CA3080075C

CA3080075C - Device and method for selectively carrying out nuclide activations and measurements in a nuclear reactor by means of nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies

Info

Publication number: CA3080075C
Application number: CA3080075A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Beat Bitterli; Rainer Kaulbarsch; Lucien Conus; Kurt HEYDECKER; Leo Ornot; Lukas Meyer; Dirk PAULING; Patrick AEBI
Original assignee: Kernkraftwerk Gosgen Daniken AG
Current assignee: Kernkraftwerk Gosgen Daniken AG
Priority date: 2017-11-02
Filing date: 2018-10-25
Publication date: 2023-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-25
Also published as: CN111316375B; EP3704718B1; CA3080075A1; EP3704718A1; BR112020007664A2; BR112020007664A8; CN111316375A; ES2883695T3; WO2019086329A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for optionally transferring nuclide activation targets or measuring elements into or out of an instrumentation finger (110) of a nuclear reactor (100). The device (1) has a line system (2) for receiving and transporting the measuring elements and targets. The line system (2) comprises at least one reactor branch (10) having a terminal coupling (11) for coupling to the instrumentation finger (110), a storage branch (20) for the intermediate storage of the measuring elements and targets, and a measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b) having a terminal coupling (31) for coupling to a measuring device (300) for determining a characteristic of the measuring elements that is variable via energetic stimulation in the nuclear reactor. The device also comprises a pneumatic or mechanical transport device (90) for transporting the measuring bodies and targets through the device (1), and a multi-way valve (60) into which at least the reactor branch (10), the storage branch (20) and the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b) directly feed at nodal points, and which is designed to optionally fluidically connect the different branches to one another. The invention also relates to a method for activating nuclide activation targets and optionally for the energetic stimulation of measuring elements in an instrumentation finger (110) of a nuclear reactor (100) using a device (1) of this type.

