A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of isotope production, and discloses a granular filling type isotope production spherical assembly, which comprises a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell are connected to form a spherical structure, and a placing space for storing target material is formed in the spherical structure; a feeding hole is formed in the first shell and is in communication with the placing space, and a plug is arranged in the feeding hole to block the feeding hole; the loading and unloading method of the spherical assembly is as follows: filling operation: the first shell and the second shell are connected together, then the target material is poured into the placing space from the feeding hole, and after completion, the plug is loaded into the feeding hole to achieve blocking; unloading operation: the first shell and the second shell are disassembled, and the target material is poured out for collection; the present application has the advantages of simple overall structure, convenient processing and molding, low cost, and simple separation and treatment of the target material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a spherical assembly for particle-filled isotope production, belonging to the technical field of isotope production. Background Technology

[0002] Radioactive isotopes play an irreplaceable role in nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment. Reactor neutron irradiation is currently the most important technical route for producing medical isotopes, which can be mainly divided into the following two methods: (1) Activation method: by placing the precursor nuclide in the reactor neutron field, the target isotope is generated through the (n, v) reaction; (2) Fission method: using the thermal neutron fission reaction of 235U, the target isotope is separated from the fission fragments. However, regardless of the method used, the neutron flux and the target loading are the key factors that determine the isotope yield. According to the characteristics of the reactor type and the irradiation space conditions, the industry has developed a variety of isotope production targets, such as plate targets, rod / tubular targets, granular / powdered targets, spherical targets, etc.

[0003] Due to its online refueling capability, the pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) holds promise for enabling large-scale, continuous isotope industrial production. Among existing isotope production targets, plate and rod-shaped targets, while offering large loading capacities, require reactor shutdown for loading and unloading, leading to production discontinuity. Spherical targets, due to their fluidity, are well-suited for the online refueling of pebble bed HTGRs. For example, Chinese patent application CN202510185012.4 discloses a safety analysis method and system for isotope irradiation production in HTGRs, with its background technology content stating that "the pebble bed HTGR uses spherical fuel elements such as..." Figure 1 As shown, the hemisphere after the fuel sphere is cut open includes an outer fuel-free region 11 and an inner fuel region 12. The fuel region 12 is covered with multiple fuel particles, which, from the outside to the inside, include an outer dense P... y C layer 13, SiC layer 14, internal dense P y C layer 15, loose P y As can be seen from "C layer 16 and UO2 core", the target material in the spherical target is directly formed and fixed in the shell, which has problems such as complex structure, high preparation cost and difficulty in post-processing separation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this invention provides a spherical assembly for particle-filled isotope production, which uses a spherical shell filled with granular target material. It combines online material replacement continuity with ease of preparation, and the target material can be flexibly replaced and is easy to separate and recycle.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly includes a first outer shell and a second outer shell, which are connected to form a spherical structure. The spherical structure contains a placement space for storing target material. The first outer shell has a feed hole that communicates with the placement space. A plug is provided in the feed hole to seal it. The loading and unloading method for the spherical component is as follows: Filling operation: Connect the first and second outer shells together, then pour the target material into the placement space through the feed port, and finally insert the plug cap into the feed port to achieve sealing; Unloading operation: Disassemble the first and second outer shells and pour out and collect the target material.

[0006] Furthermore, both the first and second outer shells are made of nickel-based alloy material.

[0007] Furthermore, a connecting groove is provided inward on the end wall of the first outer shell that is close to the second outer shell, and a connecting block that matches the connecting groove is provided on the end wall of the second outer shell that is close to the first outer shell. When the first outer shell and the second outer shell are connected, the connecting block is connected into the connecting groove.

[0008] Furthermore, a first internal thread is provided on the side wall of the connecting groove, and a first external thread matching the first internal thread is provided on the outer side wall of the connecting block. The connecting groove and the connecting block are threaded together by the matching of the first internal thread and the first external thread, thereby allowing the first outer shell and the second outer shell to be detachably connected together.

[0009] Furthermore, the first outer shell and the second outer shell are welded together.

[0010] Furthermore, a second internal thread is provided on the wall of the feed hole, and a second external thread matching the second internal thread is provided on the outer wall of the plug cap. The feed hole and the plug cap are threaded together by the matching of the second internal thread and the second external thread.

[0011] Furthermore, the plug cap is welded to the feed hole.

