Method for installing temporary neutron measurement system mounted on core of integrated nuclear reactor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for installing a temporary neutron measurement system (TNMS) mounted on a core of an integrated nuclear reactor, comprising the steps of: (S10) arranging, inside a reactor core, a measurement assembly capable of measuring neutrons discharged from the reactor core; and (S20) connecting, to the measurement assembly, a connection assembly for supplying power to the measurement assembly and receiving a measurement signal.

Description

Installation method of a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated reactor

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for installing a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated nuclear reactor.

[0002] During the initial operational phase of a reactor, it is crucial to ensure safety by monitoring the core in real-time through neutron measurement while fuel is being loaded. Particularly in large pressurized water reactors, the initial neutron leakage rate is low, making it difficult to accurately assess the core status using only external instruments. Therefore, a method has been employed in which a Temporary Neutron Measurement System (TNMS) is installed inside the core to measure the neutron count rate and the inverse count rate ratio (ICRR).

[0003] However, existing TNMS had the problem that it occupied a separate internal space and could restrict fuel loading and other operations because it embedded the instrument in a housing in the form of a nuclear fuel assembly and installed it inside the core.

[0004] In particular, due to interference with fixed cables used to transmit signals from measuring instruments, auxiliary cranes had to be used instead of reloading cranes (RM) capable of precise position control. The use of such auxiliary cranes reduces the accuracy and efficiency of TNMS installation work.

[0005] In particular, in next-generation reactors with high core heights, such as iSMRs, the increased cable length makes cable management and maintenance difficult, and ensuring the durability of cables exposed to high temperature and high pressure environments has become critical, which has led to the problem of making it more difficult to apply existing TNMS.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for installing a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated nuclear reactor.

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for installing a neutron measurement system (TNMS) mounted in the core of an integrated nuclear reactor, comprising the steps of: placing a measurement assembly capable of measuring neutrons emitted from the core inside the core (S10); and connecting a connection assembly that supplies power to the measurement assembly and receives a measurement signal to the measurement assembly (S20).

[0008] The above S10 step can be performed using a refueling machine (RM) used for loading the core into the integrated reactor.

[0009] The above measurement assembly includes a long, extended main body and a first connection terminal protruding upward from the upper part of the main body, and the connection assembly includes a cable and a second connection terminal connected to the end of the cable, and in step S20, the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal can be connected.

[0010] The first connection terminal is formed in a recess and has a receiving space formed to accommodate at least a portion of the second connection terminal, and the step S20 may further include: a step of lowering the connection assembly from above toward the measurement assembly (S21); a step of adjusting and guiding the position of the second connection terminal so that the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are coupled (S22); and a step of using magnetism to settle the second connection terminal, which is close to the receiving space according to the guidance, into the receiving space (S23).

[0011] The above step S22 is performed through a guide unit comprising a plurality of guide rings arranged parallel to each other in a vertical direction and positioned around the second connection terminal, and a plurality of guide lines connected to the second connection terminal and passing between the guide rings, and the position of the second connection terminal on the horizontal plane can be adjusted by the guide lines.

[0012] The diameter of the induction ring is larger than that of the first connecting terminal, and the protrusion height of the first connecting terminal is greater than that of the induction ring; in step S23, the induction ring can be seated on the upper part of the main body without contacting the first connecting terminal.

[0013] After the above step S20, the method further includes a step (S30) of separating the induction part from the measurement assembly, wherein the step S30 may include a step (S31) of separating the induction wire from the second connection terminal; and a step (S32) of retrieving the induction ring from the upper part of the main body using a crane used for vertical movement of the induction ring.

[0014] The above cable includes a power cable that supplies power to the measurement assembly and a signal cable that receives a signal according to neutron measurement from the measurement assembly, and after step S30, neutron measurement through the measurement assembly is performed according to the power supply, and subsequently, a signal according to the measurement can be received through the signal cable.

[0015] According to the present invention, a method for installing a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated nuclear reactor is provided.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0017] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of A in Figure 1, and

[0018] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for installing a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] 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. Additionally, the sizes and spacing, etc., in the attached drawings may be exaggerated from reality to explain the relationships between the components.

[0021] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a neutron measurement system (TNMS) mounted on the core of an integrated reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of A in FIG. 1.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated reactor according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a measurement assembly (100), a connection assembly (200), and an induction unit (300).

[0024] The measurement assembly (100) is positioned inside the core to perform neutron measurement. The measurement assembly (100) includes an elongated main body (110) and a first connecting terminal (120) protruding upward from the upper end of the main body (110).

[0025] The main body (110) includes a measuring instrument for measuring neutrons. The main body (110) is mounted on the core of an integrated reactor.

