Uranium plating device for fission ionization chamber detector electrode
By combining a sealed rotary electroplating structure with a programmable power supply and temperature controller, the problems of uneven coating and leakage risk in traditional electroplating equipment are solved, achieving uniformity of uranium plating on electrodes and efficient production of detectors.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422916586.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-27
AI Technical Summary
Traditional electroplating equipment has difficulty controlling the uranium plating area on the electrodes, resulting in uneven coating, high risk of radioactive solution leakage, low material utilization, and poor detector consistency and sensitivity.
It adopts a closed rotary electroplating structure, combined with a programmable power supply, temperature controller and laser sensor. A uniform coating film is formed by brushes and transmission rods. A tubular programmable electric heater and laser sensor are used to control the gas discharge to ensure the sealing and uniformity of the electroplating process.
This achieved uniformity and consistency in the uranium plating of the electrodes, reduced the risk of radioactive solution leakage, and improved material utilization and detector sensitivity.
Smart Images
Figure CN223496680U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of extra-core nuclear measurement technology, and more specifically, to a device for uranium plating of electrodes for a fission ionization chamber detector. Background Technology
[0002] The external nuclear measurement system (EPS) is a crucial system directly related to reactor safety. It consists of a series of neutron detectors located outside the reactor pressure vessel. By measuring the neutron flux around the reactor, it continuously monitors reactor power, power change rate, and axial power distribution. In third-generation nuclear power plants, the intermediate range measurement channel of the EPS uses a fission ionization chamber detector as the neutron detection element. The fission ionization chamber uses nuclear fission to detect neutrons, offering advantages such as a wide measurement range and strong gamma discrimination capability.
[0003] The uranium electrode is the core component of the fission ionization chamber. It consists of a cylindrical electrode with a layer of highly enriched uranium material uniformly electroplated on its inner or outer wall. Neutrons react with the uranium material on the electrode to produce charged particles, which are then collected to generate pulse signals.
[0004] Uranium plating is a key technical challenge in fabricating uranium electrodes for fission ionization chambers. Uranium is not only expensive, but its usage is also subject to control. Traditional plating apparatus suffers from the following drawbacks: First, it's difficult to control the plating area, as radioactive solutions can contaminate other areas. Second, the coating exhibits inconsistent circumferential and axial uniformity, leading to poor detector consistency and low sensitivity. Third, the non-sealed plating apparatus is prone to leakage and contamination from radioactive solutions. Fourth, it has low material utilization, requiring large quantities of plating solution, resulting in material waste and hindering radioactive reprocessing. Utility Model Content
[0005] This application provides a uranium plating device for electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector, which can freely and accurately control the uranium plating thickness, with good consistency and high plating quality.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a uranium plating device for electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector, comprising a base, a mounting bracket, a motor, a rotary connection mechanism, an electrode fixing seat, an electrode chamber, a sealing and fixing mechanism, a sampling and discharging device, a transmission rod, and a control box. The mounting bracket includes a first mounting bracket, a second mounting bracket, and a third mounting bracket. The motor is fixed to the front end of the base via the first mounting bracket, the electrode fixing seat is mounted in the middle of the base via the second mounting bracket, and the transmission rod is fixed to the rear end of the base via the third mounting bracket. The motor is connected to one end of the electrode fixing seat via the rotary connection mechanism, and the other end of the electrode fixing seat is connected to the transmission rod. The electrode chamber is mounted on the electrode fixing seat via the sealing and fixing mechanism, and rotates with the electrode fixing seat under the drive of the motor. The sampling and discharging device is fixed to the electrode fixing seat and connected to the electrode chamber. The control box is connected to both the motor and the electrode chamber.
[0007] Furthermore, the rotary connection mechanism includes a limit bearing housing, a limit pin, a coupling, a self-aligning roller bearing, and a slip ring rotary brush, wherein: the limit bearing housing is mounted on the first mounting bracket via the limit pin; the self-aligning roller bearing is located inside the limit bearing housing; the motor drive shaft passes through the self-aligning roller bearing and is connected to the electrode fixing seat via the coupling; and the slip ring rotary brush is located on the outside of the coupling.
