Method for collecting solidified sample

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for collecting a solidified sample from a container, comprising: providing a container including a container body having a receiving space for receiving the solidified sample and a through hole formed therein; fixing a collecting unit to the container, wherein at least a portion thereof is located in the receiving space through the through hole and the collecting unit collects the solidified sample; collecting the solidified sample from the receiving space into the collecting unit; and separating the collecting unit containing the collected solidified sample from the container.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for collecting solidified samples. Background Technology

[0002] In nuclear power plants, solidified material is generated as a final product following processing steps such as glass melting (CCIM) and plasma melting.

[0003] The solidified material generated at this time is stored in large-capacity drums, and in order to be disposed of at a radioactive waste disposal facility, it must satisfy test standards such as structural stability tests (compressive strength, immersion test, thermal cycling test, radiation irradiation test) and leaching tests.

[0004] In the case of conventional 180L drums, there was no sampling port for such tests, so in order to sample, the solidified layer on the top surface had to be broken off to collect a sample.

[0005] This means that problems with the integrity of the solidified drum are caused by sampling. Prior art literature

[0006] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1677378 (Published November 18, 2016) The problem to be solved

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting solidified samples. means of solving the problem

[0008] The objective of the present invention is achieved through a method for collecting a solidified sample from a container, comprising the steps of: providing a container including a container body having a receiving space for receiving the solidified sample and a through hole formed therein; fixing a collecting unit to the container, wherein at least a portion thereof is located in the receiving space through the through hole and the collecting unit collects the solidified sample; collecting the solidified sample from the receiving space into the collecting unit; and separating the collecting unit containing the collected solidified sample from the container.

[0009] The above container further includes a guide tube extending from the through hole to the receiving space.

[0010] The above-mentioned collection unit includes a collection tube in which the solidified sample moved from the receiving space is received, and a head portion connected to one end of the collection tube and located outside the receiving space when the container is fixed.

[0011] In the above fixing step, at least a portion of the collection tube is located inside the guide tube.

[0012] The above container further includes a fixing part extending in the opposite direction from the through hole to the receiving space, and in the fixing step, the fixing part and the collection tube are mechanically coupled.

[0013] At least a portion of the inner surface of the above-mentioned fixing part has female screw threads formed thereon, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the above-mentioned collection tube has male screw threads formed thereon, and in the fixing step, the fixing part and the above-mentioned collection tube are screw-coupled.

[0014] An inlet is formed at the end of the above-mentioned collection tube, and in the above-mentioned collection step, the inlet extends toward the receiving space beyond the guide tube, and the solidified sample is injected into the above-mentioned collection tube through the inlet.

[0015] In the above separation step, the head part is rotated to release the mechanical coupling.

[0016] The above-mentioned collection units are multiple, and at least two are located at different heights on the side of the container body.

[0017] The above-mentioned inlet is a plurality of times, and at least one is located on the side of the collection tube.

[0018] The above-mentioned collection tube and the above-mentioned guide tube are cylindrical, and the outer diameter of the above-mentioned collection tube is 85% to 99% of the inner diameter of the above-mentioned guide tube. Effects of the invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a method for collecting solidified samples is provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for collecting a solidified sample according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container used in a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a container used in a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a collection unit used in a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container in which a collection unit is fixed in a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a top view of a container in which a collection unit is fixed in a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along Ⅶ-Ⅶ' of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8(a) and (b) are vertical cross-sectional views showing examples of the positions of a sampling unit fixed to a container in a sampling method according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 shows a solidified sample collected by a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The attached drawings are merely examples illustrated to further explain the technical concept of the present invention, and therefore the concept of the present invention is not limited to the attached drawings.

[0022] A method for collecting solidified samples is explained with reference to Fig. 1.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for collecting a solidified sample according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] First, a container (10) having a receiving space for receiving a solidified sample is prepared (S10).

[0025] The shape of the container (10) will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container used in a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a container used in a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The container (10) includes a container body (110), a through hole (120), a fixing part (130), and a guide tube (140).

[0028] The container body (110) may be cylindrical or drum-shaped, and a receiving space for storing a solidified sample is formed inside.

[0029] An inlet for introducing a solidified sample is formed on the upper surface of the container body (110). However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the inlet may not be formed on the upper surface of the container body (110), and a hose or connecting pipe may be formed.

[0030] The through hole (120) is a hole formed in the container body (110) and is connected to the receiving space.

