Air transport system for hazardous material particles

Abstract

A system for transporting hazardous particles includes an air transporter that uses a carrier gas to transport particles to an outlet, and an input mechanism for transporting particles to the air transporter. The input mechanism includes a chamber for receiving particles, an input pipe extending from the chamber to transport particles into the chamber, and an output pipe extending from the bottom of the chamber. The output pipe includes an upper valve movable between a closed and open position, an intermediate valve movable between a closed and open position, and a lower valve. The upper and intermediate valves define the storage chamber when in the closed position, respectively. When the upper valve is in the open position, particles are allowed to enter the storage chamber, and when the intermediate valve is in the open position, particles in the storage chamber are allowed to flow through the lower valve to the air transporter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for air conveyance of particulate matter, specifically particles of hazardous substances, and more specifically radioactive particles.

Background Art

[0002] The conveyance of particulate matter by dilute-phase air conveyance is widely known in the technical field of the present invention and can be used for conveying almost any particulate matter. The conveying gas flow is accelerated to a predetermined velocity, whereby the particulate matter is lifted, taken into the gas flow, and carried with the air current to a desired accumulation point. In a dilute-phase air conveyance system, usually, the velocity of the gas flow is 4,000 - 6,000 feet per minute. In such a system, up to 15 pounds of solid can be conveyed per pound of conveying gas.

[0003] Nuclear fuel particles that are too large, too small, or have a defective shape are removed from the manufacturing process, conveyed to an accumulation point, and must be batch-processed for the recovery process. This operation is usually performed by small containers carried by hand, but it can be inefficient and require a large labor force. Carrying the containers of nuclear fuel particles by hand also increases the radiation exposure risk for the workers handling these containers. An improved method for conveying nuclear fuel particles while minimizing the radiation exposure of the workers is desirable.

[0004] Based on the above, it is desirable to devise a safe system for air conveyance of nuclear fuel kernels and other hazardous particles.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the current demand for improving the method of conveying hazardous substances, the summary of the present invention is briefly presented. In the following summary, some aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be emphasized and introduced, and simplifications or omissions may be made, but it does not limit the scope of the invention. A sufficiently detailed description is provided so that those skilled in the art can create and use the disclosed subject matter.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for pneumatically conveying hazardous particles, comprising a pneumatic conveying device that conveys hazardous particles to an outlet using a carrier gas, and at least one input mechanism for conveying hazardous particles to the pneumatic conveying device. Each input mechanism includes a tubular chamber for receiving hazardous particles, an input pipe extending from the tubular chamber for conveying hazardous particles into the tubular chamber, and an output pipe extending from the bottom of the tubular chamber. A series of valves within the output pipe may include an upper valve movable between closed and open positions, an intermediate valve movable between closed and open positions, and a lower valve.

[0007] The upper valve and intermediate valve, when in the closed position, define a storage chamber for storing a portion of the hazardous particles. When the upper valve is in the open position, it allows a portion of the hazardous particles to enter the storage chamber, and when the intermediate valve is in the open position, it allows a portion of the hazardous particles in the storage chamber to flow to the lower valve. The lower valve is configured to gradually transport the hazardous particles from the storage chamber to an air conveying device.

