Cyclone-equipped off-gas cleaning for MOX sintering furnaces

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cyclone separator arrangement (40) for an off-gas glove box (100). The cyclone separator arrangement (40) includes a cyclone separator (10) having an elongated hollow body (12), a first end (14), a second end (16), and a peripheral wall (18), a first side gas inlet (22) for supplying off-gas into the elongated hollow body (12), a second side gas inlet (28) for supplying additive gas into the elongated hollow body (12), a gas outlet (34) for outputting the off-gas and additive gas, a filter device (50) connected to the gas outlet (34), and a container (38) connected to the elongated hollow body (12) for collecting matter separated from the off-gas, wherein the elongated filter housing (54), the elongated hollow body (12), and the container (38) are coaxially arranged.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in the field of off-gas cleaning associated with mixed oxide (MOX) sintering, in particular to off-gas cleaning of MOX sintering plants having integral cyclone separators.

[0002] One aspect relates to a cyclone separator for separating solid fractions from an off-gas, the cyclone separator being particularly configured to be installed in an off-gas glove box. Another aspect relates to a corresponding cyclone separator arrangement. Another aspect relates to a corresponding off-gas glove box for a MOX pellet sintering furnace. Another aspect relates to a method for separating solid fractions, such as MOX particles, from an off-gas. Another aspect relates to cooling of the off-gas. This aspect relates to enrichment of organics in the off-gas stream. This aspect concerns removing enrichable organic matter from the off-gas stream. A further aspect relates to an off-gas glove box for a MOX pellet sintering furnace having an improved overall configuration and / or arrangement with regard to maintenance and / or cleanability of the off-gas glove box. Another aspect relates to an off-gas glove box for a MOX pellet sintering furnace, the off-gas box having an improved arrangement of cooling lines. [Background technology]

[0003] In the process of obtaining nuclear fuel, downstream processing of off-gas plays an important role. A common process for obtaining nuclear fuel is the sintering of MOX pellets from UO2 and PuO2. In pellet production, the process gas in the sintering furnace can be contaminated with radioactive particles, e.g. MOX particles, and / or other harmful substances, e.g. zinc stearate. Therefore, the contaminated process gas is led as off-gas to a purification system (i.e. the pre-sintering zone of the MOX plant) connected to the sintering furnace. The purification system is usually configured to filter and cool the off-gas before the filtered and cooled off-gas is exhausted to the end-user ventilation system.

[0004] Indeed, known purification systems are often designed as off-gas glove boxes and typically include various heat exchangers, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and fluid-cooled filters.

[0005] There is a need to further improve such purification systems to achieve enhanced purification and cooling of the off-gas.

[0006] This need is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect relates to a cyclone separator for separating solid fraction from off-gas, particularly for installation in an off-gas glove box, preferably for a MOX pellet sintering furnace. The term solid fraction as used herein may include solid material, solid particles, solid particulates and / or liquid components. The solid fraction, solid particles or liquid components (organic components concentrated due to temperature reduction) described herein may be radioactive materials such as MOX particles and / or other hazardous materials such as zinc stearate.

[0008] The cyclone separator may comprise an elongated hollow body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a peripheral wall extending from the first end to the second end. The elongated hollow body may have at least a partial cylindrical shape and / or may have at least a partial conical form. The cyclone separator may comprise a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end. The first and second openings may be opposite each other. The first and second openings may be coaxial and / or concentric.

[0009] In use, i.e., when installed in a purification system such as an off-gas glove box, the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator may be oriented vertically, with the first end being the upper end and the second end being the lower end.

[0010] The cyclone separator can comprise a first lateral gas inlet for feeding the off-gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body, the first lateral gas inlet being provided in the circumferential wall of the elongated hollow body. The first lateral gas inlet allows a tangential insertion of the off-gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body. The off-gas is inserted into the interior of the elongated hollow body via the first lateral gas inlet, so that the off-gas hits the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall and is guided along it, whereby the solid parts (particles, fine particles) are separated from the off-gas by rotational effect and gravity (vortex separation). Such a separation effect and function are known from cyclone separation systems and methods.

[0011] The cyclone separator may comprise a second side gas inlet for supplying an additive gas (dilution gas or pure gas) to the interior of the elongated hollow body, the second side gas inlet being arranged in the peripheral wall of the elongated hollow body and arranged adjacent to the first side gas inlet at a distance from the first side gas inlet, preferably at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, even more preferably at least 10 mm. The second side gas inlet allows the tangential insertion of an additive gas, a purge gas or a dilution gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body. The additive gas, the purge gas or the dilution gas may be, for example, nitrogen.

[0012] By injecting an additive gas into the elongated hollow body via a second side gas inlet spaced apart from the first side gas inlet and adjacent to the first side gas inlet, the off-gas is further accelerated, increasing the overall gas flow and enhancing the vortex separation effect, thus improving the separation of concentrated solid fractions and liquid or solid organic components from the off-gas stream. Thus, at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 95% of the total solid fraction of the off-gas can be separated by the cyclone separator. Further separation can be achieved by one or more downstream filters, such as HEPA filters.

[0013] Furthermore, by inserting an additive gas in addition to the off-gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body, i.e. by mixing the off-gas with the additive gas, the hot off-gas can be quenched by at least ΔT=100° C., preferably at least ΔT=150° C., more preferably at least ΔT=200° C. In this way, for example, the off-gas can be cooled from an input temperature of about 400° C. to an output temperature of about 200° C. Thus, a faster and more enhanced cooling of the off-gas can be achieved. The temperature difference ΔT at which the off-gas is quenched can be adapted, for example, by the mixing ratio (volume flow rate) of the off-gas and the additive gas.

