Real-time monitoring system and method for leakage of fluid in reactor operating under vacuum conditions
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2025/144822
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-24
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images

Figure CN2025144822_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Real-time monitoring system and method for reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of reactor leakage monitoring technology, and specifically to a real-time monitoring system and method for reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions. Background Technology
[0002] During reactor operation, leakage is one of the important monitoring indicators. Different methods are usually used to monitor and measure the leakage rate to ensure the normal operation of equipment and systems.
[0003] Traditional reactor leak monitoring typically involves collecting measurements in a sump or using a humidity meter. However, for reactors operating under vacuum within the containment, leaks of high-temperature fluids into the containment environment can cause flash evaporation into water vapor. Therefore, traditional measurement methods would have very low accuracy.
[0004] Based on this, the inventors of this application propose a real-time monitoring system and method for reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art in detecting reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions, and to provide a real-time monitoring system and method for reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions.
[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:
[0007] This invention provides a real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions. The reactor includes a containment vessel and a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel being located within the containment vessel, and a vacuum state existing between the pressure vessel and the containment vessel. The monitoring system includes:
[0008] A vacuum line is connected at one end to the containment cavity. A measuring mechanism is connected to the vacuum line so that leaking fluid in the containment cavity can be extracted and the leakage rate can be measured by the measuring mechanism.
[0009] The vacuum line is also equipped with a cooling mechanism, which is located downstream of the measuring mechanism. The cooling mechanism is connected to a gas discharge line and a steam condensation line, which are located downstream of the cooling mechanism.
[0010] The gas discharge pipeline is used to discharge the non-condensable gas after the leaked fluid passes through the cooling mechanism, and the steam condensation pipeline is used to collect and treat the condensate obtained by condensing the leaked fluid through the cooling mechanism.
[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring mechanism includes a measuring box and a measuring unit disposed on the measuring box;
[0012] The measuring box has a measuring chamber, and the vacuum line is connected to the measuring chamber;
[0013] The measurement unit includes a spectrometer, at least one set of laser emitters and laser receivers corresponding to the laser emitters. Each set of laser emitters and laser receivers is located on opposite sides outside the measurement box. The spectrometer is used to receive signals from the laser receivers to analyze and calculate the leakage rate.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit includes at least two sets of the laser emitters and the laser receivers;
[0015] At least two sets of laser emitters and laser receivers are arranged crosswise outside the measurement box, and the laser receivers in at least two sets of measurement units are electrically connected to the spectrometer.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum check valve is further included, which is disposed in the vacuum line and located upstream of the measuring mechanism.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling mechanism includes a condenser;
[0018] A vacuum pump is installed on the gas discharge line, which is used to evacuate the containment vessel to create a vacuum between the pressure vessel and the containment vessel.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam condensate pipeline is provided with a condensate collection mechanism, an isolation valve, and a discharge valve;
[0020] The isolation valve is located upstream of the condensate collection mechanism, and the discharge valve is located downstream of the condensate collection mechanism.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam condensation pipeline is further connected to a vacuum breaking pipeline between the isolation valve and the condensate collection mechanism;
[0022] The vacuum breaker pipeline is equipped with a vacuum breaker valve.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate collection mechanism is further provided with a level gauge, which is used to measure the condensate accumulated by the condensate collection mechanism.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a controller is further included, which is electrically connected to the level gauge, the isolation valve, the discharge valve and the vacuum breaker valve respectively.
[0025] This invention also provides a method for monitoring reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions, characterized in that it is implemented using a real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions as described above, the monitoring method comprising:
[0026] Step 1: Obtain the first measurement result of the spectrum analyzer for the signal emitted by the laser receiver;
[0027] Step 2: Receive the signal from the level gauge and calculate the second measurement result;
[0028] Step 3: Determine the leakage rate of high-temperature fluid inside the containment by comparing the first measurement result and the second measurement result.
