Method for collecting sample from canister

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for collecting a sample from a canister, the method comprising the steps of: installing an outer pipe having an accommodation space and having a through hole, on the bottom of the canister in a height direction; inserting an inner pipe having a collection space and having a penetration unit formed therein into the accommodation space of the outer pipe; collecting, when the sample is loaded from the top of the canister, the sample into the collection space through the through hole and the penetration unit; and separating, from the outer pipe, the inner pipe in which at least a portion of the collection space is filled with the sample.

Description

How to collect samples from canisters

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for collecting a sample from a canister.

[0002] In nuclear power plants, the vitrification process is used to reduce the volume of generated waste materials and waste resins and to ensure their suitability for disposal.

[0003] After the vitrification process of the target waste is completed, the molten glass is discharged into a mold or canister at the bottom of the low-temperature melting furnace, thereby completing the process.

[0004] In order to evaluate the suitability of disposal of the discharged and solidified glass body, it is necessary to collect a sample that does not deteriorate the integrity of the glass body.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting a sample from a canister.

[0006] The above object of the present invention is achieved through a method for collecting a sample from a canister, comprising the steps of: installing an outer tube having a receiving space and a through hole formed therein in a height direction at the bottom of the canister; inserting an inner tube having a collection space and a through part formed therein into the receiving space of the outer tube; loading the sample from the upper portion of the canister and collecting the sample into the collection space through the through hole and the through part; and separating the inner tube, in which at least a portion of the collection space is filled with the sample, from the outer tube.

[0007] The above sample is a radioactive material melted in a glass melting furnace, and the canister is installed at the bottom of the glass melting furnace.

[0008] The above outer tube and the above inner tube are in the form of circular pipes extending in the height direction, and the length of the inner tube is provided to be longer than the length of the outer tube.

[0009] In the above insertion step, the upper part of the inner tube protrudes from the outer tube.

[0010] In the above insertion step, the positions of the inner tube and the outer tube are adjusted so that the through hole and the through portion are in communication.

[0011] The above through hole and a part of the above through part overlap each other.

[0012] In the above insertion step, the outer tube and the inner tube are fixed to each other by screw connection.

[0013] In the above collection step, different samples are collected at different heights in the collection space of the inner tube.

[0014] In the above collection step, the samples are sequentially supplied and collected from at least two melting furnaces.

[0015] According to the present invention, a method for collecting a sample from a canister is provided.

[0016] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing a method for collecting a sample from a canister according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 shows the positional relationship between the canister and the outer tube in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an outer tube used in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an inner tube used in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the insertion form of the outer tube and the inner tube in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the positions of the through hole and the through part when inserting the inner tube in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figures 7a to 7c are vertical cross-sectional views showing examples of the positions of the through hole and the through part when inserting the inner tube in a sample collection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 shows the joint of the outer tube and the inner tube in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figures 9a to 9c illustrate samples collected using a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The attached drawings are merely examples provided to further illustrate the technical concepts of the present invention, and therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the attached drawings.

[0026] A method of collecting a sample from a canister (1) is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method for collecting a sample from a canister (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows the positional relationship between a canister (1) and an outer tube (10) in a method for collecting a sample according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The sample collected below may be, but is not limited to, radioactive material (molten glass) melted in a glass melting furnace.

[0029] In addition, the following description uses a low-temperature melting furnace as an example, but is not limited thereto.

[0030] First, the outer tube (10) is installed inside the canister (1) (S10).

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the canister (1) is located at the bottom of the melting furnace and receives molten glass discharged from the melting furnace.

[0032] The canister (1) may be cylindrical or drum-shaped, and at least a portion of the top is open during the process of receiving the sample.

[0033] The outer tube (10) is installed in the height direction on the bottom of the canister (1) and can be fixed to the bottom surface of the canister (1) by welding.

[0034] It is preferable that the installation location of the outer tube (10) be spaced apart from the location where the sample is discharged from the low-temperature melting furnace.

[0035] If the installation position of the outer tube (10) is located on the same vertical line as the position where the sample is discharged from the low-temperature melting furnace, the sample is collected in the collection space of the inner tube (20) described below before the height of the sample in the canister (1).

[0036] In this case, a time difference may occur between the sample in the collection space and the sample actually supplied to the canister (1), which may cause errors in sample interpretation.

[0037] The outer tube (10) is a hollow circular pipe shape extending in the height direction with an internal storage space as shown in Fig. 3, and a plurality of through holes (110) are formed on the side.

[0038] The through holes (110) are arranged in pairs in the horizontal direction, and multiple pairs are arranged at regular intervals in the vertical direction.

