CA3162762A1

CA3162762A1 - Isol uranium target transfer device

Info

Publication number: CA3162762A1
Application number: CA3162762A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Bohyun JO; Byungju Lee; Hyeonsu SEO; Youngho SHIM; Hohyeon LEE
Original assignee: Kepco Nuclear Fuel Co Ltd
Current assignee: Kepco Nuclear Fuel Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-28
Filing date: 2020-07-21
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Also published as: KR102153117B1; WO2021107322A1; CH718388B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer device which can safely transfer a uranium target, which is to be transferred, by solving a problem caused by physical or chemical properties of the uranium target. The transfer device comprises: an external case, at least one surface of which is open; a cover part which can open or close the open surface of the external case; a fastening part for fastening and fixing the external case and the cover part; a fixing part which is formed inside the external case and fixes an object to be transferred; and a pressure management part formed outside the external case and including a port communicating with a space inside the external case.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention: ISOL URANIUM TARGET TRANSFER DEVICE
Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to a uranium carbide (hereinafter referred to as a uranium target) transfer device, the uranium carbide being an ISOL target material.
Defect-free uranium carbide (UCx), which is suitable for a specification as the target material, is used for an Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) device of a heavy ion accelerator facility. Uranium carbide has advantages in that fissile atom density and thermal conductivity are great compared to uranium oxide but has disadvantages in that it is easily oxidized in the air by water and oxygen and reacts rapidly with water vapor to ignite. Therefore, an ISOL uranium target transfer device according to the present disclosure relates to a device that may simultaneously prevent oxidation and safely transfer uranium carbide manufactured in a nuclear material manufacturing facility to the heavy ion accelerator facility without physical damage.
Background Art

[0002] An ISOL uranium target is for the development of a linear accelerator that provides a heavy ion beam having Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 the world's largest high energy (200 MeV/u) and high current (400 kW) and refers to a uranium target independently designed to simultaneously apply an Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) process and an In-flight Fragmentation (IF) process, which are rare isotope generation processes, for the first time in the world. Here, the ISOL device is for producing various types of Rare Isotope (RI) beams through proton-induced fission by a proton beam (70 MeV and 10 kW) being incident onto a target material. With reference to FIG. 2, the data and shape of the ISOL uranium target may be confirmed.

[0003] In order to utilize a disc-shaped and flawless uranium target, which is an ISOL target material manufactured at a nuclear material manufacturing facility, for basic scientific research on a heavy ion accelerator, transferring the uranium target from the place where the uranium target was manufactured to the heavy ion accelerator device safely in radiation, physical, and chemical safety aspects is an essential task. However, the uranium target may be oxidized or ignited by reacting with moisture in the atmosphere and have a risk of being easily deformed or damaged due to a low ratio of T/D (thickness: 1.3 mm and diameter: 50 mm), low density (19.5%TD), and large porosity (70%).

[0004] As a container configured to accommodate and store disk-shaped objects, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1129486 "Substrate storage container" has been disclosed, but this Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 does not take into account the characteristics of the uranium target as described above. Therefore, the related art has a problem in that it is difficult to safely transfer a uranium target physically or chemically.

[0005] In addition, to protect the uranium target and prevent leakage of uranium material, requirements for sealing of the container are essential. However, the conventional technology for a container having a sealing function is simply focused on the sealing function itself, and does not consider a special purpose such as transfer of a uranium target.

[0006] Therefore, in order to physically and chemically transfer uranium carbide, the target material, safely, there is a need for a transfer device that comprehensively considers the loading and unloading of the target material, and the shape, radiation, and physical or chemical characteristics of the target.
Disclosure Technical Problem

[0007] Accordingly, the present disclosure has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art. With respect to a problem that it is difficult for a storage container or an airtight container according to the related art to store or transfer a target material such as uranium carbide, an objective of the present disclosure is to Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 provide a transfer device that prevents deformation, breakage, and oxidation of a target material such as uranium carbide.
Technical Solution

[0008] In order to accomplish the above objective, the present disclosure provides an ISOL uranium target transfer device, the transfer device including: an external housing with one side open; a cover member for opening or closing the open side of the external housing; a fastening member configured to fasten and fix the external housing and the cover member to each other; a fixing member provided inside the external housing and configured to fix an object to be transferred; and a pressure management member provided outside the external housing and having a port communicating with a space inside the external housing.

