Dissolver bucket, design method, dissolver, dissolving method and treatment system

Abstract

The application discloses a dissolver bucket, a design method of the dissolver bucket, a dissolver, a dissolving method and a treatment system. The dissolver bucket comprises a plurality of bucket structures, the plurality of bucket structures are rotationally symmetrically distributed around a central axis of the dissolver bucket, and the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of bucket structures after arrangement is a circular ring shape. The inside of each bucket structure is a cavity, the cross-sectional shape of each bucket structure is a quadrilateral, and the four sides of the quadrilateral are respectively an outer arc side, a first fold line side, an inner arc side and a second fold line side. In the rotation direction, the second fold line side is in front of the first fold line side, and the second fold line side and the first fold line side are both horizontally placed V-shaped, and the top of the V-shaped is directed to the opposite direction of the rotation direction. The application can reduce the risk of material overflow at the feeding position of the bucket and improve the efficiency of the continuous dissolving process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear technology, specifically relating to a dissolver hopper, a design method for a dissolver hopper, a dissolver, a dissolving method, and a processing system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, many industries require the dissolution of solid materials and the separation of undissolved solid materials. For example, this involves dissolving spent fuel particles (which typically consist of a spent fuel core and the cladding surrounding it) formed after shearing spent fuel assemblies, and separating the remaining undissolved cladding. A dissolver is typically used for this continuous dissolution process, with the hopper being a crucial component for dissolving the spent fuel particles and separating the remaining undissolved cladding.

[0003] However, in the prior art, when spent fuel particles enter the hopper structure located at the feed position of the dissolver, they tend to accumulate at the opening of the hopper structure, posing a high risk of overflow and reducing the efficiency of the continuous dissolution process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art by providing a dissolver hopper, a dissolver hopper design method, a dissolver, a dissolving method, and a processing system. The dissolver hopper can reduce the accumulation of material near the opening of the hopper structure at the feed position, reduce the risk of overflow, and improve the efficiency of the continuous dissolving process.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a dissolver hopper, comprising: a plurality of hopper structures, wherein the plurality of hopper structures are distributed in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the central axis of the dissolver hopper, and the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of hopper structures arranged together is a near-circular ring. Each bucket structure has a hollow interior and a quadrilateral cross-section, with the four sides of the quadrilateral being an outer circular arc side, a first broken line side, an inner circular arc side, and a second broken line side. Along the rotation direction, the second broken line edge is in front of the first broken line edge, and both the second broken line edge and the first broken line edge are in a horizontally placed V-shape, with the top of the V-shape facing the opposite direction of the rotation direction.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first polygonal edge includes a first baseline and a first wiring connected together, the first baseline being inclined in the opposite direction of rotation, the first wiring being inclined in the direction of rotation, and the two forming a first inclination angle θ1. The second broken line edge includes a connected second baseline and a second wiring. The second baseline is inclined in the opposite direction of rotation, and the second wiring is inclined in the direction of rotation, forming a second inclination angle θ2 between them. In two adjacent scooping structures, the second baseline of the latter scooping structure is parallel to the first baseline of the former scooping structure, and the second wiring of the latter scooping structure is parallel to the first wiring of the former scooping structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first tilt angle θ1 ranges from 40° to 60°, and the second tilt angle θ2 ranges from 40° to 60°.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inlet of the dissolver is located below the liquid level in the dissolver, and the outlet of the dissolver is located above the liquid level in the dissolver. Each of the hopper structures has an opening on its inner side, and the opening corresponds to the central axis of the solvent hopper; When the multiple hopper structures rotate around the central axis of the solvent hopper, Each of the aforementioned hopper structures has an opening that is sequentially submerged below the liquid surface of the solvent and directly opposite the inlet of the solvent. This allows the material, under its own gravity, to sequentially pass through the inlet of the solvent, the opening of the hopper, and enter the hopper structure directly opposite the inlet, forming a feed accumulation surface within the hopper structure corresponding to the feed accumulation angle α; and... Each of the hopper structures has an opening that is sequentially aligned with the outlet of the solvent, such that the material in the hopper structure aligned with the outlet of the solvent can, under its own gravity, form a discharge accumulation surface corresponding to the discharge accumulation angle β within the hopper structure, and enter the outlet of the solvent through the opening of the hopper, and be discharged from the outlet of the solvent.

[0009] In some embodiments, the distance between each of the hopper structures directly opposite the feed inlet and the feed inlet is a first distance. The feed repose angle α ranges from 35° to 45°, and the discharge repose angle β ranges from 35° to 45°.

[0010] In some embodiments, the opening arc of each bucket structure is formed in the inner arc side, and the ratio of the length of the opening arc to the length of the inner arc side ranges from 0.9:1 to 0.95:1.

[0011] In some embodiments, in two adjacent hopper structures, the distance S between the top of the first broken edge of the preceding hopper structure and the top of the second broken edge of the following hopper structure is k×N, where k is the gap avoidance coefficient and N is the number of hopper structures.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a dissolver, comprising: The material distribution device is used to receive materials from the upstream feeding equipment and distribute the materials accordingly; and, The dissolving hopper as described in any of the preceding items is used to receive the material output from the dispensing device and to dissolve it; The material distribution device is also used to receive the remaining undissolved material discharged from the outlet of the dissolver and to transfer the remaining undissolved material to the downstream unloading equipment for recycling the remaining undissolved material.

[0013] Thirdly, the present invention provides a processing system, comprising: The upstream feeding equipment is used to shear spent fuel assemblies into spent fuel pellets and output them; The solvent as described above is used to feed spent fuel particles conveyed by the upstream feed equipment into the solvent hopper through the solvent inlet, dissolve the spent fuel particles in the solvent hopper, and, as the solvent hopper rotates about its central axis to the outlet, transfer any remaining undissolved spent fuel particles to the downstream unloading equipment; and, Downstream unloading equipment is used to receive the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles for recovery.