[0029] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:
[0030] The present invention relates to a real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions. By setting up a vacuum pipeline, it receives a measurement medium in which high-temperature liquid flashes and vaporizes within the containment cavity. When the measurement medium flows through the measuring mechanism, the measuring mechanism can accurately determine whether there is a liquid or vapor leak and quantitatively measure the leakage rate. This can improve the accuracy of high-temperature fluid leakage detection within the containment, and thus enable timely preventive measures to be taken when a leak occurs, thereby improving the safety of unit operation. Attached Figure Description
[0031] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:
[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the reactor fluid leakage real-time monitoring system operating under vacuum conditions according to the present invention;
[0033] Figure 2 shows the arrangement of the measuring mechanism in Figure 1 at one angle;
[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the measuring mechanism in Figure 1 from another angle;
[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the measurement result verification of the measurement mechanism of this application. 1. Vacuum pumping line; 11. Measurement mechanism; 111. Measurement box; 112. Measurement unit; 113. Spectrometer; 114. Laser emitter; 115. Laser receiver; 116. Measurement chamber; 12. Cooling mechanism; 13. Gas discharge line; 131. Vacuum pump; 14. Steam condensation line; 141. Condensate collection mechanism; 142. Isolation valve; 143. Discharge valve; 144. Level gauge; 15. Vacuum check valve; 16. Vacuum rupture line; 161. Vacuum rupture valve; 2. Containment cavity; 3. Controller. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. More details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can obviously be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions and derivations based on actual application situations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the content of this specific embodiment.
[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.
[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, this invention proposes a real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions. The reactor includes a containment vessel and a pressure vessel, with the pressure vessel located inside the containment vessel, and a vacuum state existing between the pressure vessel and the containment vessel.
[0039] The monitoring system of the present invention includes a vacuum line 1, one end of which is connected to the containment cavity 2. A measuring mechanism 11 is connected to the vacuum line 1, and the leaking fluid in the containment cavity 2 can be extracted and the leakage rate can be measured by the measuring mechanism 11.
[0040] The vacuum line 1 is also equipped with a cooling mechanism 12, which is located downstream of the measuring mechanism 11. The cooling mechanism 12 is connected to a gas discharge line 13 and a steam condensation line 14, both of which are located downstream of the cooling mechanism 12. The gas discharge line 13 is used to discharge the non-condensable gas from the leaked fluid after it has passed through the cooling mechanism 12, and the steam condensation line 14 is used to collect the condensate obtained from the condensation of the leaked fluid after it has passed through the cooling mechanism 12.
[0041] The vacuum line 1 can continuously evacuate the containment cavity 2 to maintain a vacuum between the containment and the pressure vessel, so that the fluid leaking in the containment cavity 2 can flow through the measuring mechanism 11 and be monitored by the measuring mechanism 11.
[0042] That is, when the high-temperature fluid inside the containment leaks, it will flash into water vapor in a vacuum environment. Under the suction of the vacuum line 1, the water vapor formed by flashing is drawn into the vacuum line 1 and flows through the measuring mechanism 11. The measuring mechanism 11 can accurately determine whether there is a liquid or vapor leak and quantitatively measure the leakage rate. This helps to improve the timeliness and accuracy of measuring the leaking fluid in the containment cavity 2. This allows for early identification of equipment and system defects, and timely implementation of preventive measures to improve the safety of unit operation.
[0043] It should be noted that the leakage source within the reactor can be an external pipeline of the pressure vessel, a monitoring component installed on the pressure vessel, etc., and there are no specific limitations. The leaked fluid will be extracted by the vacuum line 1 after flashing and will be detected in a timely manner.
[0044] In addition, a cooling mechanism 12 is installed on the vacuum line 1. The condensate obtained by the cooling mechanism 12 is collected by the steam condensation line 14, and the remaining non-condensable gas is treated by the gas discharge line 13.
[0045] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the measuring mechanism 11 includes a measuring box 111 and a measuring unit 112 disposed on the measuring box 111. The measuring box 111 has a measuring chamber 116, and the vacuum line 1 is connected to the measuring chamber 116. The measuring unit 112 includes a spectrometer 113, at least one set of laser emitters 114, and laser receivers 115 corresponding to the laser emitters 114. Each set of laser emitters 114 and laser receivers 115 are disposed on opposite sides outside the measuring box 111. The spectrometer 113 is used to receive the signal from the laser receivers 115 to analyze and calculate the leakage rate.