[0009] The port may include: a pressure check port connected to a shut-off valve or a detachable pressure gauge;
and a connection port provided with an inlet or outlet and connected to a 3-way valve.

[0010] In addition, the transfer device may further include a hollow internal housing positioned inside the external housing, having an outer surface coupled to and fixed by the fixing member.

[0011] In addition, a portion of the external housing or of the cover member may be formed to be transparent, thereby Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 the inside of the external housing being observable from the outside.

[0012] In addition, the cover member may include a protrusion part protruding toward the inside of the external housing, the protrusion part having a flat surface.

[0013] In addition, the hollow internal housing may be formed with an elastic or soft material to protect a uranium target from an external impact.

[0014] In addition, the transfer device may further include a special container for the target inserted into the hollow internal housing, brought in contact with the protrusion part when the cover member is fastened to the external housing, formed of a carbon material, and capable of loading the uranium target.

[0015] In addition, the special container for the target may be loaded with an Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) uranium target designed to simultaneously apply an Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) process and an In-flight Fragmentation (IF) process, which are rare isotope generation processes.

[0016] In addition, when the transfer device performs a uranium target transfer operation, a pressure of the inert gas charged at a pressure of 1.2 kg/cm2 inside the transfer device may be maintained for 48 hours.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 Advantageous Effects

[0017] As described above, the uranium target transfer device according to the present disclosure prevents oxidation of the uranium target in a process of transferring the uranium target designed with special specifications and characteristics and has an effect of safely transferring the uranium target without fear of deformation, deterioration, or damage thereof.
Description of Drawings

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a uranium target transfer device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is fastened.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating data or a shape of a uranium target according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows views schematically illustrating a shape of a special container (graphite container) for the uranium target according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating a configuration of the uranium target transfer device.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows views illustrating a shape of a fixing member and a state in which an internal housing is fixed to the fixing member.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24

[0023] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a pressure management member.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows views illustrating an inner compartment of the uranium target transfer device and the special container for the target.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows views illustrating a cover member of the uranium target transfer device.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a uranium target transfer process according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
Best Mode

[0027] The specific structural or functional descriptions presented in embodiments of the present disclosure are only exemplified for a purpose of explaining the embodiments according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the embodiments according to the concept of the present disclosure may take various forms. In addition, the descriptions presented in embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24

[0028] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or coupled to another component, but other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "indirectly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that no other element is present therebetween.

[0029] Terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. A
singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030]
Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating data or a shape of a uranium target, which is an object to be transferred, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. For the development of a linear accelerator that provides a heavy ion beam having the world's largest high energy (200 MeV/u) and high current (400 kW), the uranium target is independently designed to simultaneously apply an Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) process and an In-flight Fragmentation (IF) process, which are rare isotope generation processes, for the first time in the world.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24

[0032]
According to FIG. 2, the uranium target may be provided in a shape of a thin disk on the basis of the data of 50 mm in diameter, 1.3 mm in thickness, 2.5 g/cm3 in density, and 70% of porosity. However, the uranium target is not limited by the above numerical values or the contents indicated in FIG. 2.

[0033] A
ratio of using uranium and carbon (graphite) of the uranium target, the diameter of the target, or the like may be changed appropriately by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs (hereinafter referred to as "those skilled in the art") in order to increase the probability of occurrence of rare isotopes.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows views schematically illustrating a shape of a special container for the uranium target according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The special container 180 for the target is used for heat treatment or storage of the uranium target and, as a container that may be loaded in a heavy ion accelerator device, may also be used for manufacturing and transferring the uranium target. The uranium target, which is the object to be transferred, according to the present disclosure is transferred in a state loaded in the special container 180 for the target. The special container 180 for the target may include a guide in a portion in which the uranium target is loaded in order to Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 prevent deformation or damage of the uranium target during the heat treatment for manufacturing the uranium target. In this case, in order to prevent impurities from being introduced into the uranium target, a material of the special container 180 for the target may be formed in carbon (graphite).