[0012] Furthermore, a first fixing groove is provided on the end wall of the first housing away from the second housing, and the first housing can be fixed to the external automated equipment by means of the first fixing groove. A second fixing groove is provided on the end wall of the second housing away from the first housing, and the second housing can also be fixed to the external automated equipment by means of the second fixing groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the loading and unloading method for the spherical assembly is as follows: Filling operation: When connecting the first outer shell and the second outer shell, the first outer shell and the second outer shell are detachably connected together by the action of the first internal thread and the first external thread; when inserting the plug into the feed hole, the plug and the feed hole are detachably connected together by the action of the second internal thread and the second external thread; Unloading operation: When disassembling the first outer shell and the second outer shell, the first outer shell is fixed to the movable part of the external capping mechanism through the first fixing groove, and the second outer shell is fixed to the fixed part of the external capping mechanism through the second fixing groove. The movable part of the external capping mechanism applies torque to rotate the first outer shell away from the second outer shell.

[0014] Furthermore, the loading and unloading method for the spherical assembly is as follows: Filling operation: When connecting the first shell and the second shell, the first shell and the second shell are spliced ​​together, and then the splicing position is welded; when inserting the plug cap into the feed hole, the plug cap is inserted into the feed hole, and then the top edge of the plug cap is welded to the opening of the feed hole. Unloading operation: When disassembling the first outer shell and the second outer shell, the first outer shell and the second outer shell are fixed to the external cutting mechanism through the first fixing groove and the second fixing groove respectively. The external cutting mechanism cuts the first outer shell and the second outer shell along the welding position of the first outer shell and the second outer shell.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention employs a spherical structure filled with target material, which preserves the geometric features of the spherical shell for easy operation in a pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, while also facilitating the loading and unloading of the target material. During the filling process, the first and second outer shells are connected together, the target material is poured into the placement space through the feed port, and then a plug is inserted into the feed port to seal it, thus completing the filling. During the unloading process, the first and second outer shells are directly separated to complete the unloading. Compared to traditional spherical targets where the target material is directly fixed in the shell, this invention offers advantages such as simple overall structure, convenient processing and molding, low cost, and easy separation and processing of the target material, perfectly complementing the continuous operation advantages of a pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0017] The reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 1. First outer shell; 2. Second outer shell; 3. Placement space; 4. Feed hole; 5. Plug cap; 6. Connecting groove; 7. Connecting block; 8. First fixing groove; 9. Second fixing groove. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly, including a first outer shell 1 and a second outer shell 2. Both the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are hemispherical structures. The first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are connected at the equator to form a spherical structure. This spherical structure has a placement space 3 for storing target material. A feed port 4 is also provided at the top of the first outer shell 1. The feed port 4 is coaxial with the axis of the first outer shell 1 and is also connected to the placement space 3. A plug 5 is provided in the feed port 4 to seal the feed port 4. The plug 5, by sealing the feed port 4 and cooperating with the connection between the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2, can enclose the target material in the placement space 3.

[0020] To ensure the mechanical properties of this spherical assembly, in this embodiment, both the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are made of nickel-based alloy materials. For example, Inconel 600 / 625 can be selected, as it exhibits excellent comprehensive performance in high-temperature and corrosive environments, making it well-suited for pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. Alternatively, Hastelloy series nickel-based alloys can be selected, as they possess outstanding resistance to high-temperature oxidation and radiation, also making them well-suited for pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. The materials for the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 can also be zirconium alloys or stainless steel. However, zirconium alloys and stainless steel may fail under the ultra-high temperature conditions of pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. Therefore, the appropriate material can be selected based on the actual operating requirements of the pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, but nickel-based alloys are preferred. Simultaneously, the cap 5 can also be made of nickel-based alloy materials to further ensure the mechanical properties of this spherical assembly.

[0021] It should be noted that using metal materials as the manufacturing materials for the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 is highly feasible. Currently, ceramic materials and graphite materials are also used for the target shell. However, the mechanical properties of ceramic materials may not meet the requirements of the pebble bed type high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Graphite materials have strong moderation capabilities, and neutrons will be reflected and slowed down. At the same time, graphite is more easily damaged. Therefore, metal materials are preferred as the shell material.