[0026] The first connecting terminal (120) protrudes upward from the upper part of the main body (110). The first connecting terminal (120) is formed with a recess and has a receiving space (121) formed to accommodate a part of the second connecting terminal (220) described later. The first connecting terminal (120) is connected to the second connecting terminal (220) of the connecting assembly (200).

[0027] The connection assembly (200) supplies power to the measurement assembly (100) and receives a measurement signal. The connection assembly (200) includes a cable (210) and a second connection terminal (220) connected to the end of the cable (210).

[0028] The cable (210) includes a power cable that supplies power to the measurement assembly (100) and a signal cable that receives a signal according to neutron measurement from the measurement assembly (100).

[0029] The cable (210) may be a cable with radiation resistance and heat resistance, taking into account the high radiation environment of the reactor core. Specifically, the cable (210) may be made of polyimide, ethylene-propylene rubber, and inorganic insulating cable, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, for the signal cable, a fiber optic cable may be used to increase resistance to electromagnetic interference and minimize signal loss.

[0030] The second connection terminal (220) is connected to the end of the cable (210). The second connection terminal (220) is connected to the first connection terminal (120). The second connection terminal (220) is seated in the receiving space (121) of the first connection terminal (120).

[0031] An induction section (300) is arranged around the second connection terminal (220). The induction section (300) includes a plurality of induction rings (310) arranged parallel to each other in a vertical direction, a plurality of induction wires (320) connected to the second connection terminal (220) and passing between the induction rings (310).

[0032] The diameter of the induction ring (310) is larger than that of the first connection terminal (120), and the protrusion height of the first connection terminal (120) is greater than that of the induction ring (310). The induction ring (310) is seated on the upper part of the main body (110) without contacting the first connection terminal (120).

[0033] The induction ring (310) may be made of durable stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic materials, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] The guide wire (320) controls the position of the second connection terminal (220) on the horizontal plane.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 3, the installation of a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for installing a neutron measurement system mounted on the core of an integrated reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] First, an instrumentation assembly capable of measuring neutrons emitted from the core is placed inside the core. (S10)

[0038] Specifically, the instrumentation assembly is placed inside the core to perform neutron measurement. The instrumentation assembly can be placed inside the core using a Refueling Machine (RM) used to load the core into an integrated reactor.

[0039] (Although not shown) the instrumentation assembly (100) can be stably fixed inside the core (10) using RM’s gripper or a specially designed support device.

[0040] After placing the instrumentation assembly (100) inside the core, the connection assembly (200) is connected to the instrumentation assembly (100). (S20)

[0041] The connection assembly (200) supplies power to the measurement assembly (100) and receives a measurement signal. The connection assembly (200) includes a cable (210) and a second connection terminal (220) connected to the end of the cable (210).

[0042] Step S20 includes a step (S21) of lowering the connection assembly (200) from the top toward the measurement assembly (100), a step (S22) of adjusting and guiding the position of the second connection terminal (220) so that the first connection terminal (120) and the second connection terminal (220) are coupled, and a step (S23) of using magnetism to place the second connection terminal (220), which is close to the receiving space (121) according to the guidance, into the receiving space (121).

[0043] In step S21, the connection assembly (200) is slowly lowered from the top toward the measurement assembly (100) using a crane. At this time, care is taken to ensure that the cable (210) of the connection assembly (200) is not twisted or damaged, and the assembly is lowered while ensuring sufficient space to prevent collision with surrounding equipment or structures.

[0044] In step S22, the position of the second connection terminal (220) is adjusted and guided through the guide unit (300) so that the first connection terminal (120) and the second connection terminal (220) can be accurately combined. Here, the guide unit (300) is composed of a plurality of guide rings (310) and guide wires (320). The guide rings (310) guide the second connection terminal (220) to be placed in an accurate position on the horizontal plane of the first connection terminal (120), and the guide wires (320) guide the second connection terminal (220) in a vertical direction to be accurately seated in the receiving space (121).

[0045] To explain the process of position adjustment and guidance of the second connection terminal (220) through the guidance unit (300), first, the second connection terminal (220) is moved to just above the first connection terminal (120) using the guidance ring (310). Afterward, the second connection terminal (220) is aligned with the receiving space (121) using the guidance wire (320), and then (although not illustrated) the position of the second connection terminal (220) is precisely adjusted using a remote control device or a camera.

[0046] In step S23, the second connecting terminal (220), which is close to the receiving space (121), is placed in the receiving space (121) using magnetism with the help of the induction unit (300). Here, the first connecting terminal (120) and the second connecting terminal (220) have magnets or magnetic materials attached that attract each other, so that when the second connecting terminal (220) approaches the receiving space (121), they can be automatically connected.

[0047] (Although not shown) methods such as visual inspection or electrical signal verification may be used to check whether the second connection terminal (220) is fully seated in the receiving space (121).