[0008] A system for pneumatically transporting hazardous particles may also include means for optically monitoring the volume of hazardous particles within a tubular chamber. The means for optically monitoring the volume of hazardous particles may be a monitoring system configured to optically monitor the volume of particles within the tubular chamber. In various embodiments, an input pipe extends laterally from the tubular chamber, and the monitoring system for optically monitoring the volume of hazardous particles includes a distance-measuring laser directed longitudinally downward across the tubular chamber. In another embodiment, the monitoring system includes a light source and an optical sensor, with the light source shining across the tubular chamber toward the optical sensor. A safety enclosure may surround the input pipe and at least the top of the tubular chamber.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for pneumatically conveying hazardous particles, comprising a pneumatic conveying device that conveys hazardous particles to an outlet using a carrier gas, and a plurality of input mechanisms for conveying hazardous particles to the pneumatic conveying device. Of the plurality of input mechanisms, a first input mechanism conveys hazardous particles to a first position along the length of the pneumatic conveying device, and a second input mechanism conveys hazardous particles to a second position along the length. The first and second positions are different along the length of the pneumatic conveying device.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for pneumatically transporting hazardous particles, comprising a pneumatic transport device for transporting hazardous particles to an outlet using a carrier gas, and at least three input mechanisms for transporting hazardous particles to the pneumatic transport device, wherein no two input mechanisms transport hazardous particles to the same location on the pneumatic transport device.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for pneumatically transporting hazardous particles, comprising: an air transporter that transports hazardous particles to an outlet using a carrier gas; at least one input mechanism for transporting hazardous particles to the air transporter; and an output mechanism for recovering hazardous particles from the air transporter. The output mechanism includes a receiving chamber for receiving hazardous particles and a carrier gas from the air transporter; an input pipe for transporting hazardous particles from the air transporter to the receiving chamber; and an output pipe extending from the bottom of the receiving chamber. A series of second valves in the output pipe extending from the receiving chamber include a second upper valve movable between a closed and open position, a second intermediate valve movable between a closed and open position, and a second lower valve. When the second upper valve and the second intermediate valve are in the closed position, a second storage chamber in which hazardous particles are stored is defined. When the second upper valve is in the open position, hazardous particles are allowed to enter the second storage chamber, and when the second intermediate valve is in the open position, hazardous particles in the second storage chamber are allowed to flow to the second lower valve. The second lower valve is configured to transfer hazardous particles from the storage chamber to the particle recovery hopper. The second safety enclosure may surround the particle recovery hopper.

[0012] In various embodiments, the receiving chamber that receives hazardous particles from the air conveying device includes a ventilation output for ventilating the carrier gas to the ventilation system. The ventilation output may include a filtration system to prevent hazardous particles from entering the ventilation system.

[0013] In various embodiments, at least one of the lower valve of the input mechanism and the second lower valve of the output mechanism is a rotary airlock valve.

[0014] In various embodiments, at least one of the lower valves of the input mechanism and the second lower valve of the output mechanism may include a screw conveying device configured to transport hazardous particles from the input end to the output end. For example, the lower valve of the input mechanism may include a screw conveying device configured to transport hazardous particles from the input end connected to an intermediate valve to the output end connected to an air conveying device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Refer to the attached drawings for a better understanding of the various embodiments.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a system for pneumatically transporting particles, including a first embodiment of a particle input fitting and a first embodiment of a valve system for controlling particle transport. [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a second embodiment of the particle input coupling for use in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a second embodiment of a valve system for controlling particle transport for use in the system of Figure 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a system for receiving airborne particles. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an air transport system for particles from multiple sources to a common particle collection station. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] With reference to the drawings, a wide range of aspects of various embodiments are disclosed, with the same number indicating the same component or process.

[0018] This invention relates to a pneumatic system for conveying scrap particles. These particles may be designated as scrap particles for a variety of reasons. If the particles are larger or smaller than the desired particle size or particle size range, they are considered scrap because they are unsuitable for their intended purpose. If the particles are coated, imperfectly coated particles may also be considered scrap. Finally, if the particles are deformed or broken, they are also considered scrap. For example, if spherical particles are required, non-spherical particles are considered scrap. The average particle size of scrap particles may be 0.05mm to 3mm, 0.075mm to 2mm, 0.1mm to 1.5mm, 0.25mm to 1mm, or 0.35mm to 0.6mm.

