CA2610419C - Plug type research reactor irradiation test rig - Google Patents
Plug type research reactor irradiation test rig Download PDFInfo
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- CA2610419C CA2610419C CA2610419A CA2610419A CA2610419C CA 2610419 C CA2610419 C CA 2610419C CA 2610419 A CA2610419 A CA 2610419A CA 2610419 A CA2610419 A CA 2610419A CA 2610419 C CA2610419 C CA 2610419C
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- plug
- rig
- fixed body
- flow path
- irradiation
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- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C23/00—Adaptations of reactors to facilitate experimentation or irradiation
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- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C17/00—Monitoring; Testing ; Maintaining
- G21C17/10—Structural combination of fuel element, control rod, reactor core, or moderator structure with sensitive instruments, e.g. for measuring radioactivity, strain
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
- Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors
Abstract
An irradiation test rig, which prevents the irradiation test rig from directly contacting the weakly side wall of the irradiation hole such as the irradiation hole side wall of the research reactor, and which is mounted and fixed in a plug type fashion on the lower end spider cup and the top--end plate, and thus protects the irradiation hole wall of the research reactor, so that reactor core integrity is secured and safety is improved, is disclosed. The present invention provides an art whereby the specimen capsule can be charged on the side of the test assembly since charging the specimen capsule in the irradiation test rig is in the form of the existing combined assembly. In addition, the present invention enables the reuse of the irradiation test rig and the reuse of the assembly for charging the specimen capsule, so it provides an art whereby it is possible to charge and test specimen capsules that require different test periods in the same rig by utilizing the incidental effect of reducing radioactive waste and the easiness of dismantlement and assembly, and an art of irradiation test rig whereby various tests are possible such as monitoring the change through intermediate checking of specimen capsules by taking out the rig from the research reactor.
Description
PLUG TYPE RESEARCH REACTOR IRRADIATION TEST RIG
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an irradiation test rig loaded in a research reactor and a test assembly for fixing the specimen capsule, more specifically to an art optimized so as to improve the integrity and safety of the reactor core by minimizing the effect of the irradiation test rig on the whole of the reactor core due to fluid-induced vibration, etc. of the reactor core coolant in the irradiation hole of the research reactor, especially to a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig which implements an art by which the specimen capsule inserted into the rig is easily installed or uninstalled in/from the test assembly so that the rig and test assembly can be reused and the continuity of test can be secured.
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an irradiation test rig loaded in a research reactor and a test assembly for fixing the specimen capsule, more specifically to an art optimized so as to improve the integrity and safety of the reactor core by minimizing the effect of the irradiation test rig on the whole of the reactor core due to fluid-induced vibration, etc. of the reactor core coolant in the irradiation hole of the research reactor, especially to a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig which implements an art by which the specimen capsule inserted into the rig is easily installed or uninstalled in/from the test assembly so that the rig and test assembly can be reused and the continuity of test can be secured.
2. Description of the Related Art In general, irradiation tests using a research reactor include a nuclear fuel irradiation test using fissile material, an irradiation test of materials related to nuclear power and an irradiation test of the industrially used materials for semiconductor or medical use. Rigs used in such research reactor irradiation tests can be divided into uninstrumental rigs, instrumental rigs and rigs used in cyclic loops, etc.
Of them, the nuclear fuel irradiation test rigs for use in a research reactor are classified into instrumental rigs that trace irradiation history during test (for example, reactor core data such as neutron flux, coolant temperature, flow rate and flow velocity) or measure in real time the characteristic data (for example, cladding temperature and pellet internal temperature, test fuel rod internal pressure, cladding irradiation growth and deformation, etc.), and uninstrumental rigs that do not.
With rapid progress of nuclear power technology, utilization of a research reactor is increasing in commercial use as well as for research purposes. Especially, as the development of nuclear fuel and related materials used in nuclear power plant is utilized to provide important r t data for economic benefits such as prolongation of the life of nuclear reactor and securing safety, the demand for irradiation tests using a research reactor is increasing.
Furthermore, as irradiation tests are expanding as a result of the utilization and development of the next-generation nuclear energy, various irradiation tests using a research reactor have become indispensable.
For the rigs used in such irradiation tests, thermal-hydraulic compatibility of the research reactor core and proof of integrity for the structure of reactor core irradiation holes are essential. The reliability of the irradiation test results cannot be secured unless the compatibility between the fluid-induced irradiation test rig and the reactor core structure and the structural integrity are confirmed before irradiation test. The research reactor core should not have mechanical damage due to fluid-induced vibration generated in the inner wall of the irradiation hole, and resistance against wear of the rig itself due to long-term irradiation testing must be secured to ensure structural integrity and reliability. Also, it should have a structure in which it is easy to assemble and disassemble the specimen capsule in the disassembly of the rig and in the test assembly through manipulator operation in the hot cell as necessary.
In the research reactor in the prior art, the reactor core structure should have the selection of its side wall material and the choice of its structure made very carefully to maximize the utilization of neutrons. So, the side wall of the central portion of the research reactor core is made of neutron reflector instead of neutron absorber or the selected material that is less deformed by neutrons, and it is preferable that it has a structure of a thin a form as possible while not obstructing the utilization of neutrons.
In the case of the research reactor, the central portion of the reactor core uses a flow pipe to load nuclear fuel or use a test rig, but the irradiation hole on the outer wall of the reactor core has a relatively thin side wall. Moreover, the inside of the reactor core cask is filled with moderator, so leakage of moderator due to damage to the reactor core cask leads to a serious safety accident.
Therefore, the research reactor operator tends to avoid direct contact therewith because the upper spring of the existing irradiation test rig is always abraded by fluid-induced vibration causing friction with the side wall of the irradiation hole, and to solve this problem, a using the guide tube.
Of them, the nuclear fuel irradiation test rigs for use in a research reactor are classified into instrumental rigs that trace irradiation history during test (for example, reactor core data such as neutron flux, coolant temperature, flow rate and flow velocity) or measure in real time the characteristic data (for example, cladding temperature and pellet internal temperature, test fuel rod internal pressure, cladding irradiation growth and deformation, etc.), and uninstrumental rigs that do not.
With rapid progress of nuclear power technology, utilization of a research reactor is increasing in commercial use as well as for research purposes. Especially, as the development of nuclear fuel and related materials used in nuclear power plant is utilized to provide important r t data for economic benefits such as prolongation of the life of nuclear reactor and securing safety, the demand for irradiation tests using a research reactor is increasing.
Furthermore, as irradiation tests are expanding as a result of the utilization and development of the next-generation nuclear energy, various irradiation tests using a research reactor have become indispensable.
For the rigs used in such irradiation tests, thermal-hydraulic compatibility of the research reactor core and proof of integrity for the structure of reactor core irradiation holes are essential. The reliability of the irradiation test results cannot be secured unless the compatibility between the fluid-induced irradiation test rig and the reactor core structure and the structural integrity are confirmed before irradiation test. The research reactor core should not have mechanical damage due to fluid-induced vibration generated in the inner wall of the irradiation hole, and resistance against wear of the rig itself due to long-term irradiation testing must be secured to ensure structural integrity and reliability. Also, it should have a structure in which it is easy to assemble and disassemble the specimen capsule in the disassembly of the rig and in the test assembly through manipulator operation in the hot cell as necessary.