[0014] Furthermore, by inserting an additive gas in addition to the off-gas into the elongated hollow body, i.e., by mixing the off-gas with the additive gas, the hydrogen concentration of the off-gas can be reduced. For example, if the off-gas is a mixture of argon and hydrogen (e.g., 6%), the hydrogen concentration can be significantly reduced (e.g., to 4% or less) by inserting the additive gas as described above. As described above, the additive gas can be nitrogen gas.

[0015] The cyclone separator may comprise a gas outlet for outputting the off-gas and the additive gas. In particular, the gas outlet may be provided for outputting a mixture of the off-gas and the additive gas, from which a significant proportion of the solids portion has already been separated as described above.

[0016] The cyclone separator may comprise or be connected to a container for collecting the solid fraction separated from the off-gas. More precisely, the elongated hollow body may comprise or be connected to a container for collecting the solid or liquid fraction, such as MOX particles and / or zinc stearate, separated from the off-gas.

[0017] The first side gas inlet may be located in a portion of the peripheral wall adjacent the first end.The second side gas inlet may be located in a portion of the peripheral wall adjacent the first end.

[0018] The first side gas inlet may comprise at least one portion, such as a first tubular connector, extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the elongated hollow body. In embodiments where the elongated hollow body is oriented vertically, at least one portion of the first side gas inlet may be oriented horizontally. The second side gas inlet may comprise at least one portion, such as a second tubular connector, extending transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the elongated hollow body. In embodiments where the elongated hollow body is oriented vertically, at least one portion of the second side gas inlet may be oriented horizontally.

[0019] The gas outlet of the cyclone separator may be arranged at the first end of the elongated hollow body, i.e. at the upper end of the vertically oriented elongated hollow body. Preferably, the gas outlet may be the first opening of the elongated hollow body or may be part of the first opening, preferably arranged in the center of the first opening. In the latter case, the first opening constitutes the gas outlet and may be partially closed by a cover. In particular, the gas outlet may be concentric with the first opening.

[0020] A container for collecting the separated solid portion is connectable or can be connected to the second end of the elongated hollow body. The container, the first opening, the second opening and optionally the gas outlet can be coaxially aligned. The container is preferably connectable or can be connected to the second end of the elongated hollow body by a container connection flange.

[0021] The container for collecting the separated solid portion and / or liquid component may be a collection pot.

[0022] A container for collecting the separated solid portion may be removably connectable or connected to the elongated hollow body, such that the container can be manually or automatically removed for emptying, cleaning and / or replacing.

[0023] The cyclone separator may comprise a cooling arrangement for cooling the off-gas inside the elongated hollow body. More precisely, the cooling arrangement may be configured to cool the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator and thus the off-gas inside the elongated hollow body. The cooling arrangement may be configured to distribute a cooling medium, such as cooling water, and may be connectable to a cooling circuit. The cooling arrangement may be in the form of at least one tube or a number of interconnected tubes extending helically along the outer surface of the circumferential wall of the elongated hollow body. The at least one tube or the number of tubes may be fixed, for example welded, to the circumferential wall. By means of the cooling arrangement, the off-gas may be further cooled before it leaves the elongated hollow body through the gas outlet.

[0024] The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first side gas inlet for feeding the off-gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body may be greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second side gas inlet for feeding the additive gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body. The ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first side gas inlet to the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second side gas inlet may be at least 10:1, preferably at least 20:1, more preferably at least 30:1, even more preferably at least 40:1, in particular 44:1. With this ratio, a favorable mixture of the off-gas and the additive gas for optimal separation and cooling of the off-gas may be achieved. The ratio of the diameter of the first side gas inlet to the diameter of the second side gas inlet may be at least 3:1, preferably at least 4:1, more preferably at least 5:1, even more preferably at least 6:1. For example, the diameter of the first side gas inlet may be 100 mm. For example, the diameter of the second side gas inlet may be 15 mm.

[0025] Another aspect relates to a cyclone separator arrangement, in particular a cyclone separator arrangement for an off-gas glove box. The cyclone separator arrangement may comprise a cyclone separator of the type previously described, i.e. including one or more of the previously described features, and a filter device connected to a gas outlet of the cyclone separator. The filter device may comprise an elongated filter housing and a filter arranged inside the filter housing. The cyclone separator arrangement may further comprise one or more of the following features:

[0026] In one aspect, the cyclone separator arrangement comprises a cyclone separator for separating the solid portion from the off-gas, in particular for installation in an off-gas glove box, the cyclone separator comprising an elongated hollow body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall. The cyclone separator further comprises a first side gas inlet provided in the peripheral wall of the elongated hollow body for supplying the off-gas to an interior of the elongated hollow body, and a second side gas inlet provided in the peripheral wall of the elongated hollow body and spaced from the first side gas inlet for supplying an additive gas to the interior of the elongated hollow body. The cyclone separator further comprises a gas outlet for outputting the off-gas and the additive gas. The elongated hollow body is connectable or connected to a container for collecting the solid portion separated from the off-gas. In other words, the container is attachable or can be attached to the elongated hollow body. The cyclone separator arrangement further comprises a filter device connected or attached to the gas outlet of the cyclone separator, the filter device comprising an elongated filter housing and a filter disposed within the filter housing.