[0022] To facilitate the use of this spherical assembly, in this embodiment, a connecting groove 6 is provided inwardly on the end wall of the first outer shell 1 near the second outer shell 2. The connecting groove 6 is annular and coaxial with the first outer shell 1. A connecting block 7 matching the connecting groove 6 is provided on the end wall of the second outer shell 2 near the first outer shell 1. When the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are connected, the connecting block 7 is engaged into the connecting groove 6 to provide positioning and sealing, thus facilitating the installation of this spherical assembly. The connecting groove 6 has a first internal thread on its side wall, and the connecting block 7 has a first external thread that matches the first internal thread on its outer side wall. The connecting groove 6 and the connecting block 7 are connected together by matching the first internal thread and the first external thread, so that the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are fixed together in a detachable connection, which facilitates the disassembly and assembly of this spherical assembly. The feed hole 4 is provided with a second internal thread, and the plug cap 5 is provided with a second external thread that matches the second internal thread. The feed hole 4 and the plug cap 5 are connected together by the matching of the second internal thread and the second external thread, which facilitates the subsequent filling work of this spherical assembly.

[0023] To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of this spherical assembly, in this embodiment, a first fixing groove 8 is provided on the end wall of the first outer shell 1 away from the second outer shell 2. The first outer shell 1 can be fixed to external automated equipment, such as a capping mechanism or a cutting mechanism, using the first fixing groove 8. The first fixing grooves 8 are arranged in a circular array on the first outer shell 1 with the axis of the first outer shell 1 as the array center, and the number is at least three, so as to provide sufficient fixing points when the first outer shell 1 is fixed to the external automated equipment. A second fixing groove 9 is provided on the end wall of the second outer shell 2 away from the first outer shell 1. The second outer shell 2 can also be fixed to external automated equipment, such as a capping mechanism or a cutting mechanism, using the second fixing groove 9. The second fixing grooves 9 are arranged in a circular array on the second outer shell 2 with the axis of the second outer shell 2 as the array center, and the number is at least three, so as to provide sufficient fixing points when the second outer shell 2 is fixed to the external automated equipment.

[0024] The specific usage method of this spherical component is as follows: During the filling operation: The first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are detachably connected together by the first internal thread and the first external thread, allowing the first outer shell 1 to be screwed onto the second outer shell 2. This tightening can be done manually, or by fixing the first outer shell 1 to the movable part of the external capping mechanism via the first fixing groove 8, and fixing the second outer shell 2 to the fixed part of the external capping mechanism via the second fixing groove 9. The movable part of the external capping mechanism is then controlled to apply torque to tighten the first outer shell 1 onto the second outer shell 2. Afterwards, the target material is poured into the placement space 3 through the feed hole 4. Once the target material has been poured in, the plug cap 5 is screwed into the feed hole 4. The plug cap 5 and the feed hole 4 are detachably connected together by the second internal thread and the second external thread. To facilitate the screwing in of the plug cap 5, an opening compatible with external rotating tools, such as a hex wrench or screwdriver, can be provided on the top of the plug cap 5, allowing the operator to rotate the plug cap 5 using such tools.

[0025] During production: Several spherical assemblies containing target material are connected in series by a chain and hoisted into a neutron irradiation channel for isotope production. After production, the chain is lifted to remove the spherical assembly from the neutron irradiation channel, and then the chain is disconnected for unloading. Disconnecting the chain can be done by breaking the chain or by using a detachable chain structure. The chain's motion control can be linear or hinged, depending on the specific requirements.

[0026] Unloading operation: First, move the spherical assembly into the shielding body to shield against gamma radiation. Then, fix the first outer shell 1 to the movable part of the external capping mechanism through the first fixing groove 8, and fix the second outer shell 2 to the fixed part of the external capping mechanism through the second fixing groove 9. Then, control the movable part of the external capping mechanism to apply torque to rotate the first outer shell 1 away from the second outer shell 2, so as to separate the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2. Then, pour out and collect the target material for waste disposal.

[0027] Because the irradiation levels and high temperatures generated during the operation of a gas-cooled reactor vary, in the case of an ultra-high temperature gas-cooled reactor, the aforementioned threaded structure may seize up under ultra-high temperatures due to insufficient lubrication, thereby affecting the mechanical properties of this spherical assembly. Therefore, Example 2 is proposed.

[0028] Example 2: Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a spherical assembly for particle-filled isotope production. The difference between this assembly and the first embodiment is that the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are welded together along the equator, and the plug cap 5 and the feed hole 4 are also welded together, instead of using the above-mentioned threaded connection structure, so as to better ensure the mechanical properties of this spherical assembly.

[0029] The difference between the specific usage method of this spherical component and the specific usage method of the spherical component provided in Embodiment 1 is as follows: During the filling operation, when connecting the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2, the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are spliced ​​together, and then the splicing position, that is, the equatorial position of the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2, is welded to fix the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 together. When inserting the plug cap 5 into the feed hole 4, the plug cap 5 is inserted into the feed hole 4, and then the top edge of the plug cap 5 is welded to the opening of the feed hole 4 to fix the plug cap 5 to the feed hole 4.