[0046] Optionally, the measuring box 111 can be installed on the vacuum line 1. That is, the medium transported in the vacuum line 1 flows through the measuring box 111, and then the measuring unit 112 analyzes the medium to determine whether there is a leak and, if a leak occurs, simultaneously calculates the leakage rate.
[0047] Alternatively, the measuring chamber 111 can be located on one side of the vacuum line 1 and connected to the vacuum line 1 via a connecting line (not shown). The arrangement is not limited here, as long as the medium extracted by the vacuum line 1 flows through the measuring chamber 116. This method can detect leaking fluid, but it will not measure the leakage rate in a timely manner. This implementation method can be used if it is only necessary to determine whether there is a leak.
[0048] Specifically, when water vapor is present in the vacuum line 1, the light emitted by the laser emitter 114 will pass through the water vapor and reach the laser receiver 115. The obtained spectrum can be compared with the set leakage rate and the characteristic relationship of the spectrum in the spectrum analyzer 113 to calculate the leakage rate.
[0049] Referring specifically to Figure 3, the measurement unit 112 includes at least two sets of laser emitters 114 and laser receivers 115. The at least two sets of laser emitters 114 and laser receivers 115 are arranged crosswise outside the measurement box 111, and the laser receivers 115 in the at least two sets of measurement units 112 are all electrically connected to the spectrometer 113.
[0050] In some other alternative implementations, the measuring unit 112 may also be provided with three or more sets of laser emitters 114 and laser receivers 115. The specific number can be adjusted according to actual needs and is not limited here.
[0051] The following description uses two sets of laser emitters 114 and laser receivers 115 as an example. For details, please refer to Figures 2 and 3. Taking the measuring box 111 as an example with a circular cross-sectional shape along the length of the vacuum pipeline 1, the two laser emitters 114 are arranged adjacent to each other and the two laser receivers 115 are arranged adjacent to each other. Each set of laser emitters 114 and laser receivers 115 are respectively located on opposite sides of the radial direction of the measuring box 111.
[0052] Therefore, the spectrometer 113 can obtain the spectra of the two channels, and then calculate the average value of the two channels as the leakage rate, thus improving the uniformity and accuracy of the measurement.
[0053] This invention utilizes the mechanism of flash vaporization of high-temperature liquid entering a vacuum environment. By drawing a vacuum, high-temperature water vapor leaking into the containment cavity 2 is introduced into the measurement chamber 116. Laser measurement and spectral analysis are used to accurately determine whether there is high-temperature water vapor leakage and to accurately measure the leakage rate.
[0054] Please refer to Figure 4. This application compares the bench equivalent leakage rate with the prototype measurement data. The bench equivalent leakage rate refers to the leakage rate that can be controlled by the bench, while the prototype leakage rate refers to the leakage rate measured by spectroscopic methods. By comparing the two, it can be determined that the leakage rate measured by spectroscopic methods is reliable.
[0055] As can be seen, the test bench can be made according to the monitoring system in Figure 1, and different leakage amounts can be set for measurement to obtain the leakage rate waveform corresponding to different leakage amounts. Then, the sampler is used for testing, and the leakage rate is calculated by comparing the spectrum obtained from the test with the characteristic relationship between the leakage rate and the spectrum set by the test bench.
[0056] Please refer to Figure 1. A vacuum check valve 15 is also provided on the vacuum line 1. The vacuum check valve 15 is located upstream of the measuring mechanism 11.
[0057] It is understood that the vacuum check valve 15 is used to prevent the medium from flowing back into the containment cavity 2. On the one hand, it improves the accuracy of leak monitoring; on the other hand, in the event of damage to the vacuum line 1, it can prevent external contaminants from flowing back into the containment through the vacuum line 1, thus avoiding potential hazards to the safe operation of the containment.
[0058] Optionally, the cooling mechanism 12 includes a condenser; a vacuum pump 131 is provided on the gas discharge line 13 for evacuating the containment vessel to create a vacuum between the pressure vessel and the containment vessel.
[0059] The condenser is used to condense the water vapor transported by the vacuum line 1 to prevent radioactive media from being discharged with the gas.
[0060] Vacuum pump 131 is used to evacuate the containment vessel, thereby bringing the containment cavity 2 (the space between the pressure vessel and the containment vessel) into a vacuum state.