[0027] The elongated filter housing, the filter and the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator may be arranged coaxially. Preferably, the elongated filter housing, the filter, the elongated hollow body and the container may be arranged coaxially. By this arrangement, the solid fraction and the contaminants separated by both the filter device and the cyclone separator may be collected together in one collector part, preferably a container.

[0028] The elongated filter housing may include a first filter housing end and an opposing second filter housing end, the first filter housing end may be configured in the form of a four-way connector, and the second filter housing end may include an opening that connects with the gas outlet of the cyclone separator.

[0029] In particular, the filter device can be mounted on the cyclone separator, more precisely, an elongated filter housing can be mounted on the elongated hollow body, preferably with the second filter housing end mounted on the first end of the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator, and the opening of the second filter housing end can be axially aligned and / or connected to the gas outlet. In particular, the filter device can be mounted on the cyclone separator, more precisely, an elongated filter housing can be mounted on the elongated hollow body, preferably with the second filter housing end mounted on the first end of the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator, and the opening of the second filter housing end, the opening of the first filter housing end (e.g. the top opening of the four-way connector) and the gas outlet are positioned coaxially.

[0030] Preferably, the opening of the second filter housing end can be connected to the gas outlet by a filter connection flange. The filter device can be attached to the cyclone separator, more precisely the second filter housing end can be attached to a first end of the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator by a filter connection flange.

[0031] The gas outlet may be connected to the filter device by a connection, which may be formed as a compensator for compensating for thermal expansion.

[0032] The four-way connector may comprise at least one opening, the at least one opening being coaxially positioned with the filter and the filter housing and removably closed by a cover such that the filter is removable from the filter housing through the at least one opening. Furthermore, after removing the filter, the filter device and the elongated hollow body may be washable through the at least one opening. The cover may be a blind flange. In vertically oriented cyclone separators and filter devices, the at least one opening may be a top opening. The four-way connector may comprise more openings than the at least one opening.

[0033] In one aspect, the cyclone separator arrangement comprises a cyclone separator for separating the solid fraction from the off-gas and a filter device for further (subsequent) filtering of the off-gas. The cyclone separator and the filter device can be connected to each other and positioned coaxially. This can improve the cleanability of the cyclone separator arrangement, since the elongated filter housing and the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator can both be brushed together, preferably through one opening and / or preferably in one step. The cyclone separator and the filter device can both be arranged substantially vertically when installed in a purification system, such as an off-gas glove box.

[0034] The cyclone separator may comprise an elongated hollow body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a peripheral wall. The first end may have a first opening, and the second end may have a second opening. In use, i.e. when installed in a purification system such as an off-gas glove box, the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator may be oriented vertically. In this case, the first end may be the upper end and the second end may be the lower end. The cyclone separator may further comprise a first side gas inlet for supplying the off-gas to the interior of the elongated hollow body. The first side gas inlet may be provided in the peripheral wall of the elongated hollow body, preferably near the first end. The cyclone separator may further comprise a gas outlet for outputting the off-gas and the additive gas. The elongated hollow body may be connectable or connected to a container for collecting the solid fraction separated from the off-gas. A filter device may be connected to the gas outlet of the cyclone separator. The filter device may comprise an elongated filter housing and a filter arranged inside the filter housing. The elongated filter housing and the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator may be positioned coaxially.

[0035] Additionally, the container may be positioned coaxially with the elongated filter housing and the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator. This coaxial positioning may also improve the cleanability of the cyclone separator arrangement, as it allows the solids fraction separated from the off-gas by both the cyclone separator and the filter device to be collected in a single common container.

[0036] Preferably, the gas outlet may be positioned coaxially with the vessel, the elongated filter housing and the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator. The gas outlet may be located at a first end (top end) and the vessel may be located at a second end (bottom end).

[0037] The cyclone separator arrangement, more precisely the cyclone separator, may comprise a second side gas inlet for supplying an additive gas, a dilution gas or a purge gas to the interior of the elongated hollow body, the second side gas inlet being provided in the peripheral wall of the elongated hollow body and being adjacent to and spaced apart from the first side gas inlet.

[0038] The cyclone separator arrangement may comprise further features or combinations of features as previously described.

[0039] Another aspect relates to an off-gas glove box, in particular an off-gas glove box for a MOX pellet sintering furnace, comprising a cyclone separator of the aforementioned type, i.e. one or more of the features described above, or comprising a cyclone separator arrangement of the aforementioned type, i.e. one or more of the features described above.

[0040] The off-gas glove box is connectable or can be connected to the pre-sintering zone of the sintering furnace unit and to an end-user off-gas ventilation system, the off-gas glove box being disposed between the pre-sintering zone and the ventilation system, and the off-gas from the pre-sintering zone is directed through the off-gas glove box to the ventilation system, in which the off-gas can be separated, filtered and cooled.

[0041] Another aspect relates to a method for separating a solid fraction from an off-gas, in particular using a cyclone separator of the aforementioned type or a cyclone separator arrangement of the aforementioned type, the method comprising the steps of: supplying the off-gas to a cyclone separator via a first side gas inlet of the cyclone separator; diluting the off-gas within the cyclone separator by supplying an additive gas, preferably nitrogen, to the cyclone separator via a second side gas inlet of the cyclone separator; Cooling the off-gas inside the cyclone separator by at least 100° C. (temperature difference ΔT) by means of diluting the off-gas with the additive gas. Thus, the off-gas may be cooled rapidly, preferably by at least 100° C., e.g. from T1 (initial temperature of the off-gas when it enters the cyclone separator) to T2 (temperature of the off-gas cooled by the additive gas), where T2=T1-100° C. or less.

