a frame structure, or arranged in other orders (e.g., at certain intervals), forming a frame structure. The frame structure is fixed to the ground by the fixing components. The membrane 6 acts as the "outer garment" of the air-ribbed membrane structure, covering the outer surface of the frame structure formed by the air ribs 5, creating a closed space within the air-ribbed membrane structure. The perimeter of the membrane in contact with the ground is sealed; for example, a 3:7 ratio of lime-soil is used to raise the perimeter of the membrane 6 in contact with the ground to prevent rainwater from entering the radioactive containment tent. A blower is connected to air rib 5 to pump gas into the air rib, enhancing its rigidity and maintaining pressure balance. Air rib 5 is equipped with a vent valve. A portal 10 is provided on the radioactive containment air tent 2. Portal 10 is a large, airtight buffer airlock specifically for the passage of freight vehicles and waste transport vehicles. It uses a carbon steel frame and is covered with an air membrane; it is easy to assemble and disassemble and can be repeatedly moved and reused. The radioactive containment air tent 2 uses a localized, mobile exhaust system for natural air supply.

[0073] The auxiliary operating room 3, located near the radioactive containment gas tent 2, is modularly assembled from multiple shipping containers and includes a waste screening room 11, a waste sorting room 12, a loading room 13, a transition room 14, and a duty room 15. The waste screening room 11 receives waste retrieved from the contaminated area, decomposes and screens it, and sends the screened contaminated soil to the loading room. The remaining waste after the contaminated soil is screened is sent to the waste sorting room. The loading room receives the contaminated soil and packs it into containers. The waste sorting room receives the remaining waste and manually sorts it into metallic waste, non-metallic combustible waste, and non-metallic non-combustible waste. The sorted radioactive waste is loaded into steel drums and sealed. The transition room provides a place for personnel to change and decontaminate their work clothes. The duty room houses the operating room and electrical distribution box, is used by personnel operating the waste retrieval robot to retrieve waste from the contaminated area, and provides a rest area for personnel. Specifically, the containers in the waste screening room, waste sorting room, loading room, transition room, and duty room are all equipped with lifting holes for hoisting and transfer. Drainage pipes are installed on the ceiling of the auxiliary operating rooms, with the drainage points located at low points to ensure smooth drainage. The sorting glove box contains an air outlet for the auxiliary operating rooms, which utilizes natural air supply.

[0074] The waste retrieval robot is located within a radioactive containment tent and is used to retrieve waste from the contaminated area (radioactive waste landfill 1) and transport it to the waste screening room 11. Specifically, the waste retrieval robot (not shown in the figure) includes a robot body, a camera system, and a remote control system. The robot body is the main execution device for waste retrieval, featuring a robotic arm with a tool head at its end. The tool head can be a bucket, metal shears, a cutter, a bucket holder, etc., and different tool heads are used to perform cutting, gripping, shearing, and digging processes depending on the process. The camera system includes a camera mounted on the robot body. The camera can be remotely controlled to zoom and rotate to obtain a clear and wide-angle view. The remote control system is located in the control room and connected to the robot body and the camera system. Personnel in the control room can remotely control the waste retrieval robot to perform cleanup work in the outdoor radioactive contaminated area using the remote control system.

[0075] In some embodiments, the fixing components include a tensioning strap 7 and a counterweight 8. One end of the tensioning strap 7 is connected to the frame structure, and the other end of the tensioning strap 7 is connected to the counterweight 8. That is, the radioactive containment air tent 2 is fixed to the ground by the tensioning strap 7, and the counterweight 8 increases the wind load resistance of the radioactive containment air tent 2.

[0076] In some implementations, the tightening strap 7 is a steel cable, and the counterweight is a sandbag.

[0077] In some embodiments, the waste screening room 11 is equipped with a screening system, which includes a receiving hopper 4, a screening machine 16, a first conveying unit 17, a second conveying unit 18, and a third conveying unit 19. The receiving hopper 4 is located within the radioactive containment gas tent 2 and is used to receive waste retrieved from the contaminated area by a waste recovery robot (such as an excavator) and to break down larger waste volumes using tools such as cutting saws and hydraulic shears. The screening machine 16 is connected to the receiving hopper 4 via the first conveying unit 17, which transports the decomposed waste from the receiving hopper to the screening machine 16. The screening machine 16 then screens the decomposed waste to obtain contaminated soil and residual waste. The second conveying unit 18 is connected to the screening machine 16 and is used to send the screened contaminated soil to the loading room 13 for packaging. The third conveying unit 19 is connected to the screening machine 16 and is used to send the residual waste after the contaminated soil has been screened to the waste sorting room 12 for sorting.

