Shielding structure and neutron activation analyzer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of radiation detection, in particular to a shielding structure and a neutron activation analyser, the shielding structure comprises an outer shell and a partition plate, a hollow cavity is formed in the outer shell, the partition plate is arranged in the hollow cavity to divide the hollow cavity into two shielding cavities arranged along the length direction of the outer shell, and the shielding cavities are arranged in the outer shell. Each shielding cavity is filled with the shielding filler, the hollow cavity is divided into the two independent small shielding cavities through the partition plate, and by means of the arrangement, when the shielding structure is subjected to external physical interference, offset of the shielding filler is limited in each independent shielding cavity through the physical blocking effect of the partition plate; and the filler void ratio of the shielding filler of each shielding cavity only slightly fluctuates without obvious difference, so that the shielding effectiveness of the shielding structure is improved.

Description

Shielding Structure and Neutron Activation Analyzer Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of radiation detection technology, and in particular to a shielding structure and a neutron activation analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Neutron activation analyzers are widely used in the field of industrial material composition detection. Current neutron activation analyzers are usually equipped with shielding structures to prevent neutron leakage, thereby achieving effective radiation protection.

[0003] Currently, most shielding structures used in neutron activation analyzers adopt a modular design. Their outer shell is typically a cuboid structure with a hollow interior filled with powdered shielding filler. If the neutron activation analyzer is installed on a non-horizontal mounting surface or in a vibrating environment, the shielding filler inside the existing shielding structure is susceptible to external physical interference, leading to phenomena such as accumulation, displacement, increased filler density, and volume shrinkage. This results in significant differences in the porosity of the shielding filler at different locations, weakening the neutron shielding effectiveness of the shielding structure, causing neutron leakage, and ultimately interfering with the analyzer's detection signal, affecting the accuracy of elemental analysis results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a shielding structure that addresses the problem that existing shielding structures used in neutron activation analyzers have poor shielding effectiveness when operating on non-horizontal mounting surfaces or in vibrating environments.

[0005] To solve the above problems, this utility model proposes a shielding structure, comprising:

[0006] An outer shell, wherein a hollow cavity is formed inside the outer shell; and

[0007] A partition is disposed within the hollow cavity to divide the hollow cavity into two shielding cavities arranged along the length of the outer shell, and each shielding cavity is filled with shielding filler.

[0008] In one embodiment, the shielding structure includes at least two partitions, which are spaced apart in the hollow cavity to divide the hollow cavity into at least three shielding cavities along the length of the outer shell.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least two of the partitions are uniformly disposed within the hollow cavity along the length of the outer shell, so as to uniformly divide the hollow cavity into at least three shielding cavities along the length of the outer shell.

[0010] In one embodiment, the partition is detachably connected to the cavity wall of the hollow cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ratio of the volume of the filling voids in the hollow cavity to the total volume of the hollow cavity is i, where 4.5%≤i≤5.5%.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the outer shell is rectangular or regular hexagonal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the shielding filler is boron polyethylene.

[0014] This utility model also proposes a neutron activation analyzer, including a mounting frame, a detection component, and multiple shielding structures. The shielding structure is the shielding structure described above. The detection component is disposed on the mounting frame, and multiple shielding structures are stacked and surround the outer periphery of the detection component.

[0015] In one embodiment, the number of stacked shielding structures disposed on the periphery of the detection component gradually decreases in the direction away from both sides of the detection component.

[0016] In one embodiment, the two adjacent shielding structures are detachably connected.

[0017] This invention proposes a shielding structure, including an outer shell and a partition. The outer shell is hollow, forming a cavity. The partition is located within the hollow cavity, dividing it into two shielding cavities along the length of the outer shell. Each shielding cavity is filled with shielding filler. When the shielding structure of this invention divides the hollow cavity into two independent small shielding cavities via the partition, the physical obstruction of the partition limits the displacement of the shielding filler within each independent shielding cavity when the shielding structure is subjected to external physical interference. The porosity of the shielding filler in each cavity experiences only minor fluctuations without significant differences, thereby improving the shielding effectiveness of the structure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a shielding structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another state of the embodiment in Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the neutron activation analyzer of this utility model.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0024] 10. Shielding structure; 11. Outer shell; 111. End plate; 112. Side plate; 12. Partition; 13. Shielding cavity; 20. Mounting bracket; 30. Detection assembly; 31. Neutron generator; 32. Detector; 40. Shielding filler;