[0031] Through holes (120) are provided in multiple numbers and are formed on the side and upper surface of the container body (110).

[0032] The through holes (120) formed on the side of the container body (110) are formed spaced apart from each other in the height direction.

[0033] However, in another embodiment of the present invention, through holes (120) may be formed in the container body (110) at the same height and spaced apart from each other.

[0034] The location where the through hole (120) is formed is not limited to this, and it is possible to form it only on the side of the container body (110), only on the upper surface, or additionally on the lower surface.

[0035] The fixed part (130) is formed around the through hole (120) and is formed on the container body (110) in the opposite direction of the receiving space.

[0036] The shape of the fixing part (130) is circular, and although not illustrated, screw threads are formed on the inner surface of the fixing part (130). However, the shape of the fixing part (130) is not limited to this, and in other embodiments of the present invention, it may be polygonal in shape or have female screw threads or a gear shape on the inner surface.

[0037] The guide tube (140) extends from the through hole (120) and is formed in the receiving space.

[0038] In this embodiment, the shape of the guide tube (140) is cylindrical, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] Next, the collection unit (20) is fixed to the container (10) (S20).

[0040] The shape of the collection unit (20) is described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a collection unit used in a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The collection unit (20) includes a collection tube (210) and a head part (220).

[0043] The collection tube (210) is located within the receiving space during the fixed stage. The collection tube (210) is hollow and cylindrical, and an inlet (211) is formed at the end (A).

[0044] The inlet (211) is connected to the hollow of the collection tube (210), and the shape of the inlet (211) may be square or circular, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] Although not shown, a screw thread may be formed on a part of the outer surface of the collection tube (210). The screw thread may be a male screw thread or a gear shape.

[0046] The head portion (220) is formed at the top of the collection tube (210) and has a hexagonal shape.

[0047] The head portion (220) is located outside the receiving space during the fixed stage.

[0048] However, the shape of the head portion (220) is not limited to this and may be circular, handle-shaped, polygonal, or protruding.

[0049] Below, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the shape in which the collection unit (20) is fixed to the container (10) will be described.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container in which a collection unit is fixed in a collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a top view of a container in which a collection unit is fixed in a collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along Ⅶ-Ⅶ' of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 (a) and (b) are vertical cross-sectional views showing examples of the position of a collection unit fixed to a container in a collection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The collection unit (20) is provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the through hole (120) and is inserted into the receiving space through the through hole (120) of the container body (110).

[0052] A portion of the collection tube (210) is located inside the receiving space along the guide tube (140), and the remaining portion is connected to the fixing part (130).

[0053] Although not shown in the city, the collection tube (210) and the fixed part (130) are mechanically connected.

[0054] Mechanical connections may be screw connections, but are not limited to this.

[0055] The female screw thread formed on the inner surface of the aforementioned fixed part (130) and the male screw thread formed on the outer surface of the collection tube (210) are joined together and fixed.

[0056] The head portion (220) is located outside the receiving space and is located on the upper part of the fixed portion (130).

[0057] The outer diameter (d1) of the collection tube (210) is 85% to 99% of the inner diameter (d2) of the guide tube (140).

[0058] The more similar the size of the outer diameter (d1) of the collection tube (210) and the inner diameter (d2) of the guide tube (140) is, the closer the collection tube (210) and the guide tube (140) are to each other, making it easy to fix and separate; and the greater the difference in size between the outer diameter (d1) and the inner diameter (d2), the more difficult it is to fix the collection tube (210) to the guide tube (140) in the collection unit (20) fixing step (S20), and the more difficult it is to separate due to the solidified sample formed between the guide tube (140) and the collection tube (210) in the collection unit (20) separation step (S40) described later.

[0059] The collection tube (210) extends further toward the receiving space than the guide tube (140), and the input port (211) is located outside the guide tube (140).

[0060] The input port (211) includes a first input port (211a) and a second input port (211b).

[0061] The first inlet (211a) is formed on the side of the collection tube (210), and the second inlet (211b) is formed on the bottom surface of the collection tube (210).

[0062] The installation location of the collection unit (20) corresponds to the formation location of the aforementioned through hole (120) and is formed on the side and upper surface of the container body (110).

[0063] However, it is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of them may be formed on the lower surface and side of the container body (110) (a), or installed spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the container body (110) (b).

[0064] Afterwards, the solidified sample of the receiving space is collected into the interior of the collection unit (20) (S30).