[0035]
However, the shape or material of the special container 180 for the target is not limited to those indicated in FIG. 3. The shape or material of the special container 180 for the target may be changed according to changes in the material, shape (diameter, thickness, density, and the number of targets to be loaded), or the like of the uranium target.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a state in which a uranium target transfer device 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a "transfer device") according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is fastened may be confirmed. The transfer device 100 includes an external housing 110 and a cover member 150. The external housing 110 may be provided in a cylindrical shape with one side open and may include a handle 111, a support member 112, a fastening member 140, and a pressure management member 130.

[0037] The external housing 110 provides a space configured to accommodate the special container 180 for the target, and an open entrance of the external housing 110 is closed by the cover member 150. The external housing 110 and Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 the cover member 150 are coupled and fixed to each other by the fastening member 140 to seal an inner space of the external housing 110. A material of the external housing 110 has enough strength to maintain its shape in a state in which a vacuum or a predetermined positive pressure is provided inside.
Therefore, a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum may be appropriate as the material of the external housing 110.

[0038] The handle 111 may be provided in a "C" shape and attached to an outer surface of the external housing 110. The handle 111 may be provided on an upper portion of the external housing 110 so that a user may easily transfer the transfer device 100 and may be provided in plural as necessary.
However, the shape of the handle 111 is not limited to the "C" shape and includes a shape that may be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art to make the transfer of the transfer device 100 convenient.

[0039] The support member 112 is positioned under the external housing 110 and is provided to support a lower surface of the external housing 110. The support member 112 provides stable support so that the external housing 110 does not move when the external housing 110 is put down on a ground surface. Therefore, the support member 112 is provided to support the wide ground surface and, at the same time, support the lower surface of the external housing 110 with a portion Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 for accommodating the outer peripheral surface of the external housing 110. The support member 112 may be provided in a shape that may be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art according to the shape of the lower surface of the external housing 110.

[0040] The fastening member 140 may be provided adjacent to a portion of the open entrance of the external housing 110 and may include a flange, a hinge 141, and a butterfly nut 142. The flange is provided to be fixed along an outer circumferential surface of the entrance of the external housing 110, provided with grooves at regular intervals on an edge thereof, and includes a hinge 141 in the groove. While being fixed to the flange, the hinge 141 is connected to one end of the butterfly nut 142. Accordingly, the butterfly nut 142 is able to be attached to and detached from the groove provided at the edge of the flange by being rotated by the hinge 141.

[0041] At a time when the cover member 150 is fastened, the butterfly nut 142 is rotated and fitted into the groove provided on the edge of the cover member 150, and then the entrance of the external housing 110 may be sealed with the cover member 150 by tightening the butterfly nut 142. A
specific structure and shape of the fastening member 140 may include other structures and shapes that, while satisfying a Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 sealing function, may be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art.

[0042] The pressure management member 130 is provided outside the external housing 110 and may include a port 131, a valve 132, and a pressure gauge 133. The port 131 is provided with a pressure check port 131a and a connection port 131b. The pressure management member 130 provides a function of injecting gas into the inner space of the external housing 110 to apply pressure, conversely providing a vacuum, or checking the internal pressure.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 6, a detailed appearance of the pressure management member 130 is illustrated. The pressure check port 131a and the connection port 131b are in communication with the inner space of the external housing 110, so that the gas may pass through. The pressure check port 131a is connected to the pressure gauge 133, and the connection port 131b is connected to the valve 132 and provided with an inlet 134 or an outlet 135.