[0039] The formation height (L') of the through hole (110) is formed over 70%, 80%, or 90% of the height (L1) of the outer tube (10).

[0040] The size of the through hole (110) is all the same, and the shape is formed in a circular shape, but the size and shape of the through hole (110) are not limited to this.

[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sizes of the through holes (110) are different, and the shape of the through holes (110) may be oval, triangular, square, hexagonal, or rhombus.

[0042] Next, the inner tube (20) is inserted into the outer tube (10) (S20).

[0043] The shape of the inner tube (20) is described in detail with reference to Fig. 4, which is a perspective view of the inner tube (20) used in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The inner tube (20) is a hollow circular pipe shape extending in the height direction with a collection space inside, and a penetration portion (210) extending in the height direction is formed on the side.

[0045] The outer diameter (d2) of the inner tube (20) is 80%, 90%, 95%, or 98% or more of the inner diameter (d1, shown in FIG. 3) of the outer tube (10), and is set to be smaller than 100%.

[0046] Considering the process of separating the inner tube (20) from the outer tube (10) in the future, it is desirable that the outer diameter (d2) of the inner tube (20) and the inner diameter (d1) of the outer tube (10) be as close as possible to prevent the sample from being located between the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10).

[0047] The length (L2) of the inner tube (20) can be made longer than the length (L1) of the outer tube (10).

[0048] The shape in which the inner tube (20) is inserted into the outer tube (10) is described with reference to Fig. 5, which shows the shape of the insertion of the outer tube (10) and the inner tube (20) in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In the state where insertion is complete, the upper part (A) of the inner tube (20) protrudes from the outer tube (10), and at least a portion of the through-hole (210) of the inner tube (20) overlaps with the through-hole (110) of the outer tube (10).

[0050] The shape of the upper part (A) may be suitable for using a handle or tool, taking into account the process of separating the inner tube (20) from the outer tube (10) in the future, and a penetration part (210) may not be formed.

[0051] Below, the positional relationship between the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) and the positional relationship between the through hole (110) and the through part (210) during insertion are described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the positions of the through hole (110) and the through portion (210) when inserting the inner tube (20) in a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, when inserted, the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) are in close contact, and the plurality of through holes (110a, 110b) are connected to the through portion (210) by overlapping at least part of the through holes.

[0054] The positional relationship between the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) described above can be modified depending on the dimensions of the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) and the shape of the through hole (110), and this is explained with reference to FIGS. 7a to 7c.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7a, the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) are in close contact, and the through hole (110) is completely overlapped and communicated with the through portion (210).

[0056] In this embodiment, the through holes (110) may be formed continuously in the height direction similar to the through portion (210), or the through holes (110) may be scattered in the height direction, but the width in the horizontal direction (vertical direction) may correspond to the through portion (210).

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7b, the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) are spaced apart, and the plurality of through holes (110a, 110b) are connected to the through portion (210) by overlapping at least a portion thereof.

[0058] In this embodiment, the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) have the same shape as in FIGS. 3 and 4, except that the diameter of the inner tube (20) is reduced.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7c, the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) are spaced apart, and a plurality of through holes (110a, 110b) are formed spaced apart from each other in the through portion (210).

[0060] In this embodiment, the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10) have the same shape as in FIGS. 3 and 4, except that the diameter of the inner tube (20) is reduced.

[0061] Although the formation locations of the through holes (110a, 110b) and the through portion (210) are spaced apart, the through holes (110a, 110b) and the through portion (210) are connected through the space between the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (10).

[0062] When inserted, the inner tube (20) is fixed to the outer tube (10) through a combination. The fixing method may be screw-joining, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] A method for collecting a sample according to an embodiment of the present invention for fixing a fixing method will be described with reference to Fig. 8, which shows the joint portion (B1, B2) of the outer tube (10) and the inner tube (20).

[0064] For convenience of explanation, the joints (B1, B2) are not illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0065] Joints (B1, B2) are formed at the lower portions of the outer tube (10) and the inner tube (20), respectively.

[0066] A female screw is formed on the inner diameter of the lower end of the outer tube (10), and a male screw is formed on the outer diameter of the lower end of the inner tube (20). When inserted, the male screw and the female screw are combined to fix the outer tube (10) and the inner tube (20).

[0067] However, the position of the joints (B1, B2) is not limited thereto, and the joint (B1) of the outer tube (10) may be formed on the upper portion of the outer tube (10), and the joint (B2) of the inner tube (20) may be formed to correspond to the position of the joint (B1).