[0065] In the solidified sample collection step, the sample loaded into the receiving space from the entrance of the container (10) is collected into the interior of the collection unit (20) through the input port (211).

[0066] The process of collecting samples is explained in detail below.

[0067] In addition, the process of collecting solidified samples is described below as a vitrification process, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] As the sample discharged from the melting furnace accumulates at the bottom of the internal receiving space of the container (10), the sample level inside the container (10) rises.

[0069] As the sample level rises, the sample flows into the interior of the collection tube (210) through the inlet (211) of the collection unit (20) installed at the lowest position.

[0070] Depending on the height (water level) of the sample accumulated in the container (10), the corresponding sample is collected in the collection unit (20).

[0071] The sample collected in the collection unit (20) according to the installation location is described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0072] FIG. 9 shows a solidified sample collected by a collection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] When the first discharge is completed, the first sample is stacked at the bottom of the container (10), and when the second discharge is completed after the first discharge of the vitrification facility, the second sample is stacked on top of the first sample.

[0074] Likewise, after the second discharge ends, the third sample is stacked on top of the second sample during the third discharge. Finally, after the third discharge ends, the fourth sample is stacked on top of the third sample during the fourth discharge.

[0075] Therefore, the first, second, third, and fourth samples are collected in a structure where they are stacked in the height direction, and samples of different compositions can be collected according to the installation height of the sampling units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

[0076] The timing of sample collection can vary, such as at regular intervals or when the composition of the molten object changes.

[0077] In another embodiment, the sample may be supplied sequentially from at least two melting furnaces.

[0078] Finally, the collection unit (20) in which the solidified sample was collected is separated from the container (10) (S40).

[0079] The head portion (220) is rotated to release the mechanical connection between the collection tube (210) and the fixing portion (130). When screwed together, the head portion (220) can be connected to a tool and acts as a handle for rotation during manual operation.

[0080] Afterward, the solidified sample is separated from the collection unit (20) and analyzed.

[0081] The present invention minimizes the contact area between the solidified sample and the collection unit (20) in the form of a double tube of a guide tube (140) and a collection tube (210).

[0082] Therefore, the problem of the solidified sample adhering to the collection unit (20) is reduced, making it easier to collect the sample.

[0083] The guide tube (140) and the collection tube (210) are screw-coupled, making it easy to separate and withdraw after sample collection.

[0084] The present invention allows for the even collection of samples within the receiving space by diversifying the installation location of the collection unit (20), and reflects changes in the type and composition of the samples discharged depending on the situation.

[0085] Foregoing, specific parts of the present invention have been described in detail. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such specific descriptions are merely preferred embodiments and do not limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for collecting a solidified sample from a container, wherein the solidified sample is a product of a melting process of a nuclear power plant, and the method comprises the steps of: providing a container including a container body having a through hole formed therein and forming a receiving space for accommodating the solidified sample; fixing a collection unit to the container, wherein at least a portion thereof is located in the receiving space through the through hole and the collection unit collects the solidified sample; collecting the solidified sample from the receiving space into the collection unit; and separating the collection unit containing the collected solidified sample from the container.The container further comprises a guide tube extending from the through hole to the receiving space, and the collection unit comprises a collection tube receiving the solidified sample moved from the receiving space and a head portion connected to one end of the collection tube and located outside the receiving space when the container is fixed, wherein in the fixing step, at least a portion of the collection tube is located inside the guide tube, and the container further comprises a fixing portion extending from the through hole in the opposite direction of the receiving space, wherein in the fixing step, the fixing portion and the collection tube are mechanically coupled, and at least a portion of the inner surface of the fixing portion has female screw threads formed, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the collection tube has male screw threads formed, wherein in the fixing step, the fixing portion and the collection tube are screw-coupled, and an input port is formed at the end of the collection tube, wherein in the collection step, the input port extends toward the receiving space beyond the guide tube, and the solidified sample is injected into the collection tube through the input port, and in the separation step, the head portion is rotated to [unclearly translate] the mechanical coupling A method for collecting a solidified sample, wherein the collection unit is in the plurality of, at least two of which are located at different heights on the side of the container body, the inlet is in the plurality of, at least one of which is located on the side of the collection tube, the collection tube and the guide tube are cylindrical, and the outer diameter of the collection tube is 85% to 99% of the inner diameter of the guide tube. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete

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