[0019] Pneumatic systems can be used to transport various types of scrap particles. The particles may be ceramic particles, metal particles, or organic or inorganic crystals or powders. The particles may be spherical or non-spherical. In various embodiments, the particles may be particles of hazardous materials. The particles may be toxic (e.g., potassium cyanide) or carcinogenic (e.g., asbestos or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). The particles may also be radioactive materials (e.g., nuclear fuel kernels formed from uranium-based, thorium-based, or plutonium-based ceramic materials). In various embodiments, the particles may be nuclear fuel kernels containing a radioactive ceramic core coated with at least one layer of pyrolytic graphite and / or non-radioactive ceramic. The particles may also be coated nuclear fuel kernels that have been scrapped because the carbon or ceramic coating is cracked or incomplete, exposing the radioactive core.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 for transporting dangerous particles by air pressure includes a sealed chamber 1. The sealed chamber 1 may be a glove box, and the contents inside the glove box may be under atmospheric pressure, positive pressure, or negative pressure with respect to the outside air pressure. The sealed chamber 1 has an access port 1a for scrap particles 3a (e.g., deformed, oversized, or undersized particles) to enter the sealed chamber. The sealed chamber 1 may include a tube or a spout 2 for the scrap particles to enter the hopper 3. The tube 4 enables the scrap particles 3a to flow from the hopper 3 to the inlet of the access pipe joint, and the access pipe joint may be a side wipe joint 5.

[0021] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the access pipe joint 5 may be a side wipe pipe joint. The side wipe joint 5 includes a linear tube and a tube 5a that branches at an angle of 30° to 60°, or about 45°, with respect to the axis of the linear tube. The particles 3a enter the side branch 5a from the hopper 3 through the tube 4. The side branch 5a functions as an input pipe and collects in the linear tube of the side wipe joint 5. The side wipe joint 5 includes a linear pipe having an outer diameter of 2 to 4 inches, and the side branch 5a is connected to the tube 4. The side branch 5a and the tube 4 may have the same outer diameter or different outer diameters. If the side branch 5a and the tube 4 have different outer diameters, for example, a side branch 5a with an outer diameter of 2 inches and a tube 4 with an outer diameter of 4 inches, they can be connected using a concentric or eccentric reducer joint (not shown).

[0022] A port 5b is arranged at the upper end of the linear tube. The distance measuring laser 6 transmits a laser beam in the direction of arrow 6a along the axis of the linear tube of the side wiper pipe joint. When the valve 7a is closed, the particles 3a gather in the linear tube of the side wi joint 5. The distance measuring laser 6 irradiates the particles 3a gathered in the wi joint 5 with a laser beam. The laser beam is reflected by the particles 3a and returns to the sensor of the distance measuring laser 6, and a signal 6c is transmitted to the processor 6b. The signal 6c indicates the time required for detecting the reflected beam, for example, the time difference from when the laser beam is emitted from the distance measuring laser 6 until the reflected beam is detected by the sensor of the distance measuring laser 6. Based on this time difference, the distance between the distance measuring laser 6 and the particles 3a, that is, the height of the particles 3a gathered in the wi joint 5 is calculated by the processor 6b. If the height of the particles is known, the processor can calculate the volume of the gathered particles based on the diameter of the linear tube of the side wi joint 5.

[0023] When the volume of the particles 3a gathered in the side wi joint 5 reaches the desired volume, the processor control valve 7a opens in response to a signal 6e from the processor 6b, and at least a part of the particles 3a gathered in the wi joint 5 enters the tubular chamber 8 through the output pipe 9a. In various embodiments, the input signal 6e is transmitted by the processor 6b after the processor 6b calculates that the volume of the particles 3a gathered in the side wi joint 5 has reached the desired volume. The upper end of the chamber 8 is defined by the valve 7a, and the lower end is defined by the valve 7b. When the particles 3a enter the chamber 8, the valve 7b is closed. When the particles 3a of the desired volume enter the chamber 8, the valve 7a closes and the chamber 8 is sealed. Next, the valve 7b opens in response to a signal 6f from the processor 6b, and the particles 3a in the chamber 8 pass through the valve 7b, through the tube or pipe 9, and flow to the valve 10. The valve 10 is a rotary valve rotated by a motor 11. When the valve 10 rotates, the particles 3a are gradually supplied from the upper part to the lower part of the tube 9. In the present disclosure, "gradually supply" means a supply mechanism that receives the particles falling at the inlet point and supplies them to the outlet point at a controlled speed. The particles 3a supplied to the lower part of the tube 9 by the valve 10 flow through the pipe 18 into a pneumatic system containing a flowing gas.