Description

CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001 Device and method for selectively carrying out nuclide activations and measurements in a nuclear reactor by means of nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies The present invention relates to a device for selectively transferring nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of an instrumentation finger of a nuclear reactor. The invention further relates to a method for activating nuclide activation targets and optionally for energetically exciting measuring bodies in an instrumentation finger of a nuclear reactor using such a device.
Radionuclides are used in many fields of technology and medicine, especially in nuclear medicine.
To generate radionuclides, typically correspondingly suitable stable nuclides are irradiated with neutrons. As a result, by virtue of neutron capture, unstable nuclides are formed which are converted into stable nuclides again via radioactive decay chains, with emission of alpha, beta, gamma or proton radiation. The irradiation with neutrons, also referred to as nuclide activation, generally takes place in research reactors which, however, are in most cases limited in respect of their capacity for mass production of radionuclides. Alternatively it has been proposed that commercial nuclear reactors used for generating energy be employed as a source of neutrons for radionuclide production. One approach being considered for that purpose is to introduce what are known as nuclide activation targets into one or more instrumentation fingers of a commercial nuclear reactor in order for them to be activated therein by the radiation emitted by the nuclear fuel rods. EP 2 093 773 A2 and US 2013/0170927 Al disclose corresponding devices and methods for introducing nuclide activation targets into a nuclear reactor and removing them therefrom.
The instrumentation fingers used for receiving the targets are usually existing tubes which run parallel to the nuclear fuel rods inside the reactor core and are in most cases part of what is known as an "aeroball" measuring system for determining the power density distribution in the reactor core. In such a system, measuring balls containing activatable matter, for example of vanadium, are introduced into the instrumentation fingers of the reactor core for the purpose of irradiating measuring bodies. Because their diameter is only very slightly smaller than that of the instrumentation finger, the balls lie chain-like immediately one next to the other or one on top of the other in the fingers. The balls are activated by the radiation emitted by the nuclear fuel rods 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 2 -and, after a predetermined dwell time, are transported via a line system out of the reactor core region into a measuring device, what is known as the measuring table, for the purpose of determining their activity. The line system, including the instrumentation fingers, is self-contained and has a diameter in the region of the ball diameter, so that the sequence of the chain of balls in the instrumentation finger is retained on transfer to the measuring table.
In that way the balls in the chain may be assigned a respective longitudinal position of the nuclear fuel rods, this in turn allowing conclusions to be drawn as to the axial power density distribution of the neutron flux in the reactor core. Such a measuring system, also known as an aeroball measuring system, having a measuring device and a corresponding line system is known, for example, from US 3 711 714. The findings obtained by means of the ball measurement serve for reactor safety and are therefore usually mandatory at regular time intervals. In principle, other measuring systems using instrumentation fingers and corresponding measuring bodies are also known and are used for measurement of other properties of the measuring bodies that are variable by energetic excitation in the nuclear reactor, which properties characterise the properties of the fuel rods and the conditions in the interior of the reactor core.
While the measuring bodies for energetic excitation for the purpose of determining a specific property of the fuel rods or the conditions in the interior of the reactor core, for example for determining the power density distribution, remain in the instrumentation finger for only a few minutes, it requires several days or weeks for sufficient nuclide activation of the targets. During that time, in the case of the nuclide activation systems proposed hitherto the instrumentation fingers used for radionuclide production are not available for a measurement.
In addition, the nuclide activation systems proposed hitherto require the respective instrumentation finger to be uncoupled from the measuring system and recoupled to the nuclide activation system and back again. Changing between nuclide activation and measurement is therefore possible only with an increased level of technical complexity and, in addition, harbours the risk of additional contamination being brought about by the uncoupling and recoupling. Both are contributing factors to why the implementation of a nuclide activation system in a commercial nuclear reactor has met with little acceptance hitherto.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 3 -The problem of the present invention is therefore to provide a device and a method which, on the one hand, enable the instrumentation fingers of a nuclear reactor to be utilised for target activation in a technically acceptable way but, on the other hand, allow a measurement, for example an aeroball measurement for determining the power density distribution or the neutron flux in the reactor core, to be carried out at any time.
That problem is solved by a device for selectively transferring nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of an instrumentation finger of a nuclear reactor and by a method for activating nuclide activation targets and optionally for energetically exciting measuring bodies in an instrumentation finger of a nuclear reactor using such a device.
Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject-matter of the dependent claims.
According to the invention the device comprises a line system for receiving and transporting the measuring balls and targets, which line system comprises a plurality of line branches which connect into a multi-way valve and which may be brought selectively into fluidic connection with one another via the switchable multi-way valve. According to the invention the line system comprises at least one reactor branch having a terminal coupling for coupling the line system to the instrumentation finger, a storage branch for intermediate storage of the measuring bodies or targets, and a measuring branch having a terminal coupling for coupling the line system to a measuring device for determining a property of the measuring bodies that is variable by energetic excitation in the nuclear reactor. At least the reactor branch, the storage branch and the measuring branch connect node-like into the multi-way valve of the device. The switchable multi-way valve is configured, in a first switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor branch to the storage branch and, in a second switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor branch to the measuring branch. The device further comprises a pneumatic or mechanical transport device for transporting the measuring bodies and targets through the device. The line system and the multi-way valve are especially fluid- and solid-conducting.
According to the invention it has been found that by the provision of a storage branch in the line system it is possible for the first time to interrupt an ongoing target activation process at any time 23892585i Date recue/ date received 2022-02-18 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 4 -for the purpose of a prioritised measurement and to temporarily park, that is to say intermediately store, the partly irradiated nuclide activation targets in the storage branch in order that the instrumentation finger used for the activation is thus made available for a short time for a prioritised measurement, for example an aeroball measurement for determining the power density, and the instrumentation finger subsequently filled with the intermediately stored targets again to continue the activation process. Accordingly it is therefore advantageously possible for the instrumentation finger to be capable of flexible, that is to say multiple, use and especially to be available at any time for a measurement when such a measurement is necessary in accordance with the operational regulations of the nuclear reactor. As a result it is therefore possible, on the one hand, to ensure operational safety and, on the other hand, additionally to employ the otherwise unutilised instrumentation finger commercially for the production of radio-nuclides. The resulting potential for additionally exploiting the nuclear reactor is obvious when one considers that most prescribed measurements, for example aeroball measurements for determining the power density, do not have to be carried out every day and corresponding measuring bodies for that purpose are typically present in the instrumentation finger for only a few minutes. For the remainder of the time, the instrumentation finger is freely available for nuclide activation.
Preferably the length of the storage branch corresponds at least to the length of the instrumentation finger, so that the maximum possible amount of targets, corresponding to the length of the instrumentation finger, may be intermediately parked in the storage branch.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the length of the storage branch is at least 5 m, especially at least 10 m, preferably at least 30 m. Furthermore, the storage branch preferably comprises a substantially rectilinear, especially substantially horizontally aligned section.
Alternatively the storage branch may, at least in some sections, be of spiral construction, which results in an especially space-saving embodiment.
In addition, the possibility, provided by the invention, of being able to interrupt a nuclide activation process at any time and briefly carry out a measurement, has the advantageous result that a plurality, especially in principle all, of the instrumentation fingers present in a nuclear reactor may be used for radionuclide production, while respecting the operational safety regulations. For that 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 5 -purpose, it is possible for some or all of the instrumentation fingers of a nuclear reactor to be equipped with a device according to the invention or for the device according to the invention to be configured to serve a plurality of instrumentation fingers, that is to say to selectively transfer nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of a plurality of instrumentation fingers of a nuclear reactor.
Once the device according to the invention has been implemented, the switchable multi-way valve makes it possible ¨ in a technically very simple way, during ongoing operation of the reactor ¨ to switch over between the production of radionuclides and a measurement by means of measuring bodies, without further modification of the system, especially without opening of the closed line system. As a result, the risk of contamination is advantageously reduced to a minimum. In that respect the switchable multi-way valve serves as a diverter for clearing or blocking the various transport paths between the different branches.
To interrupt the target activation and make the instrumentation finger available, the targets previously introduced into the instrumentation finger via the line system are removed from the instrumentation finger via the reactor branch and transferred to the storage branch. For that purpose the multi-way valve is in the first switch position, so that the reactor branch is in fluidic connection with the storage branch. The multi-way valve is then switched into the second switch position in order to fluidically connect the reactor branch to the measuring branch and accordingly the instrumentation finger to the measuring device in which the measuring bodies are typically located in preparation for a measurement. The measuring balls are then transferred from the measuring device via the measuring branch, the multi-way valve and the reactor branch to the instrumentation finger of the nuclear reactor. After a dwell time of a few minutes, the measuring bodies are transferred from the instrumentation finger to the measuring device again via the same route, that is to say via the reactor branch, the multi-way valve and the measuring branch. In the measuring device it is possible to determine the property of the measuring bodies that is variable by energetic excitation, for example the activity of the irradiated measuring bodies for the purpose of determining the power density distribution of the neutron flux in the reactor core. As soon as the measuring bodies have been transferred into the measuring device, the instrumentation finger is available for nuclide activation again. The multi-way valve is switched into the first switch 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 6 -position again and the partly irradiated targets are transferred from the storage branch via the multi-way valve and the reactor branch back into the instrumentation finger in order thus to continue or conclude the target activation process. Advantageously the activation process may in principle be repeatedly interrupted for a measurement, that is to say as often as desired.
Once the activation process is complete, the irradiated targets (radionuclides) may be removed from the instrumentation finger via the line system for their intended use.
For that purpose, for example, the storage branch may comprise a terminal coupling for coupling the line system to a removal vessel for irradiated targets. Preferably, however, the line system comprises a separate removal branch having a terminal coupling for coupling the line system to a removal vessel for irradiated targets. The removal branch may, for example, be connected terminally to the storage branch, that is to say at the end of the storage branch opposite to the end that connects into the multi-way valve. In such a configuration the device may comprise a stop, for example a magnetic stop, which is movable into and out of the transport path between the storage branch and the removal branch to block the transport path between the storage branch and the removal branch.
It can thus be ensured that targets or measuring bodies are held back in the storage branch during intermediate parking and do not pass further into the removal branch. In both variants (removal via the storage branch or via the removal branch terminally connected to the storage branch) the multi-way valve is of technically simple construction, for example in the form of a 3/2-way valve, especially having only one switchable through-channel.
Alternatively the removal branch may connect directly into the switchable multi-way valve. In such a configuration the multi-way valve is further configured, in a third switch position, to fluidically connect the removal branch to the reactor branch or the removal branch to the storage branch.
In the first variant (removal branch is connected to the reactor branch in the third switch position) the irradiated targets may advantageously be transferred by a direct route from the instrumentation finger via the reactor branch, the multi-way valve and the removal branch directly into a removal vessel for irradiated targets. This provides a very quick and, in procedural terms, very simple removal process. The second variant (removal branch is connected to the storage branch in the third switch position) allows the realisation of a technically simple multi-way valve, for example in the form of a 4/3-way valve, especially having only one switchable through-23892585.1 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 7 -channel.
The measuring device is configured for measuring at least one property of the measuring bodies that is variable by energetic excitation in the nuclear reactor, that is to say a property of the measuring bodies that can be influenced, for example, by excitation by means of, or by the effect of, radiation energy or thermal energy in the instrumentation finger of the nuclear reactor. The variable property of the measuring bodies may especially be a radiation-dependent or temperature-dependent property. Furthermore, the measuring device may be configured to determine, on the basis of the measurement of the variable property of the measuring bodies, one or more parameters which characterise the properties of the fuel rods and/or the conditions in the interior of the reactor core. For example, the measuring device may be configured especially for measuring the activity of the measuring bodies brought about by irradiation. Furthermore, the measuring device may be configured for determining the power density distribution or the neutron flux in the reactor core on the basis of the measured activity of the measuring bodies. Alternatively or in addition, the measuring device may be configured for determining a temperature-dependent colour change, i.e. a colour change brought about by thermal energy. The determination of the colour change may be used, for example, to determine the temperature in the nuclear reactor.
The measuring bodies and/or nuclide activation targets are preferably balls or ball-shaped.
