Method and apparatus for material measurement for a homogenizer

Abstract

The application provides a material measuring device for a homogenizer, and relates to the technical field of radiation measurement. The material measuring device for the homizer comprises the following steps: continuously collecting detection signals of the detector assembly; and calculating the mass of the retained material based on the detection signals and a preset mass calculation algorithm. The device of the application realizes the measurement of the retained material in the homogenizer by continuously collecting the detection signals of the detector assembly and calculating the mass of the retained material based on the detection signals and the preset mass calculation algorithm. The method of the embodiment measures the retained material of the homogenizer by means of nuclear measurement, which can realize non-destructive measurement, does not affect the process flow, and is simpler and more convenient to measure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of radiation measurement technology, specifically relating to a material measurement method and apparatus for homogenizers. Background Technology

[0002] The tail-end process of spent fuel reprocessing is the core process of reprocessing. The continuous tail-end process obtains qualified products through continuous sedimentation, filtration, roasting and homogenization.

[0003] Material homogenization is a crucial step in continuous end-of-line processes. Its purpose is to mix and homogenize the oxide powder produced during calcination, preparing it for subsequent material packaging. Since continuous end-of-line processes utilize a passive gravity-feed method, material residue is inevitably left in the equipment during production. To ensure the normal operation of the process, it is necessary to assess the material residue level in the process equipment during homogenization. Therefore, a method for measuring material residue during homogenization is required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a material measurement method and apparatus for a homogenizer, which addresses the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art. Using this material measurement method, material residues during the homogenization process can be measured without affecting the process flow.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a material measurement method for a homogenizer, applied to a data acquisition and processing component in a material measurement device for a homogenizer; the material measurement device for a homogenizer further includes a detector component; the detector component is used to detect neutrons generated by spontaneous fission and (α,n) reactions of the material remaining in the homogenizer after pouring; the method includes: Continuously collect the detection signals from the detector assembly; The mass of the retained material is calculated based on the detection signal and a preset mass calculation algorithm.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the preset material mass calculation algorithm includes the following formula:

[0007] Where: S is the total neutron count rate; For detection efficiency; for 240 First moment of complex distribution of neutrons in spontaneous fission of X; for 240 The spontaneous fission rate of X; for 240 X is the effective mass; M is the neutron multiplication leakage factor; It is the ratio of the number of neutrons in (α, n) to the number of neutrons generated by spontaneous fission; × For the spontaneous fission neutron yield of X-240 ;

[0008] in: The mass of the retained material; The spontaneous fission neutron yield of X isotopes (X-238, X-240, X-242), i = 238, 240, or 242; For X isotopes (X-238, X-240) (α, n), i = 238 or 240; The mass percentage of X isotopes (X-238, X-240, X-242), i = 238, 240, or 242; k1 represents the ratio of the total neutron yield of X-238 to the total neutron yield of X-240, and k2 represents the ratio of the total neutron yield of X-242 to the total neutron yield of X-240.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, after calculating the mass of the retained material based on the detection signal and a preset mass calculation algorithm, the method further includes: If the mass of the retained material exceeds a preset threshold, an alarm will be triggered.

[0010] Based on the same inventive concept, in a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a material measuring device for a homogenizer, comprising: Detector components and data acquisition and processing components; The detector assembly, from the inside out, consists of a detector, a moderator, and a shield. Shielding is used to absorb neutrons in the environment; Moderators are used to slow down neutrons generated by materials retained in the homogenizer into thermal neutrons; The detector is used to capture thermal neutrons and convert them into electrical signals; The data acquisition and processing component is used to perform the material measurement method for a homogenizer as described in any of the first aspects.

[0011] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the detector is 3 He-tube neutron detector, 3 The sensitive length of the He tube neutron detector is 600mm~1200mm, the tube voltage is greater than or equal to 6atm, and the tube body is made of 316L stainless steel.

[0012] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the moderating body is made of polyethylene; the thickness of the moderating body on the side facing the homogenizer is less than the thickness of the rear and side sides.