[0042] It is clear that when the off-gas is fed into a cyclone separator, in particular into the elongated hollow body of the cyclone separator, it strikes the inner surface of the peripheral wall and is guided along it, whereby the solid and / or liquid parts (particles, fine particles) are separated from the gas by rotational effects and gravity (vortex separation). Such separation effects and functions are known in the field of cyclone separator systems and methods. In the present method, the vortex separation and basic effects are further improved by additionally inserting an additive gas inside the elongated hollow body, thereby further accelerating the off-gas and increasing the overall gas flow. Thus, at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% of the total solid part of the off-gas can be separated by the separation method. Further separation can be achieved by additional subsequent filtering by one or more downstream filters, such as HEPA filters.

[0043] The method may include collecting the separated solids portion in a container.

[0044] The method may include the step of further cooling the off-gas inside the cyclone separator by a cooling arrangement, preferably in the form of at least one tube extending helically along the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the elongated hollow body.

[0045] Another aspect relates to a method of separating a solids fraction from an off-gas using a cyclone separator of the aforementioned type or a cyclone separator arrangement of the aforementioned type.

[0046] Another aspect relates to an off-gassing glove box, particularly an off-gassing glove box for a MOX pellet sintering furnace, having an improved overall structure with respect to maintenance of the off-gassing glove box and its components.

[0047] The off-gassing glove box is made of a base body having a shell-type structure, which may preferably comprise stainless steel. The shell-type structure may have a wall thickness of at least 6 mm. The base body, more precisely the shell-type structure, is provided with a number of windows, which are preferably made of polycarbonate or any other suitable material. The base body may be provided with one or more windows, for example on the sides of the off-gassing glove box, each window having a substantially rectangular shape. For example, four windows may be provided on each of two opposite sides, the side facing the furnace unit and the side facing away from the furnace unit when placed in the factory. Furthermore, one or more windows may be provided on the other sides of the base body.

[0048] The off-gassing glove box may have a structure with at least two, and preferably three, different levels that are located relative to one another at different heights above the underground of the off-gassing glove box. Such a configuration of the off-gassing glove box may improve the accessibility of the off-gassing glove box and thus improve the cleaning and maintenance of the off-gassing glove box and its components.

[0049] The off-gassing glove box may include a cleaning level that allows the user to clean the off-gassing glove box.

[0050] The off-gas glove box, more precisely the base body, can comprise a number of interfaces between the outside and the inside of the off-gas glove box, through which the off-gas glove box can be manually cleaned, for example by replacing the container in which the separated particles of the off-gas are collected and / or by brushing the pipes. Each of the interfaces can have a substantially circular shape. Each of the interfaces can be provided in one of the windows, one of which can comprise one or more interfaces. Each of the interfaces can be an opening forming a glove and / or bag port. Each side of the base body can comprise, for example, 10 or more, preferably 14 or more, more preferably 18 or more, even more preferably at least 20 interfaces. There can also be other numbers of interfaces depending on the respective application. Also interfaces can be provided on the side of the furnace unit, not the back of the furnace unit. The bag port can have a larger diameter than the glove port. For example, the diameter of the bag port can be 300 mm.

[0051] The off-gas glove box, more precisely the base body, in particular the side of the base body facing the furnace unit, can further comprise an off-gas opening for introducing off-gas from the pre-sintering zone into the off-gas glove box.

[0052] The off-gassing glove box may comprise a maintenance level, on which the off-gassing glove box may be maintained by maintenance personnel. More precisely, the maintenance level may be a platform formed above or by the top surface of the base body. The maintenance level may comprise exposed and therefore accessible components that can be serviced, replaced, etc. Such components may be a nitrogen gas supply for the cyclone separator, a nitrogen exhaust, an external HEPA filter, supports and other equipment. The components may be located at the top of the off-gassing glove box. The maintenance level may be located further away from the underground than the cleaning level. The maintenance level may comprise a maintenance platform that is at least 2000 mm, preferably at least 2250 mm, more preferably at least 2500 mm, even more preferably about 2580 mm away from the underground. The maximum height of the off-gassing glove box, i.e. the maximum height of the supports and equipment exposed above the maintenance level, may be about 4000 mm. The cleaning level may be located away from the underground. The cleaning level may comprise a cleaning platform that is at least 1200mm, preferably at least 1450mm, more preferably at least 1600mm, even more preferably about 1617mm from the underground.

[0053] A user or maintenance person may access the cleaning level from the underground via a first set of steps connecting the underground to the cleaning level, and a user or maintenance person may access the maintenance level via a second set of steps connecting the cleaning level to the maintenance level, either or both sets of steps may be restorable.

[0054] The off-gassing glove box may have a ground level and may preferably include a plurality of legs for supporting a base body of the off-gassing glove box above the ground level. The off-gassing glove box may include six legs, each of which may be adjustable.

[0055] The top surface of the base body may include one or more windows, each with a light source above the window for illuminating the interior of the off-gassing glove box.

[0056] The off-gassing glove box, in particular the top surface of the base body, may be provided with a number of cooling line interfaces for connecting the cooling lines of the off-gassing glove box with corresponding cooling circuits of the cooling fluid distribution arrangement.