[0014] Fourthly, the present invention provides a dissolution method for dissolving spent fuel particles, using a dissolver hopper as described in any of the preceding claims, the dissolution method comprising: The plurality of hopper structures are driven to rotate. During the rotation, the openings of each hopper structure are successively submerged below the liquid surface of the solvent and directly opposite the feed inlet of the solvent. Spent fuel particles are fed through the inlet of the melter into the opening of the hopper structure and enter the hopper structure directly opposite the inlet for dissolution; Meanwhile, the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles in the hopper structure, which is directly opposite the outlet of the melter, are discharged through the opening of the hopper structure.

[0015] Fifthly, the present invention provides a method for designing a dissolver hopper, comprising: S1. Determine the bucket structure based on the target design variables and fixed parameters of the bucket; The target design variables are used to form the first and second broken line edges of the bucket structure, and the fixed parameters are used to form the outer and inner circular arc edges of the bucket structure. The interior of the scoop structure is a cavity, and the cross-sectional shape of the scoop structure is a quadrilateral, with the four sides of the quadrilateral being an outer circular arc side, a first broken line side, an inner circular arc side, and a second broken line side. Along the rotation direction, the second broken line edge is in front of the first broken line edge, and both the second broken line edge and the first broken line edge are in a horizontally placed V shape, with the top of the V shape facing the opposite direction of rotation. S2. Based on the hopper structure and the first preset number, determine multiple hopper structures to obtain the dissolver hopper.

[0016] The dissolver hopper of the present invention includes multiple hopper structures, each hopper structure having an internal cavity and a quadrilateral cross-section. The four sides of the quadrilateral include a first zigzag side and a second zigzag side, and both the second and first zigzag sides are laterally positioned in a V-shape. Because the laterally positioned V-shape can shake the material, changing the movement of the material into the hopper structure, the dissolver hopper of the present invention can increase the flowability of the material entering the hopper structure at the feed position, reduce the accumulation of material near the opening of the hopper structure at the feed position, thereby reducing the risk of overflow at the feed position and improving the efficiency of the continuous dissolving process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dissolver hopper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a solid material dissolution system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a design method for a dissolver hopper structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an application embodiment of a design method for a dissolver hopper structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a reference hopper in a dissolver hopper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional area of ​​the reference bucket structure in a dissolver bucket provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second hopper in a dissolver hopper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the third hopper in a dissolver hopper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hopper at the complete unloading position in a dissolver hopper, provided as an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely intended to explain this application and not to limit it. 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.

[0019] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely 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 additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0020] In related technologies, when spent fuel particles enter the hopper structure located at the feed position of the dissolver, they tend to accumulate at the opening of the hopper structure, posing a high risk of overflow and reducing the efficiency of the continuous dissolution process.

[0021] The inventors have discovered that in existing hopper structures, the four sides of the cross-section of each hopper structure in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the dissolver hopper are formed by the outer arc edge, the straight edge, the inner arc edge, and the straight edge of the dissolver rotor. When spent fuel particles enter the hopper structure located at the feed position of the dissolver, the particles, under the influence of gravity, fall to the straight edge in front of the rotation direction and accumulate near that edge. In other words, the existing dissolver hopper structure results in poor flowability of spent fuel particles inside the hopper structure at the feed position. Spent fuel particles easily accumulate at the opening of the hopper structure at the feed position, creating a risk of overflow during subsequent feeding and reducing the efficiency of the continuous dissolution process.

[0022] Based on this, in order to solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention proposes a dissolver hopper, a dissolver hopper design method, a dissolver, a dissolving method, and a processing system. The dissolver hopper can increase the flowability of material entering the hopper structure at the feed position, reduce the accumulation of spent fuel particles at the opening of the hopper structure at the feed position, reduce the risk of overflow at the feed position, and improve the efficiency of the continuous dissolving process.

[0023] Example 1: like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a dissolver hopper 1, which is applied in the reprocessing process of spent fuel particles. It includes: multiple hopper structures 10, which are distributed in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the central axis of the dissolver hopper, and the cross-sectional shape of the multiple hopper structures 10 after being arranged is a near-circular ring. Each scoop structure 10 has a hollow interior and a quadrilateral cross-section, with the four sides of the quadrilateral being an outer arc side 201, a first broken line side 121, an inner arc side 202, and a second broken line side 122. Along the rotation direction, the second broken line edge 122 is in front of the first broken line edge 121. Both the second broken line edge 122 and the first broken line edge 121 are horizontally placed in a V shape, with the top of the V shape facing the opposite direction of rotation.

[0024] For ease of explanation, Figure 1 The different positions of the scoop structure 10 are identified by the numbers 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 11j, 10k, and 10l.

[0025] Here, the number of hopper structures can be set according to the requirements of the dissolving process, the size of the dissolver impeller, and its rotation speed. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the number of multiple hopper structures can be 12.

[0026] The central axis of the dissolver hopper is also the central axis of rotation of the hopper structure. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the central axis of the dissolver hopper is perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and passes through point O.

[0027] In some embodiments, the dissolver also includes a rotating wheel, with each hopper structure fixed to the wheel, which drives each hopper structure 10 to rotate. The central axis of the dissolver hopper is also the central axis of the rotating wheel.

[0028] In addition, each hopper structure has an internal cavity with holes on its outer surface. The cavity is used to hold the material; the holes on the outer surface allow the dissolving liquid to enter and dissolve the material when each hopper structure rotates periodically below the dissolving liquid level; the holes also allow each hopper structure to rotate periodically above the dissolving liquid level and separate any remaining undissolved material. In other words, under the condition of periodic rotation of the impeller, each hopper structure sequentially completes the processes of material feeding, material dissolution, and, once the hopper is above the dissolving liquid level, separating and undissolved material.