[0025] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without inventive effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0028] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0029] Neutron activation analyzers are widely used in the field of industrial material composition analysis. Current neutron activation analyzers typically incorporate a shielding structure to prevent neutron leakage, thus achieving effective radiation protection. Most shielding structures used in neutron activation analyzers employ a modular design, with a rectangular outer shell that is hollow and filled with powdered shielding filler. If the neutron activation analyzer is installed on a non-horizontal surface or in a vibrating environment, the shielding filler inside the existing shielding structure is susceptible to external physical interference, leading to phenomena such as accumulation, displacement, increased filler density, and volume shrinkage. This results in significant differences in the porosity of the shielding filler at different locations, weakening the neutron shielding effectiveness of the structure, causing neutron leakage, and ultimately interfering with the analyzer's detection signal, affecting the accuracy of elemental analysis results.

[0030] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a shielding structure that aims to resolve the issue of poor shielding effectiveness of existing shielding structures used in neutron activation analyzers when operating on non-horizontal mounting surfaces or in vibrating environments.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the shielding structure 10 includes an outer shell 11 and a partition 12. A hollow cavity is formed inside the outer shell 11, and the partition 12 is disposed in the hollow cavity to divide the hollow cavity into two shielding cavities 13 arranged along the length direction of the outer shell 11. Each shielding cavity 13 is filled with shielding filler 40.

[0032] In this embodiment, the outer shell 11 serves as the basic load-bearing and protective component of the shielding structure 10. Its material can be fiberglass, enabling it to possess strong shielding performance while achieving a lightweight design. A hollow cavity is formed inside the outer shell 11 to fill the shielding filler 40 and install the partition 12. The partition 12 is also made of fiberglass to ensure good shielding performance and resistance to physical interference. Its thickness is set according to the overall strength of the shielding structure 10 and the neutron shielding auxiliary requirements, typically 2-6 mm. The partition 12 is inserted into the hollow cavity to divide it into two shielding cavities 13 arranged along the length of the outer shell 11, and each shielding cavity 13 is filled with shielding filler 40.

[0033] This embodiment divides the originally large hollow cavity into two independent small shielding cavities 13 by installing a partition 12 inside the hollow cavity. The physical blocking effect of the partition 12 limits the displacement range of the shielding filler 40, strictly restricting the displacement of the shielding filler 40 within its respective independent shielding cavity 13. This effectively avoids the problem of large-scale flow and accumulation of the filler throughout the hollow cavity, ensuring that the porosity of the shielding filler 40 in each shielding cavity 13 only fluctuates slightly and does not change significantly. This guarantees the stability of the overall shielding performance of the shielding structure 10, reduces the risk of neutron leakage, and thus avoids interference of neutron leakage with the analyzer's detection signal, improving the accuracy of elemental analysis results.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the shielding structure 10 includes at least two partitions 12, which are spaced apart in the hollow cavity to divide the hollow cavity into at least three shielding cavities 13 along the length of the outer shell 11.

[0035] In this embodiment, the number of partitions 12 can be flexibly set to two, three, or more according to specific shielding requirements; the specific number is not limited here. The material, thickness, and installation method of each partition 12 are the same as those of the partition 12 described above. By arranging multiple partitions 12 at intervals within the hollow cavity, the hollow cavity is divided into at least three independent shielding cavities 13. The volume of a single shielding cavity 13 is further reduced, the movement space of the shielding filler 40 is further compressed, and the porosity fluctuation range of the filler in each shielding cavity 13 is further reduced, thereby further improving the uniformity and stability of the shielding effectiveness of the shielding structure 10.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, at least two partitions 12 are uniformly disposed in the hollow cavity along the length of the outer shell 11 to uniformly divide the hollow cavity into at least three shielding cavities 13 along the length of the outer shell 11.