[0061] Please refer to Figure 1. The steam condensate pipeline 14 is equipped with a condensate collection mechanism 141, an isolation valve 142, and a discharge valve 143. The isolation valve 142 is located upstream of the condensate collection mechanism 141, and the discharge valve 143 is located downstream of the condensate collection mechanism 141.
[0062] The condensate collection mechanism 141 is used to collect liquefied water vapor. The opening and closing of the isolation valve 142 is used to control whether the upstream condensate flows to the condensate collection mechanism 141. The opening and closing of the discharge valve 143 is used to control whether the condensate collected in the condensate collection mechanism 141 is discharged.
[0063] Furthermore, the steam condensation pipeline 14 is also connected to a vacuum breaking pipeline 16 between the isolation valve 142 and the condensate collection mechanism 141; the vacuum breaking pipeline 16 is equipped with a vacuum breaking valve 161.
[0064] The condensate collection mechanism 141 is also equipped with a level gauge 144, which is used to measure the amount of condensate accumulated by the condensate collection mechanism 141.
[0065] During normal operation, the discharge valve 143 and vacuum breaker valve 161 in the monitoring system are closed, the isolation valve 142 is open, and the containment cavity 2 is maintained in a vacuum state by the vacuum pump 131.
[0066] When a leak occurs at the leak source in the containment cavity 2, the leaking high-temperature fluid enters the containment cavity 2. Under vacuum conditions, the high-temperature fluid exists in the form of vapor. As the vacuum pump 131 operates to draw a vacuum, the leaked water vapor enters the measuring chamber 116 through the vacuum line 1 and the check valve.
[0067] In the measurement chamber 116, the spectrum emitted by the laser emitter 114 is transmitted to the laser receiver 115 after passing through water vapor. The leakage rate is calculated by comparing the spectrum with the set leakage rate and spectral characteristics in the spectral analyzer 113. If there are at least two sets of laser emitters 114 and laser receivers 115, the average value of the measurement results can be taken as the leakage rate.
[0068] After passing through the measuring chamber 116, the water vapor enters the cooling mechanism 12. After being cooled by the cooling circuit in the cooling mechanism 12, it enters the condensate collection mechanism 141 through the steam condensation pipeline 14 and the isolation valve 142. The leakage rate is calculated based on the data from the level gauge 144.
[0069] The remaining non-condensable gas after passing through the cooling mechanism 12 is discharged through the gas discharge pipeline 13.
[0070] It should be noted that the system also includes a controller 3, which is electrically connected to the level gauge 144, the isolation valve 142, the discharge valve 143, and the vacuum breaker valve 161.
[0071] When there is too much condensate in the condensate collection mechanism 141, the level gauge 144 sends a level interlock signal, first closing the isolation valve 142, then opening the vacuum breaker valve 161, and air enters the condensate collection mechanism 141 through the vacuum breaker pipeline 16 to break the vacuum, and finally opening the discharge valve 143, and the condensate is discharged to the waste liquid treatment mechanism through the discharge valve 143 to prevent the condensate collection mechanism 141 from overflowing.
[0072] It can be seen that when the signal received by the level gauge 144 exceeds the threshold, the controller 3 can send signals to inform the staff to control the opening and closing of the isolation valve 142, the vacuum breaker valve 161 and the discharge valve 143 respectively; or the controller 3 can send control signals to directly control the opening and closing of the isolation valve 142, the vacuum breaker valve 161 and the discharge valve 143. The specific control method is not limited here.
[0073] In summary, the monitoring system provided by the present invention introduces high-temperature liquid or vapor leaking into the vacuum environment into the measuring chamber 116 by means of vacuuming, and uses laser measurement and spectral analysis to accurately determine whether there is liquid or vapor leakage and accurately measure the leakage rate.
[0074] Furthermore, the steam passing through the measuring chamber 116 is introduced into the cooling mechanism 12, and after being cooled, it enters the condensate collection mechanism 141, thereby preventing radioactive media from being discharged with the gas. At the same time, the leakage rate can also be measured and calculated using the level gauge 144.
[0075] Thus, this invention can not only detect leaks in a timely manner, but also calculate the leakage rate through two measurement methods, improving the timeliness, diversity and accuracy of measurement. This is beneficial for early identification of equipment and system defects, and thus for taking timely preventive measures to improve the safety of unit operation.