In the research reactor in the prior art, the reactor core structure should have the selection of its side wall material and the choice of its structure made very carefully to maximize the utilization of neutrons. So, the side wall of the central portion of the research reactor core is made of neutron reflector instead of neutron absorber or the selected material that is less deformed by neutrons, and it is preferable that it has a structure of a thin a form as possible while not obstructing the utilization of neutrons.
In the case of the research reactor, the central portion of the reactor core uses a flow pipe to load nuclear fuel or use a test rig, but the irradiation hole on the outer wall of the reactor core has a relatively thin side wall. Moreover, the inside of the reactor core cask is filled with moderator, so leakage of moderator due to damage to the reactor core cask leads to a serious safety accident.
Therefore, the research reactor operator tends to avoid direct contact therewith because the upper spring of the existing irradiation test rig is always abraded by fluid-induced vibration causing friction with the side wall of the irradiation hole, and to solve this problem, a using the guide tube.
Another problem is that although the generally used method to loading a specimen in the irradiation test rig is fixing by welding in the direction of the shaft, it is in such a structure that the fixed portion of the sample has to be cut during disassembly. This is one of the factors that make the repeated use of the irradiation test rig difficult.
As an example of an uninstrumental rig for nuclear fuel irradiation test according to the prior art, the uninstrumental rig disclosed in the Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0435226, "Non-instrument Rig for Nuclear Fuel Irradiation Test Using the Irradiation Hole of the Research Reactor" has its structural integrity secured even after the 3-year term of durability has expired, and various irradiation tests were conducted through vertical arrangement of different nuclear fuel test rods.
Also, there is an example of successfully carrying out disassembly of an non-instrumental rig for irradiation test and assembly of a new rig through remote operation in the hot cell by using the "Remote Rig Assembly Apparatus for Nuclear Fuel Irradiation Test." disclosed in the Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0369248.
But as a result of visual inspection and performance testing for the irradiation test rig with its durability term expired, the integrity that enables repeated use is secured and it is possible to reduce the radioactive waste through recycle of the rig. In addition, since the test fuel rod, which is the specimen capsule, is fixed in an assembly form, it cannot be effective unless the test assembly is reused as well in order to recycling the rig. Therefore, a structural change is necessary from the existing fixed-type structure by welding the test fuel rod to the built-up type.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an irradiation test rig, which prevents the irradiation test rig from directly contacting the irradiation test hole wall formed on the weak side such as the irradiation hole side wall of the research reactor, and which is mounted and fixed in a plug type fashion on the top-end core plate and the lower end spider cup, so that the irradiation hole wall of research reactor is protected to secure the reactor core integrity and the improved safety.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an art by which the specimen capsule can be charged on the side of the test assembly in the case of the existing form of the combined assembly, that is, an art of irradiation test rig, by which it is possible to reuse the irradiation test rig and reuse the test assembly inserted with the specimen capsule, so that an incidental effect of reducing radioactive waste can be obtained; and since it is easy to assemble and disassemble, it is possible to test by loading the specimen capsules that require different test periods in the same rig; and various tests are possible such as monitoring the change through intermediate checking of specimen capsules by taking out the rig from the research reactor.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig comprising: an upper fixed body, at least one test assembly, and a lower fixed body which are assembled in sequence from top to bottom, wherein the rod tip of the lower fixed body is installed on a spider cup formed in the lower end portion of the irradiation hole of the research reactor core, and the top-end plate of the research reactor core is pressed by the upper fixed body when it is installed.
Preferably, the upper fixed body comprises a hollow fixed body; a grapple head which is located inside the fixed body and is provided with an upper flow path plate installed on the top end side of the fixed body and a lower flow path plate installed on bottom of the fixed body; and a spring arranged below the lower flow path plate.
Preferably, the fixed body comprises a plurality of through holes formed on the circumference for cooling fluid to flow, a fixed flange which is formed monolithically with the upper end of the fixed body to be in contact with the top-end plate of the research reactor core, and a plurality of slits which are extended to a predetermined length downward lengthwise of the fixed body from the fixed flange.
Preferably, the grapple head is provide with a top-end slit formed in the upper end portion thereof for rotating the grapple head and a support portion formed at the lower end portion thereof for connecting to the top-end plate of the rig and maintaining the directionality of cooling fluid flow.
Preferably, wherein the upper flow path plate and the lower flow path plate are provided respectively with flow holes formed so as to induce pressure drop and flow of cooling fluid and outer circumferences that are designed for smooth up-and-down motion of the fixed body, the upper flow path plate includes chamber which is formed for smooth flow of cooling fluid and an insert hole which is formed in the central portion to be in close contact with the body of the grapple head, and the fixed flange of the fixed body is prevented from breaking away inward by a rib structure defining the chamber, and the lower flow path plate includes a spring seat formed so as to mount a spring at the bottom end of the fixed body and a rib portion formed so as to be in contact with the top-end plate of the rig.
Preferably, the test assembly comprises an upper housing connected to the upper fixed body or another test assembly; a lower housing connected to the lower fixed body or another test assembly; a cooling block which is arranged above the lower housing and is for cooling the cooling fluid; a plurality of supports monolithically formed with the cooling block to support the upper housing; and at least one specimen capsule in which the sample is inserted.
Preferably, the upper housing comprises an upper plug holder in which the upper plug of the specimen capsule is slidably installed, an upper arc portion in which the upper plug is installed in sliding contact, an upper center hole in which the upper end of a central axis of the cooling block is fixed, upper flow path chambers in which the cooling fluid flows, upper fixing holes in which the upper end of the supports are fixed, an upper rib which defines the upper center hole and the upper flow path chambers, and guide slots which are formed above the cylindrical surface of the lower housing to fix the rotation and position between support tubes, and the lower housing comprises a lower plug holder in which the lower plug of the specimen capsule is slidably installed, a lower arc portion in which the lower plug is earthed to be installed, a lower center hole in which the lower end of the central axis of the cooling block is fixed, lower flow path chambers in which the cooling fluid flows, lower fixing holes in which the lower end of the supports are fixed, a lower rib which defines the lower center hole and the lower flow path chambers, and guide slots which are formed below the cylindrical surface of the lower housing to fix the rotation and position between support tubes.
Preferably, the specimen capsule(test rod) comprises a tube into which the sample to be tested is inserted and an upper plug and a lower plug which are monolithically installed respectively at the upper end and the bottom end of the tube.
Preferably, the upper plug and the lower plug have insertion ends formed monolithically with a diameter roughly the same as the inner diameter of the tube, and flat surfaces with a size roughly the same as the upper and lower plug holders of the upper and lower housing, and arc surfaces which can earth the upper arc portions are formed halfway between the enlarged diameter portions of the upper plug and the lower plug, and a slit is formed in the enlarged diameter portion of the upper plug.