[0013] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the thickness of the slowing body on the side facing the homogenizer is 20 mm to 60 mm, and the thickness of the rear and side sides is 40 mm to 80 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the shielding body is made of boron-containing polyethylene with a thickness of 20 mm to 40 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments of the second aspect, a cadmium layer is further provided on the side of the shield facing the moderator; the thickness of the cadmium layer is 1 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the detector assembly is installed inside a glove box outside the homogenizer and has no mechanical connection to the homogenizer. 3 The He-tube neutron detector is installed in a stainless steel sleeve, which is connected to the moderator.

[0017] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the data acquisition and processing components include: a data acquisition unit and a data processing unit; The data acquisition unit is used to acquire electrical signals and transmit them to the data processing unit; The data processing unit is used to calculate the mass of the retained material based on electrical signals and a preset mass calculation algorithm.

[0018] Based on the same inventive concept, in a third aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement a material measurement method for a homogenizer as described in any of the first aspects.

[0019] According to the material measurement method and apparatus for a homogenizer provided in this application, the measurement of the material retained in the homogenizer is achieved by continuously acquiring the detection signal of the detector assembly and calculating the mass of the retained material based on the detection signal and a preset mass calculation algorithm. The method of this embodiment measures the retained material in the homogenizer using a nuclear measurement method, which enables non-destructive measurement, does not affect the process flow, and is simpler and more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of a material measurement method for a homogenizer provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 This illustration shows a material measuring device for a homogenizer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1; Figure 3 This illustration shows a material measuring device for a homogenizer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ; Symbol explanation: 1. Homogenizer; 2. Glove box; 3. Feed inlet; 4. Discharge outlet; 5. Detector; 6. Moderator; 7. Shield; 8. Data acquisition unit; 9. Data processing unit; 10. Computer; 11. Detector assembly; 20. Data acquisition and processing assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this application, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain this application and are not configured to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples of this application.

[0023] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, A, B, and C, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0024] Material homogenization is a crucial step in continuous end-of-line processes. Its purpose is to mix and homogenize the oxide powder produced during calcination, preparing it for subsequent material packaging. Since continuous end-of-line processes utilize a passive gravity-feed method, material residue is inevitably left in the equipment during production. To ensure the normal operation of the process, it is necessary to assess the material residue level in the process equipment during homogenization. Therefore, a method for measuring material residue during homogenization is required.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the material measurement method for a homogenizer is applied to a data acquisition and processing component in a material measurement device for a homogenizer. The material measurement device for a homogenizer also includes a detector component. The detector component is used to detect neutrons generated by the spontaneous fission and (α,n) reaction of the material remaining in the homogenizer after pouring. The method may specifically include the following steps: S101. Continuously acquire the detection signals from the detector components.

[0027] S102. Calculate the mass of the retained material based on the detection signal and the preset mass calculation algorithm.

[0028] For example, the detection signal is an electrical signal. Since electrical signals are relatively weak, signal acquisition is required.

[0029] In some implementations, the preset material mass calculation algorithm includes the following formula:

[0030] Where: S is the total neutron count rate; For detection efficiency; for 240 First moment of complex distribution of neutrons in spontaneous fission of X; for 240 The spontaneous fission rate of X; for 240 X is the effective mass; M is the neutron multiplication leakage factor; It is the ratio of the number of neutrons in (α, n) to the number of neutrons generated by spontaneous fission; × For the spontaneous fission neutron yield of X-240 ;

[0031] in: The mass of the retained material; The spontaneous fission neutron yield of X isotopes (X-238, X-240, X-242), i = 238, 240, or 242; For X isotopes (X-238, X-240) (α, n), i = 238 or 240; The mass percentage of X isotopes (X-238, X-240, X-242), i = 238, 240, or 242; k1 represents the ratio of the total neutron yield of X-238 to the total neutron yield of X-240, and k2 represents the ratio of the total neutron yield of X-242 to the total neutron yield of X-240.

[0032] For example, k1 and k2 can be obtained by looking up tables or by calculation. The total neutron count rate is measured using detector 5. The detection efficiency can be obtained through calibration experiments. The neutron multiplication leakage factor M and the ratio of the number of neutrons to the number of spontaneous fission neutrons are also considered. It can be obtained through Monte Carlo simulation. It can be obtained by looking up a table or by calculation.

[0033] In some implementations, after step S102, a warning message may also be included, as follows: If the mass of the retained material exceeds a preset threshold, an alarm will be triggered.

