Liquid metal experimental device and liquid metal impurity control system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of liquid metal experimental device and liquid metal impurity control system, liquid metal experimental device includes the hermetic experimental jar body, the peephole window being installed on the experimental jar body, filling and discharging mechanism and measuring mechanism;The filling and discharging mechanism includes the first pipeline and second pipeline being arranged at the top of the experimental jar body, the first pipeline and the second pipeline are respectively communicated inside the experimental jar body;The measuring mechanism includes temperature detection unit for measuring the temperature inside the experimental jar body and / or oxygen sensor for measuring the oxygen content inside the experimental jar body.The utility model is developed for liquid metal experiment, and can be applied to corrosion, oxygen control and physical property characteristics etc. experimental research of liquid metal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid metal research technology, and in particular to a liquid metal experimental device and a liquid metal impurity control system. Background Technology

[0002] Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) alloy, as one of the key materials in nuclear reactors, is widely used in nuclear reactors due to its unique physical and chemical properties. As a coolant, LBE plays an important role in fast neutron reactors. Its high melting point and density enable it to effectively absorb and transfer the heat generated by nuclear reactions while maintaining stability, ensuring the safe operation of the reactor.

[0003] Controlling the oxygen content of LBE is a key technology for pollution control and corrosion prevention in lead-bismuth alloy coolant reactors. As an important component of liquid metal reactors, the oxygen control system's function is to maintain the oxygen concentration of lead-bismuth within a certain range. This ensures that a dense and stable iron oxide layer forms on the inner wall of the pipes to protect the structural materials from corrosion, while also preventing the formation of heterogeneous impurities such as PbO in the LBE to avoid flow blockage accidents and maintain good thermophysical properties. Corrosion leads to a decline in LBE material performance and may cause serious accidents such as coolant leaks. If a coolant loop leaks due to corrosion, the risk of radioactive material leakage increases dramatically, posing a significant threat to environmental and personnel safety. Corrosion research can provide theoretical support for optimizing the composition of lead-bismuth alloys. By analyzing the composition and structure of corrosion products, the migration patterns of elements within the alloy during corrosion can be understood, allowing for targeted adjustments to the alloy composition. For example, appropriately increasing the content of certain corrosion-resistant elements or removing some easily corroding impurity elements can lead to the development of lead-bismuth alloy materials with superior performance. A thorough understanding of the physical properties of lead-bismuth alloys, such as density, melting point, and coefficient of thermal expansion, is helpful in exploring new application areas. Comprehensive property studies can uncover more potential applications for lead-bismuth alloys. Furthermore, as a coolant in lead-bismuth nuclear reactors, LBE requires precise knowledge of its thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and other thermophysical properties to rationally design the size, shape, and structure of the cooling system. Incorrect estimations of these properties may result in the cooling system failing to meet actual heat dissipation requirements, thereby affecting the overall performance and safety of the reactor.

[0004] To address the above issues, corresponding experimental setups can be designed for research. Currently available experimental setups for liquid metals suffer from problems such as complex equipment, numerous pipelines, and high maintenance costs. Furthermore, they lack equipment for real-time monitoring of the liquid metal within the tank, and most setups only support one experimental study, limiting their applicability to a single scenario. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an improved liquid metal experimental device and a liquid metal impurity control system having the liquid metal experimental device.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: to provide a liquid metal experimental device, including a sealed experimental tank, a viewing window installed on the experimental tank, a filling and discharging mechanism and a measuring mechanism; The filling and discharging mechanism includes a first pipe and a second pipe disposed at the top of the experimental tank, the first pipe and the second pipe being respectively connected to the interior of the experimental tank; The measuring mechanism is connected to a remote control terminal, and the measuring mechanism includes a temperature detection unit for measuring the internal temperature of the experimental tank and / or an oxygen sensor for measuring the internal oxygen content of the experimental tank.

[0007] Preferably, the first pipeline includes a first pipe and a first switch valve; the first pipe is disposed at the top of the experimental tank, and the first switch valve is disposed on the first pipe; the lower end of the first pipe extends into the interior of the experimental tank and is located at the top of the experimental tank.

[0008] Preferably, the second pipeline includes a second pipe and a second switch valve; the second pipe is disposed at the top of the experimental tank, and the second switch valve is disposed on the second pipe; the lower end of the second pipe penetrates into the interior of the experimental tank and extends to the lower end of the experimental tank.

[0009] Preferably, the temperature detection unit includes a thermocouple.