[0024] In various embodiments, the valve 10 may be a rotary airlock valve. The rotary airlock valve 10 includes a housing 10b and a blade 10a that rotates within it. As the blade 10a rotates, particles 3a fall from the top of the tube 9 into the space between two adjacent blades 10a. As the valve 10 rotates at a controlled speed, the space between adjacent blades 10a rotates, moving the particles 3a contained therein to a position where they flow into the bottom of the tube 9. In the rotary airlock valve 10, the blade 10a contact the housing 10b to form an airtight seal, preventing pressurized air from the pneumatic system from passing through the valve 10 upwards while allowing particles 3a to pass through the valve 10 downwards. The rotary airlock valve 10 may include a 2-inch tri-clover inlet and outlet fitting, a flexible blade 10a with a maximum outer diameter of 4 to 4.5 inches, and made of neoprene or a similar flexible material. The rotary airlock valve 10 is controlled by a motor 11, which can rotate or stop the valve 10 based on an input signal 6d from a processor 6b. In various embodiments, the input signal 6d to start the motor 11 is sent by the processor 6b after the processor 6b has calculated that the volume of aggregated particles 3a in the lateral wire fitting 5 has reached a desired volume.

[0025] Referring again to Figure 1, the pneumatic conveying system includes a conveying gas source 12 that supplies the conveying gas to the pipe 13. The conveying gas may be compressed air or a compressed inert gas. The compressed inert gas may be a noble gas (e.g., argon), nitrogen gas, helium, or carbon dioxide. By using an inert gas as a carrier gas, this system can also be used for flammable or volatile substances. The gas in the pipe 13 is under increased pressure.

[0026] The transport gas flows through pipe 13 to pressure reducing valve 14, and then through valve 15. Valve 15 is equipped with a pressure sensor 15a, which records the pressure of the air passing through valve 15 and sends a signal 15b reflecting the measured pressure to processor 6b. If the measured pressure is too high, processor 6b sends a signal 14a to pressure reducing valve 14, partially closing the pressure reducing valve 14 to lower the pressure at valve 15. If the measured pressure is too low, signal 14a partially opens the pressure reducing valve 14 to increase the pressure at valve 15. The transport gas then flows from valve 15 through pipe 13 to venturi device 19, where the flowing gas enters pipe 20 and is led to transport distribution system 22. Venturi device 19 may be an eductor or an air-driven transport device. Venturi device 19 generates suction, drawing in the transport gas carrying particles 3a from pipe 18 through the venturi device 19, and further accelerating the gas flow carrying particles 3a to send it to pipe 20.

[0027] As the transport gas flows into the transport distribution system 22, it may pass through a valve 21 equipped with a pressure sensor 21a, which provides pressure feedback to the processor 6b, allowing the processor 6b to further adjust the pressure at the pressure reducing valve 21. In various embodiments, valve 14 is used to control the gas pressure from the transport gas source 12 to the venturi device 19, and valve 21 is used to control the gas pressure from the venturi device 19 to the transport distribution system 22.