[0044] The pressure gauge 133 is a device configured to check the internal pressure of the external housing 110.
While the special container 180 for the target loaded with the uranium target is loaded into the transfer device 100, an inert gas (argon and the like) is charged into the transfer device 100 at constant pressure, and during the transfer Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 process, the pressure gauge 133 may be used to check whether the inert gas leaks to the outside of the transfer device 100.

[0045] Here, a shut-off valve may be further included between the pressure check port 131a and the pressure gauge 133. In the process of loading the special container 180 for the target into the transfer device 100, the inside of the transfer device 100 may be placed in a vacuum state. At this time, the pressure gauge 133 may be damaged in the vacuum state, so in order to block the effect of the vacuum state, the shut-off valve may be provided between the pressure check port 131a and the pressure gauge 133.

[0046] The inlet 134 of the connection port 131b is the inlet configured to inject gas, and the outlet 135 is an outlet configured to take out the gas inside the external housing 110. Therefore, a line configured to inject gas and a line configured to take out the gas may be connected to the connection port 131b at the same time to be used. Through this, the general air remaining in the connection port 131b itself is prevented from flowing into the inside of the external housing 110.

[0047] Here, the valve 132 installed in the connection port 131b may include a 3-way valve. Accordingly, the inlet 134 or the outlet 135 line may be selectively closed, or the inlet 134 and the outlet 135 line may be closed together.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24

[0048] The process of putting the special container 180 for the target into the transfer device 100 includes a process of providing a vacuum state inside the external housing 110 and a process of filling the inside of the external housing 110 with an inert gas. In consideration of the above process, the connection port 131b is provided with the inlet 134, outlet 135, and 3-way valve, whereby the special container 180 for the target is enabled to be conveniently put into the transfer device 100.

[0049] FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating a configuration of the uranium target transfer device, so that an internal configuration may be confirmed. With reference to FIG. 4, the cover member 150, the special container 180 for the target, a hollow internal housing 170, and a fixing member 120 may be seen.

[0050] The cover member 150 corresponds to a lid that closes the entrance of the external housing 110. The cover member 150 may include a cover plate 151, a transparent plate 153, a transparent plate fixing flange 154, and a protrusion part 160 provided in a circular plate.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 8, the cover member 150 is illustrated in detail. The cover plate 151 may include a fastening groove at an edge and an open surface 152 at a center. The fastening groove provides a space into which the butterfly nut 142 of the fastening member 140 may be inserted Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 and fastened. The open surface 152 is a portion that is a circular hole in the middle of the cover plate 151 and provides a view through which the inside of the external housing 110 may be observed.

[0052] The transparent plate 153 is provided adjacent to the cover plate 151 and has a larger area than the open surface 152 provided in the cover plate 151. In addition, shapes of the transparent plate may be varied depending on shapes of the open surface 152. While blocking the inner space of the external housing 110 and the outside space, the transparent plate 153, by being provided with a transparent material, provides a function to observe the special container 180 for the target loaded in the external housing 110 from the outside.

[0053] The transparent plate fixing flange 154 functions to allow the transparent plate 153 to be brought in close contact with and fixed to the cover plate 151. The transparent plate fixing flange 154 may be provided with a plurality of bolt fastening holes at regular intervals on the edge. Holes corresponding to the bolt fastening holes of the transparent plate fixing flange 154 are provided in the cover plate 151. Accordingly, the transparent plate fixing flange 154 may be fixed to the cover plate 151 by passing the bolts through the bolt fastening holes of the transparent plate fixing flange 154 and fastening the bolts to the corresponding Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 holes of the cover plate 151. The transparent plate 153 is fixed between the transparent plate fixing flange 154 and the cover plate 151.

[0054] Here, a rubber packing may be further included between the transparent plate 153 and the cover plate 151. A
positive pressure is formed inside the transfer device 100 when the uranium target is transferred. However, sealing properties of the transfer device 100 may be improved by including the rubber packing. That is, the gas inside the transfer device 100 is prevented from leaking. The rubber packing has a hole in the middle, thereby being provided not to obstruct the view seen through the transparent plate 153.