[0029] In some embodiments, the material can be any solid particulate material. In this embodiment, the material is spent fuel pellets, and the undissolved material remaining after the spent fuel pellets dissolves is a stainless steel cladding. The hopper 11 is a radiation shielding hopper.

[0030] In some embodiments, the size of the holes on the outer surface of the cavity is determined based on the size of the remaining undissolved material. When the material is spent fuel particles, the size of the holes on the outer surface of the cavity is smaller than the size of the stainless steel cladding, so that the remaining undissolved stainless steel cladding can be separated after the scoop is above the surface of the dissolving liquid.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the dissolving vessel (the plane formed by the x-axis and y-axis), the cross-sectional shape of each vessel structure is a quadrilateral, and the four sides of the quadrilateral include an outer circular arc side 201, a first broken line side 121, an inner circular arc side 202, and a second broken line side 122.

[0032] Understandably, when material enters the internal cavity of the hopper structure from the feed inlet, it enters vertically downwards under the influence of gravity. In existing technology, the second broken edge of the quadrilateral is a straight edge. Therefore, the material descends to this straight edge under gravity and accumulates nearby, easily leading to blockage at the opening of the hopper structure and posing a high risk of overflow. In this embodiment, the V-shaped top of the second broken edge acts as a shaking mechanism, altering the material's movement within the hopper structure. This increases the material's flowability at the feed position, allowing it to be better distributed along the outer arc edge of the hopper structure, reducing material accumulation near the opening at the feed position, and thus lowering the risk of overflow at the feed position.

[0033] The dissolver hopper in this embodiment includes multiple hopper structures, each hopper structure having an internal cavity and a quadrilateral cross-section. The four sides of the quadrilateral include a first zigzag side and a second zigzag side, and both the second and first zigzag sides form a horizontally placed V-shape. This horizontally placed V-shape helps to shake the material, changing its movement as it enters the hopper structure. Therefore, the dissolver hopper of this invention can increase the flowability of material entering the hopper structure at the feed position, reduce material accumulation near the opening of the hopper structure at the feed position, thereby reducing the risk of overflow at the feed position and improving the efficiency of the continuous dissolving process.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the first broken line edge 121 includes a connected first baseline 1211 (e.g., Figure 5In the middle, the line segment formed by position point 3 and position point 2) and the first wiring 1212 (as shown in the image) Figure 5 In the middle, the line segment formed by position point 2 and position point 1), the first baseline 1211 is inclined in the opposite direction of rotation, the first wiring 1212 is inclined in the direction of rotation, and the two form a first tilt angle θ1.

[0035] The second broken line edge 122 includes a connected second baseline 1221 (e.g. Figure 5 In the middle, the line segment formed by position points 6 and 5) and the second wiring 1222 (as shown in the image). Figure 5 In the middle, the line segment formed by position point 5 and position point 4), the second baseline 1221 is inclined in the opposite direction of rotation, the second wiring 1222 is inclined in the direction of rotation, and the two form a second tilt angle θ2.

[0036] In two adjacent scooping structures, the second baseline 1221 of the latter scooping structure is parallel to the first baseline 1211 of the former scooping structure, and the second wiring 1222 of the latter scooping structure is parallel to the first wiring 1212 of the former scooping structure.

[0037] Here, the second wiring and the second baseline are connected to form a V-shape, wherein the connection point of the second wiring and the second baseline forms the top of the V-shape (e.g., Figure 5 Position points 5 and 4 form the second wiring, and position points 5 and 6 form the second baseline. The top of the V-shape is position point 5. Because the V-shape is placed horizontally, when the material enters the hopper structure under its own gravity, the top of the V-shape can change the movement mode of the material entering the hopper structure, thereby increasing the fluidity of the material entering the hopper structure at the feeding position.

[0038] It should be noted that, as Figure 5 As shown, the first tilt angle θ1 is the supplementary angle of the angle between the first baseline 1211 and the first wiring 1212, and the second tilt angle θ2 is the supplementary angle of the angle between the second baseline 1221 and the second wiring 1222.

[0039] In some implementations, the relationship between the second tilt angle θ2 and the material accumulation surface at the feed position is determined in advance through experiments; the target material accumulation surface is determined according to the requirements of the dissolution process, and then the second tilt angle θ2 required for the hopper structure is determined.

[0040] In this embodiment, a first broken edge is formed by a first baseline and a first wiring connected to the first baseline, and a second broken edge is formed by a second baseline and a second wiring connected to the second baseline. On one hand, the V-shaped top of the second broken edge alters the vertical downward entry of the material, increasing the fluidity of the solid material within the hopper structure. This allows the material to be better distributed on the outer arc edge, reducing material accumulation near the opening of the hopper structure at the feeding position and lowering the risk of overflow at the feeding position. On the other hand, by ensuring that the second baseline of the subsequent hopper structure is parallel to the first baseline of the preceding hopper structure, and that the second wiring of the subsequent hopper structure is parallel to the first wiring of the preceding hopper structure, the gap between adjacent hopper structures can be reduced, increasing the cavity volume of each hopper structure and further improving the efficiency of the continuous dissolution process.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first tilt angle θ1 ranges from 40° to 60°, and the second tilt angle θ2 ranges from 40° to 60°.

[0042] For example, the first tilt angle θ1 can be 45°, 50°, 55°, etc., and the second tilt angle θ2 can be the same as the first tilt angle θ1, for example, corresponding to 45°, 50°, 55°, etc. In some embodiments, the second tilt angle θ2 can also be smaller than the first tilt angle θ1.