[0028] The Venturi device 19 includes a Venturi tube with a smaller cross-sectional area than pipe 13. The reduction in cross-sectional area due to the Venturi tube increases the velocity of the gas flowing from pipe 13 to pipe 20. This increase in velocity within the Venturi device 19 reduces the pressure of the gas flowing compared to pipe 13. This pressure reduction within the Venturi device 19 draws air from pipe 13 and air carrying particles in pipe 18 into the Venturi device 19. The air passing through the Venturi device 19 generates a high-speed gas flow in pipe 20. Particles 3a pass through pipe 18 into pipe 17 and then reach the Venturi device 19. Pipe 17 merges with pipe 13, which carries the transport gas, at the Venturi device 19. The gas flowing into the Venturi device 19 picks up the particles 3a and transports them through tube 20 to the transport and distribution system 22. Pipe 17 may be provided with a vent with an intake filter 16. This vent draws gas from outside air or a secondary gas source through pipe 17 into the venturi device 19, and this external gas flow assists in the pickup of particles 3a. The gas flowing through pipe 17 carries the particles 3a through the venturi device 19 and then through pipe 20 to the transport and distribution system 22. The intake filter 16 prevents particles from the outside air or secondary gas source from entering pipe 17 and contaminating the particles 3a being transported to the transport and distribution system 22.

[0029] As mentioned above, pipe 13 is in a boosted state. Pipes 17, 18, and 20 are all in a downpressed state compared to pipe 13, and before the Venturi device 19, pipes 17 and 18 may be at a pressure slightly below atmospheric pressure. After the Venturi device 19, pipe 20 is at a lower pressure than pipe 13, but may be at a pressure slightly higher than pipes 17 and 18. In various embodiments, pipe 20 may be at a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1A, a modified example of a system for pneumatically transporting hazardous particles is shown, which includes a sealed chamber 1. The sealed chamber 1 is provided with an access port 1a that allows scrap particles 3a to enter the sealed chamber 1. The sealed chamber 1 may include a hopper 3 for receiving the particles 3a. The scrap particles 3a can flow from the hopper 3 through a tube 4 to an access pipe fitting 5c, which is a linear pipe with a single port at its upper end. The particles 3a enter the pipe fitting 5c ​​through the upper end port. A valve 7a may be closed while the particles 3a enter the pipe fitting 5c, thereby allowing the particles 3a to accumulate in the pipe fitting 5c ​​to a desired height.

[0031] The optical sensor 300 is used to detect when particles 3a have reached a predetermined height within the fitting 5c. The optical sensor includes a light source 302, such as a light-emitting diode or a laser, and a detector 301, such as a camera or a light sensor. The light source 302 sends a ray of light across the inner diameter of the pipe fitting 5c ​​at a predetermined height in the direction of arrow 303. The particles 3a are collected within the pipe fitting 5c ​​until they reach a predetermined height, at which point the ray from the light source 302 is blocked. When the detector 301 no longer detects the ray from the light source 302, the detector 302 sends a signal 304 to the processor 6b. At this point, the processor 6b sends a signal to open valve 7a, allowing the particles 3a collected within the fitting 5c ​​to pass through valve 7a and enter the tubular chamber 8 defined by valves 7a and 7b. When the chamber 8 is full, valve 7a is closed. Subsequently, valve 7b is opened, and particles 3a flow through valve 7b into pipe 9, where they are guided to rotary airlock valve 10. The remaining structure and function of the hazardous particle air transport system from valve 7b onward are shown in Figure 1 and are substantially the same as those of the apparatus described above.