[0078] In some embodiments, the screening machine 16 is a drum screen, where contaminated soil is screened out from the bottom and the remaining waste is discharged from another outlet to the waste sorting room 12. Baffles are provided at both ends of the drum screen to minimize dust overflow.

[0079] In some embodiments, the screening system also includes a remote controller (not shown in the figure), which is electrically connected to the screening machine 16, the first conveying unit 17, the second conveying unit 18, and the third conveying unit 19, respectively, for remote control of start and stop.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first conveying unit 17, the second conveying unit 18, and the third conveying unit 19 each include a conveyor belt and a support frame, with the conveyor belt mounted on the support frame. A removable dust cover 21 is provided above the conveyor belt to prevent dust from being blown into the air during waste transportation. The bottom of the support frame is equipped with casters for easy disassembly and movement.

[0081] In some implementations, the waste sorting room includes a sorting glove box, a roller conveyor, and a lifting mechanism. The sorting glove box is connected to a third conveyor unit and is mainly used by workers to manually sort the remaining waste after screening out contaminated soil. The roller conveyor is located below the sorting glove box and is used to transfer steel drums, moving them to below the discharge port of the sorting glove box and removing them from the sorting glove box. The lifting mechanism, located below the discharge port of the sorting glove box, consists of a servo motor and an electric push rod. It is used to lift the steel drum after it has been transferred to its position, aligning the drum with the discharge port of the sorting glove box.

[0082] Specifically, the sorting glove box 20 includes a box body, a sealed inner shell, gloves, an operating table, and tools such as hydraulic shears. One end of the box body is connected to the third conveying unit, and the discharge port is located at the bottom of the box body. The sealed inner shell is located on the inner wall of the box body. The glove seals are installed on the front and / or back of the box body without affecting the airtightness of the box body. The operating table is located inside the box body, and the sorting tools such as hydraulic shears are located on the operating table.

[0083] The roller conveyor includes roller shafts, a transmission assembly, supports, and a motor. The roller shafts, mounted on the supports, support the steel drums. The motor is connected to the roller shafts via the transmission assembly and drives the roller shafts to rotate, thereby moving the steel drums.

[0084] In some implementations, the sorting glove box 20 is equipped with a carbon steel shielding plate on its exterior, so that the installation of gloves does not affect the sealing of the box.

[0085] In some implementation methods, the sorting glove box 20 is equipped with a radiation-proof viewing window.

[0086] In some implementation methods, the discharge port of the sorting glove box 20 is equipped with a sealing gasket to ensure the airtightness when the steel drum is connected to the discharge port.

[0087] In some implementation methods, the roller conveyor is equipped with a positioning mechanism (not shown in the figure). The positioning mechanism is interlocked with the motor of the roller conveyor to detect whether the steel drum has been transferred to the correct position. When the steel drum is detected to be in position, a steel drum position signal is sent, and the roller conveyor motor is stopped.

[0088] In some implementation methods, the lifting mechanism is equipped with a lifting stroke detection sensor (not shown in the figure). The lifting stroke detection sensor is connected to the motor of the lifting mechanism and is used to detect whether the steel drum has been lifted to the correct position during the lifting process. When the lifting is detected to be in place, a lifting stroke completion signal is sent, and the motor of the lifting mechanism is interlocked to stop.

[0089] In some implementation methods, the roller conveyor braking modes include electric and manual modes. In the event of a roller conveyor motor failure, the steel drum can be moved away manually or using a backup motor.

[0090] The use of the device for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas in this embodiment will be described in detail below:

[0091] Preparation Phase: Workers don protective suits and construct air ribs 5 above the radioactive contaminated area to form a frame structure. A membrane 6 is then placed over the air ribs 5, and air is blown into them using fans. This supports the membrane 6, creating a closed space—a radioactive containment tent. Steel cables (tension straps 7) are then connected to the surface of the containment tent, secured with sandbags (counterweights 8). The screening system and sorting glove boxes 20 are pre-loaded into their respective containers. Each container is then hoisted into the outdoor radioactive contaminated area and assembled according to the process flow, with each joint sealed.