[0034] For example, the preset threshold can be 165g, but it can also be set according to the actual application. The alarm operation can be an audible and visual alarm, or it can send alarm information to the terminals of relevant personnel, push notifications, etc.

[0035] The material measurement method for a homogenizer in this embodiment continuously collects the detection signals from the detector assembly and calculates the mass of the retained material based on the detection signals and a preset mass calculation algorithm, thereby measuring the retained material in the homogenizer. This embodiment measures the retained material in the homogenizer using a nuclear measurement method, which enables non-destructive measurement, does not affect the process flow, and is simpler and more convenient.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the material measuring device for a homogenizer is used for monitoring the retention of material after it has been poured from the homogenizer, and may include the following structure: Detector assembly 11 and data acquisition and processing assembly 20.

[0038] The detector assembly 11 consists of, from the inside out, a detector 5, a moderator 6, and a shield 7.

[0039] The shield 7 is used to absorb neutrons in the environment.

[0040] The moderator 6 is used to slow down the neutrons generated by the material retained in the homogenizer 1 into thermal neutrons.

[0041] Detector 5 is used to capture thermal neutrons and convert them into electrical signals.

[0042] The data acquisition and processing component 20 is used to acquire electrical signals and calculate the mass of the retained material based on the electrical signals and a preset mass calculation algorithm.

[0043] For example, since the material in homogenizer 1 is radioactive, it can be monitored using nuclear measurement, that is, by measuring the characteristic rays (neutrons, gamma rays, etc.) emitted by the radioactive material itself. Because neutrons, gamma rays, etc. have strong penetrating power, in-situ non-destructive measurement can be achieved. Therefore, the measurement process has no impact on the process flow, and the measurement method is simple and the device is small in size, making it a very simple and practical measurement method.

[0044] The neutrons detected by detector 5 originate from the oxides in homogenizer 1, including neutrons generated by spontaneous fission and neutrons generated through the (α, n) reaction.

[0045] The above (α, n) reaction mainly involves the reaction of α particles generated by the material with light elements to produce neutrons, with oxygen being the main light element.

[0046] For example, the detector assembly 11 consists of a detector 5, a moderator 6, and a shield 7 from the inside out. The shield 7 is used to reduce the impact of the environmental background, and the moderator 6 is used to slow down the neutrons generated by the material retained in the homogenizer 1 into thermal neutrons that can be captured by the detector 5. The detector 5 is used to capture thermal neutrons and convert them into electrical signals. Since the electrical signals are relatively weak, they are acquired by the data acquisition and processing assembly 20, and the mass of the retained material is calculated based on the electrical signals and a preset mass calculation algorithm.

[0047] If the mass of the retained material exceeds a preset threshold, such as 150g, an alarm can be triggered.

[0048] For example, detector 5 can be a BF3 neutron detector, 3 He tube neutron detectors, etc., are not limited to this embodiment.

[0049] According to the material measuring device for homogenizer 1 provided in this application embodiment, neutrons in the environment are absorbed by shield 7, and neutrons generated by the material retained in homogenizer 1 are slowed down into thermal neutrons by moderator 6. Simultaneously, thermal neutrons are captured by detector 5 and converted into electrical signals, and the electrical signals are collected by data acquisition and processing component 20. The mass of the retained material is calculated based on the electrical signals and a preset mass calculation algorithm. The device in this embodiment measures the material retained in homogenizer 1 using nuclear measurement, which enables non-destructive measurement, does not affect the process flow, and is simpler and more convenient.

[0050] Example 3

[0051] The material measuring device for a homogenizer provided in this application embodiment is further described based on the material measuring device for a homogenizer provided in embodiment 1 of this application.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, detector 5 is 3 He-tube neutron detector, 3 The sensitive length of the He tube neutron detector is 600mm~1200mm, the tube voltage is greater than or equal to 6atm, and the tube body is made of 316L stainless steel.

[0053] For example, 3 He-tube neutron detectors have a high capture cross-section for thermal neutrons, and high gas pressure greater than or equal to 6 atm further improves detection efficiency, making them more suitable for weak neutron signal measurement.

[0054] With a sensitive length of 600~1200mm, the homogenizer 1 can cover the entire height range, reducing measurement errors caused by local material accumulation / gaps.