Preferably, the specimen capsule(test rod) comprises an outer tube, an upper annular plug and a lower annular plug which are inserted in the upper and lower ends of the outer tube, and an inner tube arranged inside of the outer tube, and wherein halfway between the enlarged diameter portions of the upper annular plug and lower annular plug are formed flat surfaces with a size roughly the same as the upper annular plug holders of the upper and lower housing and arc surfaces which can earth the upper arc portions, and a slit is formed in the enlarged diameter portion of the upper plug, and flow holes communicated with the inner tube for inner cooling are formed in the upper annular plug and lower annular plug.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more fully described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a front view showing a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic side view showing an irradiation hole of the research reactor fitted with the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a solid view and a perspective view showing an upper fixed body of the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig of Fig. 1;
Figs. 4A to 4E are perspective views showing the components of the upper fixed body illustrated in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the state in which the specimen capsules(test rods) are assembled into the test assembly of the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig illustrated in Fig. 1;
Fig. 6A is a perspective view showing the state in which the specimen capsules(test rods) are removed from the test assembly illustrated in Fig. 5;
Figs. 6B to 6D are perspective views of the components of the test assembly illustrated in Fig. 5;
Figs. 7A to 7C are perspective views showing a first example of the specimen capsule(test rod) of the solid type illustrated in Fig. 5 and components thereof; and Figs. 8A to 8C are perspective views showing a second example of the specimen capsule(test rod) of the annular type illustrated in Fig. 5 and components thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a front view of a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig according to an embodiment of the present invention, an assembly drawing in which an upper fixed body 1, at least one test assembly 2, and a lower fixed body 3 are assembled in sequence from top to bottom.
As shown in Fig. 2, the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig is mounted inside a research reactor core 100. The rod tip of the lower fixed body 3 is fastened to a spider cup 200 formed in the bottom end portion of the irradiation hole of the research reactor core 100.
Also, the top-end plate of the research reactor core 100 is pressed by the upper fixed body 1 when a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig is mounted.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the irradiation test rig from directly contacting the weakly side wall of the irradiation test hole such as the irradiation hole side wall of the reactor.
As shown in Fig. 3, the upper fixed body 1 comprises a fixed body 10, a grapple head 11 arranged inside the fixed body 10, and a spring 14 arranged on the bottom of the fixed body 10. And, the grapple head 11 further comprises an upper flow path plate 12 and a lower flow path plate 13, which are welded in predetermined positions respectively. The grapple head 11 plays a role of fixing the whole of the rig.
In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 4A, the upper flow path plate 12 is installed in contact with the topside of a fixed flange 101 of the fixed body 10, and the lower flow path plate 13 is installed above the spring 14 arranged on the bottom of the fixed body 10.
The fixed body 10 is formed in a hollow pipe body, and the fixed flange 101 to be in contact with the top-end plate of the research reactor core is formed monolithically with the upper end portion of the fixed body 10.
Downward from the fixed flange 101 is formed a slit 102 having a predetermined length lengthwise along the fixed body 10. In this embodiment of the present invention is illustrated a structure with 3 slits formed therein. In the lower end of the slit 102 is monolithically formed a break preventing hole 103 with a size expanded more than the cleavage of the slit 102 to prevent stress concentration.
Accordingly, by means of the slit 102, flexibility can be secured when the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig is inserted into the irradiation hole of the research reactor core 100.
In addition, the portion where the slit 102 is formed is formed in a tapered portion in which the cross section increases as it goes upward, so that fastenability can be improved when the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig is inserted in the irradiation hole of the research reactor core 100.
And, in the middle portion of the fixed body 10 below the slit 102 are formed through holes 104 for inducing the cooling fluid to flow inward. In this embodiment of the present invention, through holes 104 are arranged circumferentially and lengthwise on the circumference of the fixed body 10 to make a grid shape.
As shown in Fig. 4B, the spring 14 is of a coil shape, and it plays a role of pulling the upper fixed body 1 down by compression force of itself when the upper fixed body 1 of the present invention is installed in the irradiation hole.
The grapple head 11, as shown in Fig. 4C, has a top-end slit 111 formed at the top end thereof to help rotational charging by connection with a tool for installing, and in the upper portion and lower portion of the body of the grapple head 11 are fixed the upper flow path plate 12 and the lower flow path plate 13, respectively. The upper flow path plate 12 prevents the fixed body 10 from breaking away inward, and the lower flow path plate 13 plays a role as a spring seat on which the upper end of the spring 14 that helps the upper fixed body 1 to be pressed downward is fixed and supported. As described in detail below, the upper flow path plate 12 and the lower flow path plate 13 include flow holes 122 and 134 respectively for inducing pressure drop and fluid flow suited for testing. In order to maintain the directionality of such fluid flow, a support portion 114 connected to the top-end plate of the rig is monolithically formed at the lower end portion of the grapple head 11.
The upper flow path plate 12, as shown in Fig. 4D, has an outer circumference 121 formed for smooth up-and-down motion of the fixed body 10, and the inside of the outer circumference 121 is provided with the flow holes 122 for inducing smooth flow of cooling fluid and a chamfer 123 at the bottom end. By means of the rib structure defining the flow holes 122 and the chamfer 123, the fixed flange 101 of the fixed body 10 is prevented from breaking away inward.
And, in the central portion of the upper flow path plate 12 is formed an insert hole 124 that is inserted the body of the grapple head 11 in close contact therewith.
In the lower flow path plate 13, as shown in Fig. 4E, is formed a spring seat 133 for mounting the upper end of the spring 14 that is arranged on the bottom of the fixed body 10, and on the outside is formed the outer circumference 131 for smooth up-and-down motion of the fixed body 10. And, the lower flow path plate 13 is provided with a rib portion 132 that is in contact with the top-end plate of the rig. This rib portion 132 defines the flow holes 134 for inducing smooth flow of the cooling fluid.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the state in which the specimen capsules 24 are assembled into the test assembly 2 of the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig illustrated in Fig. 1. The test assembly 2 comprises an upper housing 20 connected to the upper fixed body 1 or another test assembly 2, a lower housing 21 connected to the lower fixed body 3 or another test assembly 2, a cooling block 22 for cooling the cooling fluid, a plurality of supports 23 which are monolithically formed with the cooling block 22 to support the upper housing 20, and at least one specimen capsule 24 in which the sample is inserted.
Fig. 6A is a perspective view showing the state in which the specimen capsules 24 are removed from the test assembly 2 illustrated in Fig. 5, and Figs. 6B to 6D are perspective views of the upper housing 20, the lower housing 21, and the cooling block 24 of the test assembly illustrated in Fig. 5, respectively;
As shown in Fig. 6B, the upper housing 20 comprises at least one upper plug holder 201 in which at least one upper plug 31 of the specimen capsule 24 is slidably installed, and at least one upper arc portion 202 in which the upper plug 31 is inserted to have sliding contact. Accordingly, the upper plug holder 201 and the upper arc portion 202 clip together, so that the upper plug 31 of the specimen capsule 24 can be inserted in the upper housing 20 by using the opening of the upper plug holder 201 during insertion, while after insertion, the upper arc portion 202 and the upper plug 31 maintain sliding contact to obstruct the breakaway of the upper plug 31 by the upper plug holder 201. To separate, the upper plug 31 can be removed from the upper housing 20 through the opening of the upper plug holder 201.