[0010] Preferably, the measuring mechanism further includes a pressure detection unit disposed on the first pipeline; the pressure detection unit includes a pressure gauge and / or a pressure sensor.

[0011] Preferably, the experimental vessel is a heatable experimental vessel; or, The experimental tank includes a tank body, a heating mechanism installed on the tank body, and an insulation layer covering the heating mechanism.

[0012] Preferably, a heating component is provided on the second pipeline.

[0013] Preferably, the viewing window includes a connecting cylinder connected to the top of the experimental tank and a transparent glass closed at the end of the connecting cylinder.

[0014] Preferably, a camera device is installed on the viewing window.

[0015] This utility model also provides a liquid metal impurity control system, including two or more of the aforementioned liquid metal experimental devices; one of the liquid metal experimental devices serves as a melting device, and the other of the liquid metal experimental device serves as an oxygen control device; the second pipeline of the melting device is connected to the first pipeline of the oxygen control device, thereby connecting the experimental tank of the melting device with the experimental tank of the oxygen control device; the second pipeline of the oxygen control device forms an air inlet pipeline, and the first pipeline of the melting device forms an exhaust pipeline.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This liquid metal experimental device was developed for experiments on liquid metals and can be applied to experimental research on the corrosion, oxygen control, and physical properties of liquid metals. The device is equipped with a viewing window for real-time observation of the metal state inside the experimental vessel, and a measuring mechanism for measuring parameters such as temperature and oxygen content. These parameters can be controlled and recorded online throughout the entire process, allowing for unmanned operation during the experiment. This not only facilitates data recording and processing but also significantly reduces the safety risks caused by improper operation during the experiment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a liquid metal experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a liquid metal experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid metal impurity control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] like Figures 1-2 As shown, an embodiment of the liquid metal experimental apparatus of the present invention includes a sealed experimental tank 10, a viewing window 20 installed on the experimental tank 10, a filling and discharging mechanism, and a measuring mechanism.

[0020] The experimental vessel 10 serves as a container for holding liquid metals such as lead and bismuth. The viewing window 20 allows visualization of the interior of the experimental vessel 10, facilitating real-time observation of its internal conditions by personnel. The filling and emptying mechanism is connected to the interior of the experimental vessel 10 and is used for filling, venting, or draining liquids according to different experimental needs. The measuring mechanism is used to measure parameters such as internal temperature and oxygen content within the experimental vessel 10.

[0021] Specifically, the experimental vessel 10 is a heatable experimental vessel, which can be heated by electricity to melt the lead and bismuth contained inside the experimental vessel 10. The heating temperature of the experimental vessel 10 is controllable.

[0022] Alternatively, the experimental tank 10 may include a tank body, a heating mechanism mounted on the tank body, and an insulation layer covering the heating mechanism. The top of the tank body is sealed by a flange assembly, and the surface of the flange assembly serves as the top surface of the experimental tank 10, supporting the viewing window, filling and discharging mechanism, and measuring mechanism.

[0023] The flange assembly includes a lower flange 11 formed on the outer periphery of the top of the tank body, an upper flange 12 fitted onto the lower flange 11, and the upper flange 12 locked onto the lower flange 11 by multiple sets of fasteners. A sealing ring is provided between the lower flange 11 and the upper flange 12. The upper flange 12 is detachable from the lower flange 11, facilitating the opening of the experimental tank 10 to load lead and bismuth.

[0024] The heating mechanism can be installed on the outer periphery of the tank body and can be implemented using heating rods or heating resistance wires. The insulation layer includes insulation cotton covering the heating mechanism and a heat insulation layer (such as a stainless steel layer) covering the insulation cotton.

[0025] The viewing window 20 is preferably installed on the top of the experimental tank 10. In one embodiment, the viewing window includes a connecting cylinder 21 connected to the top of the experimental tank 10 and a transparent glass 22 enclosed at the end of the connecting cylinder 21. The transparent glass 22 can be fastened to the end of the connecting cylinder 21 away from the experimental tank 10 by a flange.

[0026] The viewing window 22 is made of tempered glass, which can withstand high internal pressure and visualize the surface condition of the lead and bismuth inside the container. Additionally, a camera can be installed on the viewing window 20 to monitor and record the condition of the lead and bismuth inside the container in real time. The camera can be remotely controlled.

[0027] The filling and discharging mechanism includes a first pipe 30 and a second pipe 40 located at the top of the experimental tank 10, with the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 respectively connected to the interior of the experimental tank 10.