Another possibility, however, is for the measuring bodies and/or nuclide activation targets to have other shapes, for example cylindrical or ellipsoidal. The shape is chosen so that the measuring bodies and/or nuclide activation targets may be transported unimpeded through the line system and the instrumentation finger. The diameter of the measuring bodies and/or nuclide activation targets is preferably only very slightly smaller than the diameter of the line system and the instrumentation finger. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the measuring bodies and/or nuclide activation targets is in the range of from 50% to 99%, especially in the range of from 70% to 95%, preferably in the range of from 80% to 95%, of the diameter of the line system and/or the instrumentation finger. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the measuring bodies and/or nuclide activation targets is between 1 mm and 3 mm, especially between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, preferably 1.5 mm and 1.7 mm.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 8 -To operate the device, the measuring branch and the reactor branch are coupled via their respective terminal couplings to a measuring device and to an instrumentation finger of the nuclear reactor, respectively. The coupling of the reactor branch to the instrumentation finger of the reactor may especially be effected in the region of what is known as a cable bridge above the reactor vessel. In the end region in front of the coupling, the reactor branch may further comprise a blocking device, for example a magnetically operable stop, for example a pin, peg or bolt, which is especially movable into and out of the reactor branch to block the transport path through the reactor branch. The couplings are preferably configured for gas-tight coupling to the measuring device and the instrumentation finger in order, in the case of a pneumatic transport device, to ensure reliable transport of the targets and measuring bodies by means of transport gas.
Another possibility is for the reactor branch to be ramified, especially ramified cascade-like, in order thus to connect some or all of the instrumentation fingers of a nuclear reactor to the device according to the invention via a respective limbs of the reactor branch. This especially allows some or all of the instrumentation fingers of a nuclear reactor to be operated or used with only one device according to the invention. Each limb of the reactor branch may comprise a terminal coupling for coupling the respective limb to an instrumentation finger of the reactor. On the ramifications of the reactor branch the device may comprise distributor valves by which the limbs of the reactor branch that lead out from a ramification in the direction of the instrumentation finger are selectively connected to the multi-way valve or to a multi-way-valve-side section of the reactor branch.
The terminal couplings of the reactor branch, of the measuring branch and ¨ as described hereinbelow ¨ optionally of a removal branch and an introduction branch are preferably arranged at the free ends of the respective branches, that is to say at the ends of the branches opposite to the ends that connect into the multi-way valve.
Like the reactor branch and the measuring branch, the removal branch may also comprise a terminal coupling for coupling, especially gas-tight coupling, to a removal vessel for irradiated targets. For the removal of the irradiated targets, the removal branch may be correspondingly coupled via its terminal coupling to a removal vessel. Alternatively, the removal of the targets may 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 9 -also be effected without direct coupling of the removal branch to a removal vessel. In particular, the transfer of the targets from the removal branch to a removal vessel may be effected exclusively under the force of gravity, especially without transport gas.
Preferably the device comprises a shut-off valve in the removal branch, especially in the region of the free end of the removal branch, for gas-tight shutting-off of the removal branch with respect to the environment.
This advantageously minimises the risk of contamination.
In addition, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention the device may comprise an introduction branch with a terminal coupling for coupling, especially gas-tight coupling, to an introduction device which is configured for introducing unirradiated targets into the line system.
The introduction device may be, for example, a container, for example a cartridge, or a funnel in which unirradiated targets are located. The introduction device preferably comprises an outlet for introducing the targets into the introduction branch, to which outlet the terminal coupling of the introduction branch is couplable. The introduction of the targets into the introduction branch may be effected (exclusively) under the force of gravity, by means of transport gas or by means of mechanical transport means.
The introduction branch may connect into the line system at any desired location, especially into a node of the line system. Preferably the introduction branch connects into the multi-way valve.
In such a configuration the multi-way valve is preferably additionally configured, in a fifth switch position, to fluidically connect the introduction branch to the reactor branch or to the storage branch. If the multi-way valve connects the introduction branch to the reactor branch, the unirradiated targets may be introduced directly from the introduction device via the introduction branch, the multi-way valve and the reactor branch into the instrumentation finger. The filling operation thus becomes especially effective. Conversely, the multi-way valve may be realised in a technically simpler way if it is configured to fluidically connect the introduction branch to the storage branch. As in the removal branch, the device also comprises a shut-off valve in the introduction branch, especially in the region of the free end of the introduction branch, for gas-tight shutting-off of the introduction branch with respect to the environment.
This advantageously minimises the risk of contamination.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 10 -According to an especially advantageous embodiment of the invention, the removal branch may also serve as introduction branch. In such a configuration the removal branch may be configured for coupling selectively to an introduction device or to a removal vessel in order either to introduce unirradiated targets into the line system or to transfer irradiated targets from the line system to a removal vessel. This is possible both when the removal branch is connected terminally to the storage branch and when the removal branch, as a separate branch, connects directly into the multi-way valve or into some other node of the line system.
According to a further advantageous embodiment, the storage branch may also serve as introduction branch and/or removal branch. In particular, the storage branch may be configured for coupling to an introduction device or selectively to an introduction device and to a removal vessel in order either to introduce unirradiated targets into the line system or to transfer irradiated targets from the line system to a removal vessel. For that purpose the storage branch may comprise a correspondingly constructed coupling at one end. For example, for introducing unirradiated targets or removing irradiated targets the storage branch may comprise, at its end remote from the multi-way valve, a terminal coupling for coupling, especially selective coupling, to an introduction device and/or to a removal device. The introduction device and the removal device may especially be realised together by a combined introduction/removal device. The introduction device and/or the removal device or the combined introduction/removal device may comprise a transfer vessel, especially a shielding transfer vessel. In the end region in front of the coupling the storage branch may further comprise a blocking device, for example a magnetically operable stop, for example a pin, peg or bolt, which is especially movable into and out of the storage branch to block the transport path through the storage branch.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a shield against ionising radiation, at least along a section of the storage branch.
This increases radiation safety. Preferably the shield is a lead shield. Especially preferably the length of the shield along the storage branch, i.e. the shielded section of the storage branch, corresponds at least to the length of the instrumentation finger, so that the maximum possible length of the target chain, corresponding to the length of the instrumentation finger, may be intermediately parked in the storage branch under shielded conditions. According to an advantageous embodiment, the length 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 11 -of the shielded section of the storage branch is at least 2 m, especially at least 4 m, preferably at least 5 m. Preferably the shielded section of the storage branch is substantially rectilinear, especially substantially horizontally aligned. Alternatively the shielded section may be of spiral construction, which results in an especially space-saving embodiment.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the multi-way valve may further be configured, in a fourth switch position, to fluidically connect the storage branch to the measuring table branch. As a result, during those periods in which no measurement is being carried out the measuring bodies may advantageously be intermediately parked in the storage branch, preferably under shielded conditions. In this way, the radiation safety of the entire device is likewise increased, especially if the shielding of the storage branch is more effective than any shielding of the measuring device. In addition, as a result of the intermediate storage of the measuring body, the detectors in the measuring device, which are in most cases radiation-sensitive, are protected from excessive or unnecessary action of radiation and accordingly, for example, from undesirable ageing.
Another possibility is for the device to have a parking section in the measuring branch for intermediate parking of the measuring bodies or targets. Preferably the device comprises a shield against ionising radiation, at least along a section of the measuring branch, especially along the parking section. This provides inter alia an alternative way of intermediately parking the measuring bodies in the parking section of the measuring branch, preferably under shielded conditions, during those periods in which no measurement is being carried out. In an end region of the parking section remote from the multi-way valve and/or in an end region of the parking section facing towards the multi-way valve, the measuring branch may (in each case) further comprise a blocking device, for example a magnetically operable stop, for example a pin, peg or bolt, which is especially movable into and out of the measuring branch to block the transport path through the measuring branch. As an alternative to the blocking device, the measuring branch may comprise at least one holding magnet in at least one of the mentioned end regions of the parking section, for example at least one electromagnet or at least one switchable or slidably arranged permanent magnet. The measuring bodies, which are preferably magnetic, can thereby be held in place in the parking branch.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 12 -The fluidic connections established between the various branches of the line system by the multi-way valve are preferably formed by one or more through-channels in the multi-way valve. For that purpose, the multi-way valve may comprise at least one movable, especially displaceable or rotatable, control element through which the one or more through-channels extend. In the different switch positions, the one or more through-channels connect corresponding ports of the multi-way valve at which the branches of the line system connect into the multi-way valve. The multi-way valve may especially comprise a valve body which comprises the ports and in which the at least one movable, especially displaceable or rotatable, control element is accommodated, especially mounted. Furthermore, the multi-way valve may comprise an actuator, for example a servomotor, by means of which the movable, especially displaceable or rotatable, control element may be moved into the various switch positions.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the multi-way valve is especially in the form of a (multi-way) rotary valve or (multi-way) rotary control valve or (multi-way) slide valve.
For example, the multi-way valve may be in the form of a (multi-way) ball valve or (multi-way) plug valve.
As a rotary valve, the multi-way valve may, for example, comprise a control element which is sealingly rotatably mounted in a valve body. The valve body comprises at least three, especially at least four, preferably at least five, especially preferably six or more, ports. The at least three, especially at least four, preferably at least five, especially preferably six or more, ports are preferably arranged uniformly distributed around the circumference in respect of the valve body.
The number of ports is dependent upon the diameter of the multi-way valve and may be increased with increasing diameter. Via the at least three, especially at least four, preferably at least five, especially preferably six or more, ports, at least the reactor branch, the measuring branch and the storage branch and optionally the removal branch, the introduction branch and/or an exhaust gas line (as described hereinbelow) connect into the multi-way valve. The rotatable control element comprises at least one, especially at least two, preferably three or even more than three through-channels in order, in at least the first and second switch positions of the control element, to fluidically connect the reactor branch to the measuring branch or the reactor branch to the storage branch. In order additionally to realise one or more of the further switch positions 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 13 -described herein (third, fourth, fifth, sixth and/or seventh switch position(s)), the rotatable control element preferably comprises at least two, preferably three or more, through-channels. In a technically especially simple realisation, the multi-way valve is in the form of a 3/2-way valve, especially in the form of a 3/2-way rotary valve. Alternatively the multi-way valve may be in the form of a 3/3-way, 4/3-way, 4/4-way, 5/4-way, 5/5-way, 6/5-way, 6/6-way or 6/7-way valve.
For example, the multi-way valve may be in the form of a rotary valve having a rotatable control element, the rotatable control element having at least a first, a second and a third through-channel, which channels run through the control element perpendicularly to a rotational axis of the rotatable control element. The first through-channel may run in a straight line through the rotational axis of the control element, especially in order to connect two ports that are located 1800 opposite one another. The second through-channel may run through the control element in a 120 arc offset symmetrically with respect to the first through-channel, especially to connect two ports that are arranged offset with respect to one another on the circumference by 120 . The third through-channel may be constructed in the same way as the second through-channel and may run through the control element, in respect of the first through-channel, mirror-symmetrically with respect to the second through-channel. Alternatively the third through-channel may run secant-like through the control channel, especially in a straight line or curved, especially offset asymmetrically with respect to the first through-channel opposite to the second through-channel, in order to connect two ports that are arranged offset with respect to one another on the circumference by 60 . Preferably such a through-channel serves solely for fluidic connection of two ports, especially for connection of the reactor branch to an exhaust gas line (as described hereinbelow). Another possibility is for the rotary valve described above by way of example to have no third through-channel but instead only the rectilinear first through-channel and the second through-channel running in a 120 arc. According to another example, the multi-way valve in the form of a rotary valve may comprise a control element having at least one, especially just one, through-channel which runs through the control element in a 90 or 120 arc, especially to connect two ports that are arranged offset with respect to one another on the circumference by 90 or 120 .
Another possibility is for the multi-way valve to be constructed in the form of a rotary valve having a valve body and a rotatable control element, the valve body having at least six, especially just six, ports and the rotatable control element having at least a first and a second through-channel 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 14 -which each run in a 1200 arc and are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another.