[0037] In this embodiment, the installation spacing between adjacent partitions 12 is the same, dividing the hollow cavity into multiple shielding cavities 13 with the same volume. Simultaneously, the filling amount of the shielding filler 40 in each shielding cavity 13 is the same. With this arrangement, when the shielding structure 10 is mounted on a non-horizontal surface or under vibration, the porosity fluctuation of the filler in each shielding cavity 13 is completely consistent. This avoids the problem of severe displacement of the shielding filler 40 and weak shielding effectiveness due to excessively large volumes in some shielding cavities 13, achieving uniformity in the overall shielding effectiveness of the shielding structure 10. Furthermore, the dispersion of the porosity in each shielding cavity 13 is much smaller than in traditional structures, further ensuring the uniformity of material distribution within the shielding body and the stability of the shielding performance.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the partition 12 is detachably connected to the cavity wall of the hollow cavity.

[0039] In this embodiment, the shielding structure 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped structure, specifically including two end plates 111 and four side plates 112. The four side plates 112 are connected by threads to form a rectangular parallelepiped structure and a hollow cavity. Finally, the two end plates 111 are also connected by threads to the two openings of the hollow cavity, thereby forming an internally hollow shielding structure 10. The partition 12 is detachably connected to the cavity wall of the hollow cavity. Specifically, the partition 12 may include an integrally formed partition 12 body and two connecting plates. The two connecting plates are connected to both sides of the partition 12 body, making the partition 12 have a U-shaped structure. The two connecting plates have through holes, and the two cavity walls along the width direction of the outer shell 11 of the hollow cavity have pre-set threaded holes. Bolts passing through the through holes and engaging with the threaded holes enable the detachable connection of the partition 12. In other embodiments, two mounting slots may be opened on the two side walls of the hollow cavity along the width direction of the outer shell 11, and the partition plate 12 may be slidably installed into the mounting slots through the guide of the two mounting slots on the corresponding sides, so as to achieve a detachable connection between itself and the hollow cavity.

[0040] In this embodiment, the partition 12 is installed into the hollow cavity by means of a detachable connection. While ensuring that the partition 12 has sufficient structural strength, it is easy to replace and repair the partition 12, which greatly improves the adaptability of the shielding structure 10.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the ratio of the volume of the filling void in the hollow cavity to the total volume of the hollow cavity is i, where 4.5% ≤ i ≤ 5.5%.

[0042] In this embodiment, if the shielding filler 40 is too dense, it increases the difficulty of filling it. Furthermore, when the shielding structure 10 vibrates, the shielding filler 40 is prone to internal stress due to volume expansion, causing deformation of the outer shell 11 or partition 12, thus damaging the integrity of the shielding structure 10. If the filling rate of the shielding filler 40 is too low, the gaps in the shielding cavity 13 will be too large, allowing neutrons to easily penetrate the shielding structure 10, significantly weakening the shielding effectiveness and causing leakage risks. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ratio of the volume of the filling gaps in the hollow cavity to the total volume of the hollow cavity is set to i, where 4.5% ≤ i ≤ 5.5%. This ensures both the ease of filling the shielding filler 40 and prevents the gaps from becoming channels for neutron penetration, guaranteeing stable shielding effectiveness and perfectly meeting the core radiation protection requirements of the neutron activation analyzer.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the outer shell 11 is rectangular or regular hexagonal.

[0044] In this embodiment, the outer shell 11 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, meaning the outer shell 11 has an overall cuboid structure, and the partition 12 is correspondingly designed as a rectangular plate structure. The cuboid structure can be manufactured using simple, mature metal processing techniques such as stamping and bending, which allows for easy control of processing precision and low production costs, meeting the needs of large-scale standardized production and thus improving the practicality of the shielding structure 10.

[0045] In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the outer shell 11 is a regular hexagon, that is, the outer shell 11 as a whole has a hexagonal structure with a certain length, and the partition 12 is correspondingly set as a regular hexagonal plate structure. This structure makes the cross-section of the gap generated after the shielding filler 40 is filled into a trapezoidal shape that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, thereby reducing the shaking of the shielding filler 40 when subjected to physical interference, reducing the dispersion of the shielding filler 40, and thus further improving the shielding effectiveness of the shielding structure 10.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the shielding filler 40 is boron polyethylene.