[0076] This invention also proposes a method for monitoring reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions, which is implemented using the aforementioned real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions. The leakage monitoring method specifically includes the following steps:
[0077] Step 1: Obtain the first measurement result of the spectrum analyzer for the signal emitted by the laser receiver;
[0078] Step 2: Receive the signal from the level gauge and calculate the second measurement result;
[0079] Step 3: Determine the leakage rate of high-temperature fluid inside the containment by comparing the first and second measurement results.
[0080] The monitoring method of this invention utilizes a spectral analyzer to accurately determine whether there is a liquid leak and calculate the leakage rate (first measurement result). Simultaneously, a level gauge can be used to calculate a second measurement result. The measurement results obtained from both methods can be analyzed and compared, and then the average value is taken to obtain the final leakage rate. This improves the timeliness, diversity, and accuracy of leak monitoring, thereby enabling early identification of equipment and system defects, timely preventative measures, and enhanced safety of unit operation.
[0081] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms such as "installation", "connection", "joining", and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can also refer to mechanical connections. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0082] This application uses specific terms to describe embodiments of the application. Terms such as "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of the application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" in different locations throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the application can be appropriately combined.
[0083] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions, the reactor comprising a containment vessel and a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel being located within the containment vessel, and a vacuum state existing between the pressure vessel and the containment vessel; characterized in that, The monitoring system includes: A vacuum line is connected at one end to the containment cavity. A measuring mechanism is connected to the vacuum line so that leaking fluid in the containment cavity can be extracted and the leakage rate can be measured by the measuring mechanism. The vacuum line is also equipped with a cooling mechanism, which is located downstream of the measuring mechanism. The cooling mechanism is connected to a gas discharge line and a steam condensation line, which are located downstream of the cooling mechanism. The gas discharge pipeline is used to discharge the non-condensable gas after the leaked fluid passes through the cooling mechanism, and the steam condensation pipeline is used to collect and treat the condensate obtained by condensing the leaked fluid through the cooling mechanism.
2. The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring mechanism includes a measuring box and a measuring unit disposed on the measuring box; The measuring box has a measuring chamber, and the vacuum line is connected to the measuring chamber; The measurement unit includes a spectrometer, at least one set of laser emitters and laser receivers corresponding to the laser emitters. Each set of laser emitters and laser receivers is located on opposite sides outside the measurement box. The spectrometer is used to receive signals from the laser receivers to analyze and calculate the leakage rate.
3. The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions according to claim 2, characterized in that, The measurement unit includes at least two sets of laser emitters and laser receivers; At least two sets of laser emitters and laser receivers are arranged crosswise outside the measurement box, and the laser receivers in at least two sets of measurement units are electrically connected to the spectrometer.
4. The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a vacuum check valve, which is disposed on the vacuum line and located upstream of the measuring mechanism.
5. The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling mechanism includes a condenser; A vacuum pump is installed on the gas discharge line, which is used to evacuate the containment vessel to create a vacuum between the pressure vessel and the containment vessel.
6. The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam condensate pipeline is equipped with a condensate collection mechanism, an isolation valve, and a discharge valve; The isolation valve is located upstream of the condensate collection mechanism, and the discharge valve is located downstream of the condensate collection mechanism.
7. The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steam condensation pipeline is also connected to a vacuum breaking pipeline between the isolation valve and the condensate collection mechanism; The vacuum breaker pipeline is equipped with a vacuum breaker valve.
8. The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions according to claim 7, characterized in that, The condensate collection mechanism is also equipped with a level gauge, which is used to measure the condensate accumulated by the condensate collection mechanism.
9. The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the level gauge, the isolation valve, the discharge valve and the vacuum breaker valve respectively.
10. A method for monitoring reactor fluid leakage under vacuum conditions, characterized in that, The real-time monitoring system for reactor fluid leakage operating under vacuum conditions as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the monitoring method includes: Step 1: Obtain the first measurement result of the spectrum analyzer for the signal emitted by the laser receiver; Step 2: Receive the signal from the level gauge and calculate the second measurement result; Step 3: Determine the leakage rate of high-temperature fluid inside the containment by comparing the first measurement result and the second measurement result.