Such an embodiment may especially be used to serve two instrumentation fingers with one multi-way valve. For that purpose, two reactor branches, two storage branches and two measuring branches may connect into the multi-way valve, preferably at respective oppositely located ports, with one reactor branch, one storage branch and one measuring branch being associated with each of the instrumentation fingers. In different switch positions, the multi-way valve connects a reactor branch to an associated storage branch or to an associated measuring branch. In that respect the reactor branch, measuring branch and storage branch associated with each of the instrumentation fingers form a sub-line system.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the multi-way valve comprises at least one actuator, especially a pneumatic or electric actuator, for example a servomotor, for operating the at least one movable control element. Especially preferably, the actuator may be configured for simultaneously operating a plurality of multi-way valves, for example if a plurality .. of instrumentation fingers of a nuclear reactor are each equipped or operated with a device according to the invention. For example, a plurality of multi-way valves, for example three multi-way valves in the form of rotary valves, may be in operative connection with a common shaft which is driven by a common actuator. In particular, the rotatable control elements of a plurality of multi-way valves that are in the form of rotary valves may be arranged on a common shaft.
According to the invention, the transport device may be in the form of a pneumatic transport device or in the form of a mechanical transport device. In the case of a pneumatic transport device, transport gas, for example compressed air or nitrogen, serves as transport means for conveying the targets through the line system, into and out of the instrumentation finger and preferably into and out of a measuring device and/or an introduction device and optionally into a removal vessel.
In the case of a mechanical transport device, a mechanical conveyor means, for example one or more flexible pressure-transmitting elements, for example cables, wires, chains or the like, serves to mechanically push the targets and measuring bodies through the line system, into and out of the instrumentation finger and preferably into and out of a measuring device and/or an introduction device and optionally into a removal vessel. A mechanical conveyor device as known from EP 2 093 773 A2 is also a possibility.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 15 -Preferably the transport device is in the form of a pneumatic transport device. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic transport device comprises a first transport gas line which, for pneumatic transportation of the measuring bodies and targets out of the storage branch in the direction of the multi-way valve, is terminally coupled to the storage branch. Furthermore, the pneumatic transport device may comprise a second transport gas line which, for pneumatic transportation of the measuring bodies and targets out of the instrumentation finger via the reactor branch in the direction of the multi-way valve, is couplable to the instrumentation finger. In addition, the pneumatic transport device may comprise a third transport gas line which, for pneumatic transportation of the measuring bodies and targets out of the measuring device via the measuring branch in the direction of the multi-way valve, is couplable to the measuring device. For pneumatic transportation of the targets from the introduction device into the line system, especially into an introduction branch, the pneumatic transport device may additionally comprise a fourth transport gas line which for that purpose is couplable to the introduction device.
The various transport gas lines may all be connected to a common transport gas source.
Compressed air or nitrogen especially come into consideration as transport gas. Preferably the pneumatic transport device is configured for providing the transport gas at a pressure in the region of at least 5 bar, especially at least 8 bar, preferably at least 10 bar, and/or for conveying the transport gas through the transport gas lines and the line system.
To reduce pressure in the line system, especially for discharging transport gas from the storage branch, from the reactor branch and/or from the measuring branch, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the device comprises an exhaust gas device.
Preferably the exhaust gas device may comprise at least one respective exhaust gas line which connects terminally into the storage branch, into the measuring branch and/or into the reactor branch. Alternatively or additionally, the exhaust gas device may comprise at least one respective exhaust gas line which is couplable to the instrumentation finger and/or to the measuring device in order to discharge transport gas during the transfer of targets or measuring bodies into the instrumentation finger or into the measuring device. For opening and closing, one or more of the gas lines may each be provided with at least one shut-off valve.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 16 -The respective exhaust gas lines may connect into the first, second, third or fourth transport gas lines so that some of the respective transport gas lines are used bidirectionally both for supplying and for discharging transport gas.
Furthermore, the exhaust gas device may comprise an exhaust gas line that connects into the multi-way valve. In that embodiment of the invention, the multi-way valve may further be configured, in a sixth switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor branch to the exhaust gas line that connects into the multi-way valve. The exhaust gas line that connects into the multi-way valve advantageously serves to discharge transport gas from the reactor branch when the latter is not in fluidic connection with any other branch of the line system.
Another possibility is for at least two exhaust gas lines to be combined, preferably via a multi-way valve, to form a common exhaust gas line, resulting in an exhaust gas device having a compact structure. For example, a plurality of exhaust gas lines that connect into the second and third transport lines may be combined via a 3/2- or 3/3-way valve to form a common exhaust gas line.
In the same way, an exhaust gas line coupled into the first transport gas line via a 3/2-way valve for discharging transport gas from the storage branch and an exhaust gas line that connects into the multi-way valve may be combined to form a common exhaust gas line.
Downstream the one or more exhaust gas lines or common exhaust gas lines preferably end in an exhaust gas filter in order to filter any contaminants out of the transport gas conducted through the reactor core.
Preferably the transport gas lines and exhaust gas lines have a smaller diameter than the branches of the line system and than the targets and measuring bodies. It is thereby possible, in a technically simple way, to prevent targets and/or measuring bodies from inadvertently passing into the transport gas lines and/or exhaust gas lines. Preferably the transport gas lines and exhaust gas lines have a diameter of at most 1.5 mm. Alternatively the transport gas lines and exhaust gas lines may comprise a local tapered portion which has a smaller diameter than the branches of the line system and than the targets and measuring bodies. Another possibility is for 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 17 -fluid-permeable retaining elements, for example screens, grids or nets, to be arranged in the transport gas lines and exhaust gas lines to hold back targets and measuring bodies.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the multi-way valve may further be configured, in a seventh switch position, to fluidically decouple all branches of the line system from one another, that is to say to block all branches for the transport of targets and/or measuring bodies. That switch position likewise advantageously increases the operational safety of the device.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device is configured for pressureless removal of the targets from the line system into a removal vessel (without pneumatic conveyance by means of transport gas). For that purpose, the removal branch may be arranged in the vertical direction below the multi-way valve and preferably has a monotonically falling structure, so that the targets may be transferred exclusively under the force of gravity via the multi-way valve through the removal branch to a removal vessel. For the pressureless, exclusively gravitation-driven removal of targets, the reactor branch ¨ as described hereinbelow ¨ preferably comprises a monotonically falling delivery section which connects directly into the multi-way valve.
In addition, by virtue of the pressureless removal it is possible to dispense with transfer gas discharge in the region of the removal branch or removal vessel, which on the one hand reduces technical outlay and on the other hand reduces the risk of contamination.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reactor branch comprises a delivery section, especially a monotonically falling delivery section.
Preferably the delivery section connects directly into the multi-way valve. The delivery section may be used to separate nuclide activation targets from what are known as dummy targets or to separate different target types in an activation charge from one another. Dummy targets are target bodies which are introduced into the instrumentation finger as place-holders together with the nuclide activation targets to be irradiated so that, in accordance with the power density distribution in the reactor, the targets to be irradiated may be positioned along the instrumentation finger in the correct position for the purpose of optimum activation. To remove the irradiated targets, a chain consisting of targets and dummy targets conducted out via the reactor branch or a chain comprising at least 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 18 -two target types may be held intermediately in the delivery section for the purpose of separation.
Preferably the device comprises a blocking device, for example a switchable magnetic stop, at the end of the delivery section that faces towards the multi-way valve in order to hold back targets, measuring bodies and/or dummy targets in the direction of the multi-way valve.
The blocking device may also be realised by the multi-way valve itself.
According to an especially advantageous embodiment of the invention, the separation of the dummy targets from the actual targets or the separation of different target types may be effected magnetically. For that purpose, the targets or dummies or at least one target type comprise a magnetic material. Accordingly the device may comprise, along the delivery section, at least one holding magnet, for example at least one electromagnet or at least one switchable or slidably arranged permanent magnet. In this way, the activation of the at least one electromagnet enables the magnetic target bodies of a target chain intermediately parked in the delivery section to be held back, while the non-magnetic target bodies of the target chain may be transferred to another region of the line system or out of the line system.
Especially for removing a (sub-)quantity of dummy targets, targets or measuring bodies that has been isolated or is to be isolated, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the device may comprise an intermediate removal device in the reactor branch. Such an intermediate removal device preferably comprises, in the reactor branch, an intermediate removal valve into which connect a reactor-side section of the reactor branch, an intermediate removal section of the reactor branch extending in the direction of the multi-way valve, an exhaust gas line and an intermediate removal branch which forms an additional branch of the line system.
The intermediate removal valve is configured, in a first switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor-side section to the intermediate removal section of the reactor branch, in a second switch position the intermediate removal section of the reactor branch to the intermediate removal branch, and in a third switch position, for the purpose of reducing pressure, the intermediate removal section to the exhaust gas line. Preferably the intermediate removal valve is further configured, in a fourth switch position, to close off at least the intermediate removal section, preferably also the intermediate removal branch and/or the reactor-side section.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 19 -For separating a (sub-)quantity of dummy targets, targets or measuring bodies, the intermediate removal section may comprise an apex in the transition between a first and a second monotonically falling sub-section of the intermediate removal section, the first sub-section connecting into the intermediate removal valve. Preferably the length of the first sub-section corresponds to the chain length of the (sub-)quantity of dummy targets, targets or measuring bodies to be separated. By transferring the entire target chain into the intermediate removal section until it strikes against the (closing-off) intermediate removal valve, the (sub-)quantity of dummy targets, targets or measuring bodies to be separated or removed in that way collect in the first sub-section, while the (sub-)quantity that is not to be removed is located on the other side of the apex in the second sub-section. By switching the intermediate removal valve into the second switch position, the (sub-)quantity of dummy targets, targets or measuring bodies to be isolated or removed may then be transferred exclusively under the force of gravity into the intermediate removal branch, while the (sub-)quantity that is not to be removed remains in the second sub-section of the intermediate removal section. For that purpose the intermediate removal branch is preferably arranged in the vertical direction below the intermediate removal valve and preferably, in addition, comprises a monotonically falling structure at least along a section leading out of the intermediate removal valve.
The intermediate removal device described above advantageously makes it possible to dispense with dummy targets for the purpose of target positioning in the instrumentation finger. By means of the device according to the invention, the instrumentation finger may instead be filled with nuclide activation targets over its entire length. Targets which have been insufficiently activated on account, especially, of their terminal position in the instrumentation finger, may be separated from sufficiently activated targets and separately removed by means of the intermediate removal device described above and then introduced into the instrumentation finger again (preferably at a different position in the instrumentation finger having a higher power density) for the purpose of complete activation. For that purpose the partly activated targets may, for example, be transferred via the intermediate removal branch into a receiving vessel which in turn may be coupled to an introduction branch of the line system for fresh introduction into the instrumentation finger.
Alternatively the intermediate removal branch may also be connected to the introduction branch by a line.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 20 -If ¨ as described above ¨ the removal of the targets is effected via the storage branch serving as removal branch and optionally also as introduction branch, the device may comprise in one section of the storage branch, especially in the shielded section of the storage branch, at least one holding magnet, for example at least one electromagnet or at least one switchable or slidably arranged permanent magnet. In that way, separation of any dummy targets used from the actual targets or separation of different target types may be effected magnetically.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a shut-off valve, especially an emergency closure valve, in the reactor branch for gas-tight shutting-off of the reactor branch. In the event of a reactor-side leakage into the line system, the shut-off valve advantageously serves for immediately closing off the other parts of the line system that are associated with the regions of the device remote from the reactor and situated on the other side of the shut-off valve. In particular, regions outside the reactor may thereby be reliably separated from the region in the interior of the reactor, so that contamination of the region outside the reactor by boiling water, steam or the like from the reactor can be avoided. In that respect the shut-off valve provides a physical boundary between different operational safety classes, so that the parts of the device situated on the other side of the shut-off valve can be classified in a lower safety class. The shut-off valve therefore not only increases operational safety but also significantly reduces the outlay for safety measures for a large part of the device.
For detection of any leakages, the device may further comprise at least one humidity sensor and/or at least one pressure sensor. Preferably the at least one humidity sensor and/or the at least one pressure sensor is arranged in an exhaust gas line of the device.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device is configured for selective transfer of nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of a plurality of instrumentation fingers. For that purpose, the line system of the device may comprise for each instrumentation finger at least a reactor branch, a storage branch and a measuring branch and optionally a removal branch and/or optionally an introduction branch. The branches associated with each instrumentation finger preferably form a sub-line system.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 21 -All the advantages, features and special embodiments of the line system described above in respect of the use of an instrumentation finger are transferrable correspondingly to the branches associated with a respective instrumentation finger.