[0032] Figure 1B shows a second modification of the system for pneumatically conveying hazardous particles, which is substantially similar to the system in Figure 1, except that the rotary airlock valve 10 is replaced by a screw conveyor 300. As previously described, when a predetermined amount of particles 3a collected in the fitting 5 is reached, valve 7a is opened, allowing at least a portion of the collected particles 3a in the fitting 5 to enter a tubular chamber 8 defined by valves 7a and 7b. Valve 7b is closed as the particles 3a enter the chamber 8. Once a desired volume of particles 3a has entered the chamber 8, valve 7a is closed, sealing the chamber 8. Valve 7b is then opened, allowing the particles 3a in the chamber 8 to fall through valve 7b and through the tube or pipe 9a into the screw conveyor 300. The screw conveyor 300 includes a housing 50 and a screw shaft 51. The screw shaft 51 rotates around its axis by shaft 11b, which rotates at a speed controlled by motor 11a. Motor 11a can start rotating the screw shaft 51 upon receiving a signal 6d from processor 6b, much like how processor 6b starts rotating motor 11 in Figure 1. The screw shaft 51 is equipped with a helical thread 53, which defines a space between adjacent threads, and this space runs spirally along the length of the shaft 51. Pipe 9a leads to the interior of the housing 50, and particles 3a can enter the space between the threads of the thread 53. As the shaft 51 rotates at a controlled speed in the direction of arrow 54, the thread 53 gradually moves the particles 3a along the length of the housing 50, eventually reaching pipe 9b. The particles 3a then exit the housing 50 of the screw conveying device 300 and enter pipe 9b, and are led to pipe 18 as described above with respect to Figure 1. Pipe 18 leads to an air conveying system containing pressurized air. The structure and function of the remaining elements of the air conveying system for hazardous particles are substantially the same as the device shown in Figure 1 and described above, upstream of pipe 5 or downstream of pipe 18.Furthermore, with respect to the screw conveying device 300, at least a portion of the screw 53 forms an airtight seal with the inner surface of the housing 50, preventing the conveying gas from the air conveying system from passing through the screw conveying device 300.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, a system 200 for receiving hazardous particles from an air conveying device is shown. Particles 3a from the conveying and distributing system 22 are carried to a pipe 23 by gas flowing from the conveying and distributing system 22. The pipe 23 is led to an input pipe, which may be, for example, a 2-inch diameter input pipe 23. The input pipe 23 is led to the narrow end of a reducer 24, for example, a 4-inch x 2-inch outer diameter, and the reducer 24 is connected to an access pipe fitting 26. The access pipe fitting 26 may be a lateral y-pipe fitting. The lateral y-pipe fitting 26 includes a linear tube and a tube 26a that branches off at an angle of 30° to 60°, or about 45°, with respect to the axis of the linear tube. A port 26b is located at the upper end of the linear tube. The port 26b allows air from the conveying and distributing system 22 to be ventilated to the main ventilation system 29. Before being discharged from port 26b and entering the ventilation system 29, the airflow passes through a mesh filter 27, where larger particles, such as particle 3a, that are caught in the flow are removed. It then passes through a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA filter) 28, where smaller particles are removed.

[0034] The bottom of the W-fitting 26 is connected to a valve 30a. When particles 3a are received from the transport / distribution system 22, the valve 30a can be closed, thereby accumulating the particles 3a within the linear tube of the W-fitting 26. If necessary, the system can determine whether a desired height or volume of particles 3a within the W-fitting 26 has been achieved using an optical sensor, as substantially shown in Figure 1A.

[0035] When a desired amount of particles 3a accumulates in the W-fitting 26, valve 30a is opened, allowing at least a portion of the particles 3a accumulated in the W-fitting 26 to enter the tubular chamber 31. The upper end of the chamber 31 is defined by valve 30a, and the lower end of the chamber 8 is defined by valve 30b. Valve 30b is closed as the particles 3a enter the chamber 31. When the desired volume of particles 3a has entered the chamber 31, valve 30a is closed, sealing the chamber 31. Valve 30b is then opened, allowing the particles 3a in the chamber 31 to flow through valve 30b, through the tube or pipe 32, and to valve 33. Valve 33 is an airtight valve and may be a rotary airlock valve 33 rotated by a motor 34. If necessary, valve 33 may be a screw conveying device substantially shown in Figure 1B. As valve 33 rotates, the particles 3a are gradually supplied from the top to the bottom of the tube 32. The particles 3a supplied to the bottom of the tube 32 by the valve 33 then flow into a sealed chamber 40, for example, into a hopper 35 in a glove box. When the desired amount of particles has accumulated in the hopper 35, the valve 37 is opened, and the particles 3a flow into a collection container 38. The collection container 38 can be removed from the sealed chamber 40, thereby allowing for the disposal or recycling of the scrap particles 3a.