For this purpose, as will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 7B and 7C, flat surfaces 312 and arc surfaces 311 are formed on the outer circumference of the upper plug 31.
In addition, the upper housing 20 comprises an upper center hole 205 for the upper end of a central axis 225 (Fig.
6D) of the cooling block 22 to be fixed, upper flow path chambers 206 for cooling fluid to flow, upper fixing holes 203 for the upper end of the supports 23 to be fixed, and an upper rib 207 that defines the upper center hole 205 and the upper flow path chambers 206. And, on the top of the cylindrical surface of the upper housing 20 are formed guide slots 204 for rotation between support tubes and fixing of the position.
As shown in Fig. 6C, the lower housing 21 comprises at least one lower plug holder 211 in which at least one lower plug 32 of the specimen capsule 24 is slidably installed, and at least one lower arc portion 212 in which the lower plug 32 is inserted to have sliding contact. Accordingly, the lower plug holder 211 and the lower arc portion 212 clip together, so that the lower plug 32 of the specimen capsule 24 can be inserted in the lower housing 21 by using the opening of the lower plug holder 211 during insertion, while after insertion, the lower arc portion 212 and the lower plug 32 maintain sliding contact to obstruct the breakaway of the lower plug 32 by the lower plug holder 211. To separate, the lower plug 32 can be removed from the lower housing 21 through the opening of the lower plug holder 211.
For this purpose, as will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 7B and 7C, flat surfaces 322 and arc surfaces 321 are formed on the outer circumference of the lower plug 32.
In addition, the lower housing 21 comprises an lower center hole 215 for the lower end of the central axis 225 of the cooling block 22 to be fixed, lower flow path chambers 216 for cooling fluid to flow, lower fixing holes 213 for the lower end of the supports 23 to be fixed, and an lower rib 217 that defines the lower center hole 215 and the lower flow path chambers 216. And, on the top of the cylindrical surface of the lower housing 21 are formed guide slots 214 for rotation between support tubes and fixing of the position.
The cooling block 22, as shown in Fig. 6D, comprises cooling flow paths 221 designed for the specimen capsules 24 to have a predetermined cooling capability, and the cooling flow paths 221 are affected also by the decision of the areas of upper and lower flow path chambers 206 and 216 of the upper and lower housing 20 and 21. The cooling block 22 is provided with cooling holes 222 though which three supports 23 of the test assembly 2 pass, and the cooling holes 222 are formed alternately with the cooling flow paths 221.
At the center of the cooling block 22 is located the central axis 225, and at the upper end and the lower end of the central axis 225 are formed an insertion end 223 for the upper housing 20 and the lower housing 21 to be inserted into the upper center hole 205 and the lower center hole 215 of the upper housing 20 and the lower housing 21 respectively. At the center of the insertion end 223 is formed a central hole 224 for the central axis (not shown) of the rig to be inserted.
The specimen capsule 24, as shown in Fig. 7A, comprises a tube 30 into which the sample to be tested is inserted, and an upper plug 31 and a lower plug 32 which are inserted into the upper end and the lower end of the tube 30, respectively.
As shown in Fig. 7B and 7C, respectively in the upper plug 31 and the lower plug 32 are monolithically formed insertion ends 315 and 325 having outer diameters that are roughly the same as the inner diameter of the tube 30.
Accordingly, after inserting insertion ends 315 and 325 into the tube 30 for assembly, the upper plug 31 and the lower plug 32 are joined monolithically with the tube 30 using the joining method like welding to complete the specimen capsule 24.
Halfway between the enlarged diameter portions 313, 314 and 323, 324 of the upper plug 31 and the lower plug 32 are formed flat surfaces 312 and 322 having diameters roughly the same as the opening of the plug holders 201 and 211 of the upper and lower housing 20 and 21, and arc surfaces 311 and 321 which have sizes roughly the same as the inner diameter of the arc portions 202 and 212 and which can earth these arc portions. Accordingly, during insertion, the upper and lower plugs 31 and 32 of the specimen capsule 24 can be inserted in the upper and lower housings 20 and 21 respectively by passing through the opening of the plug holders 201 and 211 using the flat surfaces 312 and 322, while after insertion, the arc surfaces 311 and 321 maintain sliding contact by means of arc portions 202 and 212 and at the same time obstruct the breakaway of the upper and lower plugs 31 and 32 by means of the plug holders 201 and 211.
In the enlarged diameter portion 313 of the upper plug 31 is formed a slit 316, so that the upper plug 31 is rotated to be inserted in the upper housing 20, and so that after insertion, the specimen capsule 24 is prevented from breaking away from the test assembly 2.
Fig. 8A illustrates a specimen capsule 24 of a double cooling type identical to the one illustrated in the left drawing of Fig. 5.
The specimen capsule 24 of the double cooling type comprises an upper plug 41, a lower plug 42, outer tube 40, and inner tube 44. After putting a sample 43 between the outer tube 40 and the inner tube 44, the upper plug 41 and the lower plug 42 are fixed to the upper end and the lower end of the outer tube 40 respectively.
As shown in Fig. 8B and Fig. 8C, the upper plug 41 and the lower plug 42 are provided with insertion ends 415 and 425 that fit the inner diameter of a given outer tube 40, and after the end portions of the insertion ends 415 and 425 are inserted into the outer tube 40 in contact with the inner tube 44, they are welded to complete the specimen capsule 24.
And, halfway between the enlarged diameter portions 413, 414 and 423, 424 of the upper plug 41 and the lower plug 42 are formed flat surfaces 412 and 422 with a size roughly the same as the plug holders 201 and 211 of the upper housing 20 and lower housing 21 and arc surfaces 411 and 421 that can earth the arc portions 202 and 212.
In the enlarged diameter portion 413 of the upper plug 41 is formed a slit 416, so that the upper plug 41 is rotated to be inserted in the upper housing 20 and lower housing 21, and the specimen capsule 24 is prevented from breaking away from the test assembly 2 in this condition.
In the upper plug 41 and the lower plug 42 are formed flow holes 417 and 426 which are communicated with the inner tube 44 for cooling the inside.
As described above, by the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig according to the present invention, the upper fixed body avoids contact with the irradiation hole side wall that is relatively weak in the research reactor core and is press-fixed with the top-end plate of the reactor core in a plug type fashion, so that the integrity and durability of the reactor core are improved, and by saving the installation and uninstallation time of the rig inserted into the irradiation hole, effective operation and effective irradiation test of the reactor can be conducted.
In addition, by means of the clip-form shape of the upper housing and lower housing of the test assembly, the circular test fuel rod of the specimen capsule is easily installed and uninstalled on the side of the test assembly, so that it provides a basic art by which it is possible to plan and conduct tests of various forms such as adjustment of test periods and repeated testing of the specimen capsule as well as position change of the specimen capsule.
Using the conventional irradiation test rig, it was inevitable to produce large quantities of radioactive waste from the rig due to one-time use, but by means of the present invention, it is possible not only to conduct various tests through reuse of the irradiation test rig and the test assembly, but also to obtain economic benefits due to the effect of reduced radioactive waste and the repeated use.