[0057] Another aspect relates to an off-gassing glove box, particularly an off-gassing glove box having an improved overall construction with respect to cleanability of the off-gassing glove box and its components, particularly an off-gassing glove box for a MOX pellet sintering furnace.

[0058] The off-gas glove box may comprise a number of pipe connections formed as four-way connectors. Each four-way connector may comprise at least one opening that is not connected to an upstream or downstream process line path unit or arrangement. The at least one opening may be removably closed by a cover, such as a blind flange. The four-way connector may comprise one or more such openings. In use, i.e. in the installed state of the off-gas glove box, each of the four-way connectors may be oriented such that two of the four openings of the four-way connector are located in a horizontal plane and the other two of the four openings of the four-way connector are located in a vertical plane. All lines and pipes connected to the openings of each four-way connector may preferably be oriented to the corresponding openings. This allows for simplified cleaning of the process line paths of the off-gas glove box via the openings that are not connected to an upstream or downstream process line path unit or arrangement. At least one opening of some of the four-way connectors may be coupled to a container for collecting solid residues separated from the off-gas.

[0059] Another aspect relates to an off-gassing glove box having an improved overall structure with a compact size, and in particular to an off-gassing glove box for a MOX pellet sintering furnace.

[0060] The off-gas glove box may be equipped with a redundant process line path, in particular two process line paths. Thus, one process line path may be maintained and / or cleaned, while the other process line path may be used for cooling, separating and filtering the off-gas. Thus, the continuous operation of the sintering furnace may be ensured. The redundant process line paths may be configured symmetrically to each other.

[0061] The off-gas glove box may include at least one cooling unit having a plurality of cooling lines (cooling pipes) for cooling the off-gas conducted through the off-gas glove box. Each process line path may include at least one cooling unit.

[0062] Each cooling unit may comprise six cooling lines, which may be arranged hexagonally, i.e. within a hexagonal frame, in a (horizontal) cross-section of the cooling lines or the cooling line arrangement, which reduces the footprint of the off-gas glove box and provides advantages with regard to the installation space required for the MOX sintering furnace.

[0063] The cooling lines may be connected in series. The cooling lines may be interconnected in a serpentine pattern such that off-gas is directed along a serpentine path through the cooling lines. One of the cooling lines may include a cooling unit off-gas inlet for entering the cooling unit. Another of the cooling lines may include a cooling unit off-gas outlet for outputting the off-gas from the cooling unit. Any of the plurality of cooling lines, preferably the four cooling lines, particularly the cooling lines not including the cooling unit off-gas inlet or the cooling unit off-gas outlet, may each be connected at a first end (e.g., upper end) to an adjacent cooling line by a first bowed pipe and at a second end (e.g., lower end) to another adjacent cooling line by a second bowed pipe. The bowed pipe may be 180 degrees bowed.

[0064] In other words, each cooling line (cooling pipe) may be provided with one cleaning opening at the top of the line (pipe) and a container (collection pot) at the bottom of the line (pipe), where at least some of the containers are assigned to two adjacent pipes sharing this container. In contrast to the prior art off-gassing gloveboxes, where the complete pipe bottom is replaced for cleaning purposes, in the present disclosure only the container may be replaced for cleaning of the cooling arrangement, i.e. for removal of separated particles.

[0065] Each bow pipe at the top of an adjacent line may include a maintenance opening for maintenance purposes. The maintenance opening may be located in the center or top of the bow pipe. The maintenance opening may be removably closed by a blind flange or other removable cover.

[0066] Each bow pipe at the lower end of the adjacent line may be equipped with a collection device, e.g. a collection pot, for collecting solid residues. The collection device may be removable. The collection device may be provided in the middle of the bow pipe, thus collecting the residues of both lines. The collection device may be replaced during maintenance.

[0067] Each cooling line may comprise a cooling arrangement in the form of at least one tube or a number of interconnected tubes extending helically along the outer surface of the cooling line for cooling the off-gas inside the cooling line, the cooling arrangement being connectable to an external cooling circuit.

[0068] The off-gas glove box may include an off-gas supply arrangement for supplying off-gas from the pre-sintering zone and / or furnace unit to the off-gas glove box, an off-gas process line routing selection valve for selecting the process line path through which the off-gas is directed, a number of water-cooled filters, a heat exchanger and / or a HEPA filter system.

[0069] To separate and cool the off-gas, each of the processing line paths may include a cyclone separator, at least one filter device, at least one cooling unit having a plurality of cooling lines for cooling the off-gas conducted through the off-gas glove box, a HEPA filter inside the base body and / or a HEPA filter outside the base body.

[0070] The connection between the off-gas glove box and the pre-sintering zone of the furnace unit, i.e. the off-gas supply arrangement, may be equipped with a compensator to allow compensation of thermal expansion. The connection between the off-gas glove box and the pre-sintering zone of the furnace unit, i.e. the off-gas supply arrangement, may be enclosed with a protective cover, preferably made of perforated stainless steel, to prevent workers from touching the hot off-gas supply pipes.