[0036] Processor 201 may be the same as or different from processor 6b in Figure 1, and can control the operation of valves 30a, 30b, 33, and 37. Processor 201 can also control motor 34. When particles 3a reach a desired height or volume inside the Wye fitting 26, valve 30a is opened by signal 202 from processor 201. Subsequently, valve 30a is closed by signal 202, and valve 30b is opened by signal 203 from processor 201. When valve 30a is opened by signal 202 from processor 201, motor 34 is activated by signal 204 from processor 201, causing the rotary airlock valve 33 to start rotating. When hopper 35 is filled to the desired volume, valve 37 is opened by signal 205 from processor 201, and particles 3a flow into the recovery container 38.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a system for transporting particles from multiple sorting stations to a common scrap particle recovery station. Each sorting station includes system 100 as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 3, there are multiple sorting stations, with system 1001 in the first sorting station, system 1002 in the second sorting station, and system 100 in the nth third sorting station. n This includes any number of sorting stations as needed. For example, if there are three sorting stations, and the third sorting station is system 100 n This may include n sorting stations, where n is a positive integer, and system 1002 and system 100 n There may be n-3 sorting stations between them. In the case of two sorting stations, system 100 n There may be cases where a sorting station containing this item does not exist.

[0038] As explained above regarding Figure 1, systems 1001, 1002, and 100 n Particles 3a from are supplied to separate venturi devices 19 via separate pipes 20. A flowing gas, such as compressed air (not shown in Figure 3), also flows into each venturi device 19. As the gas passes through the venturi devices, a high-speed, low-pressure gas flow enters each pipe 20. Through each venturi device 19, the gas flows into the corresponding sorting stations 1001, 1002, or 100 n A gas flow is drawn in from there. This allows the corresponding system 1001, 1002, or 100 n Particles 3a are drawn in and transported into the pipe 20 through the venturi device 19. The fluidized gas flow may pass through the valves 21 in each pipe 20, as described in Figure 1.

[0039] Each system 1001, 1002, 100 nThe particles 3a from each pipe flow into a single pipe 60 through separate pipes 20. Each pipe 20 may be connected to the single pipe 60 at different locations along the length of pipe 60, as shown in Figure 3. A secondary pressurized gas source may be provided in pipe 60. In some embodiments, the secondary pressurized gas source may be a compressed air tank or an inert gas tank. Alternatively, an air pump 41 may draw air from a filtered air intake 61 and blow pressurized air into pipe 60. The pressure in pipe 60 may be controlled by valves 62, each valve 62 may be located between two connection points between pipe 60 and the inlet pipe 20.

[0040] The airflow within pipe 60 transports particles entrained in the airflow to a common system 200 that receives hazardous particles from an air transport device, as substantially shown in Figure 2. Particles 3a from pipe 60 are carried by pressurized gas to an access pipe fitting 26, for example, a lateral wye pipe fitting. The lateral wye fitting 26 includes a tube 26a that receives particles 3a from pipe 60. Port 26b allows the incoming air from pipe 60 to be ventilated to the main ventilation system 29 via a HEPA filter 28. The particles 3a collect within the wye fitting 26 and can flow through the tube or pipe 32 to a station that receives scrap particles, for example, a collection container 38 in a sealed chamber 40. The flow of particles from the wye fitting 26 to the collection container 38 can be controlled using valves 30a, 30b, and 33 (not shown in Figure 3), as substantially shown in Figure 2.