[0055] The protrusion part 160 may be provided to protrude from a vicinity of the open surface 152 of the cover plate 151 toward the inner space of the external housing 110. The protrusion part 160 may include a contact member 161 provided to be spaced apart from the cover plate 151 by a predetermined distance and a support member 162 connecting the cover plate 151 and the contact member 161 to each other and fixing same.
The contact member 161 has a ring shape with a hole formed in a center and is formed so as not to block the view to see the inside of the external housing 110 from the outside through the open surface 152. In addition, the contact member 161 may be provided with a flat surface and, by the flat surface, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 may be contacted with one surface of the special container 180 for the target or may support the one surface.

[0056] When the cover member 150 is fastened to the external housing 110, the contact member 161 is brought in contact with the one surface of the special container 180 for the target inserted into the internal housing 170 and performs the function of restricting the movement of the special container 180 for the target. Here, a hollow portion 173 of the internal housing 170 has one side open. Therefore, even when the special container 180 for the target is inserted into the hollow portion 173, the hollow portion 173 has a structure wherein the special container 180 for the target may come out again through an insertion port. Accordingly, the protrusion part 160 provided on the cover member 150 blocks the open portion of the internal housing 170 to restrict the special container 180 for the target from escaping. A length of the support member 162 may be provided to the extent such that the contact member 161 does not apply excessive pressure to the special container 180 for the target and appropriately restricts movement. The shape or material of the contact member 161 or the support member 162 includes those that may be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art within the range for achieving the above objective.

[0057] The special container 180 for the target is used for manufacturing and transferring the uranium target and is Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 a container loaded into the heavy ion accelerator together with the uranium target. As described above, in FIG. 3, a schematic shape of the special container 180 for the target may be referenced. The internal housing 170 is a container containing the special container 180 for the target and is fixed to the fixing member 120.

[0058] With reference to FIG. 7, the internal housing 170 and the special container 180 for the target are illustrated.
The special container 180 for the target may be provided as a cylinder having a circular cross section whose size is uniform. The special container 180 for the target is provided by an assembly detachable along a longitudinal direction, and a space is provided therein to accommodate the uranium target.
In addition, cross sections of opposite ends of the cylinder are closed and detachable.

[0059] The internal housing 170 accommodates the special container 180 for the target and thus includes the hollow portion 173 which is slightly larger than the special container 180 for the target. In addition, the internal housing may include a cap 172. Amain body 171 of the internal housing 170 may be provided in a larger cylindrical shape than the special container 180 for the target to accommodate the special container 180 for the target. In addition, a size of the circular cross section of the main body 171 may be subject to change. For example, a diameter of the circular cross Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 section of the main body 171 is constantly changed in a longitudinal direction, and accordingly, an outer surface of the main body 171 is provided with an inclination in the longitudinal direction. This inclination is a form for the internal housing 170 to be efficiently fixed to the fixing member 120. Accordingly, a shape of the main body 171 may vary according to a shape of the fixing member 120.

[0060] The hollow portion 173 is provided to be finely larger than the special container 180 for the target to minimize a gap after the special container 180 for the target is inserted thereinto. Accordingly, a movement of the special container 180 for the target during the movement of the transfer device 100 is minimized, so damage to the special container 180 for the target is prevented.

[0061] The cap 172 is a member that opens and closes one end of the internal housing 170 and may be coupled to or separated from the main body 171 by a screw thread. At a time when to be inserted into the internal housing 170, the special container 180 for the target is inserted into the hollow portion 173. At this time, by blocking the one end of the hollow portion 173 with the cap 172, the special container 180 for the target may be easily inserted up to the one end of the hollow portion 173. Conversely, at a time when the special container 180 for the target is taken out from the internal housing 170, the cap 172 is opened, and the special Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 container 180 for the target is pushed out in a direction opposite to the position of the cap 172 and is taken away.