[0055] By using 316L stainless steel, it can maintain long-term stable operation in harsh environments such as radioactivity and nitric acid, while meeting the pressure requirements of pipe pressure greater than or equal to 6 atm.

[0056] In some embodiments, the moderator 6 is made of polyethylene.

[0057] The thickness of the slowing body 6 on the side facing the homogenizer 1 is less than the thickness of the rear and side sides.

[0058] For example, by using polyethylene material, it has the effects of strong slowing ability, small size and light weight.

[0059] The side facing homogenizer 1 is thinner, reducing absorption loss before neutrons enter detector 5 and allowing more neutrons to reach detector 5. At the same time, the rear and side sides are thicker, which can more fully slow down or absorb neutrons from non-measurement directions, reducing directional interference.

[0060] In some embodiments, the thickness of the moderating body 6 on the side facing the homogenizer 1 is 20mm to 60mm, and the thickness of the rear and side sides is 40mm to 80mm.

[0061] For example, when the thickness of one side of homogenizer 1 is 20mm, the thickness of the rear side and the side side is 40mm. At the same time, the thickness of the rear side and the side side can also be 40mm and 41mm respectively.

[0062] The thickness of the side facing the homogenizer 1 is preferably 60 mm.

[0063] The thickness range of each surface of the moderator 6 is the optimal range obtained based on neutron transport simulations or experimental calibrations. 20~60mm can efficiently moderate fast neutrons into thermal neutrons while avoiding excessive absorption.

[0064] In some embodiments, the shield 7 is made of boron-containing polyethylene with a thickness of 20mm to 40mm.

[0065] For example, boron-containing polyethylene can effectively absorb ambient thermal neutrons. Furthermore, because boron-containing polyethylene is lighter than traditional heavy metal shields, it is easier to install. At the same time, choosing a thickness of 20mm to 40mm can strike a balance between shielding effectiveness and cost / weight.

[0066] In some embodiments, a cadmium layer is also provided on the side of the shield 7 facing the moderator 6. The thickness of the cadmium layer is 1 mm.

[0067] For example, cadmium can fill the absorption gap in boron-containing polyethylene, achieving a better shielding effect when combined with boron-containing polyethylene.

[0068] A thickness of 1mm is sufficient to absorb most thermal neutrons of specific energy, achieving a balance between shielding effectiveness and cost / weight.

[0069] In some embodiments, the detector assembly 11 is installed inside the glove box 2 outside the homogenizer 1 and has no mechanical connection to the homogenizer 1.

[0070] 3 The He tube neutron detector is installed in a stainless steel sleeve, which is connected to the moderator 6.

[0071] For example, the detector assembly 11 is installed inside the glove box 2 outside the homogenizer 1, without mechanical connection to the homogenizer 1, without changing the original process equipment structure, and the installation is more flexible and convenient.

[0072] The detector 5 can be pulled out of the sleeve, while the modulator 6 and the shield 7 remain fixed in place. There is no need to disassemble heavy components, making maintenance more convenient.

[0073] In some implementations, the data acquisition and processing component 20 includes a data acquisition unit 8 and a data processing unit 9.

[0074] The data acquisition unit 8 is used to acquire electrical signals and transmit them to the data processing unit 9.

[0075] The data processing unit 9 is used to calculate the mass of the retained material based on the electrical signal and a preset mass calculation algorithm.

[0076] For example, the data acquisition unit 8 can be a digital acquisition module, and the data processing unit 9 can be a microprocessor, microcontroller, etc.

[0077] In some implementations, the preset material mass calculation algorithm includes the following formula:

[0078] Where: S is the total neutron count rate (cps, counts per second). For detection efficiency, for 240 The first moment of the complexity distribution of neutrons in spontaneous fission of X, 2.156. for 240 The spontaneous fission rate of X is 475.276 fission / g·s (the number of fissions per gram of matter per second). for 240 X is the effective mass, and M is the neutron multiplication leakage factor. The ratio of the number of neutrons in (α, n) to the number of neutrons generated by spontaneous fission. × For the spontaneous fission neutron yield of X-240 1.025×10 3 g -1 ·s -1 .