[0043] Understandably, the lower limit of the range of the second tilt angle θ2 is used to ensure the formation of an effective V-shaped top to effectively change the way materials enter vertically downwards; the upper limit of the range of the second tilt angle can prevent the top of the V-shape from being too thin, which would restrict the space of the cavity inside the hopper structure and increase the risk of material accumulation near the opening of the hopper structure at the feeding position.

[0044] In this embodiment, by defining the range of the first tilt angle θ1 and the second tilt angle θ2, the specific shape of the top of the V-shape in the second broken line edge is determined. On the one hand, this changes the vertical downward entry method of the material, increases the flowability of solid material inside the hopper structure, allows the material to be better distributed on the outer arc edge, reduces material accumulation at the feed inlet, and lowers the risk of spillage. On the other hand, by defining the range of the first tilt angle θ1 and the range of the second tilt angle θ2, the improved flowability of material entering the hopper structure at the feed position and the space optimization effect of the internal cavity of the hopper structure can be balanced, further reducing the risk of material accumulation at the feed inlet.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the inlet of the solvent is located below the liquid level in the solvent, and the outlet of the solvent is located above the liquid level in the solvent. Each hopper structure 10 has an opening on its inner side, the opening corresponding to the central axis of the dissolver hopper.

[0046] It is understood that the hopper structure directly opposite the inlet of the solvent is the hopper structure located at the feeding position, and the hopper structure directly opposite the outlet of the solvent is the hopper structure located at the discharging position. The inlet of the solvent is the outlet of each hopper structure connected to the distributing device at the feeding position, and the outlet of the solvent is the inlet of each hopper structure connected to the discharging device at the discharging position.

[0047] When multiple hopper structures rotate around the central axis of the dissolver hopper, Each of the aforementioned hopper structures has an opening that is sequentially submerged below the liquid surface of the solvent and directly opposite the inlet of the solvent. This allows the material, under its own gravity, to sequentially pass through the inlet of the solvent, the opening of the hopper, and enter the hopper structure directly opposite the inlet, forming a feed accumulation surface within the hopper structure corresponding to the feed accumulation angle α; and... Each of the hopper structures has an opening that is sequentially aligned with the outlet of the solvent, such that the material in the hopper structure aligned with the outlet of the solvent can, under its own gravity, form a discharge accumulation surface corresponding to the discharge accumulation angle β within the hopper structure, and enter the outlet of the solvent through the opening of the hopper, and be discharged from the outlet of the solvent.

[0048] That is, when each hopper structure rotates to the feeding position, the feed port of the melter is directly opposite the opening of the hopper structure, so that the material enters the internal cavity of the hopper structure under the action of gravity through the feed port and the opening of the hopper structure.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, each hopper structure directly opposite the feed inlet has a first distance L, which is greater than a first distance threshold, so that each hopper structure satisfies the requirement of low overflow risk at the feed inlet.

[0050] The first distance L is the distance between the first endpoint of the first wiring on the inner side of the hopper structure directly opposite the feed inlet and the feed accumulation surface. For example... Figure 8 As shown, material surface 2 is the discharge accumulation surface corresponding to the discharge accumulation angle β within the hopper structure, and material surface 3 is the feed accumulation surface corresponding to the feed accumulation angle α within the hopper structure. Furthermore, the distance between the first endpoint c1 (i.e., the inner position point c1 in the first wiring formed by position points c2 and c1) of the hopper structure directly opposite the feed inlet and material surface 3 (i.e., the material surface formed by position points c8 and c9) is the first distance L.

[0051] The first distance threshold can be determined based on experience or experimentation. For example, the determined first distance threshold is positively correlated with the length of the inner arc side of the bucket structure; for instance, the first distance threshold is 1 / 2 of the length of the inner arc side of the bucket structure.

[0052] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the feed angle of repose α and the discharge angle of repose β of the dissolver hopper can be the same or different.

[0053] It should also be noted that during the continuous dissolution process, the rotor rotates periodically, driving the hopper structure to rotate periodically as well. The rotor can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Figure 1 As shown, the wheel rotates counterclockwise.

[0054] Furthermore, the periodic duration of the rotor's periodic rotation (i.e., the time it takes for each hopper structure to complete one full cycle) can be determined based on the duration of a single pause in rotation during feeding, the duration of a single rotation during hopper position switching, and the number of hopper structures. In some embodiments, the duration of a single pause in rotation during feeding is determined based on the time required for the material to complete the dissolution reaction in the hopper structure; the duration of a single rotation during hopper position switching is determined based on the rotor's rotational speed.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the common time for moving one station is determined based on the duration of a single pause rotation at the feeding position (e.g., the position corresponding to hopper structure 10i) and the duration of a single rotation when switching to the next station (corresponding to hopper structure 11j). Then, the periodic duration of the rotary wheel's periodic rotation is determined based on the common time for moving one station and the number of hopper structures. In some embodiments, the duration of a single pause rotation at the feeding position can be 1-2 hours, and the duration of a single rotation when switching to the next station can be 10-30 minutes. For example, if the duration of a single pause rotation at the feeding position is 1.5 hours, the duration of a single rotation when switching to the next station can be 20 minutes, and the number of hopper structures is 12, then the periodic duration of the rotary wheel's periodic rotation is 22 hours.

[0056] In this embodiment, by ensuring that the first distance L is greater than the first distance threshold, sufficient feeding space can be provided for the material. Each of the hopper structures is designed to minimize the risk of overflow at the feed inlet, thereby reducing the risk of overflow at the feed position of the hopper and improving the efficiency of the continuous dissolution process.

[0057] In some embodiments, the distance between each of the hopper structures directly opposite the feed inlet and the feed inlet is a first distance. The feed repose angle α ranges from 35° to 45°, and the discharge repose angle β ranges from 35° to 45°.