[0028] The first pipeline 30 includes a first pipe 31 and a first switch valve 32. The first pipe 31 is located at the top of the experimental tank 10, and its lower end extends into the interior of the experimental tank 10, situated at the top of the interior. The first switch valve 32 is located on the first pipe 31 and is also situated at the top of the experimental tank 10.

[0029] The first switching valve 32 is used to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline 30 and to regulate the flow rate. It can be further selected as a manually controlled valve, a remotely controlled electric valve, or a control valve with a flow meter to realize the function of remote pipeline opening and closing and automatic recording of flow data.

[0030] The first pipeline 30 can serve as an inlet pipeline, which can be connected to a single or multiple gas supply devices. The gas used can include argon, argon-hydrogen mixture, air, nitrogen, or other single-element gases or mixtures, used to achieve the function of reducing or oxidizing liquid metal. The first pipeline 30 can also serve as an exhaust pipeline, through which the gas in the experimental tank 10 is discharged.

[0031] The second pipeline 40 includes a second pipe 41 and a second switch valve 42; the second pipe 41 is located at the top of the experimental tank 10, and its lower end extends into the interior of the experimental tank 10 to the lower end of the experimental tank 10. The second switch valve 42 is located on the second pipe 41 and at the top of the experimental tank 10.

[0032] The second switching valve 42 is used to control the opening and closing of the second pipeline 40 and to regulate the flow rate. It can be further selected as a manually controlled valve, a remotely controlled electric valve, or a control valve with a flow meter to realize the function of remote pipeline opening and closing and automatic recording of flow data.

[0033] The second pipe 40 can be used as a drain pipe for draining liquid metal from the experimental tank 10. The second pipe 40 can also be used as a gas filling pipe to discharge air from the experimental tank 10 through the first pipe 30 by filling with inert gases such as argon.

[0034] Furthermore, a heating element may be provided on the second pipe 40 for heating the second pipe 40. When the second pipe 40 is used as a drain pipe to discharge liquid metal, the heating element is energized to heat the second pipe 40, ensuring that the liquid metal passing through the second pipe 40 remains in a liquid state and preventing solidification. The heating element may include a heating resistance wire wound around the second pipe 41. The heating resistance wire may be covered with insulation cotton and a metal layer (such as stainless steel) to achieve heat insulation and thermal insulation respectively.

[0035] The measuring mechanism is connected to a remote control terminal, enabling the remote control terminal to record the data measured by the measuring mechanism.

[0036] The measuring mechanism may include at least one of a temperature detection unit 51 and an oxygen sensor. A measuring hole is provided at the top of the experimental vessel 10 for inserting the temperature detection unit 51 and / or the oxygen sensor. The temperature detection unit 51 is used to measure the internal temperature of the experimental vessel 10, thereby measuring the temperature of the lead-bismuth inside the experimental vessel 10. The oxygen sensor is used to measure the oxygen content inside the experimental vessel 10.

[0037] The temperature detection unit 51 can be implemented using a thermocouple. In use, the oxygen sensor can be mounted on the thermocouple and enter the experimental tank 10 together through the measuring hole.

[0038] The measuring mechanism also includes a pressure detection unit 52 disposed on the first pipeline 30 for measuring the internal pressure of the first pipeline 30, particularly when the first pipeline 30 is used as an air intake pipeline. The pressure detection unit 52 includes a pressure gauge and / or a pressure sensor.

[0039] The liquid metal experimental apparatus of this invention can be applied to experimental research on corrosion, oxygen control, impurity control and physical properties of liquid metals.

[0040] In impurity control applications, two liquid metal experimental devices are connected to form a liquid metal impurity control system. For example... Figure 3 As shown, in the liquid metal impurity control system, one liquid metal experimental device serves as a melting device 100, and the other liquid metal experimental device serves as an oxygen control device 200.

[0041] Combination Figures 1-3 The second pipe 40 of the melting device 100 is connected to the first pipe 30 of the oxygen control device 200, connecting the experimental tank 10 of the melting device 100 with the experimental tank 10 of the oxygen control device 200; the second pipe 40 of the oxygen control device 200 forms an air inlet pipe, and the first pipe 30 of the melting device 100 forms an exhaust pipe.