[0030] During the unloading operation, when disassembling the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2, the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 are fixed to the external cutting mechanism through the first fixing groove 8 and the second fixing groove 9 respectively. Then, the external cutting mechanism is controlled to cut the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2 along the welding position of the first outer shell 1 and the second outer shell 2, i.e. the equator.

[0031] It should be noted that this type of spherical assembly can only be used once; otherwise, sealing problems may occur, leading to leakage of target material. However, this type of spherical assembly possesses sufficient mechanical strength to be well-suited for operation in ultra-high temperature gas-cooled reactors.

[0032] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spherical assembly for particle-filled isotope production, characterized in that: It includes a first outer shell (1) and a second outer shell (2), which are connected to form a spherical structure. The spherical structure forms a placement space (3) for storing target material. The first outer shell (1) is provided with a feed hole (4), which is connected to the placement space (3). A plug cap (5) for sealing the feed hole (4) is provided in the feed hole (4). The loading and unloading method for the spherical component is as follows: Filling operation: Connect the first shell (1) and the second shell (2) together, then pour the target material into the placement space (3) through the feed hole (4), and after completion, insert the plug cap (5) into the feed hole (4) to achieve sealing; Unloading operation: Disassemble the first shell (1) and the second shell (2) and pour out and collect the target material.

2. The spherical assembly for particle-filled isotope production according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first outer shell (1) and the second outer shell (2) are made of nickel-based alloy material.

3. The spherical assembly for particle-filled isotope production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first outer shell (1) has a connecting groove (6) on the end wall close to the second outer shell (2) and the second outer shell (2) has a connecting block (7) that matches the connecting groove (6) on the end wall close to the first outer shell (1). When the first outer shell (1) and the second outer shell (2) are connected, the connecting block (7) is connected into the connecting groove (6).

4. A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting groove (6) has a first internal thread on its sidewall, and the connecting block (7) has a first external thread that matches the first internal thread on its outer sidewall. The connecting groove (6) and the connecting block (7) are connected together by the matching of the first internal thread and the first external thread, so that the first outer shell (1) and the second outer shell (2) can be detachably connected together.

5. A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first outer shell (1) and the second outer shell (2) are welded together.

6. A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The feed hole (4) has a second internal thread on its wall, and the plug cap (5) has a second external thread that matches the second internal thread on its outer wall. The feed hole (4) and the plug cap (5) are connected together by the matching of the second internal thread and the second external thread.

7. A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plug cap (5) is welded to the feed hole (4).

8. A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly according to claim 1, 6, or 7, characterized in that: The first housing (1) has a first fixing groove (8) on the end wall away from the second housing (2). The first housing (1) can be fixed to an external automated device by means of the first fixing groove (8). The second housing (2) has a second fixing groove (9) on the end wall away from the first housing (1). The second housing (2) can also be fixed to an external automated device by means of the second fixing groove (9).

9. A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The loading and unloading method for the spherical component is also as follows: Filling operation: When connecting the first shell (1) and the second shell (2), the first shell (1) and the second shell (2) are detachably connected together under the action of the first internal thread and the first external thread; when inserting the plug cap (5) into the feed hole (4), the plug cap (5) and the feed hole (4) are detachably connected together under the action of the second internal thread and the second external thread; Unloading operation: When disassembling the first shell (1) and the second shell (2), the first shell (1) is fixed to the movable part of the external capping mechanism through the first fixing groove (8), and the second shell (2) is fixed to the fixed part of the external capping mechanism through the second fixing groove (9). The movable part of the external capping mechanism applies torque to rotate the first shell (1) away from the second shell (2).

10. A particle-filled isotope production spherical assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The loading and unloading method for the spherical component is also as follows: Filling operation: When connecting the first shell (1) and the second shell (2), the first shell (1) and the second shell (2) are spliced ​​together, and then the splicing position is welded; when inserting the plug cap (5) into the feed hole (4), the plug cap (5) is inserted into the feed hole (4), and then the top edge of the plug cap (5) is welded to the opening of the feed hole (4); Unloading operation: When disassembling the first shell (1) and the second shell (2), the first shell (1) and the second shell (2) are fixed to the external cutting mechanism through the first fixing groove (8) and the second fixing groove (9) respectively. The external cutting mechanism cuts the first shell (1) and the second shell (2) along the welding position of the first shell (1) and the second shell (2).

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