In one of the variants described above, the branches associated with each instrumentation finger may connect into a multi-way valve. In particular, just one multi-way valve of the kind described above may be provided for each sub-line system.
Another possibility, however, is for the device to have at least one multi-way valve into which the branches of at least two, especially just two, sub-line systems connect and which connects the branches of each of the sub-line systems to one another in the way described above. This advantageously saves space for the transport device. For example, the multi-way valve may be in the form of a rotary valve having a valve body and a rotatable control element, the valve body having at least six, especially just six, ports and the rotatable control element having at least a first and a second through-channel, especially exclusively one first and one second through-channel, which each run in a 1200 arc and are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another. Two reactor branches, two storage branches and two measuring branches may connect into such a multi-way valve, with one reactor branch, one storage branch and one measuring branch being associated with each of the instrumentation fingers and forming a sub-line system.
In different switch positions, the multi-way valve connects a reactor branch selectively to an associated storage branch or to an associated measuring branch.
Another possibility is for the device to have a multi-way valve block for serving a plurality of instrumentation fingers, which multi-way valve block comprises a plurality, especially at least two or three, preferably just two or just three, multi-way valves according to the present invention which are each configured for realising different switch positions. The multi-way valve block may especially comprise a plurality of valve bodies and a plurality of movable, especially displaceable or rotatable, control elements which are each accommodated, especially mounted, in one of the valve bodies and comprise one or more through-channels. A valve body and a control element accommodated therein realise a respective multi-way valve. Alternatively the multi-way valve block may also comprise a common valve body and a plurality of movable, especially displaceable 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 22 -or rotatable, control elements which are each accommodated, especially mounted, in the common valve body and each comprise one or more through-channels, with each of the plurality of control elements realising a multi-way valve.
Preferably in both configurations at least two, especially all, of the control elements are connected to one another in such a way that they are movable, especially displaceable or rotatable, in common into different switch positions, for example by a common actuator.
Each of the plurality of valve bodies or the common valve body of the multi-way valve block may comprise, for each realised multi-way valve, a plurality of ports at which the branches of a respective sub-line system connect into the multi-way valve block. In the different switch positions, the one or more through-channels of the associated control element connect the corresponding ports of the respective multi-way valve and accordingly different branches of a sub-line system.
For each of one or more of the reactor branches associated with an instrumentation finger, the device may further comprise an intermediate removal valve into which correspondingly connect a reactor-side section of the reactor branch, an intermediate removal section of the reactor branch extending in the direction of the multi-way valve, and an intermediate removal branch.
For transporting the measuring bodies and targets, the device may comprise a separate pneumatic or mechanical transport device for each of the sub-line systems or preferably a common pneumatic or mechanical transport device for all sub-line systems. In both variants the transportation of the measuring bodies and targets in the respective sub-line systems is preferably effected independently of one another.
Furthermore, the device may comprise a separate exhaust gas system for each of the sub-line systems or a common exhaust gas system for all sub-line systems which is connected to the sub-line systems via corresponding exhaust gas lines. In both variants the exhaust gas discharge for the respective sub-line systems is preferably effected independently of one another. For that purpose the exhaust gas device may comprise one or more gas valves for each sub-line system.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 23 -The device may comprise a shield along a respective section of the storage branches and/or a respective section of the measuring branches, especially along respective parking branches. The shield may be configured separately for each section of the storage branches and/or measuring branches. Preferably a common shield is provided along all sections of the storage branches to be shielded. In the same way, preferably a common shield is provided along all sections of the measuring branches to be shielded, especially along all parking sections.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a system for selectively carrying out nuclide activations and measurements by means of measuring bodies in an instrumentation finger of a nuclear reactor. The system comprises a device for transferring nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies in accordance with the present invention and as described above. The system further comprises a measuring device for determining a property of the measuring bodies that is variable by energetic excitation in the nuclear reactor, the measuring device being terminally coupled to the measuring branch of the device.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for activating nuclide activation targets and optionally for energetically exciting measuring bodies in an instrumentation finger of a nuclear reactor using a device for transferring the nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies in accordance with the present invention and as described above. The method comprises the following steps:
- introducing unirradiated nuclide activation targets into the line system of the device coupled to the instrumentation finger;
- transferring the unirradiated targets via the reactor branch to the instrumentation finger;
- holding the targets in the instrumentation finger for nuclide activation by irradiation.
The introduction of unirradiated targets may be effected, for example, via an introduction branch which at one end connects into the multi-way valve and at the other end is coupled to an introduction device. The targets may be transferred from the introduction branch directly to the reactor branch or alternatively indirectly via the storage branch, the targets first being transferred via the multi-way valve in the third switch position to the storage branch and then ¨ after switching-23892585.1 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 24 -over of the multi-way valve into the first switch position - from the storage branch via the multi-way valve to the reactor branch and further to the instrumentation finger.
Another possibility is for the introduction of unirradiated targets to take place via the storage branch. For that purpose, the storage branch may preferably ¨ as described hereinabove ¨ be coupled at its end remote from the multi-way valve to an introduction device from which the unirradiated targets are further transferred via the storage branch, the multi-way valve and the reactor branch to the instrumentation finger.
The transfer of the targets to the instrumentation finger is preferably effected pneumatically by means of transport gas.
If, optionally, a measurement, for example a ball measurement for determining the neutron flux in the reactor, is to be carried out, the method may further comprise the following steps:
- interrupting holding the targets in the instrumentation finger;
- transferring the targets from the instrumentation finger via the reactor branch and the multi-way valve to the storage branch for intermediate storage therein;
- transferring measuring bodies from a measuring device coupled to the measuring branch or from a parking section in the measuring branch to the instrumentation finger via the measuring branch, the multi-way valve and the reactor branch;
- holding he measuring bodies in the instrumentation finger for energetic excitation;
- transferring the measuring bodies from the instrumentation finger via the reactor branch, the multi-way valve and the measuring branch to the measuring device for determination of a property of the measuring bodies that is variable by the energetic excitation in the nuclear reactor;
- transferring the targets from the storage branch via the multi-way valve and the reactor branch to the instrumentation finger;
- continuing holding the targets in the instrumentation finger.
Before the transfer of the targets from the instrumentation finger to the storage branch, the multi-way valve is moved into the first switch position. After that transfer and before the transfer of the 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 25 -measuring bodies from the measuring device to the instrumentation finger, the multi-way valve is moved into the second switch position. After the return transfer of the measuring bodies to the measuring device and before the return transfer of the targets from the storage branch to the instrumentation finger, the multi-way valve is moved into the first switch position again.
Before and/or after the transfer of the measuring bodies to the measuring device, the measuring bodies may be intermediately parked in the measuring branch, especially in a parking section of the measuring branch. Preferably the device ¨ as described above ¨ comprises a shield against ionising radiation along the parking section.
For removal of the irradiated or activated targets, the method may further comprise the following steps:
- transferring the targets from the instrumentation finger to the reactor branch;
- transferring the irradiated targets from the reactor branch via the multi-way valve and the removal branch to a removal vessel coupled to the removal branch.
For the transfer from the reactor branch to the removal branch, the multi-way valve is moved into the third switch position.
As an alternative to direct transfer from the reactor branch to the removal branch, it is possible to transfer the irradiated targets from the reactor branch via the multi-way valve to the storage branch and subsequent transfer of the irradiated targets from the storage branch via the multi-way valve and the removal branch to a removal vessel coupled to the removal branch. For the transfer from the reactor branch to the storage branch, the multi-way valve is moved into the first switch position and, for the transfer from the storage branch to the removal branch, into the (alternative) third switch position.
Instead of removal via the separate removal branch, the irradiated or activated targets may also be removed via the storage branch. In that context the method may comprise the following steps:
- transferring the targets from the instrumentation finger to the reactor branch;
- transferring the irradiated targets from the reactor branch via the multi-way valve and the storage branch to a removal vessel coupled to the storage branch.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 26 -The two afore-mentioned steps may also take place in one step.
The nuclide activation targets may comprise as activatable matter, for example, 98-Mo (molybdenum), 176-Yb (ytterbium) and/or 51-V (vanadium).
Further details, features and advantages of the present invention will be found in the following description and the associated drawings which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for selectively transferring nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of an instrumentation finger of a nuclear reactor;
Fig. 2a-2g shows various switch positions of the multi-way valve used in the device according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for selectively transferring nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of an instrumentation finger of a nuclear reactor; and Fig. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for selectively transferring nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of a plurality of instrumentation fingers of a nuclear reactor; and Fig. 5 is a detail view of the multi-way valve used in the device according to Fig. 4.
Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for selectively transferring nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of an instrumentation finger 110 of a commercial nuclear reactor 100. The device 1 on the one hand allows the operational regulations for carrying out what are known as aeroball 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 27 -measurements, which serve for determining the power density distribution or the neutron flux in the reactor core, to be met and, on the other hand, allows the radiation emitted by the nuclear fuel rods 101 to be utilised for irradiating nuclide activation targets during the intermediate measurement-free periods.
According to the invention, the device 1 comprises a line system 2 for receiving and transporting the measuring bodies and targets, which line system comprises a plurality of line branches 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 which connect into a multi-way valve 60 and which, via the switchable multi-way valve 60, may be selectively brought into fluidic connection with one another. In the present exemplary embodiment, the line system 2 comprises a reactor branch 10, which is coupled to the instrumentation finger 110 via a terminal coupling 11 in the region of what is known as a cable bridge 130 of the nuclear reactor 100. The line system 2 further comprises a storage branch 20 for intermediate storage of the measuring bodies or targets and a measuring branch 30 which is coupled via a terminal coupling 31 to a measuring device 300, especially what is known as a measuring table, for example known from US 3 711 714, for determining the activity of the measuring bodies. Furthermore, the line system 2 comprises an introduction branch 50 which is couplable by means of a terminal coupling 51 to an introduction device 500, for example a transport vessel, in order to introduce fresh, unirradiated targets into the line system 2. For removal of irradiated targets, the line system 2 further comprises a removal branch 40 via which the irradiated targets may be transferred to a removal vessel 400.
All the branches 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 of the line system connect node-like into the multi-way valve 60. In addition, an exhaust gas line 88 for discharging transport gas connects into the multi-way valve 60. Fig. 2a-2g show details of the multi-way valve 60 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The switchable multi-way valve 60 is configured, in a first switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor branch 10 to the storage branch 20 (Fig.
2a), in a second switch position the reactor branch 10 to the measuring branch 30 (Fig. 2b), in a third switch position the reactor branch 10 to the removal branch 40 (Fig. 2c), in a fourth switch position the storage branch 20 to the measuring branch 30 (Fig. 2d), in a fifth switch position the introduction branch 50 to the storage branch 20 (Fig. 2e) and in a sixth switch position the reactor branch 10 to the exhaust gas line 88 (Fig. 2f). Furthermore, the multi-way valve 60 is configured, in a 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 28 -seventh switch position (Fig. 2g), to fluidically decouple all the branches 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 that connect into the multi-way valve 60 and the exhaust gas line 88 from one another.
As can be seen from Fig. 2a-2g, the multi-way valve 60 according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured as a multi-way rotary valve, especially as a 6/7-way rotary valve, which comprises a control element 66 mounted rotatably and sealingly in a valve body 67. The reactor branch 10, the storage branch 20, the measuring branch 30, the removal branch 40, the introduction branch 50 and the exhaust gas line 88 connect into the valve body 67 via ports uniformly distributed around the circumference. In the present exemplary embodiment, the fluidic connections established between the different branches 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and the exhaust gas line 88 are formed by three through-channels 63, 64, 65 in the control element 66, which through-channels run perpendicular to the rotational axis of the control element 66, that is to say parallel to the rotational plane of the control element 66. A first through-channel 63 runs in a straight line approximately centrally through the rotational axis of the control element 66.