Although the present invention has been described in detail reference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
As an example of an uninstrumental rig for nuclear fuel irradiation test according to the prior art, the uninstrumental rig disclosed in the Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0435226, "Non-instrument Rig for Nuclear Fuel Irradiation Test Using the Irradiation Hole of the Research Reactor" has its structural integrity secured even after the 3-year term of durability has expired, and various irradiation tests were conducted through vertical arrangement of different nuclear fuel test rods.
Also, there is an example of successfully carrying out disassembly of an non-instrumental rig for irradiation test and assembly of a new rig through remote operation in the hot cell by using the "Remote Rig Assembly Apparatus for Nuclear Fuel Irradiation Test." disclosed in the Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0369248.
But as a result of visual inspection and performance testing for the irradiation test rig with its durability term expired, the integrity that enables repeated use is secured and it is possible to reduce the radioactive waste through recycle of the rig. In addition, since the test fuel rod, which is the specimen capsule, is fixed in an assembly form, it cannot be effective unless the test assembly is reused as well in order to recycling the rig. Therefore, a structural change is necessary from the existing fixed-type structure by welding the test fuel rod to the built-up type.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an irradiation test rig, which prevents the irradiation test rig from directly contacting the irradiation test hole wall formed on the weak side such as the irradiation hole side wall of the research reactor, and which is mounted and fixed in a plug type fashion on the top-end core plate and the lower end spider cup, so that the irradiation hole wall of research reactor is protected to secure the reactor core integrity and the improved safety.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an art by which the specimen capsule can be charged on the side of the test assembly in the case of the existing form of the combined assembly, that is, an art of irradiation test rig, by which it is possible to reuse the irradiation test rig and reuse the test assembly inserted with the specimen capsule, so that an incidental effect of reducing radioactive waste can be obtained; and since it is easy to assemble and disassemble, it is possible to test by loading the specimen capsules that require different test periods in the same rig; and various tests are possible such as monitoring the change through intermediate checking of specimen capsules by taking out the rig from the research reactor.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig comprising: an upper fixed body, at least one test assembly, and a lower fixed body which are assembled in sequence from top to bottom, wherein the rod tip of the lower fixed body is installed on a spider cup formed in the lower end portion of the irradiation hole of the research reactor core, and the top-end plate of the research reactor core is pressed by the upper fixed body when it is installed.
Preferably, the upper fixed body comprises a hollow fixed body; a grapple head which is located inside the fixed body and is provided with an upper flow path plate installed on the top end side of the fixed body and a lower flow path plate installed on bottom of the fixed body; and a spring arranged below the lower flow path plate.
Preferably, the fixed body comprises a plurality of through holes formed on the circumference for cooling fluid to flow, a fixed flange which is formed monolithically with the upper end of the fixed body to be in contact with the top-end plate of the research reactor core, and a plurality of slits which are extended to a predetermined length downward lengthwise of the fixed body from the fixed flange.
Preferably, the grapple head is provide with a top-end slit formed in the upper end portion thereof for rotating the grapple head and a support portion formed at the lower end portion thereof for connecting to the top-end plate of the rig and maintaining the directionality of cooling fluid flow.
Preferably, wherein the upper flow path plate and the lower flow path plate are provided respectively with flow holes formed so as to induce pressure drop and flow of cooling fluid and outer circumferences that are designed for smooth up-and-down motion of the fixed body, the upper flow path plate includes chamber which is formed for smooth flow of cooling fluid and an insert hole which is formed in the central portion to be in close contact with the body of the grapple head, and the fixed flange of the fixed body is prevented from breaking away inward by a rib structure defining the chamber, and the lower flow path plate includes a spring seat formed so as to mount a spring at the bottom end of the fixed body and a rib portion formed so as to be in contact with the top-end plate of the rig.
Preferably, the test assembly comprises an upper housing connected to the upper fixed body or another test assembly; a lower housing connected to the lower fixed body or another test assembly; a cooling block which is arranged above the lower housing and is for cooling the cooling fluid; a plurality of supports monolithically formed with the cooling block to support the upper housing; and at least one specimen capsule in which the sample is inserted.
Preferably, the upper housing comprises an upper plug holder in which the upper plug of the specimen capsule is slidably installed, an upper arc portion in which the upper plug is installed in sliding contact, an upper center hole in which the upper end of a central axis of the cooling block is fixed, upper flow path chambers in which the cooling fluid flows, upper fixing holes in which the upper end of the supports are fixed, an upper rib which defines the upper center hole and the upper flow path chambers, and guide slots which are formed above the cylindrical surface of the lower housing to fix the rotation and position between support tubes, and the lower housing comprises a lower plug holder in which the lower plug of the specimen capsule is slidably installed, a lower arc portion in which the lower plug is earthed to be installed, a lower center hole in which the lower end of the central axis of the cooling block is fixed, lower flow path chambers in which the cooling fluid flows, lower fixing holes in which the lower end of the supports are fixed, a lower rib which defines the lower center hole and the lower flow path chambers, and guide slots which are formed below the cylindrical surface of the lower housing to fix the rotation and position between support tubes.
Preferably, the specimen capsule(test rod) comprises a tube into which the sample to be tested is inserted and an upper plug and a lower plug which are monolithically installed respectively at the upper end and the bottom end of the tube.
Preferably, the upper plug and the lower plug have insertion ends formed monolithically with a diameter roughly the same as the inner diameter of the tube, and flat surfaces with a size roughly the same as the upper and lower plug holders of the upper and lower housing, and arc surfaces which can earth the upper arc portions are formed halfway between the enlarged diameter portions of the upper plug and the lower plug, and a slit is formed in the enlarged diameter portion of the upper plug.
Preferably, the specimen capsule(test rod) comprises an outer tube, an upper annular plug and a lower annular plug which are inserted in the upper and lower ends of the outer tube, and an inner tube arranged inside of the outer tube, and wherein halfway between the enlarged diameter portions of the upper annular plug and lower annular plug are formed flat surfaces with a size roughly the same as the upper annular plug holders of the upper and lower housing and arc surfaces which can earth the upper arc portions, and a slit is formed in the enlarged diameter portion of the upper plug, and flow holes communicated with the inner tube for inner cooling are formed in the upper annular plug and lower annular plug.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more fully described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a front view showing a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic side view showing an irradiation hole of the research reactor fitted with the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a solid view and a perspective view showing an upper fixed body of the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig of Fig. 1;
Figs. 4A to 4E are perspective views showing the components of the upper fixed body illustrated in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the state in which the specimen capsules(test rods) are assembled into the test assembly of the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig illustrated in Fig. 1;
Fig. 6A is a perspective view showing the state in which the specimen capsules(test rods) are removed from the test assembly illustrated in Fig. 5;
Figs. 6B to 6D are perspective views of the components of the test assembly illustrated in Fig. 5;
Figs. 7A to 7C are perspective views showing a first example of the specimen capsule(test rod) of the solid type illustrated in Fig. 5 and components thereof; and Figs. 8A to 8C are perspective views showing a second example of the specimen capsule(test rod) of the annular type illustrated in Fig. 5 and components thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a front view of a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig according to an embodiment of the present invention, an assembly drawing in which an upper fixed body 1, at least one test assembly 2, and a lower fixed body 3 are assembled in sequence from top to bottom.