[0071] Although some features, functions, embodiments, technical effects and / or advantages are described with respect to the cyclone separator, the cyclone separator arrangement, the off-gas glove box and / or the method for separating a solid portion from an off-gas, it will be understood that these features, functions, embodiments, technical effects and advantages may also be applied individually or in combination to the cyclone separator, the cyclone separator arrangement, the off-gas glove box and / or the method for separating a solid portion from an off-gas, as appropriate. Furthermore, although some features, functions, embodiments, technical effects and / or advantages are described with respect to a particular aspect of the cyclone separator, the cyclone separator arrangement, the off-gas glove box and / or the method for separating a solid portion from an off-gas, it will be understood that these features, functions, embodiments, technical effects and advantages may also be applied individually or in combination to other aspects of the cyclone separator, the cyclone separator arrangement, the off-gas glove box and / or the method for separating a solid portion from an off-gas.

[0072] For a better understanding of embodiments of the present invention and to show how they may be carried into effect, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, in which, by way of example only, like reference numerals indicate corresponding elements or sections throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0073] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cyclone separator. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cyclone separator arrangement including the cyclone separator of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the off-gassing glove box. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the process line path within the off-gas glove box of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cooling line of one of the processing line paths of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0074] Detailed Description of the Drawings Various examples of embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail by way of the embodiments shown in the figures and / or described below.

[0075] 1 shows a cyclone separator 10 for separating the solid fraction, particulates or materials, of the off-gas. The cyclone separator 10 can be installed in particular in an off-gas glove box or other purification system (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0076] The cyclone separator 10 comprises an elongated hollow body 12 having a longitudinal axis, a first end 14 (upper end), a second end 16 (lower end), and a peripheral wall 18 extending between the first end 14 and the second end 16. The elongated hollow body 12 is conically shaped tapering from the first end 14 to the second end 16. Figure 1 shows the cyclone separator 10 in an orientation such as that in which it would be used, i.e., in the installed position of the cyclone separator 10. In this position, the longitudinal axis of the cyclone separator 10, or more precisely the elongated hollow body 12, is oriented vertically.

[0077] A cooling arrangement 20 in the form of a plurality of interconnected tubes extends helically around the elongated hollow body 12 along the longitudinal axis of the cyclone separator. The cooling arrangement 20 is connectable to a cooling circuit (not shown) for passing cooling water therethrough in order to cool the gas inside the elongated hollow body 12. The cooling arrangement 20 is tack welded to the elongated hollow body 12.

[0078] The cyclone separator 10 further comprises a first lateral gas inlet 22 for feeding the off-gas, in the embodiment an argon-hydrogen mixture, into the interior of the elongated hollow body 12. The first lateral gas inlet 22 is configured in the peripheral wall 18 of the elongated hollow body 12 in an area close to the first end 14 of the elongated hollow body 12. The first lateral gas inlet 22 allows a tangential insertion of the off-gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body 12 such that the off-gas hits the inner surface of the peripheral wall 18 and is guided along it, whereby the solid fraction (particles, fines, material) is separated from the off-gas by rotational effects and gravity (vortex separation).

[0079] For the introduction of off-gas into the elongated hollow body 12, the first side gas inlet 22 is operably connected via a flange 24 to a pre-sintering zone of the MOX sintering furnace unit, in particular to an off-gas line of the pre-sintering zone of the MOX sintering furnace unit. The first side gas inlet 22 further comprises a first tubular connector 26 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated hollow body 12, i.e. oriented horizontally in the illustrated embodiment. The first tubular connector 26 connects the flange 24 to the peripheral wall 18.

[0080] The cyclone separator 10 further comprises a second side gas inlet 28 for supplying an additive gas to the interior of the elongated hollow body 12. The additive gas (or dilution gas or purge gas) is nitrogen in this embodiment. The second side gas inlet 28 is arranged in the peripheral wall 18 of the elongated hollow body 12 close to but spaced apart from the first side gas inlet 22. The second side gas inlet 28 is therefore also arranged in the peripheral wall 18 of the elongated hollow body 12 in a region close to the first end 14 of the elongated hollow body 12.

[0081] The second lateral gas inlet 28 allows the tangential insertion of nitrogen into the elongated hollow body 12, which further accelerates the off-gas and increases the total gas flow. This increases the vortex separation effect and improves the separation of solids from the off-gas. Furthermore, the insertion of an additive gas in addition to the off-gas into the elongated hollow body 12 allows the hot off-gas to be quenched by at least ΔT=100° C., since the off-gas and the additive gas are mixed. Furthermore, the mixing of the off-gas and the additive gas allows the hydrogen concentration of the off-gas to be reduced again to half of the initial hydrogen concentration of the off-gas entering the cyclone separator 10.

[0082] For the insertion of an additive gas into the elongated hollow body 12, the second lateral gas inlet 28 is operably connected via a connector 30 to an additive gas supply system, more precisely to a nitrogen supply line of a nitrogen supply system. The second lateral gas inlet 28 further comprises a second tubular connection 32, which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the elongated hollow body 12, i.e. is oriented horizontally in the illustrated embodiment. The second tubular connection 32 connects the connection 32 to the peripheral wall 18.

[0083] The cyclone separator 10 further comprises a gas outlet 34 for outputting a mixture of off-gas and added gas previously cleaned from solid and liquid parts in the cyclone separator 10, i.e. off-gas without a separated amount of solid parts. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the gas outlet 34 is arranged at the first end 14 of the elongated hollow body 12, the first end 14 comprising an opening forming the gas outlet 34 and partially closed by a cover 36. The gas outlet 34 is configured to be connected to a downstream filter device (see Fig. 2) by a connecting part 36. The connecting part 36 is formed as a compensator for compensating for thermal expansion.

[0084] At a second end 16, the elongated hollow body 12 is connectable to a removable container (see FIG. 2) for collecting the solid fraction separated from the off-gas.