A second through-channel 64 runs in a 120 degree arc offset laterally symmetrically with respect to the first through-channel 63. A third through-channel 65 runs secant-like through the control element 66, especially offset asymmetrically with respect to the first through-channel 63, opposite the second through-channel 64. In the first switch position, the second through-channel 64 connects the reactor branch 10 to the storage branch 20 (Fig. 2a). In the second switch position, the second through-channel 64 likewise connects the reactor branch 10 to the measuring branch 30 (Fig. 2b).
In the third switch position, the first through-channel 63 connects the reactor branch 10 to the removal branch 40 (Fig. 2c). In the fourth switch position, the second through-channel 64 connects the storage branch 20 to the measuring branch 30 (Fig. 2d). In the fifth switch position, the first through-channel 63 connects the introduction branch 50 to the storage branch 20 (Fig. 2e). In the sixth switch position, the third through-channel 65 connects the reactor branch 10 to the exhaust gas line 88 (Fig. 2f). In the seventh switch position, none of the three through-channels 63, 64, 65 is in fluidic connection with any of the branches 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or the exhaust gas line 88. For rotating the control element, that is to say for switching between the different switch positions, the multi-way valve 60 may comprise an actuator, especially a servo motor (not shown herein).
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 29 -While the first and second through-channels 63, 64 are configured for the passage of targets and measuring bodies, the third through-channel 65 is configured exclusively for the passage of transport gas. Accordingly, the diameter of the first and second through-channels 63, 64 corresponds substantially to the diameter of the branches 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and is slightly larger than the diameter of the targets and measuring bodies. In comparison, the diameter of the third through-channel 65 is smaller than the diameter of the branches 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and smaller than the diameter of the targets and measuring bodies. In that way, undesired passage of the targets and measuring bodies through the third through-channel 65 is prevented.
For pneumatically transporting the measuring bodies and targets, the device 1 comprises a pneumatic transport device 90. As transport gas there is preferably used nitrogen which is provided by a transport gas source 99. Leading out of the transport gas source 99 there is a first transport gas line 92 which, for pneumatic transportation of the measuring bodies and targets out of the storage branch 20 in the direction of the multi-way valve 60, is terminally coupled to the storage branch 20. Also leading out of the transport gas source 99 there is a second transport gas line 91 which, for pneumatic transportation of the measuring bodies and targets out of the instrumentation finger 110 via the reactor branch 10 in the direction of the multi-way valve 60, is coupled to the instrumentation finger 110 via a reactor-side finger gas line 120. The coupling to the finger gas line 110 is likewise effected at the cable bridge 130 of the nuclear reactor 100.
Furthermore, leading out of the transport gas source 99 via the second transport gas line 91 and a 3/2-way gas valve 96 there is a third transport gas line 93 which, for pneumatic transportation of the measuring bodies out of the measuring device 300 via the measuring branch 30 in the direction of the multi-way valve 60, is terminally coupled to the measuring device 300. For pneumatic transportation of the targets from the introduction device 500 to the introduction branch 50 there is provided a fourth transport gas line 95 which is terminally coupled to the introduction device 50. In the present exemplary embodiment the fourth transport gas line 95 branches off from the first transport gas line 92 and may be closed off with respect thereto by means of a gas valve 94.
For reducing pressure or discharging transport gas, the device 1 comprises an exhaust gas device 80 which, in addition to the exhaust gas line 88, comprises further exhaust gas lines. A
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 30 -first (further) exhaust gas line 82 branches off from the first transport gas line 92 via a 3/2-way gas valve 97 in the terminal region and serves for discharging transport gas from the storage branch 10. Two further exhaust gas lines 81, 83 branch off from the second and third transport gas lines 91, 93, respectively, and serve for discharging transport gas from the instrumentation finger 110 and the measuring device 300, respectively. The two exhaust gas lines 81, 83 are each guided into the exhaust gas line 88 via a 3/2-way gas valve 87. The exhaust gas line 88 and accordingly also the two exhaust gas lines 81, 83 and the exhaust gas line 82 end in an exhaust gas filter 89 in which the discharged transport gas is freed of any possible contamination.
For activation of targets in the instrumentation finger, the device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment may be operated as follows. By opening the valve 94, unirradiated targets held in the introduction vessel 500 are transferred via the introduction branch by means of transport gas from the vessel 500 via the introduction branch 50 and the multi-way valve 60 to the storage branch 20. For that purpose the multi-way valve 60 is in the fifth switch position. For reducing the transport gas pressure in the storage branch 20, the storage branch 20 is connected to the exhaust gas filter 89 via the valve 97 and the exhaust gas line 82.
Measuring bodies already present in the system are at this point in time preferably located in the measuring device 300.
Once the transfer of the targets to the storage branch 20 is complete, the valve 94 is closed and the multi-way valve 60 is switched into the first switch position in order to connect the storage branch 20 to the reactor branch 10. By switching over the valve 97, transport gas from the first transport gas line 92 is then let into the storage branch 20 in order to transfer the intermediately parked targets from there to the instrumentation finger 110 via the multi-way valve 60 and the reactor branch 20 via the opened magnetic stop 112. For reducing the transport gas pressure in the instrumentation finger 110, the latter is connected to the exhaust gas filter 89 via the transport gas line 91, the exhaust gas line 81, the valve 87 and the exhaust gas line 88.
For activation of the targets, that is to say conversion of the targets into radionuclides, the targets are held in the instrumentation finger, typically for a period of from several days to several weeks.
If, during that time, operational safety regulations necessitate, for example, an aeroball measurement, the targets may be temporarily intermediately parked in the storage branch 20. For that purpose transport gas is let into the finger gas line 120 via the transport gas line 91 in reverse 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 31 -order by closing the valve 87 and opening the valve 96, with the result that the partly activated targets are transferred from the instrumentation finger 110 to the storage branch 20 via the reactor branch 10 and the multi-way valve 60. For reducing pressure in the storage branch 20, the latter is in turn connected to the exhaust gas filter 89 via the valve 97 and the exhaust gas line 82. For reasons of radiation protection, that section 22 of the storage branch 20 in which the partly irradiated targets are intermediately parked, is preferably ¨ as shown in Fig.
1 ¨ provided with a shield 23 against ionising radiation.
For the upcoming aeroball measurement, the multi-way valve 60 is then moved into the second switch position. Transport gas is then let into the measuring device 300 via the valve 96 and the transport gas line 93 in order to transfer the measuring bodies to the instrumentation finger 110 via the measuring branch 30, the multi-way valve 60 and the reactor branch 10.
For reducing pressure in the instrumentation finger 110, the latter is in turn connected to the exhaust gas filter 89 via the transport gas line 91, the exhaust gas line 81, the valve 87 and the exhaust gas line 88. Once irradiation of the measuring bodies is complete, by closing the valve 87 and opening the valve 96 the measuring bodies are transferred by means of transport gas from the instrumentation finger 110 back to the measuring device 300 in reverse order via the reactor branch 10, the multi-way valve 60 and the measuring branch 30. In the measuring device it is possible to measure the activity of the irradiated measuring bodies for determination of the power density profile of the reactor. For the purpose of reducing pressure, during the return transfer of the measuring bodies the measuring device 300 is connected to the exhaust gas filter 89 via the transport gas line 93, the exhaust gas line 83, the valve 87 and the exhaust gas line 88.
As soon as the measuring bodies are located in the measuring device 300, the activation of the partly irradiated targets may be continued. For that purpose the targets ¨ in accordance with the procedure already described hereinabove ¨ are transferred from the storage branch 20 back to the instrumentation finger 110.
Once the activation of the targets is complete, for the purpose of removal from the line system the targets are first transferred to the monotonically falling delivery section 12 of the reactor branch 10, the length of which section corresponds at least to the length of the chain of targets arranged in a row one after the other in the line system. For that purpose the valve 87 is closed 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 32 -and the valve 96 is opened in order to let transport gas into the instrumentation finger 110 via the transport gas line 91 and the finger gas line 120. For reducing pressure in the reactor branch 10, the multi-way valve 60 is in the sixth switch position in order to connect the reactor branch 10 to the exhaust gas line 88 and the exhaust gas filter 89. In that switch position the targets are held back by the multi-way valve 60 acting as a stop. Once the transport gas supply has been closed via the valve 96 and the reduction in pressure in the reactor branch 10 is complete, the multi-way valve 60 is moved into the third switch position, with the result that the reactor branch 10 is connected to the removal branch 40. In that way the targets may be transferred pressurelessly and exclusively under the force of gravity from the monotonically falling delivery section 12 of the reactor branch 10 via the multi-way valve 60 and via the likewise monotonically falling removal branch 40 arranged vertically therebelow to the allocated removal vessel 400.
In the present exemplary embodiment, the device 1 comprises a shut-off valve 42 in the removal branch 40 for gas-tight shutting-off of the removal branch 40. This advantageously minimises the risk of contamination.
As can also be seen from Fig. 1, the device 1 has a shut-off valve 4 in the reactor branch 10 for gas-tight shutting-off of the reactor branch 10. In the event of a reactor-side leakage into the line system 2, the shut-off valve 4 advantageously serves for immediately closing off the other parts of the line system that are associated with the regions of the device 1 remote from the reactor and situated on the other side of the shut-off valve 4.
For separating any dummy targets used it is possible ¨ as explained hereinabove and likewise shown in Fig. 1 ¨ for one or more electromagnets 7 to be arranged along the delivery section 12, which electromagnets serve for holding magnetic targets or dummy targets in place.
Fig. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the transfer device 1 according to the invention which differs from the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 essentially only by the additional presence of an intermediate removal device 70 in the reactor branch 10 and therefore only that difference will be discussed below. Otherwise in Fig. 1 and 3 the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar features in respect of both embodiments.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 33 -The intermediate removal device 70 present in the second exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 3 comprises an intermediate removal valve 71 into which connect a reactor-side section 13 of the reactor branch 12, an intermediate removal section 14 of the reactor branch 10 extending in the direction of the multi-way valve 60, an intermediate removal branch 72 and an exhaust gas line 85. The exhaust gas line 85 is connected to the exhaust gas filter 89 via the exhaust gas line 88. In a first switch position the intermediate removal valve 71 connects the reactor-side section 13 to the intermediate removal section 14 of the reactor branch 10, in a second switch position the intermediate removal section 14 to the intermediate removal branch 72, and in a third switch position, for the purpose of reducing pressure, the intermediate removal section 14 to the exhaust gas line 85. In a fourth switch position the intermediate removal valve 71 effects complete shut-off.
For separating a (sub-)quantity of dummy targets or targets, the intermediate removal section 14 has an apex 17 in the transition between a first and a second monotonically falling sub-section 15, 16. By transferring the entire target chain into the intermediate removal section 14 until it strikes against the (closing-off) intermediate removal valve 71, the (sub-)quantity of dummy targets or targets to be separated or removed collect in the first sub-section 15, while the (sub-)quantity that is not to be removed is located on the other side of the apex 17 in the second sub-section 16. By switching over into the second switch position, the (sub-)quantity to be separated -- or removed may be transferred under the force of gravity to the intermediate removal branch 72 and further to an intermediate removal vessel 700, while the (sub-)quantity that is not to be removed remains in the second sub-section 16. From there the (sub-)quantity that is not to be removed may be transferred purposively to a different location in the line system 2.
Fig. 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the transfer device 1001 according to the invention which differs from the exemplary embodiments according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 in that the line system associated with an instrumentation finger does not comprise a separate introduction branch and removal branch which each connect into the multi-way valve.
Instead, in this exemplary embodiment the introduction of the unirradiated targets and the removal of the irradiated or activated targets in each case take place via the storage branch 1020a, 1020b associated with an instrumentation finger. For that purpose, the storage branch 1020a, 1020b 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 34 -associated with a respective instrumentation finger may be coupled at its end remote from the multi-way valve to a combined introduction/removal device which comprises a shielding transfer vessel 1400. From that vessel 1400, unirradiated targets may be introduced into the storage branch, for example by means of compressed air, and vice versa, after the irradiation, activated -- targets may be delivered from the storage branch to the transfer vessel 1400. As in the first and second exemplary embodiments, the storage branches 1020a, 1020b associated with a respective instrumentation finger comprise a shielded section 1022a, 1022b in which targets may be stored intermediately. In the present case the transfer device comprises for that purpose a common shield 1023 against ionising radiation which surrounds the shielded -- sections 1022a, 1022b of all storage branches.
In the end region in front of the coupling, each storage branch 1020a, 1020b may further comprise a blocking device (not shown), for example a magnetically operable stop, for example a pin, peg or bolt, for blocking the transport path through the storage branch. In addition, in the storage -- branches 1020a, 1020b, especially in the shielded sections 1022a, 1022b, there may be arranged electromagnets (not shown) which serve for holding magnetic targets or dummy targets in place and accordingly enable targets and dummy targets to be separated.
By dispensing with separate removal and introduction branches, a single multi-way valve may -- advantageously be used to serve a plurality of instrumentation fingers. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 4, two instrumentation fingers 1110a, 1110b are served by a single multi-way valve 1060. As shown in detail especially in Fig. 5, the multi-way valve 1060 according to the present exemplary embodiment is in the form of a rotary valve which comprises a valve body 1067 having six ports and a control element 1066 rotatably mounted therein. In the control -- element 1066 there are provided a first through-channel 1068 and a second through-channel 1069 which each run in a 120 arc and are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another. Two reactor branches 1010a, 1010b, two storage branches 1020a, 1020b and two measuring branches 1030a, 1030b are connected to respective oppositely located ports, with one reactor branch 1010a, 1010b, one storage branch 1020a, 1020b and one measuring -- branch 1030a, 1030b being associated with each of the instrumentation fingers 1110a, 1110b and in that respect forming a sub-line system 1002a, 1002b. In different switch positions, this 23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001