[0041] In various embodiments, the system of the present invention is used to safely transport hazardous particles. The hazardous particles may be nuclear fuel kernels. When the hazardous particles are nuclear fuel kernels, each component of the system, namely the Wye joints 5 and 26 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the various pipes for particle transport, the rotary airlock valves 10 and 33 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the various valves for controlling the particle flow, including the screw transport device 300 shown in Figure 1B, must have a maximum outer diameter of 4 inches to prevent or minimize the risk of a nuclear criticality accident.

[0042] While various embodiments have been described in detail, with particular reference to their representative aspects, it should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention are possible, and their details can be modified in various obvious ways. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above disclosure, description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention in any way, and the present invention is defined solely by its claims.

Claims

1. A system for transporting particles by air, An air conveying device for transporting particles to the outlet using a carrier gas, The system includes at least one input mechanism for transporting the particles to the air transport device, The aforementioned input mechanism is A tubular chamber for receiving the aforementioned particles, An input pipe extending from the tubular chamber for transporting the particles to the tubular chamber, An output pipe extending from the bottom of the tubular chamber, The output pipe comprises a series of valves, The aforementioned valve is An upper valve that is movable between the closed and open positions, An intermediate valve that is movable between the closed and open positions, Equipped with a lower valve, When the upper valve and the intermediate valve are in the closed position, the storage chamber is defined. When the upper valve is in the open position, it allows some of the particles to enter the storage chamber. When the intermediate valve is in the open position, it allows a portion of the particles to flow to the lower valve. The lower valve is configured to gradually transport a portion of the particles from the storage chamber to the air transport device, in a system.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a monitoring system configured to optically monitor the volume of the particles in the tubular chamber.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the input pipe extends laterally from the tubular chamber, and the monitoring system includes a distance-measuring laser directed longitudinally downward from the tubular chamber.

4. The monitoring system comprises a light source and an optical sensor, wherein the light source is directed across the tubular chamber towards the sensor, according to claim 2.

5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising the input pipe and a safety enclosure surrounding at least the upper part of the tubular chamber.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of input mechanisms for conveying the particles to the air conveying device.

7. The first input mechanism among the plurality of input mechanisms transports the particles to a first position along the length of the air transport device. The second input mechanism among the plurality of input mechanisms transports the particles to a second position along the length of the air transport device. Along the length of the air conveying device, the first position and the second position are different. The system according to claim 6.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the two input mechanisms do not transport the particles to the same position along the length of the air transport device.

9. The device further comprises an output mechanism for recovering the particles from the aforementioned air conveying device. The output mechanism is, A receiving chamber for receiving the particles and the carrier gas from the air conveying device, An input pipe for transporting the particles from the air transport device to the receiving chamber, An output pipe extending from the bottom of the receiving chamber, A series of second valves in the output pipe extending from the receiving chamber, The second valve is, A second upper valve that is movable between the closed and open positions, A second intermediate valve that is movable between the closed and open positions, A second lower valve is provided, When the second upper valve and the second intermediate valve are in the closed position, a second storage chamber for storing the particles is defined. When the second upper valve is in the open position, the particles are allowed to enter the second storage chamber. When the second intermediate valve is in the open position, the particles in the second storage chamber are allowed to flow to the second lower valve. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second lower valve is configured to transport the particles from the storage chamber to the particle recovery hopper.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the second safety enclosure surrounds the particle recovery hopper.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the receiving chamber for receiving the particles from the air conveying device is provided with a ventilation output for ventilating the carrier gas to a ventilation system.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the ventilation output includes a filtration system for preventing the particles from entering the ventilation system.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the lower valve is a rotary airlock valve.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the lower valve comprises a screw conveying device configured to convey the particles from an input end connected to the intermediate valve to an output end connected to the air conveying device.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is used for air transport of hazardous particles.

16. The aforementioned dangerous particle is a nuclear fuel kernel. The system according to claim 15, wherein the tubular chamber, the input pipe, and the output pipe have a maximum diameter of 4 inches in order to minimize the risk of a nuclear criticality accident.

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