[0092] Treatment steps: A remote-controlled excavator (i.e., a waste recovery robot) retrieves contaminated soil or buried radioactive waste from the contaminated area and loads it into the receiving hopper 4. The hopper is then conveyed to the waste screening room 11 via a conveyor belt. The screening machine 16 filters out the contaminated soil from the waste. The screened contaminated soil is then conveyed to the loading room 13 via a conveyor belt and loaded into a steel box. The remaining waste is then conveyed to the sorting glove box 20 in the waste sorting room 12 via a conveyor belt. The remaining waste is sorted manually, classified, and loaded into steel drums through the discharge port, and then sealed.

[0093] After the current contaminated area is retrieved (i.e., remediation is complete), the radioactive containment gas tent 2 undergoes simple decontamination treatment. The vent valve is then opened to release the gas from the gas ribs 5. The gas ribs 5 and the covering membrane 6 are then folded up, packed, and hoisted to the next contaminated area to rebuild the radioactive containment gas tent 2 for continued remediation. The fixing connections between the containers are removed, and each container is hoisted to the next contaminated area and reassembled into the auxiliary operating room 3. The above remediation steps are then repeated.

[0094] After all contaminated areas have been treated, the radioactive containment gas tent 2 in this embodiment is combustible waste and can be incinerated; the auxiliary operating room 3 and the metal waste are sent to the landfill for treatment after decontamination.

[0095] The methods and apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas disclosed in Examples 1 and 2 have at least the following effects:

[0096] (1) The present invention adopts a movable radioactive containment air tent with air rib type air film structure. Compared with the traditional steel frame containment structure, it does not require the laying of steel rails and complex foundations, which greatly reduces the investment cost and foundation construction cost of containment structure. At the same time, the air rib type air film structure is lightweight and easy to pack. After deflating, it can be hoisted and transferred as a whole, avoiding the problems of easy damage to components and low reuse rate of steel frame structure when transferred between different waste trenches. It significantly reduces the generation of secondary waste and shortens the disassembly and assembly period.

[0097] (2) The auxiliary operating room is formed by modular splicing of containers, realizing modular zoning of process flow. This modular design allows the decommissioned treatment equipment to be modularly packaged and transported separately when transferring between different pollution zones by simply disconnecting the fixed connecting parts. There is no need to repeatedly disassemble and reassemble the internal equipment, which greatly improves the efficiency of construction organization, shortens the construction period, and reduces the risk of personnel radiation. At the same time, the container structure is sturdy and durable and can be reused multiple times, further reducing project investment and reducing secondary waste.

[0098] (3) By integrating decommissioning treatment equipment such as screening systems and sorting glove boxes into the radioactive containment tent, radioactive waste can be sorted and transported in situ within the containment structure, avoiding the waste spillage problem caused by long-distance transport by transfer carts in the traditional method, and effectively reducing the radiation risk in the work area; at the same time, the screened contaminated soil and sorted waste can be directly packed into boxes or barrels and sealed, providing a prerequisite for the treatment and disposal of radioactive waste in the later stage, and greatly reducing the difficulty and safety risk of subsequent treatment.

[0099] (4) By adopting a modular structure design that allows for disassembly of both the radioactive containment gas tent and the auxiliary operating room, after the current contaminated area is treated, the gas tent can be degassed and packed, and the container can be disconnected. Each module can be hoisted to the next contaminated area for rapid reassembly. This modular and mobile design not only enables the reuse of decommissioned treatment equipment and significantly improves economic efficiency, but also greatly shortens the transfer period when treating in sections and ditches, and reduces occupational radiation exposure of personnel during the treatment process. It provides a complete equipment and process solution for the efficient, safe and economical treatment of large-area outdoor radioactive contaminated areas.

[0100] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for remediating outdoor radioactive contamination areas, characterized in that, include: A radioactive containment air tent with an air ribbed membrane structure is erected above the outdoor radioactive contamination area to be treated. Near the radioactive containment gas tent, an auxiliary operating room is arranged, which is composed of multiple modular containers. The auxiliary operating room includes a waste screening room, a waste sorting room, a loading room, a transition room, and a duty room. Waste collection robots are used to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and send it to the waste screening room for decomposition and screening. The screened contaminated soil is sent to the loading room for packaging. The remaining waste after the contaminated soil is screened out is sent to the waste sorting room for sorting, and the sorted radioactive waste is put into steel drums and the steel drums are sealed. After the current contaminated area is cleaned up, the radioactive containment gas ribs are degassed and then packed up and hoisted to the next outdoor radioactive contaminated area. Disconnect the fixed connections between the containers and hoist each container to the next outdoor radioactive contamination area; In the next outdoor radioactive contamination area, a radioactive containment gas tent is rebuilt and the containers are reconnected, and then the above remediation steps are repeated.