[0042] Taking lead and bismuth as an example, the specific operation of the liquid metal impurity control method implemented through this liquid metal impurity control system is as follows: Experimental lead-bismuth is loaded into the experimental vessel 10 of the melting device 100. The experimental vessel 10 of the melting device 100 and the experimental vessel 10 of the oxygen control device 200 are sealed, while the first switching valve 32 of the melting device 100 and the second switching valve 42 of the oxygen control device 200 are kept open. The experimental vessel 10 of the melting device 100 is heated to 200°C. The surface condition of the lead-bismuth is observed through the viewing window 20 of the melting device 100. After melting, argon gas is introduced through the second pipe 41 of the oxygen control device 200 to expel the air in the experimental vessel 10 of the oxygen control device 200 and the experimental vessel 10 of the melting device 10 through the first pipe 31 of the melting device 100. After the air is expelled, argon gas is introduced into the experimental vessel 10 of the melting device 100 through the first pipe 31 of the melting device 100 to press the lead-bismuth alloy into the experimental vessel 10 of the oxygen control device 200. During the process of pressing the lead-bismuth alloy into the experimental vessel 10 of the oxygen control device 200, the impurity layer on the top layer of the lead-bismuth alloy is removed, greatly reducing the amount of impurities in the lead-bismuth alloy. After the lead-bismuth alloy is pressed in, an argon-hydrogen mixture is introduced into the experimental vessel 10 of the oxygen control device 200 through the second pipe 41 to reduce the oxygen content in the pressed lead-bismuth. During this process, the oxygen content of the lead-bismuth is measured by the oxygen sensor on the oxygen control device 200. After the oxygen content in the lead-bismuth reaches the target value, the temperature is gradually reduced, and then the lead-bismuth is removed, resulting in a lead-bismuth alloy with low oxygen content.

[0043] After pressing the lead-bismuth alloy into the experimental tank 10 of the oxygen control device 200, the temperature of the experimental tank 10 is adjusted, and the type and flow rate of the gas introduced into the second pipe 41 of the oxygen control device 200 are controlled. Combined with the oxygen sensor, the oxygen concentration control in the lead-bismuth alloy or the oxygen sensor calibration experiment can be completed.

[0044] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of this utility model, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid metal experimental apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a sealed experimental container, a viewing window installed on the experimental container, a filling and discharging mechanism, and a measuring mechanism; The filling and discharging mechanism includes a first pipe and a second pipe disposed at the top of the experimental tank, the first pipe and the second pipe being respectively connected to the interior of the experimental tank; The measuring mechanism is connected to a remote control terminal, and the measuring mechanism includes a temperature detection unit for measuring the internal temperature of the experimental tank and / or an oxygen sensor for measuring the internal oxygen content of the experimental tank.

2. The liquid metal experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipeline includes a first pipe and a first switching valve; The first pipe is located at the top of the experimental tank, and the first switch valve is located on the first pipe; the lower end of the first pipe extends into the interior of the experimental tank and is located at the top of the experimental tank.

3. The liquid metal experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second pipeline includes a second pipe and a second switching valve; The second pipe is located at the top of the experimental tank, and the second switch valve is located on the second pipe; the lower end of the second pipe enters the interior of the experimental tank and extends to the lower end of the experimental tank.

4. The liquid metal experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature detection unit includes a thermocouple.

5. The liquid metal experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring mechanism also includes a pressure detection unit disposed on the first pipeline; The pressure detection unit includes a pressure gauge and / or a pressure sensor.

6. The liquid metal experimental apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The experimental vessel is a heatable experimental vessel; or... The experimental tank includes a tank body, a heating mechanism installed on the tank body, and an insulation layer covering the heating mechanism.

7. The liquid metal experimental apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The second pipeline is equipped with a heating element.

8. The liquid metal experimental apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The viewing window includes a connecting cylinder connected to the top of the experimental tank and a transparent glass closed at the end of the connecting cylinder.

9. The liquid metal experimental apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The viewing window is equipped with a camera.

10. A control system for liquid metal impurities, characterized in that, It includes two liquid metal experimental apparatuses as described in any one of claims 1-9; one of the liquid metal experimental apparatuses serves as a melting device, and the other of the liquid metal experimental apparatuses serves as an oxygen control device; The second pipeline of the melting device is connected to the first pipeline of the oxygen control device, thereby connecting the experimental tank of the melting device with the experimental tank of the oxygen control device. The second pipeline of the oxygen control device forms an air intake pipeline, and the first pipeline of the melting device forms an exhaust pipeline.

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