[0058] For example, the feed angle of repose α can be 38°, 40°, or 42°, and the discharge angle of repose β can be the same as the feed angle of repose, corresponding to 38°, 40°, or 42°. In some embodiments, the feed angle of repose α and the discharge angle of repose β are different, with the feed angle of repose α being larger than the discharge angle of repose β.

[0059] In this embodiment, by limiting the range of the feed repose angle α and the discharge repose angle β, the first distance between the hopper structure directly opposite the feed inlet can be adjusted, providing a basis for achieving a first distance greater than a first distance threshold.

[0060] In some embodiments, the opening arc of each bucket structure is formed in the inner arc side, and the ratio of the length of the opening arc to the length of the inner arc side ranges from 0.9:1 to 0.95:1.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, for the inner arc edge of the hopper structure located at the feeding position, its length is the length of the arc between position point c1 and position point c4 (inner arc edge c1c4); the opening arc of each hopper structure is opened in the inner arc edge (that is, the opening arc of each hopper structure is a part of the arc segment in the inner arc edge c1c4).

[0062] The ratio of the length of the opening arc to the length of the inner arc can be 0.91:1, 0.92:1, 0.93:1, 0.94:1, etc. In some embodiments, the larger the number N of the bucket structures, the smaller the ratio of the size of the opening along the rotation direction to the size of the inner arc of each bucket structure, so as to reduce the processing difficulty of the bucket structure.

[0063] Understandably, the lower limit of the ratio of the length of the opening arc to the length of the inner arc can ensure that the hopper structure has a low risk of overflow; the upper limit of the ratio of the length of the opening arc to the length of the inner arc can increase the amount of material fed into the hopper structure each time to meet production requirements.

[0064] In this embodiment, by limiting the range of the ratio of the length of the opening arc to the length of the inner arc, the feed rate of the hopper structure and the risk of overflow can be balanced, thereby further improving the efficiency of the continuous dissolution process.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, in two adjacent hopper structures (e.g., 10a and 10b), the distance S between the top of the first broken edge (121 in 10b) of the former hopper structure and the top of the second broken edge (122 in 10a) is k×N, where k is the gap avoidance coefficient and N is the number of hopper structures.

[0066] Here, the gap avoidance coefficient can be determined based on experience or experiments. The value of k ranges from 1mm to 2mm. Specifically, k is 1.5mm.

[0067] In some implementations, the number N of the hopper structures can be determined based on the dissolution process requirements, the size of the dissolver impeller, and its rotational speed. Specifically, the required number of hoppers is determined based on the dissolution process requirements of the dissolver, the total amount of material to be processed per hour or per day, and the single-cycle throughput of each hopper structure and the time required for each hopper structure to complete one complete cycle. For example, the number N of hopper structures can be 4 to 20. Figure 1 As shown, there are 12 hopper structures.

[0068] In this embodiment, the more bucket structures N there are, the larger the gap between two adjacent bucket structures will be, so as to reduce the difficulty of the bucket processing and manufacturing process.

[0069] Example 2: like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a dissolving apparatus, including a dispensing device and a dissolving hopper.

[0070] The material distribution device is used to receive materials from the upstream feeding equipment and distribute the materials so that the materials can pass through the opening of the hopper structure from the feed inlet and enter the hopper structure directly opposite the feed inlet.

[0071] The dissolving hopper as described in Example 1 is used to receive the material output from the dispensing device and dissolve it.

[0072] The material distribution device is also used to receive the remaining undissolved material discharged from the outlet of the dissolver and to transfer the remaining undissolved material to the downstream unloading equipment for recycling the remaining undissolved material.

[0073] The dissolver in this embodiment consists of a dispensing device and a dissolver hopper. It can complete the feeding of materials, the dissolution of materials, and the separation of the remaining undissolved materials after the hopper is above the liquid level of the dissolving liquid. The remaining undissolved materials are then discharged. At the same time, it can increase the flowability of materials inside the hopper structure at the feeding position, so that the materials are better distributed on the outer arc edge of the rotor, reducing the accumulation of materials at the feeding port and reducing the risk of overflow.

[0074] Example 3: This embodiment provides a processing system, including a dissolver, an upstream feeding device, and a downstream unloading device.

[0075] The upstream feed equipment is used to shear spent fuel assemblies into spent fuel pellets and output them.

[0076] The solvent as described in Example 2 is used to feed spent fuel particles conveyed by the upstream feeding equipment into the solvent hopper through the inlet of the solvent, and to dissolve the spent fuel particles in the solvent hopper. As the solvent hopper rotates around its central axis to the outlet, the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles are conveyed to the downstream unloading equipment.

[0077] Downstream unloading equipment is used to receive the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles for recovery.

[0078] The processing system in this embodiment consists of an upstream feeding device, a dissolver, and a downstream unloading device. It can complete the shearing of spent fuel assemblies, feeding of spent fuel particles, dissolution of spent fuel particles, separation of remaining undissolved spent fuel particles after the hopper rises above the dissolution liquid level, unloading of the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles, and conveying the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles to the downstream unloading device via a distribution device for recovery. Furthermore, it increases the flowability of spent fuel particles within the hopper structure at the feeding position, allowing for better material distribution on the outer arc edge of the impeller, reducing material accumulation at the feed inlet, and lowering the risk of spillage.

[0079] Example 4: This embodiment provides a dissolution method, which uses the dissolver hopper of Embodiment 1 to dissolve spent fuel particles. The dissolution method includes: Multiple hopper structures are driven to rotate. During the rotation, the openings of each hopper structure are successively submerged below the liquid surface of the solvent and directly opposite the inlet of the solvent. Spent fuel particles are fed through the inlet of the dissolver into the opening of the hopper structure and enter the hopper structure directly opposite the inlet for dissolution; Meanwhile, the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles in the hopper structure directly opposite the outlet of the dissolver are discharged through the opening of the hopper structure.