[0085] Figure 2 shows a cyclone separator arrangement 40 for an off-gas glove box or other purification system (not shown in Figure 2). The cyclone separator arrangement 40 comprises the cyclone separator 10 of Figure 1. The labels of most of the features of the cyclone separator 10 shown in Figure 1 have been omitted in Figure 2 for better visibility.

[0086] In the embodiment of Figure 2, the lower second end 16 of the elongated hollow body 12 of the cyclone separator 10 is connected to a removable container 38 for collecting the solid fraction separated from the off-gas. The container 38 is configured as a collection pot. The collection pot can be removed for emptying, cleaning and / or replacing the collection pot.

[0087] The cyclone separator arrangement 40 comprises a filter device 50 connected to the upper first end 14 of the elongated hollow body 12 of the cyclone separator 10. More precisely, a lower end 52 of the filter device 50 is connected to the gas outlet 34 of the cyclone separator 10. The filter device 50 is thus arranged downstream of the cyclone separator 10, taking into account the flow path of the off-gases from the pre-sintering zone to the end-user ventilation system. The filter device 50 is provided for further filtering of the off-gases following separation by the cyclone separator.

[0088] The filter device 50 comprises an elongated filter housing 54 and a filter (not shown) disposed within the filter housing 54. The filter housing 54 and the filter disposed therein are oriented vertically. The elongated filter housing 54, the filter, the elongated hollow body 12 of the cyclone separator 10 and the container 38 are coaxially aligned. This alignment allows the solid fractions and contaminants separated by both the filter device 50 and the cyclone separator 10 to be collected together in the container 38.

[0089] The elongated filter housing 54 includes a filter cooling arrangement 56 in the form of a plurality of interconnected tubes that extend helically around the elongated filter housing 54 along the longitudinal axis of the filter device 50. The filter cooling arrangement 56 is connectable to a cooling circuit (not shown) for passing cooling water therethrough to cool the gas inside the elongated filter housing 54. The filter cooling arrangement 56 is tack welded to the elongated filter housing 54.

[0090] The filter device 50 comprises an upper end 58 opposite the lower end 52 of the filter device 50, which is formed as a four-way connector 60. An upper part 62 of the four-way connector 60 comprises an opening closed by a removable blind flange 64. A lower part 66 of the four-way connector 60 is integrated with the elongated filter housing 54. A left part 68 of the four-way connector 60 comprises an opening closed by another removable blind flange 70. A right part 70 of the four-way connector 60 is integrated with a connecting tube 72 for connecting the filter device 50 to a further downstream system. The opening of the upper part 62 of the four-way connector 60 is arranged coaxially with the filter and the filter housing 54, and the filter is removable from the filter housing 54 through the corresponding opening when the blind flange 64 is removed. Furthermore, after removal of the filter, the filter device 50 may be cleanable through its opening. The opening in the top 62 of the (filter housing 54 and) four-way connector 60 is also coaxially disposed with the elongated hollow body 12 of the cyclone separator, the gas outlet 34 and the vessel 38. Thus, these components can be cleaned together at once through the opening in the top 62 when the blind flange 64 is removed. Furthermore, the solid particles of the off-gas separated in the cyclone separator 10 and filtered by the filter device 50 can be collected together in the vessel 38. The blind flange 70 can be removed to simplify cleaning (e.g., brushing) of the adjacent horizontal tubes 68, 70, 72.

[0091] 2, a connecting pipe 80 between a valve (not shown) for switching the process line paths and the cyclone separator 10 is provided with a filtered pressure indicator 82. The connecting pipe 72 is provided with a thermocouple 74 and another filtered pressure indicator 76.

[0092] 3 shows an off-gas glove box 100 that may be installed in a MOX sintering plant between the pre-sintering zone of a sinter furnace unit and an end-user ventilation system (neither shown). The off-gas glove box 100 includes two redundant process line paths inside the off-gas glove box. Each process line path includes a cyclone separator arrangement 40 according to FIG. 2.

[0093] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the off-gassing glove box 100 is structured to be divided into three levels of different heights as seen from the underground on which the off-gassing glove box stands. The lowest level is the ground level 102. The highest level is the maintenance level 106. The intermediate level between the ground level 102 and the maintenance level 106 is the cleaning level 104. Such a structure with different levels improves the cleaning and maintenance properties of the off-gassing glove box 100.

[0094] FIG. 4 shows two redundant process line paths for directing off-gas into the interior of the off-gas glove box of FIG. 3. Each process line path includes a cyclone separator arrangement 40 according to FIG. 2 and at least one cooling unit 110 having a plurality of cooling lines (cooling pipes) 112 for cooling the off-gas directed through the off-gas glove box. In the illustrated embodiment, each cooling unit 110 is composed of six cooling lines 112 arranged in a hexagon. The hexagonal arrangement of the cooling lines 112 is shown in an enlarged detailed view in FIG. 5. The hexagonal arrangement of the cooling lines 112 can reduce the footprint of the off-gas glove box 100 and is therefore advantageous with respect to the required installation space of the off-gas glove box in a MOX calcination plant. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 Cyclone Separator 12 Long, thin, hollow body 14 First end 16 Second end 18 Peripheral wall 20 Cooling Arrangement 22 First side gas inlet 24 Flange 26 First tubular connector 28 Second side gas inlet 30 Connectors 32 Second tubular connection 34 Gas outlet 36 Cover 38 Container 40 Cyclone Separator Arrangement 50 Filter Device 52 Lower End 54 Elongated filter housing 56 Filter Cooling Arrangement 58 Upper End 60 Four-way connector 62 Top 64 Blind flange 66 Lower 68 Left 70 Blind flange 72 Connecting tube 74 Thermocouple 76 Pressure Indicator 80 Connecting Pipe 82 Pressure Indicator 100 Off-gas glove box 102 Ground Level 104 cleaning level 106 Maintenance Level 110 Cooling Unit 112 Cooling Line