[0068] Afterwards, the sample is collected (S30).

[0069] In sample collection, a sample loaded from the top of the canister (1) is collected into the collection space through the through hole (110) and the through portion (210).

[0070] Sample collection is performed during the vitrification process, and only some of the canisters (1) may be equipped with an outer tube (10) and an inner tube (20). In other words, the canister (1) equipped with an outer tube (10) and an inner tube (20) is used only when sample collection is required. The time points when sample collection is required may vary, such as at regular intervals or when the composition of the melted object changes.

[0071] Below, the sample collection process is described in detail.

[0072] As the sample discharged from the low-temperature melting furnace accumulates at the bottom of the canister (1), the sample level inside the canister (1) rises.

[0073] As the sample level rises, the sample flows into the through hole (110) of the outer tube (10) and into the through part (210) of the inner tube (20) which is connected to the through hole (110).

[0074] Through the penetration portion (210), the sample is received in the collection space of the inner tube (20).

[0075] Depending on the height (water level) of the sample accumulated in the canister (1), the corresponding sample is collected in the collection space.

[0076] The samples collected in the inner tube (20) according to height are described with reference to FIGS. 9 a to 9c.

[0077] Figures 9a to 9c illustrate samples collected using a sample collection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 9a, the first sample is stacked on the lowermost part of the inner tube (20) during the first discharge of the glass-making equipment, and as shown in Fig. 9b, after the first discharge of the glass-making equipment is completed, the second sample is stacked on top of the first sample during the second discharge.

[0079] Similarly, as shown in Fig. 9c, after the end of the second discharge, the third sample is stacked on top of the second sample during the third discharge.

[0080] Accordingly, the first, second, and third samples are collected in a structure in which they are stacked in the height direction, and samples of different compositions can be collected according to the height of the inner tube (20).

[0081] In another embodiment, the samples may be supplied sequentially from at least two melting furnaces.

[0082] Finally, the inner tube (20) is separated from the outer tube (10) (S40).

[0083] After the sample collected in the collection space of the inner tube (20) solidifies, the inner tube (20) is separated from the outer tube (10).

[0084] When screw-joined, the upper part (A) of the inner tube (20) protruding outside the outer tube (10) may have a polygonal shape rather than a circle to facilitate tool use.

[0085] For ease of separation, the sample may be accommodated lower than the outer tube (10) or the outer tube (10) may be installed higher than the canister (1).

[0086] According to the present invention, the outer tube (10) having a through hole (110) is physically connected to the through part (210) of the inner tube (20), so that the flowing molten glass can be easily collected.

[0087] The outer tube (10) and the inner tube (20) are screw-connected, making it easy to separate and withdraw the sample after collection.

[0088] The penetration portion (210) of the inner tube (20) extends in the height direction, so that changes in the composition of the molten glass being collected can be reflected.

[0089] Afterwards, the solidified sample is separated from the inner tube (20) and analyzed.

[0090] While specific aspects of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific descriptions merely represent preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the substantial scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In the method of collecting a sample from a canister, A step of installing an outer tube having a receiving space and a through hole formed therein in a height direction on the bottom of the canister; A step of inserting an inner tube having a collection space and a penetration formed therein into the receiving space of the outer tube; A step of loading the sample from the upper part of the canister and collecting the sample into the collection space through the through hole and the through part; and A sampling method comprising: a step of separating the inner tube, wherein at least a portion of the sampling space is filled with the sample, from the outer tube.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sample is a radioactive material melted in a glass melting furnace, A sampling method in which the above canister is installed at the bottom of the above glass melting furnace.

3. In paragraph 1, The above outer tube and the above inner tube, It is a circular pipe shape that extends in the height direction. A sample collection method in which the length of the inner tube is longer than the length of the outer tube.

4. In paragraph 1, In the above insertion step, A sample collection method in which the upper part of the inner tube protrudes from the outer tube.

5. In paragraph 1, In the above insertion step, A sampling method in which the positions of the inner tube and the outer tube are adjusted so that the above-mentioned through hole and the above-mentioned through portion are connected to each other.

6. In paragraph 5, In the above insertion step, A sampling method in which the above-mentioned through hole and a portion of the above-mentioned through section overlap each other.

7. In paragraph 1, In the above insertion step, A sampling method in which the outer tube and the inner tube are fixed to each other by screw connection.

8. In paragraph 1, In the above collection step, A sampling method in which different samples are collected at different heights in the sampling space of the inner tube above.

9. In paragraph 1, In the above collection step, The above sample is a sampling method in which the sample is sequentially supplied and collected from at least two melting furnaces.

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