[0008] Furthermore, the electrode chamber has a cylindrical structure, including a shell, end caps, an electrode to be plated, and a center electrode. The end caps are made of plexiglass and are located at the front and rear ends of the shell, forming a sealed chamber with the shell. A positioning groove is provided on the outside of the shell. The electrode to be plated and the center electrode are both located inside the shell. The electrode to be plated is led out through an electrode conductor and connected to the control box, serving as the negative electrode during electroplating. The center electrode is a platinum electrode, led out through a snap ring and connected to the control box, serving as the positive electrode during electroplating.
[0009] Furthermore, the sealing and fixing mechanism includes a sealing ring and a conical sealing ring. The sealing ring is disposed on the positioning groove, and the conical sealing ring is disposed between the sealing ring and the electrode fixing seat.
[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a venting mechanism, which comprises a sensor guide rod, a laser sensor, and a solenoid valve. Specifically: the sensor guide rod is located on the outside of the coupling; the laser sensor is fixedly connected to the sensor guide rod; the solenoid valve is located on the electrode mounting base and connected to the electrode chamber; during electroplating, the solenoid valve is controlled by sensing the laser emitted by the laser sensor.
[0011] Furthermore, an electric heater is fitted on the outside of the electrode chamber housing. The electric heater is a tubular programmable constant temperature electric heater, which is fixed on the second mounting bracket and electrically connected to the control box.
[0012] Furthermore, a temperature probe is installed on the shell of the electrode chamber. The temperature probe is a platinum resistance thermometer and is electrically connected to the control box.
[0013] Furthermore, the sampling and dispensing device is connected to the electrode chamber via a dispensing rotary valve.
[0014] Furthermore, the control box is equipped with terminals, switches, control buttons, and a display screen. The terminals are power terminals; the switches are main power switches; the control buttons include a motor knob, a power setting button, a temperature adjustment knob, a temperature setting button, and a speed adjustment button; and the display screen includes a power display screen and a temperature display screen.
[0015] The uranium plating device for electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector provided in this application has the following beneficial effects:
[0016] This application employs a combination of brushes, transmission rods, and bearings to form a closed, rotary electroplating structure, resulting in high uniformity of the uranium plating film and preventing contamination caused by the leakage of radioactive materials. It utilizes a programmable power supply, a programmable temperature controller, and a speed controller to control electroplating elements such as power supply, temperature, and speed, achieving a high degree of standardization and effectively improving product consistency. A programmable tubular electric heating device replaces the traditional water bath heating method, improving temperature control performance. The use of laser sensors to control the opening and closing of solenoid valves allows for the discharge of gases generated during the electroplating process, preventing leakage due to gas expansion. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings:
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a uranium plating apparatus for electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector provided according to an embodiment of this application;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a sealing and fixing mechanism provided according to an embodiment of this application;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a control box panel provided according to an embodiment of this application;
[0021] In the diagram: 1-Base, 2-First mounting bracket, 3-Second mounting bracket, 4-Third mounting bracket, 5-Motor, 6-Limit bearing seat, 7-Limit pin, 8-Coupling, 9-Self-aligning roller bearing, 10-Slip ring rotating brush, 11-Electrode holder, 12-Electrode chamber, 13-Electrode to be plated, 14-Center electrode, 15-Electrode conductor, 16-Sealing ring, 17-Conical sealing ring, 18-Sampling and discharging device, 19-Transmission rod, 20-Control box, 21-Sensor guide rod, 22-Laser sensor, 23-Solenoid valve, 24-Electric heater, 25-Temperature probe, 26-Power terminal, 27-Main power switch, 28-Motor knob, 29-Power setting button, 30-Temperature adjustment knob, 31-Temperature setting button, 32-Speed adjustment button, 33-Power display screen, 34-Temperature display screen. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0023] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0024] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.
[0025] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0026] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.