[0047] In this embodiment, the shielding filler 40 is preferably granular boron polyethylene, which significantly improves the neutron shielding effectiveness, more reliably blocks neutron leakage, avoids interference with the analyzer's detection signal, and ensures the accuracy of elemental analysis results. Furthermore, boron polyethylene possesses excellent radiation resistance and temperature resistance; it will not decompose, corrode, or degrade under the radiation environment of the neutron activation analyzer and the complex temperature and humidity conditions of industry, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and significantly reducing maintenance frequency and costs, thereby extending the service life of the shielding structure 10.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this utility model also proposes a neutron activation analyzer, including a mounting frame 20, a detection component 30, and multiple shielding structures 10. The detection component 30 is disposed on the mounting frame 20, and the multiple shielding structures 10 are stacked and surround the outer periphery of the detection component 30. The specific structure of the shielding structure 10 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the shielding structure 10 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment, the number of stacked shielding structures 10 disposed on the outer periphery of the detection component 30 gradually decreases along the direction away from both sides of the detection component 30.

[0050] In this embodiment, the detection component 30 includes a neutron generator 31 and a detector 32, which are respectively mounted at the bottom and top of the mounting frame 20 and arranged opposite to each other. Multiple shielding structures 10 are stacked around the outer periphery of both to shield them. Specifically, since radiation is first absorbed by the shielding structure 10 closest to the detector 32, the number of shielding structures 10 around the detector 32 decreases from the center of the detector 32 towards both sides along the length of the mounting frame 20. This design ensures the shielding effect of the shielding structures 10 while significantly reducing the amount of shielding material used, thereby significantly reducing the size and weight of the analyzer and improving the installation flexibility of the neutron activation analyzer.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, in one embodiment, the two adjacent shielding structures 10 are detachably connected.

[0052] In this embodiment, the shielding structure 10 is generally rectangular. After the shielding structure 10 is installed, the four side plates 112 extend a certain length from the end plates 111. Threaded holes are provided in the extended portions, so adjacent shielding structures 10 can be connected by bolts passing through the corresponding threaded holes. This ensures connection stability while facilitating disassembly. This split design allows for adaptive adjustments based on different installation spaces and the specific positions of the neutron generator 31 and detector 32. The combined shielding body formed by multiple shielding structures 10 always has good shielding effectiveness. Furthermore, the threaded connection method allows for pre-positioning of each shielding structure 10 before assembly and fixation. This method is particularly suitable for installation scenarios with limited space or complex structures, facilitating transportation and on-site operation.

[0053] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A shielding structure, characterized in that, The shielding structure includes: an outer shell with a hollow cavity inside; and a partition plate disposed in the hollow cavity to divide the hollow cavity into two shielding cavities arranged along the length of the outer shell, each shielding cavity being filled with shielding filler.

2. The shielding structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shielding structure includes at least two partitions, which are spaced apart in the hollow cavity to divide the hollow cavity into at least three shielding cavities along the length of the outer shell.

3. The shielding structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, At least two of the partitions are uniformly disposed within the hollow cavity along the length of the outer shell, so as to uniformly divide the hollow cavity into at least three shielding cavities along the length of the outer shell.

4. The shielding structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The partition is detachably connected to the cavity wall of the hollow cavity.

5. The shielding structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The ratio of the volume of the filling voids in the hollow cavity to the total volume of the hollow cavity is i, where 4.5%≤i≤5.5%.

6. The shielding structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the outer shell is rectangular or regular hexagonal.

7. The shielding structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The shielding filler is boron polyethylene.

8. A neutron activation analyzer, characterized in that, The neutron activation analyzer includes a mounting frame, a detection component, and multiple shielding structures. The shielding structure is as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The detection component is disposed on the mounting frame, and the multiple shielding structures are stacked and surround the outer periphery of the detection component.

9. The neutron activation analyzer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The number of stacked shielding structures located on the periphery of the detection component gradually decreases in the direction away from both sides of the detection component.

10. The neutron activation analyzer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The two adjacent shielding structures are detachably connected.

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