Claims

1. A cyclone separator arrangement (40) for an off-gas glove box (100), comprising: The cyclone separator arrangement (40) comprises: an elongated hollow body (12) having a longitudinal axis, a first end (14), a second end (16) and a peripheral wall (18); a first lateral gas inlet (22) in the peripheral wall (18) of the elongated hollow body (12) for supplying off-gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body (12); a second lateral gas inlet (28) provided in the peripheral wall (18) of the elongated hollow body (12) and spaced apart from the first lateral gas inlet (22) for supplying an additive gas into the interior of the elongated hollow body (12); a gas outlet (34) for outputting the off-gas and the additive gas; Equipped with The cyclone separator arrangement (40) comprises: a filter device (50) connected to the gas outlet (34) of the cyclone separator (10), the filter device comprising an elongated filter housing (54) and a filter disposed inside the elongated filter housing (54); a container (38) connected to said elongated hollow body (12) for collecting the solid and / or liquid portion separated from said off-gas; Further equipped with the elongated filter housing (54), the elongated hollow body (12) of the cyclone separator (10) and the container (38) are coaxially arranged; the elongated filter housing (54) comprises a first filter housing end (58) configured as a four-way connector (60) and an opposite second filter housing end (52) with an opening connected to the gas outlet (34) of the cyclone separator (10); A cyclone separator arrangement (40).

2. 2. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) of claim 1, wherein the first side gas inlet (22) is arranged in a portion of the peripheral wall (18) proximate the first end (14) and / or the second side gas inlet (28) is arranged in a portion of the peripheral wall (18) proximate the first end (14).

3. 3. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side gas inlet (22) comprises a first tubular connector (26) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the elongated hollow body (12) and / or the second side gas inlet (28) comprises a second tubular connector (32) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the elongated hollow body (12).

4. A cyclone separator arrangement (40) as described in claim 3, wherein the second tubular connector (32) extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated hollow body (12).

5. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas outlet (34) is arranged at the first end (14) of the elongated hollow body (12).

6. 6. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container (38) for collecting the portion of separated solids and / or liquids can be or is connected to the second end (16) of the elongated hollow body (12).

7. A cyclone separator arrangement (40) as described in claim 6, wherein the container (38) for collecting the portion of separated solids and / or liquid can be or is connected to the second end (16) of the elongated hollow body (12) by a container connection flange.

8. the container (38) for collecting the separated solid and / or liquid portion is a collection pot; and / or 8. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the container (38) for collecting the portion of separated solids and / or liquids can be or is connected removably to the elongated hollow body (12).

9. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cooling arrangement (20) connectable with a cooling circuit for cooling the off-gas inside the elongated hollow body (12).

10. A cyclone separator arrangement (40) as described in claim 9, wherein the cooling arrangement (20) is in the form of at least one tube extending spirally along the outer surface of the peripheral wall (18) of the elongated hollow body (12).

11. 11. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first side gas inlet (22) is greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second side gas inlet (28), in particular the ratio between the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first side gas inlet (22) and the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second side gas inlet (28) is at least 10:

1.

12. A cyclone separator arrangement (40) as described in claim 11, wherein the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first side gas inlet (22) to the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second side gas inlet (28) is at least 40:

1.

13. 13. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) of claim 1, wherein the filter device (50) is attached to the first end (14) of the elongated hollow body (12) of the cyclone separator (10) by a filter connection flange at the second filter housing end (52).

14. 14. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the filter device (50) is mounted to the cyclone separator (10) such that the opening of the second filter housing end (52) is aligned with and / or connected to the gas outlet (34).

15. A cyclone separator arrangement (40) as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the four-way connector (60) includes at least one opening, the at least one opening being arranged coaxially with the filter and the filter housing (54), and the at least one opening being removably closed by a cover (64) such that the filter can be removed from the filter housing (54) via the at least one opening.

16. A cyclone separator arrangement (40) as described in claim 15, wherein the cover (64) is a blind flange.

17. The cyclone separator arrangement (40) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas outlet (34) is connected to the filter device (50) by a connecting part (36).

18. A cyclone separator arrangement (40) as described in claim 17, wherein the connecting portion (36) is formed as a compensator for compensating for thermal expansion.

19. 19. An off-gas glove box (100) for a MOX pellet sintering furnace, said off-gas glove box (100) comprising a cyclone separator arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A method for separating solid and / or liquid fractions from an off-gas, using the cyclone separator arrangement (40) according to at least one of claims 13 to 18, said method comprising the steps of: feeding the off-gas to a cyclone separator (10) via a first side gas inlet (22) of the cyclone separator (10); diluting the off-gas inside the cyclone separator (10) by supplying an additive gas via a second side gas inlet (28) of the cyclone separator (10); Cooling the off-gas in the cyclone separator (10) to a temperature difference of at least 100°C. A method including each of the steps.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the additive gas is nitrogen.

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