[0079]

[0080] in: For the quality of the retained materials, For spontaneous fission neutron yields of X isotopes (X-238, X-240, X-242), i = 238, 240, or 242. The neutron yield of the X isotopes (X-238, X-240) (α, n), where i = 238 or 240. The mass percentage of X isotopes (X-238, X-240, X-242), i = 238, 240, or 242, k1 represents the ratio of the total neutron yield of X-238 to the total neutron yield of X-240, and k2 represents the ratio of the total neutron yield of X-242 to the total neutron yield of X-240.

[0081] For example, k1 and k2 can be obtained by looking up tables or by calculation. The total neutron count rate is measured using detector 5. The detection efficiency can be obtained through calibration experiments. The neutron multiplication leakage factor M and the ratio of the number of neutrons to the number of spontaneous fission neutrons are also considered. It can be obtained through Monte Carlo simulation. It can be obtained by looking up a table or by calculation.

[0082] In some implementations, the data processing unit 9 is further configured to: If the mass of the retained material exceeds a preset threshold, an alarm will be triggered.

[0083] For example, the preset threshold can be 165g, but it can also be set according to the actual application. The alarm operation can be an audible and visual alarm, or it can send alarm information to the terminals of relevant personnel, push notifications, etc.

[0084] The material measuring device for homogenizer in this embodiment has the following advantages: (1) By performing nuclear measurement on the continuous tail end homogenization process, the material discharge status of homogenizer 1 can be judged in real time, which provides a guarantee for the safe and stable operation of the continuous tail end process.

[0085] (2) The detector assembly 11 and the data acquisition and data processing assembly are designed separately to effectively avoid damage to electronic devices from radiation.

[0086] (3) Moderators 6 of different thicknesses are set on the inner and outer sides of the detector 5 to effectively slow down the neutrons generated by the material and improve the detection efficiency of the detector 5.

[0087] (4) A shield 7 is set on the outside of the detector 5, which effectively shields the neutrons in the environment and effectively increases the accuracy of the measurement.

[0088] (5) Using a long neutron detector can effectively improve the measurement sensitivity and reduce the problem of inaccurate measurement caused by changes in the material morphology in homogenizer 1.

[0089] (6) The neutron detector is installed in a sleeve. When maintenance is required, only the probe is removed from the sleeve without affecting other components, making maintenance very convenient.

[0090] Example 4

[0091] To better understand the material measuring device for homogenizer provided in the embodiments of this application, an exemplary description is given below in conjunction with a specific application implementation.

[0092] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the material measuring device in this embodiment is used for monitoring the retention of material after it is poured from the homogenizer, and specifically adopts the neutron measurement method.

[0093] For example, the neutrons in the measured material come from both the spontaneous fission of the element and the (α,n) reaction. The neutron count rate of the spontaneous fission and the neutron count rate of the (α,n) reaction are obtained through simulation calculation, and then the total neutron count rate is obtained. The retention of the material in the homogenizer 1 is monitored in real time.

[0094] For example, the (α, n) reaction in homogenizer 1 mainly refers to the neutrons generated by the reaction of α particles produced by the material with light elements, where the light elements are mainly oxygen.

[0095] For example, after the homogenizer 1 pours the material, it will inevitably produce residue at the bottom, which is about 150g. If the amount of residue increases significantly from this, the material measuring device will issue an alarm.

[0096] For example, detector assembly 11 includes detector 5, moderator 6, shield 7, etc. Detector 5 is a neutron detector, employing... 3 He pipe, sensitive length approximately 1000mm, pipe pressure approximately 6 atm, pipe body made of 316L stainless steel.

[0097] For example, moderator 6 considers the moderation efficiency of neutron generation from materials and 3 The thermal neutron measurement efficiency of the He tube is improved. The moderator 6 is made of lightweight polyethylene. The thickness of the front side of the detector 5 is different from that of the other sides. The polyethylene thickness on the front side is about 40 mm, while that on the other sides is about 60 mm.

[0098] For example, a shield 7 is provided outside the moderator 6 to absorb neutrons in the environment and reduce the impact of the environmental background. The shield 7 has two layers: an inner cadmium layer of about 1 mm for absorbing characteristic thermal neutrons in the environment, and an outer boron-containing polyethylene layer with a thickness of 20-40 mm.