[0048] Next, after connecting the measurement assembly (100) and the connection assembly (200), the induction part (300) is separated from the measurement assembly (100). (S30)

[0049] Step S30 includes a step (S31) of separating the guide wire (320) from the second connection terminal (220), and a step (S32) of retrieving the guide ring (310) from the upper part of the main body (110) using a crane used for vertical movement of the guide ring (310).

[0050] In step S31, the guide wire (320) is separated from the second connection terminal (220), ensuring that the guide wire (320) is not damaged or broken.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide wire (320) may be designed to be detachably attached to the second connection terminal (220), but is not limited thereto. For example, if the guide wire (320) and the second connection terminal (220) are connected by a screw, the screw may be loosened and separated using a remote operation tool or a manual tool, or a quick connector may be used.

[0052] In step S32, the guide ring (310) is retrieved from the upper part of the main body (110) using a crane used for vertical movement of the guide ring (310).

[0053] As for the specific retrieval process, first, the guide ring (310) is lifted vertically using a crane, and then, the guide ring (310) is moved slowly while taking care not to come into contact with the measuring assembly (100) or other equipment. Next, the guide ring (310) that has been moved is moved to a designated location and safely stored.

[0054] (Although not shown) when retrieving the induction ring (310), a separate fixing device may be installed to prevent collision with surrounding equipment or structures.

[0055] The installation method of a neutron measurement system according to the present invention installs the neutron measurement system by placing a measurement assembly inside the core using a reloader (RM) and connecting a connection assembly to the measurement assembly. This provides the effect of reducing installation time and improving safety during the installation process compared to the existing TNMS installation method.

[0056] In addition, the installation method of the neutron measurement system according to the present invention uses an induction unit to accurately and safely connect the connection assembly to the measurement assembly. This provides the effect of increasing installation accuracy compared to the existing TNMS installation method and ensuring stable operation of the measurement system.

[0057] Furthermore, the installation method of the neutron measurement system according to the present invention completes the installation of the measurement system by separating the induction unit from the measurement assembly. This simplifies the installation process compared to the existing TNMS installation method and provides the effect of increasing the utilization of space inside the core after installation.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the present invention. Accordingly, the technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for installing a neutron instrumentation system (TNMS) mounted on the core of an integrated reactor, Step (S10) of placing a measurement assembly capable of performing neutron measurement emitted from the core inside the core; and A method for installing a neutron measurement system comprising the step (S20) of supplying power to the measurement assembly and connecting a connection assembly that receives a measurement signal to the measurement assembly.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above S10 step is, A method for installing a neutron measurement system using a refueling machine (RM) used for loading the core into the above-mentioned integrated reactor.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above measuring assembly includes an elongated main body and a first connecting terminal protruding upward from the upper part of the main body, and The above connection assembly includes a cable and a second connection terminal connected to the end of the cable, and In the above S20 step, A method for installing a neutron measurement system that connects the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.

4. In Paragraph 3, The first connecting terminal is formed with a recess and has a receiving space formed to accommodate at least a portion of the second connecting terminal, and The above S20 step is, Step (S21) of lowering the above connection assembly from the top toward the measurement assembly; A step (S22) of adjusting and guiding the position of the second connection terminal so that the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are coupled; and A method for installing a neutron measurement system, further comprising the step (S23) of using magnetism to mount the second connecting terminal, which is close to the receiving space according to the above induction, onto the receiving space.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above S22 step is, It is performed through an induction section comprising a plurality of induction rings arranged parallel to each other in a vertical direction and arranged around the second connection terminal, and a plurality of induction lines connected to the second connection terminal and passing between the induction rings. A method for installing a neutron measurement system that adjusts the position of the second connection terminal on the horizontal plane by the above-mentioned induction wire.

6. In Paragraph 5, The diameter of the induction ring is larger than that of the first connection terminal, and the protrusion height of the first connection terminal is larger than that of the induction ring. In the above S23 step, A method for installing a neutron measurement system in which the induction ring is seated on the upper part of the main body without contacting the first connection terminal.

7. In Paragraph 6, After the above step S20, the method further includes a step (S30) of separating the induction part from the measurement assembly, and The above S30 step is, Step of separating the induction wire from the second connection terminal (S31); and A method for installing a neutron measurement system comprising the step (S32) of retrieving the induction ring from the upper part of the main body using a crane used for vertical movement of the induction ring.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above cable includes a power cable that supplies power to the measurement assembly and a signal cable that receives a signal according to neutron measurement from the measurement assembly. After the above S30 step, A method for installing a neutron measurement system in which neutron measurement is performed through the measurement assembly according to the above power supply, and a signal resulting from the measurement is subsequently received through the above signal cable.

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