- 35 -multi-way valve 1060 connects a reactor branch 1010a, 1010b selectively to an associated storage branch 1020a, 1020b or to an associated measuring branch 1030a, 1030b.
In addition, an exhaust gas line for removing gas from the valve body connects into the multi-way valve.
Furthermore, the transfer device 1001 according to Fig. 4 differs from those of Fig. 1 and 3 in that the device 1001 comprises, in the measuring branches 1030a, 1030b, respective parking sections 1032a, 1032b for intermediate parking of the measuring bodies or targets. In addition, the device 1001 comprises a shield 1033 against ionising radiation along the parking sections 1032a, 1032b. This provides an alternative way of intermediately parking the measuring bodies in the parking section 1032a, 1032b associated with a respective instrumentation finger 1110a, 1110b under shielded conditions during those periods in which no measurement is being carried out. In the end region of the parking sections 1032a, 1032b remote from the multi-way valve 1060, a respective blocking device or holding device (not shown) may be provided, for example a magnetically operable stop or an electromagnet, in order to block the transport path from the parking sections 1032a, 1032b to the sections of the measuring branches 1030a, 1030b remote from the multi-way valve 1060 and thus hold the measuring bodies in the parking sections 1032a, 1032b, for example under the action of gravity against a mechanical stop or against a magnetic holding force.
Like the devices according to Fig. 1 and 3, the transfer device 1001 according to Fig. 4 also comprises a shut-off valve 1004a, 1004b in each of the reactor branches 1010a, 1010b for gas-tight shutting-off of the respective reactor branch 1010a, 1010b. Similarly, the transfer device 1001 according to Fig. 4, like the two other embodiments, comprises a preferably common pneumatic transport device 1090 and a preferably common exhaust gas device 1080 for transporting the measuring bodies and targets through the sub-line systems 1002a, 1002b.
23892585i Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-23