[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a uranium plating device for electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector, including a base 1, a mounting bracket, a motor 5, a rotary connection mechanism, an electrode fixing seat 11, an electrode chamber 12, a sealing and fixing mechanism, a sampling and discharging device 18, a transmission rod 19, and a control box 20. The mounting bracket includes a first mounting bracket 2, a second mounting bracket 3, and a third mounting bracket 4. The motor 5 is fixed to the front end of the base 1 via the first mounting bracket 2. The electrode fixing seat 11 is mounted in the middle of the base 1 via the second mounting bracket 3. The transmission rod 19 is fixed to the rear end of the base 1 via the third mounting bracket 4. The motor 5 is connected to one end of the electrode fixing seat 11 via the rotary connection mechanism, and the other end of the electrode fixing seat 11 is connected to the transmission rod 19. The electrode chamber 12 is mounted on the electrode fixing seat 11 via the sealing and fixing mechanism, and rotates together with the electrode fixing seat 11 under the drive of the motor 5. The sampling and discharging device 18 is fixed on the electrode fixing seat 11 and connected to the electrode chamber 12. The control box 20 is connected to both the motor 5 and the electrode chamber 12.
[0029] Specifically, the uranium plating device for the electrodes of the fission ionization chamber detector provided in this application embodiment is a rapid uranium plating device based on the logic control of the fission ionization chamber neutron detector. It organically combines electromechanical systems, automatically and programmatically controls the process, improves the production efficiency of the uranium plating device, avoids radioactive leakage, and can freely and accurately control the uranium plating thickness with good consistency and high coating quality. The base 1 is used for the fixed installation of the overall structure and is preferably made of aluminum alloy for easy processing and forming. The mounting bracket is used for the fixed support of the overall device. The device is divided into three parts: a drive motor 5 fixed to the front end by a first mounting bracket 2; an electrode fixing seat 11 and a rotating electrode chamber 12 fixed to the middle position by a second mounting bracket 3; and a transmission rod 19 fixed to the rear end by a third mounting bracket 4. The motor 5 is connected to the electrode fixing seat 11 through a rotating connection mechanism, and the electrode fixing seat 11 is connected to the transmission rod 19. The electrode chamber 12 is set on the electrode fixing seat 11 by a sealing fixing mechanism. Driven by the motor 5, the electrode chamber 12 can rotate. During the rotation, the electroplating solution is injected into the electrode chamber 12 through the sampling and dispensing device 18. As the electrode chamber 12 rotates, the electroplating solution is evenly plated on the electrode 13 to be plated inside the electrode chamber 12, so that the electroplating solution is evenly distributed axially and the forming thickness is uniform. The control box 20 is located outside the device and is electrically connected to the device. It is used for powering the device and controlling the various mechanisms.
[0030] Furthermore, the rotary connection mechanism includes a limiting bearing seat 6, a limiting pin 7, a coupling 8, a self-aligning roller bearing 9, and a slip ring rotary brush 10. Specifically: the limiting bearing seat 6 is mounted on the first mounting bracket 2 via the limiting pin 7; the self-aligning roller bearing 9 is located inside the limiting bearing seat 6; the drive shaft of the motor 5 passes through the self-aligning roller bearing 9 and is connected to the electrode fixing seat 11 via the coupling 8; the slip ring rotary brush 10 is located on the outside of the coupling 8. The limiting bearing seat 6 and the limiting pin 7 are used to fix the motor 5 according to the actual installation environment, ensuring that the motor 5 can be stably fixed on the first mounting bracket 2; the coupling 8 is used to connect the drive shaft of the motor 5 to the electrode fixing seat 11; the self-aligning roller bearing 9 is used to reduce the friction of the drive shaft; the slip ring rotary brush 10 is fixed on the coupling 8, and the two are coaxially arranged; the motor 5 drives the electrode chamber 12 to rotate through the rotary connection mechanism, allowing the internal electroplating solution to move circumferentially and uniformly adhere to the electrode 13 to be plated.