[0080] In this embodiment, continuous dissolution of spent fuel particles is achieved by driving the rotation of multiple hopper structures, feeding spent fuel particles into the opening of the hopper structure at the feeding position, and unloading the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles into the opening of the hopper structure at the discharging position. The lateral V-shape of the hopper structure increases the flowability of spent fuel particles inside the hopper structure at the feeding position, reduces the risk of spillage, and improves the efficiency of the spent fuel particle dissolution process.

[0081] Example 5: like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a design method for the dissolver hopper in Embodiment 1, including S10-S20: S10. Determine a bucket structure based on the target design variables and fixed parameters of the bucket; The target design variables are used to form the first and second broken line edges of the bucket structure, while the fixed parameters are used to form the outer and inner circular arc edges of the bucket structure. The interior of the bucket structure is a cavity, and the cross-sectional shape of the reference bucket structure is a quadrilateral, with the four sides of the quadrilateral being the outer circular arc side, the first broken line side, the inner circular arc side, and the second broken line side, respectively. Along the direction of rotation, the second broken line edge is in front of the first broken line edge. Both the second broken line edge and the first broken line edge are horizontally placed in a V shape, with the top of the V shape facing the opposite direction of rotation. S20. Based on the baseline hopper structure and the first preset quantity, determine multiple hopper structures.

[0082] In this embodiment, a hopper structure can be determined by the target design variables and fixed parameters of the hopper, and multiple hopper structures can be determined based on the hopper structure and a first preset number (N of hopper structures). The cross-sectional shape of the determined hopper structure is quadrilateral, with its four sides being an outer arc side, a first zigzag side, an inner arc side, and a second zigzag side. The horizontally placed V-shaped second zigzag side can shake the material, changing the movement of the material into the hopper structure. Therefore, the dissolver hopper designed in this embodiment can increase the flowability of material entering the hopper structure at the feeding position, reduce material accumulation near the opening of the hopper structure at the feeding position, thereby reducing the risk of overflow at the feeding position and improving the efficiency of the continuous dissolving process.

[0083] Example 6: The specific implementation process of the above design method is described below with reference to specific application examples.

[0084] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned shortcomings in existing technologies by providing a method for designing a hopper structure. This method integrates the structural constraints of relevant components and the requirements of the dissolving process, refines and extends the design variables to relevant components, and enables the prediction of the maximum loading volume and loading / unloading status of the hopper under specified structural parameters.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, a method for designing a bucket structure is provided, and its technical solution is as follows: S1-S7: S1, Determine the known conditions and design variables for the calculation method of the bucket structure.

[0086] The known conditions include: the outer diameter R of the dissolver hopper. 外 Inner diameter R of the bucket wheel 内 Number of buckets N (number of bucket structures), bucket thickness T (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown, the length of the hopper along the direction perpendicular to OX and OY, and the material repose angle η (as shown). Figure 5 As shown, the first endpoint position of the inner first wiring is the material accumulation angle in the bucket structure corresponding to 1), the feed accumulation angle α, and the discharge position angle β (i.e., the discharge accumulation angle); the design variables include: the height of the bucket edge (baseline) from the center of the bucket wheel (bucket baseline position H1), the bucket baseline length L1, and the bucket tilt angle θ1 (discharge edge structure angle).

[0087] S2. The position of the scoop liquid surface and the structure of the scoop are determined based on the height of the scoop baseline position from the center of rotation of the dissolver, the length of the scoop baseline, the inner and outer diameters of the dissolver impeller, the number of scoops, and the scoop tilt angle. Specifically, step S2 includes the following steps: S201, determine the coordinates of both ends of the scoop baseline based on the height of the scoop baseline position from the center of rotation of the dissolver, the outer diameter of the dissolver wheel, and the length of the scoop baseline; S202, Based on the tilt angle of the hopper, combined with the baseline coordinates of the hopper and the inner diameter of the dissolver rotor, determine the inlet and outlet coordinates of the hopper; S203. The structure of the scoop is determined based on the number of scoops, combined with the coordinates of both ends of the scoop baseline and the coordinates of the scoop inlet and outlet.

[0088] For example, the position of the liquid surface in the scoop is position A, and assuming that the center of the dissolver wheel is the origin of the coordinate system, determine the position structure of the liquid surface in the scoop based on the known conditions; Furthermore, refer to Figure 5 Step S2 specifically includes the following steps: S201, in the coordinate system of the baseline point P3 of the scoop, the y3 coordinate is H1, based on the outer diameter R of the dissolver impeller. 外 Determine the position x3 of the baseline point P3 of the scoop. The calculation formula is: x3 2 + y3 2 =R 外 2 .

[0089] The position of the scoop baseline point 2 (x2, y2) is determined based on the scoop baseline length L1. The coordinates of y2 and y3 are equal, and x2 = x3 - L1. S202, based on the scoop tilt angle θ1, combined with the scoop baseline coordinates and the inner diameter R of the dissolver impeller. 内 Determine the location of the hopper inlet / outlet point 1 (x1, y1); ,in: =tan(π-θ1×π / 180).

[0090] S203, based on the number of hoppers N=12, rotating points 1, 2, and 3 counterclockwise by an angle of (π / N) will yield the positions of points 4, 5, and 6 (x4, y4), (x5, y5), and (x6, y6), thus determining the hopper structure (i.e., the reference hopper structure).