As shown in Fig. 2, the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig is mounted inside a research reactor core 100. The rod tip of the lower fixed body 3 is fastened to a spider cup 200 formed in the bottom end portion of the irradiation hole of the research reactor core 100.
Also, the top-end plate of the research reactor core 100 is pressed by the upper fixed body 1 when a plug type research reactor irradiation test rig is mounted.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the irradiation test rig from directly contacting the weakly side wall of the irradiation test hole such as the irradiation hole side wall of the reactor.
As shown in Fig. 3, the upper fixed body 1 comprises a fixed body 10, a grapple head 11 arranged inside the fixed body 10, and a spring 14 arranged on the bottom of the fixed body 10. And, the grapple head 11 further comprises an upper flow path plate 12 and a lower flow path plate 13, which are welded in predetermined positions respectively. The grapple head 11 plays a role of fixing the whole of the rig.
In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 4A, the upper flow path plate 12 is installed in contact with the topside of a fixed flange 101 of the fixed body 10, and the lower flow path plate 13 is installed above the spring 14 arranged on the bottom of the fixed body 10.
The fixed body 10 is formed in a hollow pipe body, and the fixed flange 101 to be in contact with the top-end plate of the research reactor core is formed monolithically with the upper end portion of the fixed body 10.
Downward from the fixed flange 101 is formed a slit 102 having a predetermined length lengthwise along the fixed body 10. In this embodiment of the present invention is illustrated a structure with 3 slits formed therein. In the lower end of the slit 102 is monolithically formed a break preventing hole 103 with a size expanded more than the cleavage of the slit 102 to prevent stress concentration.
Accordingly, by means of the slit 102, flexibility can be secured when the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig is inserted into the irradiation hole of the research reactor core 100.
In addition, the portion where the slit 102 is formed is formed in a tapered portion in which the cross section increases as it goes upward, so that fastenability can be improved when the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig is inserted in the irradiation hole of the research reactor core 100.
And, in the middle portion of the fixed body 10 below the slit 102 are formed through holes 104 for inducing the cooling fluid to flow inward. In this embodiment of the present invention, through holes 104 are arranged circumferentially and lengthwise on the circumference of the fixed body 10 to make a grid shape.
As shown in Fig. 4B, the spring 14 is of a coil shape, and it plays a role of pulling the upper fixed body 1 down by compression force of itself when the upper fixed body 1 of the present invention is installed in the irradiation hole.
The grapple head 11, as shown in Fig. 4C, has a top-end slit 111 formed at the top end thereof to help rotational charging by connection with a tool for installing, and in the upper portion and lower portion of the body of the grapple head 11 are fixed the upper flow path plate 12 and the lower flow path plate 13, respectively. The upper flow path plate 12 prevents the fixed body 10 from breaking away inward, and the lower flow path plate 13 plays a role as a spring seat on which the upper end of the spring 14 that helps the upper fixed body 1 to be pressed downward is fixed and supported. As described in detail below, the upper flow path plate 12 and the lower flow path plate 13 include flow holes 122 and 134 respectively for inducing pressure drop and fluid flow suited for testing. In order to maintain the directionality of such fluid flow, a support portion 114 connected to the top-end plate of the rig is monolithically formed at the lower end portion of the grapple head 11.
The upper flow path plate 12, as shown in Fig. 4D, has an outer circumference 121 formed for smooth up-and-down motion of the fixed body 10, and the inside of the outer circumference 121 is provided with the flow holes 122 for inducing smooth flow of cooling fluid and a chamfer 123 at the bottom end. By means of the rib structure defining the flow holes 122 and the chamfer 123, the fixed flange 101 of the fixed body 10 is prevented from breaking away inward.
And, in the central portion of the upper flow path plate 12 is formed an insert hole 124 that is inserted the body of the grapple head 11 in close contact therewith.
In the lower flow path plate 13, as shown in Fig. 4E, is formed a spring seat 133 for mounting the upper end of the spring 14 that is arranged on the bottom of the fixed body 10, and on the outside is formed the outer circumference 131 for smooth up-and-down motion of the fixed body 10. And, the lower flow path plate 13 is provided with a rib portion 132 that is in contact with the top-end plate of the rig. This rib portion 132 defines the flow holes 134 for inducing smooth flow of the cooling fluid.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the state in which the specimen capsules 24 are assembled into the test assembly 2 of the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig illustrated in Fig. 1. The test assembly 2 comprises an upper housing 20 connected to the upper fixed body 1 or another test assembly 2, a lower housing 21 connected to the lower fixed body 3 or another test assembly 2, a cooling block 22 for cooling the cooling fluid, a plurality of supports 23 which are monolithically formed with the cooling block 22 to support the upper housing 20, and at least one specimen capsule 24 in which the sample is inserted.
Fig. 6A is a perspective view showing the state in which the specimen capsules 24 are removed from the test assembly 2 illustrated in Fig. 5, and Figs. 6B to 6D are perspective views of the upper housing 20, the lower housing 21, and the cooling block 24 of the test assembly illustrated in Fig. 5, respectively;
As shown in Fig. 6B, the upper housing 20 comprises at least one upper plug holder 201 in which at least one upper plug 31 of the specimen capsule 24 is slidably installed, and at least one upper arc portion 202 in which the upper plug 31 is inserted to have sliding contact. Accordingly, the upper plug holder 201 and the upper arc portion 202 clip together, so that the upper plug 31 of the specimen capsule 24 can be inserted in the upper housing 20 by using the opening of the upper plug holder 201 during insertion, while after insertion, the upper arc portion 202 and the upper plug 31 maintain sliding contact to obstruct the breakaway of the upper plug 31 by the upper plug holder 201. To separate, the upper plug 31 can be removed from the upper housing 20 through the opening of the upper plug holder 201.
For this purpose, as will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 7B and 7C, flat surfaces 312 and arc surfaces 311 are formed on the outer circumference of the upper plug 31.
In addition, the upper housing 20 comprises an upper center hole 205 for the upper end of a central axis 225 (Fig.
6D) of the cooling block 22 to be fixed, upper flow path chambers 206 for cooling fluid to flow, upper fixing holes 203 for the upper end of the supports 23 to be fixed, and an upper rib 207 that defines the upper center hole 205 and the upper flow path chambers 206. And, on the top of the cylindrical surface of the upper housing 20 are formed guide slots 204 for rotation between support tubes and fixing of the position.
As shown in Fig. 6C, the lower housing 21 comprises at least one lower plug holder 211 in which at least one lower plug 32 of the specimen capsule 24 is slidably installed, and at least one lower arc portion 212 in which the lower plug 32 is inserted to have sliding contact. Accordingly, the lower plug holder 211 and the lower arc portion 212 clip together, so that the lower plug 32 of the specimen capsule 24 can be inserted in the lower housing 21 by using the opening of the lower plug holder 211 during insertion, while after insertion, the lower arc portion 212 and the lower plug 32 maintain sliding contact to obstruct the breakaway of the lower plug 32 by the lower plug holder 211. To separate, the lower plug 32 can be removed from the lower housing 21 through the opening of the lower plug holder 211.