[0031] Furthermore, the electrode chamber 12 has a cylindrical structure, including a shell, end caps, an electrode to be plated 13, and a center electrode 14. The end caps are made of plexiglass and are located at the front and rear ends of the shell, forming a sealed chamber with the shell. A positioning groove is provided on the outside of the shell. The electrode to be plated 13 and the center electrode 14 are both located inside the shell. The electrode to be plated 13 is led out through the electrode conductor 15 and connected to the control box 20, serving as the negative electrode during electroplating. The center electrode 14 is a platinum electrode, led out through a snap ring and connected to the control box 20, serving as the positive electrode during electroplating. The electrode chamber 12 is a cylindrical sealed chamber structure that seals the solution inside the electrode 13 to be plated, preventing leakage of the radioactive plating solution. The front and rear end caps are made of plexiglass, making it easy to observe the inside of the chamber. Positioning grooves are provided at both ends of the outer shell for fixed connection with the electrode holder 11. The electrode chamber 12 is sealed with the electrode 13 to be plated and the center electrode 14. The center electrode 14 is a platinum electrode to prevent corrosion by the plating solution during the plating process. It is located at the center of the electrode chamber 12, and the electrode is led out through the end face by a snap ring. It serves as the positive electrode during plating. The electrode 13 to be plated is located in the shell of the electrode chamber 12. After sealing, the electrode is led out through the electrode conductor 15 on the end face of the electrode holder 11. It serves as the negative electrode during plating.
[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the sealing and fixing mechanism includes a sealing ring 16 and a conical sealing ring 17. The sealing ring 16 is disposed on the positioning groove, and the conical sealing ring 17 is disposed between the sealing ring 16 and the electrode fixing seat 11. The sealing ring 16 is used for the mating connection between the housing positioning groove and the electrode fixing seat 11, so that the electrode chamber 12 can be snapped and fixed on the electrode fixing seat 11; the conical sealing ring 17 is disposed between the sealing ring 16 and the electrode fixing seat 11 to ensure sealing.
[0033] Furthermore, a venting mechanism is also included, comprising a sensor guide rod 21, a laser sensor 22, and a solenoid valve 23. The sensor guide rod 21 is positioned outside the coupling 8; the laser sensor 22 is fixedly connected to the sensor guide rod 21; and the solenoid valve 23 is mounted on the electrode mounting base 11 and connected to the electrode chamber 12. During electroplating, the laser emitted by the laser sensor 22 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 23. Gas is generated during electroplating, and excessive gas can easily expand and leak. In this embodiment, the laser sensor 22 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 23. The laser sensor 22 is fixed to the outside of the coupling 8 via the sensor guide rod 21, and the solenoid valve 23 is mounted on the electrode mounting base 11 and communicates with the outlet of the electrode chamber 12. During electroplating, when the solenoid valve 23 rotates to the top, it senses the laser sensor 22, opening the solenoid valve 23 to release the gas generated during electroplating. When rotated to other angles, the solenoid valve 23 is closed to prevent leakage of the radioactive solution.
[0034] Furthermore, an electric heater 24 is fitted onto the outer side of the electrode chamber 12 housing. The electric heater 24 is a tubular programmable constant temperature electric heater, fixed on the second mounting bracket 3, and electrically connected to the control box 20. The tubular programmable constant temperature electric heater 24, installed on the outer side of the electrode chamber 12 housing, allows for temperature setting via the control box 20. During the electroplating process, this ensures the entire electrode chamber 12 remains at a constant temperature, promoting film formation.
[0035] Furthermore, a temperature probe 25 is installed on the housing of the electrode chamber 12. The temperature probe 25 is a platinum resistance thermometer and is electrically connected to the control box 20. The temperature probe 25 is used to measure the real-time temperature inside the electrode chamber 12. Based on the measured temperature, the control box 20 can adjust the electric heater 24 at any time.
[0036] Furthermore, the sampling and discharging device 18 is connected to the electrode chamber 12 via a discharging rotary valve. The sampling and discharging device 18 is used to hold the electroplating solution and is connected to the electrode chamber 12 via the discharging rotary valve to inject the electroplating solution into the electrode chamber 12. After the electrode chamber 12 is sealed and fixed, the discharging rotary valve is rotated to the top, the electroplating solution is injected, and then the valve is closed.