[0099] For example, the detector assembly 11 is easy to maintain. The detector assembly 11 is arranged entirely outside the homogenizer 1, independent of the homogenizer 1, which facilitates installation and maintenance. Furthermore, the neutron tube in the detector assembly 11 is installed in a stainless steel sleeve, which is connected to the outer modulator 6. When maintenance is required, the detector 5 can be directly removed from the sleeve without affecting the modulator 6 and the shield 7.

[0100] For example, the data acquisition and processing component 20 includes a data acquisition unit 8 and a data processing unit 9. The data acquisition unit 8 acquires the signal measured by the detector 5, and the data processing unit 9 processes the acquired signal. By measuring the neutrons in the material of the homogenizer 1, the material retention status is reflected, and an alarm is triggered when the threshold is exceeded.

[0101] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the device in this embodiment includes a detector assembly 11, a data acquisition and processing assembly 20, and a computer 10. The detector assembly 11 includes a detector 5, a slowing agent 6, and a shield 7, and the data acquisition and processing assembly 20 includes a data acquisition unit 8 and a data processing unit 9.

[0102] During measurement, homogenizer 1 is installed inside glove box 2. Material enters homogenizer 1 through inlet 3, is homogenized inside homogenizer 1, and is then discharged from outlet 4 after homogenization. The material is homogenized in the gap between the homogenizer 1 hub and the outer shell. After discharge, there may be residue at the bottom of homogenizer 1, which is monitored using a nuclear measuring device. An alarm is triggered when the residue exceeds a certain value.

[0103] Neutrons generated by the material are slowed down into thermal neutrons by moderator 6. These thermal neutrons then enter detector 5 for detection. The signal generated by detector 5 is acquired by data acquisition unit 8, processed by data processing unit 9, and uploaded to the main control system via computer 10. To prevent background neutrons in the environment from affecting the measurement, a shield 7 is installed outside detector 5. Neutrons in the environment are absorbed by the shield 7, and are essentially not generated in detector 5, effectively improving the accuracy of the measurement.

[0104] Detector 5 Selection 3 The He-tube neutron detector uses a gas pressure of 6 atm and a detector with a sensitive length of 1000 mm, with an inflation pressure of 6 atm.

[0105] Moderator 6 is made of polyethylene. The thickness of moderator 6 is designed to account for the neutron source term generated by the material, that is, to account for the neutrons generated by the spontaneous fission of the oxide itself (emissivity is approximately 460 / ( s), also considering the neutrons produced by the (α, n) reaction (emission rate approximately 540 / ( As the polyethylene thickness increases, the neutron count initially increases and then decreases, reaching its maximum at a thickness of 40mm. Furthermore, as the thickness of the polyethylene on the front side increases, the neutron count rate continues to increase, but the rate of increase gradually decreases. Considering factors such as equipment size, weight, and installation space, a front polyethylene thickness of 60mm was chosen.

[0106] The shield 7 is made of boron-containing polyethylene. As the thickness changes, the background interference initially decreases and then stabilizes. Considering factors such as equipment size, weight, and installation space, a shield 7 with a thickness of 20-40mm was selected. In addition, a 1mm cadmium (Cd) layer is added to absorb thermal neutrons in a specific energy range, further reducing the impact of the background neutrons in the environment.

[0107] In other cases, detector 5 can also be other neutron detectors such as BF3. Detector assembly 11 is arranged on the inner shell of glove box 2, or it can be arranged anywhere between glove box 2 and homogenizer 1, or even arranged outside glove box 2 close to glove box 2.

[0108] In summary, in this embodiment, the homogenizer core measurement method and apparatus have a detector assembly 11 installed inside the glove box 2 outside the homogenizer 1. After material homogenization is completed and the material is poured out, the residue at the bottom of the homogenizer 1 is measured. The detector assembly 11 and the data acquisition and processing assembly 20 are arranged separately. The signal generated by the detector assembly 11 is transmitted to the data acquisition and processing assembly 20 for analysis via a cable. The detector 5 is installed in a sleeve. When maintenance is required, only the detector 5 is pulled out for maintenance, while the moderating body 6 and the shielding body 7 remain stationary.