[0091] S3, Calculate the total volume of the hopper based on the location of the hopper foundation and the hopper structure; Specifically, further, refer to Figure 6 Step S3 specifically includes the following steps: Based on the coordinates of points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the area of ​​polygon S123654 can be calculated. S302, based on the sector area S014 and the triangle area △014, the area S1 enclosed by the side of L14 and the inner circle R of the bucket wheel can be calculated as S014-△014; similarly, based on the sector area S036 and the triangle area △036, the area S2 enclosed by the side of L36 and the outer circle R of the bucket wheel can be calculated as S036-△036. S303, the cross-sectional area of ​​the bucket S = S123654 – S1 + S2; the total volume of the bucket V = S × T; S4. Calculate the starting discharge position and maximum accumulation volume of the bucket based on the bucket foundation position, bucket structure, and discharge accumulation angle. Specifically, step S4 includes the following steps: S401, the discharge position of the hopper is determined based on the structure of the hopper liquid level and the angle between the discharge position and the hopper liquid level. S402, based on the discharge angle of repose and the discharge position of the hopper, determine the discharge surface and the theoretical cross-sectional area of ​​the material; S403, the maximum loading volume of the hopper is determined based on the hopper thickness and the theoretical cross-sectional area of ​​the material.

[0092] For example, refer to Figure 7 The angle of inclination of the line connecting the discharge point b1 and the center point is β. At this time, the material slope b1-b7 begins to discharge from point b1, and point 1 at position A rotates to point b1. The discharge position and the maximum loading volume V_material are determined based on the hopper structure, the angle ∠A between the hopper discharge position and the hopper liquid surface position, the material accumulation angle η, and the hopper thickness T. Furthermore, step S4 specifically includes the following steps: S401, convert the coordinates of point 1 at position A to polar coordinates. The rotation angle ∠A from point 1 to point b1 can be obtained by subtracting the polar coordinate angle of point 1 from β. Based on the rotation angle ∠A, combined with the coordinates of the bucket positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, calculate and determine the bucket discharge position B and the coordinates of structural points b1, b2, b3, b4, b5, and b6 (i.e., determine the structure of the second bucket). S402, based on the discharge angle of repose β and the coordinates of point b1, the coordinates of point b7 (x) can be obtained. b7 y b7 The material discharge surface is the plane b1-b7, and the theoretical cross-sectional area of ​​the material is the area S1 of the polygon b1-b2-b3-b7. S403, based on the thickness T of the hopper, the maximum loading volume of the hopper can be obtained as V = S1 × T.

[0093] S404, assuming that the material surface 1 is L89 at position A, since the material volume is constant, the calculated material cross-sectional area S1 is equal to the material area at position A, i.e., the area of ​​polygon 8-2-3-9. Therefore, the coordinates (x8, y8) and (x9, y9) of points 8 and 9 of the material surface L89 can be calculated.

[0094] S5, calculate the feed position and feed surface line of the hopper based on the hopper liquid surface position structure, dissolution process time, feed reposition angle, etc. Specifically, step S5 includes the following steps: S501, based on the structure of the hopper liquid level position, and combined with the angle between the hopper feed position and the hopper liquid level position, determine the hopper discharge position; S502, based on the feed stacking angle and the feed position of the hopper, determine the feed surface and feed line distance.

[0095] For example, in S5, the distance between the feed surface and the feed line (first distance) is determined based on the hopper structure, the hopper feed position, ∠C, and the feed accumulation angle. Furthermore, refer to Figure 8 Step S5 specifically includes the following steps: S501, based on the dissolution time t1 and the time t2 for the hopper to rotate to the next position, we can determine that the hopper needs to go through t1 / t2 stations from the feeding position C to the liquid surface position A. Therefore, ∠C = π×t1 / N×t2. Combining the coordinates of points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, we can obtain the coordinates of c1, c2, c3, c4, c5, and c6, thus determining the feeding position of the hopper (i.e., determining the structure of the third hopper). S6. Calculate the feed line distance based on the feed surface line and, in conjunction with the critical value of the feed line distance in the actual process, assess whether there is a risk of short-segment overflow. For example, in S6, based on the feed repose angle α, since the material volume remains constant, the area of ​​polygon c8-c9-c6-c5-c4 is equal to the polygon determined by point 8-2-3-9, thus determining the position (x) of the feed surface c8-c9. c8 y c8 ), (x c9 y c9 The vertical distance from point c1 to c8-c9 is defined as the feed line distance, which is used to assess whether there is a risk of feed overflow.

[0096] S7, the complete discharge position of the hopper can be calculated based on the liquid level position of the hopper, the discharge accumulation angle, the discharge edge structural angle, etc.

[0097] For example, refer to Figure 9 When the bucket is fully unloading at position D, the inclined side d1-d2 of the bucket will coincide with the inclined plane of the material accumulation angle. Then, the angle ∠B between the fully unloading position of the bucket and the position of the liquid surface in the bucket is θ+β. At this time, the coordinates of points d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, and d6 can be determined by points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and the fully unloading position D of the bucket can be obtained.

[0098] The bucket structure design method of this embodiment can quickly obtain the bucket design structure by inputting design variable parameters under the condition that the inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness of the impeller remain unchanged. It can also accurately calculate and predict the maximum loading capacity of the bucket and whether there is a risk of short-term overflow of spent fuel, accelerate the iterative update of the design scheme, reduce the dependence on prototype manufacturing and experimentation, and provide a basis for optimizing the feeding, stacking and discharging process of the bucket, and improving dissolution efficiency and material utilization.

[0099] It should be clarified that this application is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and shown in the figures. For the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of known methods are omitted here. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and shown as examples. However, the method process of this application is not limited to the specific steps described and shown. Those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order of steps, after understanding the spirit of this application.

[0100] The functional blocks shown in the above block diagram can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, they can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc. When implemented in software, the elements of this application are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. Programs or code segments can be stored on a machine-readable medium or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried on a carrier wave. "Machine-readable medium" can include any medium capable of storing or transmitting information. Examples of machine-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROM, flash memory, erasable ROM (EROM), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical disks, hard disks, fiber optic media, radio frequency (RF) links, etc. Code segments can be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets, etc.