2. An apparatus for the treatment of outdoor radioactive contaminated areas using the method of claim 1, characterized in that, This includes a radioactive containment gas tent, an auxiliary operating room, and a waste retrieval robot; The radioactive containment air tent adopts an air-ribbed air membrane structure and is used to build above the outdoor radioactive contamination area to be treated to prevent radioactive dust and aerosols from spreading into the atmosphere. The auxiliary operating room is located near the radioactive containment gas tent and is assembled from multiple modular containers, including a waste screening room, a waste sorting room, a loading room, a transition room, and a duty room; The waste screening room is used to receive waste retrieved from the contaminated area and decompose and screen it, as well as to send the screened contaminated soil to the loading room and send the remaining waste after the contaminated soil has been screened to the waste sorting room. The loading room is used to receive the contaminated soil and pack it into boxes; The waste sorting room is used to receive the remaining waste and manually sort it, then put the sorted radioactive waste into steel drums and seal the drums. The transition room is used to provide a place for personnel to change and remove work clothes to remove dirt; The duty room is the operating room and the location of the power distribution box. It is used for personnel to operate the waste retrieval robot to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and to provide a rest area for personnel. The waste retrieval robot is located inside the radioactive containment gas tent and is used to retrieve waste from the contaminated area and send it to the waste screening room.

3. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radioactive containment air tent includes air ribs, a skin membrane, a fan, and a fixing assembly; The multiple air ribs are arranged in sequence to form a frame structure, and the frame structure is fixed to the ground by the fixing components; The skin membrane covers the outside of the frame structure to form a closed space, and the perimeter of the skin membrane in contact with the ground is sealed. The fan is connected to the air rib and is used to blow gas into the air rib.

4. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing component includes a tightening strap and a counterweight. One end of the tightening strap is connected to the frame structure, and the other end of the tightening strap is connected to the counterweight.

5. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The waste screening room is equipped with a screening system, which includes a receiving hopper, a screening machine, a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a third conveying unit. The receiving hopper is located inside the radioactive containment gas tent and is used to receive waste retrieved from the contaminated area and decompose it. The screening machine is connected to the receiving hopper through the first conveying unit. The first conveying unit is used to transport the decomposed waste in the receiving hopper to the screening machine, and the screening machine is used to screen the decomposed waste. The second conveying unit is connected to the screening machine and is used to send the screened contaminated soil to the loading room; The third conveying unit is connected to the screening machine and is used to send the remaining waste after the contaminated soil has been screened out to the waste sorting room.

6. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 5, characterized in that, The screening system also includes a remote controller. The remote controller is electrically connected to the screening machine, the first conveying unit, the second conveying unit, and the third conveying unit, respectively, and is used for remote control of start and stop.

7. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 6, characterized in that, The screening machine is a drum screen, and the screen of the drum screen is equipped with baffles at both ends.

8. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first conveying unit, the second conveying unit, and the third conveying unit all include a conveyor belt and a support frame. The conveyor belt is mounted on the support frame, a dust cover is provided above the conveyor belt, and pulleys are provided at the bottom of the support frame.

9. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 5, characterized in that, The waste sorting room is equipped with a sorting glove box, roller conveyor and lifting mechanism; The sorting glove box is connected to the third conveying unit and is used for manual sorting of the remaining waste after the contaminated soil has been screened out. The roller conveyor is located below the sorting glove box and is used to transfer the steel drum to the area below the discharge port of the sorting glove box. The lifting mechanism is located below the discharge port and is used to lift the steel drum so that it connects with the discharge port of the sorting glove box.

10. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sorting glove box has a shielding plate on its exterior, a radiation-proof viewing window on its exterior, and a sealing gasket on its discharge port.

11. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 9, characterized in that, The roller conveyor is equipped with a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism is interlocked with the motor of the roller conveyor to detect whether the steel drum has been transferred to the correct position. When the steel drum is detected to be in position, the motor of the interlocking roller conveyor stops.

12. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to claim 11, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism is equipped with a lifting stroke detection sensor. The lifting stroke detection sensor is connected to the motor of the lifting mechanism and is used to detect whether the steel drum has been lifted to the correct position. When the lifting is detected to be in place, the motor of the interlocking lifting mechanism stops.

13. The apparatus for treating outdoor radioactive contamination areas according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The waste screening room, the waste sorting room, the loading room, the transition room, and the duty room are all equipped with lifting holes; The top of the auxiliary operating room is equipped with a drain pipe, and the drain point of the drain pipe is located at the lowest point.

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