[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the control box 20 is equipped with terminals, switches, control buttons, and a display screen. The terminals are: power terminals 26; the switch is the main power switch 27; the control buttons include a motor knob 28, a power setting button 29, a temperature adjustment knob 30, a temperature setting button 31, and a speed adjustment button 32; the display screen includes a power display screen 33 and a temperature display screen 34. The control box 20 is mainly used for powering the entire device, controlling various mechanisms, and displaying the electroplating status. In this embodiment, the power terminals 26 include positive and negative terminals and a ground terminal; the control adjustment includes adjusting the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 5 and the speed of the motor 5, as well as setting and adjusting the temperature of the electric heater 24; the display screen is used to display the temperature of the electrode chamber 12 and the power parameters such as voltage and current during the electroplating process.
[0038] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A device for uranium plating on electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector, characterized in that, It includes a base, mounting bracket, motor, rotary connection mechanism, electrode holder, electrode chamber, sealing and fixing mechanism, sampling and dispensing device, transmission rod, and control box, wherein: The mounting bracket includes a first mounting bracket, a second mounting bracket, and a third mounting bracket; The motor is fixed to the front end of the base by the first mounting bracket, the electrode fixing seat is mounted on the middle position of the base by the second mounting bracket, and the transmission rod is fixed to the rear end of the base by the third mounting bracket. The motor is connected to one end of the electrode fixing base via a rotary connection mechanism, and the other end of the electrode fixing base is connected to the transmission rod; The electrode chamber is mounted on the electrode mounting base by a sealing and fixing mechanism, and the electrode chamber rotates together with the electrode mounting base under the drive of the motor. The sampling and dispensing device is fixed on the electrode holder and connected to the electrode chamber; The control box is connected to both the motor and the electrode chamber.
2. The uranium plating apparatus for the electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary connection mechanism includes a limit bearing housing, a limit pin, a coupling, a self-aligning roller bearing, and a slip ring rotary brush, wherein: The limiting bearing seat is mounted on the first mounting bracket via the limiting pin; The self-aligning roller bearing is disposed inside the limiting bearing housing; The drive shaft of the motor passes through the self-aligning roller bearing and is connected to the electrode mounting base via the coupling; The slip ring rotary brush is located on the outside of the coupling.
3. The uranium plating apparatus for the electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode chamber has a cylindrical structure, including a shell, end caps, the electrode to be plated, and a center electrode, wherein: The end caps are made of plexiglass and are located at both ends of the housing, forming a sealed chamber with the housing as a whole. A positioning groove is provided on the outer side of the housing; Both the electrode to be plated and the center electrode are disposed inside the housing; The electrode to be plated is led out through an electrode conductor and connected to the control box, serving as the negative electrode during electroplating. The center electrode is a platinum electrode, which is led out through a snap ring and connected to the control box. It serves as the positive electrode during electroplating.
4. The uranium plating apparatus for the electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing and fixing mechanism includes a sealing ring and a conical sealing ring. The sealing ring is disposed on the positioning groove, and the conical sealing ring is disposed between the sealing ring and the electrode fixing seat.
5. The uranium plating apparatus for the electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a venting mechanism, which comprises a sensor guide rod, a laser sensor, and a solenoid valve, wherein: The sensor guide rod is disposed on the outside of the coupling; The laser sensor is fixedly connected to the sensor guide rod; The solenoid valve is mounted on the electrode mounting base and connected to the electrode chamber; During electroplating, the solenoid valve is switched on and off by sensing the laser emitted by the laser sensor.
6. The uranium plating apparatus for the electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector according to claim 5, characterized in that, An electric heater is fitted on the outside of the electrode chamber housing. The electric heater is a tubular programmable constant temperature electric heater, which is fixed on the second mounting bracket and electrically connected to the control box.
7. The uranium plating apparatus for the electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector according to claim 6, characterized in that, A temperature probe, which is a platinum resistance thermometer, is installed on the shell of the electrode chamber and is electrically connected to the control box.
8. The uranium plating apparatus for the electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sampling and dispensing device is connected to the electrode chamber via a dispensing rotary valve.
9. The uranium plating apparatus for the electrodes of a fission ionization chamber detector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control box is equipped with terminals, switches, control buttons, and a display screen, wherein: The terminal is a power terminal; The switch is the main power switch; The control knobs include a motor knob, a power setting button, a temperature adjustment knob, a temperature setting button, and a speed adjustment button; The display screen includes a power display screen and a temperature display screen.