[0101] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A dissolver hopper, characterized in that, include: Multiple hopper structures (10) are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the central axis of the dissolver hopper, and the cross-sectional shape of the multiple hopper structures (10) after arrangement is a near-circular ring. Each bucket structure (10) has a hollow interior and a quadrilateral cross-section, with the four sides of the quadrilateral being an outer arc edge (201), a first broken line edge (121), an inner arc edge (202), and a second broken line edge (122). Along the rotation direction, the second broken line edge (122) is in front of the first broken line edge (121). Both the second broken line edge (122) and the first broken line edge (121) are horizontally placed in a V shape, with the top of the V shape facing the opposite direction of the rotation direction.

2. The dissolver hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first broken line edge (121) includes a first baseline (1211) and a first wiring (1212) connected together. The first baseline (1211) is inclined in the opposite direction of rotation, and the first wiring (1212) is inclined in the direction of rotation, forming a first inclination angle θ1 between them. The second broken line edge (122) includes a connected second baseline (1221) and a second wiring (1222). The second baseline (1221) is inclined in the opposite direction of rotation, and the second wiring (1222) is inclined in the direction of rotation, forming a second inclination angle θ2 between them. In two adjacent scooping structures, the second baseline (1221) of the latter scooping structure is parallel to the first baseline (1211) of the former scooping structure, and the second wiring (1222) of the latter scooping structure is parallel to the first wiring (1212) of the former scooping structure.

3. The dissolver hopper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first tilt angle θ1 ranges from 40° to 60°, and the second tilt angle θ2 ranges from 40° to 60°.

4. The dissolver hopper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inlet of the dissolver is located below the liquid level in the dissolver, and the outlet of the dissolver is located above the liquid level in the dissolver. Each of the hopper structures has an opening on its inner side, and the opening corresponds to the central axis of the solvent hopper; When the multiple hopper structures rotate around the central axis of the solvent hopper, Each of the aforementioned hopper structures has an opening that is sequentially submerged below the liquid surface of the solvent and directly opposite the inlet of the solvent. This allows the material, under its own gravity, to sequentially pass through the inlet of the solvent, the opening of the hopper, and enter the hopper structure directly opposite the inlet, forming a feed accumulation surface within the hopper structure corresponding to the feed accumulation angle α; and... Each of the hopper structures has an opening that is sequentially aligned with the outlet of the solvent, such that the material in the hopper structure aligned with the outlet of the solvent can, under its own gravity, form a discharge accumulation surface corresponding to the discharge accumulation angle β within the hopper structure, and enter the outlet of the solvent through the opening of the hopper, and be discharged from the outlet of the solvent.

5. The dissolver hopper according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance between each of the hopper structures directly opposite the feed inlet and the feed inlet is the first distance. The feed repose angle α ranges from 35° to 45°, and the discharge repose angle β ranges from 35° to 45°.

6. The dissolver hopper according to claim 4, characterized in that, The opening arc of each bucket structure is opened in the inner arc side, and the ratio of the length of the opening arc to the length of the inner arc side ranges from 0.9:1 to 0.95:

1.

7. The dissolver hopper according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, In two adjacent hopper structures, the distance S between the top of the first broken line edge of the preceding hopper structure and the top of the second broken line edge of the following hopper structure is k×N, where k is the gap avoidance coefficient and N is the number of hopper structures.

8. A dissolving apparatus, characterized in that, include: The material distribution device is used to receive materials from the upstream feeding equipment and distribute the materials accordingly. and, The dissolving hopper as described in any one of claims 1-7 is used to receive the material output from the dispensing device and dissolve it; The material distribution device is also used to receive the remaining undissolved material discharged from the outlet of the dissolver and to transfer the remaining undissolved material to the downstream unloading equipment for recycling the remaining undissolved material.

9. A processing system, characterized in that, include: The upstream feeding equipment is used to shear spent fuel assemblies into spent fuel pellets and output them; The dissolver as claimed in claim 8 is configured to feed spent fuel particles conveyed by the upstream feed equipment into the dissolver hopper through the dissolver inlet, dissolve the spent fuel particles in the dissolver hopper, and, as the dissolver hopper rotates about its central axis to the outlet, transfer any remaining undissolved spent fuel particles to the downstream unloading equipment; and, Downstream unloading equipment is used to receive the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles for recovery.

10. A dissolution method for dissolving spent fuel particles, characterized in that, Using the dissolving vessel according to any one of claims 1-7, the dissolving method comprises: The plurality of hopper structures are driven to rotate. During the rotation, the openings of each hopper structure are successively submerged below the liquid surface of the solvent and directly opposite the feed inlet of the solvent. Spent fuel particles are fed through the inlet of the melter into the opening of the hopper structure and enter the hopper structure directly opposite the inlet for dissolution; Meanwhile, the remaining undissolved spent fuel particles in the hopper structure, which is directly opposite the outlet of the melter, are discharged through the opening of the hopper structure.

11. A method for designing a dissolver hopper according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: S1. Determine the bucket structure based on the target design variables and fixed parameters of the bucket; The target design variables are used to form the first and second broken line edges of the bucket structure, and the fixed parameters are used to form the outer and inner circular arc edges of the bucket structure. The interior of the scoop structure is a cavity, and the cross-sectional shape of the scoop structure is a quadrilateral, with the four sides of the quadrilateral being an outer circular arc side, a first broken line side, an inner circular arc side, and a second broken line side. Along the rotation direction, the second broken line edge is in front of the first broken line edge, and both the second broken line edge and the first broken line edge are in a horizontally placed V shape, with the top of the V shape facing the opposite direction of the rotation direction; S2. Based on the hopper structure and the first preset number, determine multiple hopper structures to obtain the dissolver hopper.

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