For this purpose, as will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 7B and 7C, flat surfaces 322 and arc surfaces 321 are formed on the outer circumference of the lower plug 32.
In addition, the lower housing 21 comprises an lower center hole 215 for the lower end of the central axis 225 of the cooling block 22 to be fixed, lower flow path chambers 216 for cooling fluid to flow, lower fixing holes 213 for the lower end of the supports 23 to be fixed, and an lower rib 217 that defines the lower center hole 215 and the lower flow path chambers 216. And, on the top of the cylindrical surface of the lower housing 21 are formed guide slots 214 for rotation between support tubes and fixing of the position.
The cooling block 22, as shown in Fig. 6D, comprises cooling flow paths 221 designed for the specimen capsules 24 to have a predetermined cooling capability, and the cooling flow paths 221 are affected also by the decision of the areas of upper and lower flow path chambers 206 and 216 of the upper and lower housing 20 and 21. The cooling block 22 is provided with cooling holes 222 though which three supports 23 of the test assembly 2 pass, and the cooling holes 222 are formed alternately with the cooling flow paths 221.
At the center of the cooling block 22 is located the central axis 225, and at the upper end and the lower end of the central axis 225 are formed an insertion end 223 for the upper housing 20 and the lower housing 21 to be inserted into the upper center hole 205 and the lower center hole 215 of the upper housing 20 and the lower housing 21 respectively. At the center of the insertion end 223 is formed a central hole 224 for the central axis (not shown) of the rig to be inserted.
The specimen capsule 24, as shown in Fig. 7A, comprises a tube 30 into which the sample to be tested is inserted, and an upper plug 31 and a lower plug 32 which are inserted into the upper end and the lower end of the tube 30, respectively.
As shown in Fig. 7B and 7C, respectively in the upper plug 31 and the lower plug 32 are monolithically formed insertion ends 315 and 325 having outer diameters that are roughly the same as the inner diameter of the tube 30.
Accordingly, after inserting insertion ends 315 and 325 into the tube 30 for assembly, the upper plug 31 and the lower plug 32 are joined monolithically with the tube 30 using the joining method like welding to complete the specimen capsule 24.
Halfway between the enlarged diameter portions 313, 314 and 323, 324 of the upper plug 31 and the lower plug 32 are formed flat surfaces 312 and 322 having diameters roughly the same as the opening of the plug holders 201 and 211 of the upper and lower housing 20 and 21, and arc surfaces 311 and 321 which have sizes roughly the same as the inner diameter of the arc portions 202 and 212 and which can earth these arc portions. Accordingly, during insertion, the upper and lower plugs 31 and 32 of the specimen capsule 24 can be inserted in the upper and lower housings 20 and 21 respectively by passing through the opening of the plug holders 201 and 211 using the flat surfaces 312 and 322, while after insertion, the arc surfaces 311 and 321 maintain sliding contact by means of arc portions 202 and 212 and at the same time obstruct the breakaway of the upper and lower plugs 31 and 32 by means of the plug holders 201 and 211.
In the enlarged diameter portion 313 of the upper plug 31 is formed a slit 316, so that the upper plug 31 is rotated to be inserted in the upper housing 20, and so that after insertion, the specimen capsule 24 is prevented from breaking away from the test assembly 2.
Fig. 8A illustrates a specimen capsule 24 of a double cooling type identical to the one illustrated in the left drawing of Fig. 5.
The specimen capsule 24 of the double cooling type comprises an upper plug 41, a lower plug 42, outer tube 40, and inner tube 44. After putting a sample 43 between the outer tube 40 and the inner tube 44, the upper plug 41 and the lower plug 42 are fixed to the upper end and the lower end of the outer tube 40 respectively.
As shown in Fig. 8B and Fig. 8C, the upper plug 41 and the lower plug 42 are provided with insertion ends 415 and 425 that fit the inner diameter of a given outer tube 40, and after the end portions of the insertion ends 415 and 425 are inserted into the outer tube 40 in contact with the inner tube 44, they are welded to complete the specimen capsule 24.
And, halfway between the enlarged diameter portions 413, 414 and 423, 424 of the upper plug 41 and the lower plug 42 are formed flat surfaces 412 and 422 with a size roughly the same as the plug holders 201 and 211 of the upper housing 20 and lower housing 21 and arc surfaces 411 and 421 that can earth the arc portions 202 and 212.
In the enlarged diameter portion 413 of the upper plug 41 is formed a slit 416, so that the upper plug 41 is rotated to be inserted in the upper housing 20 and lower housing 21, and the specimen capsule 24 is prevented from breaking away from the test assembly 2 in this condition.
In the upper plug 41 and the lower plug 42 are formed flow holes 417 and 426 which are communicated with the inner tube 44 for cooling the inside.
As described above, by the plug type research reactor irradiation test rig according to the present invention, the upper fixed body avoids contact with the irradiation hole side wall that is relatively weak in the research reactor core and is press-fixed with the top-end plate of the reactor core in a plug type fashion, so that the integrity and durability of the reactor core are improved, and by saving the installation and uninstallation time of the rig inserted into the irradiation hole, effective operation and effective irradiation test of the reactor can be conducted.
In addition, by means of the clip-form shape of the upper housing and lower housing of the test assembly, the circular test fuel rod of the specimen capsule is easily installed and uninstalled on the side of the test assembly, so that it provides a basic art by which it is possible to plan and conduct tests of various forms such as adjustment of test periods and repeated testing of the specimen capsule as well as position change of the specimen capsule.
Using the conventional irradiation test rig, it was inevitable to produce large quantities of radioactive waste from the rig due to one-time use, but by means of the present invention, it is possible not only to conduct various tests through reuse of the irradiation test rig and the test assembly, but also to obtain economic benefits due to the effect of reduced radioactive waste and the repeated use.
Although the present invention has been described in detail reference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A plug type research reactor irradiation test rig comprising:
an upper fixed body, at least one test assembly, and a lower fixed body which are assembled in sequence from top to bottom, wherein the rod tip of said lower fixed body is installed on a spider cup formed in the lower end portion of an irradiation hole of the research reactor core, and a top-end plate of said research reactor core is pressed by said upper fixed body when it is installed.
an upper fixed body, at least one test assembly, and a lower fixed body which are assembled in sequence from top to bottom, wherein the rod tip of said lower fixed body is installed on a spider cup formed in the lower end portion of an irradiation hole of the research reactor core, and a top-end plate of said research reactor core is pressed by said upper fixed body when it is installed.
2. The rig of claim 1, wherein said upper fixed body comprises:
a hollow fixed body;
a grapple head which is located inside said hollow fixed body and is provided with an upper flow path plate installed on the top end side of said hollow fixed body and a lower flow path plate installed on the bottom of said hollow fixed body; and a spring arranged below said lower flow path plate which is located inside said hollow fixed body.
a hollow fixed body;
a grapple head which is located inside said hollow fixed body and is provided with an upper flow path plate installed on the top end side of said hollow fixed body and a lower flow path plate installed on the bottom of said hollow fixed body; and a spring arranged below said lower flow path plate which is located inside said hollow fixed body.