[0109] Example 5

[0110] This application also provides a data processing unit, which is intended for various forms of devices with data processing capabilities, such as microcontrollers, single-chip microcomputers, and other suitable devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present application described and / or claimed herein.

[0111] The data processing unit specifically includes a processor and memory. The various components are interconnected via different buses and can be mounted on a common motherboard or installed in other ways as needed. The processor can process instructions executed within the data processing unit.

[0112] The memory is the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium provided in this application. The memory stores instructions executable by at least one processor to cause the at least one processor to perform the calculation of the retained material provided in this application. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of this application stores computer instructions for causing a computer to perform the calculation of the retained material provided in this application.

[0113] Memory, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs, non-transitory computer-executable programs, and modules. The processor executes various functional applications and data processing of the data processing unit by running the non-transitory software programs, instructions, and modules stored in memory.

[0114] It is understood that the various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined with each other to form combined embodiments without violating the principles and logic. Due to space limitations, this disclosure will not elaborate further.

[0115] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of this application, and this application is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of this application, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A material measurement method for a homogenizer, characterized in that, The method is applied to a data acquisition and processing component in a material measuring device for a homogenizer; the material measuring device for the homogenizer further includes a detector component; the detector component is used to detect neutrons generated by spontaneous fission and (α,n) reactions of the material remaining in the homogenizer after pouring; the method includes: Continuously collect the detection signals from the detector assembly; The mass of the retained material is calculated based on the detection signal and a preset mass calculation algorithm.

2. The material measurement method for a homogenizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset material mass calculation algorithm includes the following formula: Where: S is the total neutron count rate; For detection efficiency; for 240 First moment of complex distribution of neutrons in spontaneous fission of X; for 240 The spontaneous fission rate of X; for 240 X is the effective mass; M is the neutron multiplication leakage factor; It is the ratio of the number of neutrons in (α, n) to the number of neutrons generated by spontaneous fission; × For the spontaneous fission neutron yield of X-240 ; in: The mass of the retained material; The spontaneous fission neutron yield of X isotopes (X-238, X-240, X-242), i = 238, 240, or 242; For X isotopes (X-238, X-240) (α, n), i = 238 or 240; The mass percentage of X isotopes (X-238, X-240, X-242), i = 238, 240, or 242; k1 represents the ratio of the total neutron yield of X-238 to the total neutron yield of X-240, and k2 represents the ratio of the total neutron yield of X-242 to the total neutron yield of X-240.

3. The material measurement method for a homogenizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, After calculating the mass of the retained material based on the detection signal and a preset mass calculation algorithm, the method further includes: If the mass of the retained material exceeds a preset threshold, an alarm will be triggered.

4. A material measuring device for a homogenizer, characterized in that, include: Detector components and data acquisition and processing components; The detector assembly consists of a detector, a moderator, and a shield, from the inside out. The shield is used to absorb neutrons in the environment; The moderator is used to slow down the neutrons generated by the material retained in the homogenizer into thermal neutrons; The detector is used to capture the thermal neutrons and convert them into electrical signals; The data acquisition and processing component is used to perform the material measurement method for a homogenizer as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The material measuring device for a homogenizer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detector is 3 He tube neutron detector, the 3 The sensitive length of the He tube neutron detector is 600mm~1200mm, the tube voltage is greater than or equal to 6atm, and the tube body is made of 316L stainless steel.

6. The material measuring device for a homogenizer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The moderating agent is made of polyethylene; The thickness of the slowing body on the side facing the homogenizer is less than the thickness of the rear and side sides.

7. The material measuring device for a homogenizer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thickness of the slowing body on the side facing the homogenizer is 20mm to 60mm, and the thickness of the rear and side sides is 40mm to 80mm.

8. The material measuring device for a homogenizer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shielding body is made of boron-containing polyethylene with a thickness of 20mm to 40mm.

9. The material measuring device for a homogenizer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shielding body is further provided with a cadmium layer on the side facing the moderator; the thickness of the cadmium layer is 1 mm.

10. The material measuring device for a homogenizer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The detector assembly is installed inside a glove box outside the homogenizer and has no mechanical connection to the homogenizer. The 3 The He tube neutron detector is installed in a stainless steel sleeve, which is connected to the moderator.

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