Claims

CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001 CLAIMS:

1.
Device (1, 1001) for selectively transferring nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies into and out of at least one instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b) of a nuclear reactor (100; 1100), the device (1, 1001) comprising:
- a line system (2, 1002a, 1002b) for receiving and transporting the measuring bodies and targets, comprising a reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) having a terminal coupling (11) for coupling to the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b), a storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) for intermediate storage of the measuring bodies or targets, and a measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b) having a terminal coupling (31) for coupling to a measuring device (300, 1300) for determining a property of the measuring bodies that is variable by energetic excitation in the nuclear reactor;
- a switchable multi-way valve (60, 1060) into which directly connect, node-like, at least the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b), the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) and the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b) and which is configured, in a first switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) to the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) and, in a second switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) to the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b);
- a pneumatic or mechanical transport device (90, 1090) for transporting the measuring bodies and targets.

2.
Device (1, 1001) according to claim 1, wherein the line system (2) comprises a removal branch (40) for removing irradiated targets.

3. Device (1, 1001) according to claim 2, wherein the removal branch (40) connects directly into the switchable multi-way valve (60), and the multi-way valve (60) is further configured, in a third switch position, to fluidically connect the removal branch (40) to the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) or to the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b).

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the removal branch (40) is arranged in the vertical direction below the multi-way valve (60).

5.
Device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (1, 1001) Date recue/ date received 2022-02-18 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001 comprises a shield (23, 1023) against ionising radiation, at least along a section (22) of the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b).

6. Device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the device (1, 1001) comprises a parking section (1032a, 1032b) in the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b) for intermediate parking of the measuring bodies or targets.

7. Device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device (1, 1001) comprises a shield (1023) against ionising radiation, at least along a section (1032a, 1032b) of the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b).

8. Device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein for introducing unirradiated targets or removing irradiated targets the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) comprises a terminal coupling (1021a, 1021b) for coupling to a device selected from the group consisting of an introduction device, a removal device, anda combined introduction/removal device (1400).

9. Device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the multi-way valve (60) is further configured, in a fourth switch position, to fluidically connect the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) to the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b).

10. Device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the line system (2, 1002a, 1002b) further comprises an introduction branch (50) having a terminal coupling (51) for coupling to an introduction device (500) for introducing unirradiated targets, wherein the introduction branch (50) connects directly into the multi-way valve (60), and the multi-way valve (60) is further configured, in a fifth switch position, to fluidically connect the introduction branch (50) to the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) or to the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b).

11. Device (1, 1001) according to any one claims 1 to 10, further comprising an exhaust gas device (80, 1080) for discharging transport gas from a branch selected from the group consisting of the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b), the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) and the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b), wherein the exhaust Date recue/ date received 2022-02-18 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001 gas device (80) comprises an exhaust gas line (88) which connects directly into the multi-way valve (60, 1060), and the multi-way valve (60, 1060) is further configured, in a sixth switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) to the exhaust gas line (88).

12. Device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device (1, 1001) comprises a shut-off valve (4, 1004a, 1004b) in the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) for gas-tight shutting-off of the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b).

13. Device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device (1, 1001) comprises, in the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b), an intermediate removal valve (71) into which connect a reactor-side section (13) of the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b), an intermediate removal section (14) of the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) extending in the direction of the multi-way valve (60, 1060), and an intermediate removal branch (72), wherein the intermediate removal valve (71) is configured, in a first switch position, to fluidically connect the reactor-side section (13) to the intermediate removal section (14) and, in a second switch position, to fluidically connect the intermediate removal section (14) to the intermediate removal branch (72).

14. Device (1, 1001) according to claim 13, wherein the intermediate removal section (14) comprises an apex (17) in the transition between a first and a second monotonically falling sub-section (15, 16) of the intermediate removal section (14), wherein the first sub-section (15) connects into the intermediate removal valve (71).

15. Device (1, 1001) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the intermediate removal branch (72) is arranged in the vertical direction below the intermediate removal valve (71).

16. Method for activating nuclide activation targets and for energetically exciting measuring bodies in an instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b) of a nuclear reactor (100, 1100) using a device (1, 1001) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for transferring the nuclide activation targets and measuring bodies, the method comprising the following steps:
- introducing unirradiated nuclide activation targets into the line system (2, 1002a, 1002b) Date recue/ date received 2022-02-18 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001 of the device (1, 1001) coupled to the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b);
- transferring the unirradiated targets via the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) to the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b);
- holding the targets in the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b) for nuclide activation by irradiation.

17. Method according to claim 16, further comprising:
- interrupting holding the targets in the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b);
- transferring the targets from the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b) via the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) and the multi-way valve (60, 1060) to the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) for intermediate storage therein;
- transferring measuring bodies from a measuring device (300, 1300) coupled to the measuring branch or from a parking section in the measuring branch to the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b) via the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b), the multi-way valve (60, 1060) and the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b);
- holding the measuring bodies in the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b) for energetic excitation;
- transferring the measuring bodies from the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b) via the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b), the multi-way valve (60, 1060) and the measuring branch (30, 1030a, 1030b) to the measuring device (300, 1300) for determination of a property of the measuring bodies that is variable by the energetic excitation in the nuclear reactor;
- transferring the targets from the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) via the multi-way valve (60, 1060) and the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) to the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b);
- continuing holding he targets in the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b).

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising:
- transferring the targets from the instrumentation finger (110, 1110a, 1110b) to the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b);
- transferring the irradiated targets from the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) via the multi-way valve (60, 1060) and the removal branch (40) to a removal vessel (400) Date recue/ date received 2022-02-18 CA Application Blakes Ref.: 23211/00001 coupled to the removal branch (40) or transferring the irradiated targets from the reactor branch (10, 1010a, 1010b) via the multi-way valve (60, 1060) and the storage branch (20, 1020a, 1020b) to a removal vessel (450) coupled to the storage branch (40).
Date recue/ date received 2022-02-18