3. The rig of claim 2, wherein said hollow fixed body comprises a plurality of through holes formed on the circumference for cooling fluid to flow, a fixed flange which is formed integrally with the upper end of said hollow fixed body to be in contact with the top-end plate of the research reactor core, and a plurality of slits which are extended to a predetermined length downward lengthwise of said hollow fixed body from said fixed flange.
4. The rig of claim 2, wherein said grapple head is provided with a top-end slit formed in the upper end portion thereof for rotating said grapple head and a support portion formed at the lower end portion thereof for connecting to the top-end plate of the rig and maintaining the directionality of cooling fluid flow.
5. The rig of claim 2, wherein said upper flow path plate and said lower flow path plate are each provided respectively with an insert hole which is formed in the central portion to be in close contact with the body of said grapple head, at least one flow hole formed outside of said insert hole, and an outer circumference having a cylindrical shape outside of said flow holes, said upper flow path plate includes a chamfer which divides said at least one flow hole of said upper and lower flow path plates, and said lower flow path plate includes a spring seat formed and expanded in cross section area at the bottom end of said hollow fixed body and a rib portion formed so as to be in contact with the top-end plate of the rig.
6. The rig of claim 1, wherein said test assembly comprises:
an upper housing connected to said upper fixed body or another test assembly;
a lower housing connected to said lower fixed body or another test assembly;
a cooling block which is arranged above said lower housing and is for cooling the cooling fluid;
a plurality of supports integrally formed with the cooling block to support the upper housing; and at least one specimen capsule in which the sample is inserted.
an upper housing connected to said upper fixed body or another test assembly;
a lower housing connected to said lower fixed body or another test assembly;
a cooling block which is arranged above said lower housing and is for cooling the cooling fluid;
a plurality of supports integrally formed with the cooling block to support the upper housing; and at least one specimen capsule in which the sample is inserted.
7. The rig of claim 6, wherein said upper housing comprises an upper plug holder in which an upper plug of said specimen capsule is slidably installed, an upper arc portion in which said upper plug is installed in sliding contact, an upper center hole in which the upper end of a central axis of said cooling block is fixed, upper flow path chambers in which the cooling fluid flows, upper fixing holes in which the upper end of said supports are fixed, an upper rib which defines the upper center hole and the upper flow path chambers, and guide slots which are formed above the cylindrical surface of said lower housing to fix the rotation and position between support tubes, and said lower housing comprises a lower plug holder in which the lower plug of said specimen capsule is slidably installed, a lower arc portion in which said lower plug is earthed to be installed, a lower center hole in which the lower end of the central axis of said cooling block is fixed, lower flow path chambers in which the cooling fluid flows, lower fixing holes in which the lower end of said supports are fixed, a lower rib which defines the lower center hole and the lower flow path chambers, and guide slots which are formed below the cylindrical surface of said lower housing to fix the rotation and position between support tubes.
8. The rig of claim 6, wherein said specimen capsule comprises a tube into which the sample to be tested is inserted and an upper plug and a lower plug which are integrally installed respectively at the upper end and the bottom end of said tube.
9. The rig of claim 8, wherein said upper plug and said lower plug have insertion ends formed integrally with a diameter roughly the same as the inner diameter of said tube, and flat surfaces with a size roughly the same as the upper and lower plug holders of the upper and lower housing, and arc surfaces which can be in contact with the upper arc portions are formed halfway between enlarged diameter portions of said upper plug and said lower plug, and a slit is formed in the enlarged diameter portion of said upper plug.
10. The rig of claim 6, wherein said specimen capsule comprises an outer tube, an upper plug, and a lower plug which are inserted into the upper and lower ends of the outer tube, and an inner tube arranged inside of said outer tube, and wherein halfway between enlarged diameter portions of said upper plug and lower plug are formed flat surfaces with a size roughly the same as upper plug holders of said upper and lower housing and arc surfaces which can be in contact with the upper arc portions, and a slit is formed in the enlarged diameter portion of said upper plug, and flow holes communicating with said inner tube for inner cooling are formed in said upper plug and lower plug.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR10-2007-0078650 | 2007-08-06 | ||
| KR1020070078650A KR100878330B1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2007-08-06 | Plug type research reactor irradiation rig |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2610419A1 CA2610419A1 (en) | 2009-02-06 |
| CA2610419C true CA2610419C (en) | 2012-10-16 |
Family
ID=40339644
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2610419A Expired - Fee Related CA2610419C (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2007-11-09 | Plug type research reactor irradiation test rig |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| KR (1) | KR100878330B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2610419C (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR101100849B1 (en) | 2010-07-26 | 2012-01-02 | 한국수력원자력 주식회사 | Apparatus for thermal load simulation of irradiation test rod for triso particle fuels |
| RU2497214C2 (en) * | 2011-08-29 | 2013-10-27 | Федеральное государственное учреждение "12 Центральный научно-исследовательский институт Министерства обороны Российской Федерации" | Method for simultaneous reproduction of specified values of neutron fluence and exposition dose of gamma radiation on research reactor |
| KR101536484B1 (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2015-07-14 | 한국원자력연구원 | Inserting and Withdrawing Apparatus of Irradiation Target for Research Reactor |
| RU2686838C1 (en) * | 2018-05-21 | 2019-05-06 | Федеральное государственное казенное учреждение "12 Центральный научно-исследовательский институт" Министерства обороны Российской Федерации | Method for simultaneous reproduction of given neutron fluence and exposure dose of gamma radiation at research reactors |
| CN112530623B (en) * | 2020-11-13 | 2022-05-03 | 岭东核电有限公司 | Irradiation examination piece and irradiation device |
| CN112530624B (en) * | 2020-11-13 | 2022-10-21 | 岭东核电有限公司 | Irradiation test piece and irradiation device for verifying irradiation performance of nuclear fuel element |
| CN113406691B (en) * | 2021-06-23 | 2023-04-11 | 中国核动力研究设计院 | Neutron fluence and deformation measuring device in test reactor |
| CN113470862B (en) * | 2021-07-23 | 2023-11-17 | 中国核动力研究设计院 | Irradiation device based on component mesopores |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100423739B1 (en) * | 2001-08-20 | 2004-03-22 | 한국수력원자력 주식회사 | Instrumented Capsule for Materials Irradiation Tests in Research Reactor |
| KR100435226B1 (en) | 2001-12-20 | 2004-06-09 | 한국수력원자력 주식회사 | Non-instrumented capsule for nuclear fuel irradiation test in research reactor |
| KR100592559B1 (en) | 2003-10-22 | 2006-06-23 | 한국원자력연구소 | Remote instrumented rig device for irradiation test of nuclear fuel |
| JP4022204B2 (en) | 2004-01-14 | 2007-12-12 | 独立行政法人 日本原子力研究開発機構 | Test method for practical use of new fuel |
-
2007
- 2007-08-06 KR KR1020070078650A patent/KR100878330B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2007-11-09 CA CA2610419A patent/CA2610419C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2610419A1 (en) | 2009-02-06 |
| KR100878330B1 (en) | 2009-01-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20181109 |