[0062] The material of the internal housing 170 may be provided in an elastic or soft material (rubber or Teflon).
This is to minimize the possibility of the special container 180 for the target that is weak against impact to be subject to an impact occurring in the process of inserting into the internal housing 170 or in the process of transferring the transfer device 100. The material of the internal housing 170 will include those that may be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art for the purpose of absorbing the impact transmitted to the special container 180 for the target.

[0063] The fixing member 120 is a member configured to fix the internal housing 170 having the special container 180 for the target inserted therein from the inside of the external housing 110. The fixing member 120 may include a fixing rod 121 and a fixing flange 123.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 5, a plurality of fixing rods 121 may be provided, and one end of the fixing rod 121 may be fixed to an inner surface 113 of the external housing.
The inner surface 113 of the external housing corresponds to a surface provided opposite to the entrance of the external housing 110. One end of each of the fixing rods 121 may be fixed at an appropriate position so that the internal housing Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 170 may be inserted in and fixed to a space provided by being surrounded by the plurality of fixing rods 121. In the present embodiment, according to the shape of the internal housing 170, the fixing rod 121 is fixed to the inner surface 113 of the external housing in an inclined shape rather than a right angle. Accordingly, the internal housing 170 with an inclined outer surface may be inserted into and coupled to the space surrounded by the fixing rod 121.

[0065] A
screw thread may be provided at an opposite end of the fixing rod 121.
Therefore, after inserting the internal housing 170, the opposite end of the fixing rod 121 is put to be penetrated through the hole provided in the fixing flange 123, and the internal housing 170 may be fixed by fastening the nut.

[0066] The fixing rod 121 may be formed of a metal material, but an elastic material 122 made of a soft material may surround an outer surface of the fixing rod 121.
Therefore, in the process of inserting the internal housing 170 into the fixing member 120, it is possible to alleviate the impact caused by the contact with the hard fixing rod 121.

[0067] The shape or fixing position of the fixing rod 121 is not limited to the present embodiment and includes those that may be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art for the purpose of stable fixing of the internal housing 170.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24

[0068] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a uranium target transfer process using the transfer device 100. In this case, the uranium target reacts with moisture in the atmosphere and is rapidly oxidized, so the transfer process has been considered so that the uranium target is not exposed to the atmosphere.

[0069] Before the uranium target is loaded into the transfer device 100, a vacuum of 1.0x10-3 1 kg/cm2 is provided inside the transfer device 100 to remove moisture in the air.
After the uranium target is loaded, an inert gas is injected into the transfer device 100 at a pressure of 1.2+0.2 kg/cm2 to prevent the inflow of external air, and the transfer device 100 is monitored for at least 48 hours for a transfer period or up to an operation of the heavy ion accelerator.

[0070] The vacuum pressure and gas charging pressure are set to conditions to be minimum to prevent deformation and breakage of the uranium target and may be appropriately changed by those skilled in the art.

[0071] The operation of putting the special container 180 for the target into the transfer device 100 is performed at the inside of the glove box after the glove box has been filled with an inert gas (argon and the like) and circulated.
At this time, provisions of the vacuum state and charging of the inert gas may be repeatedly performed several times inside the transfer device 100 so that air does not enter.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24

[0072] When the transfer process is described in order, the transfer process includes: a first step of providing a vacuum of 1.0x10-3 1 kg/cm2 inside the transfer device 100 and filling the inside of the glove box with the inert gas; a second step of transferring the transfer device 100 to the inside of the glove box; a third step of putting the special container 180 for the target to the inside of the transfer device 100 from the inside of the glove box and fastening the cover member 150; a fourth step of charging the inert gas (argon and the like) at a pressure of 1.2+0.2 kg/cm2 into the inside of the transfer device, thereby blocking the external atmosphere and monitoring the transfer device; and a fifth step of having the transfer device 100 be taken out of the glove box and transferred to the destination.

[0073] At this time, in the process of putting the special container 180 for the target to the inside of the transfer device 100, the inside of the glove box is charged with the inert gas of positive pressure. In the fifth step of having the transfer device 100 be taken out of the glove box and transferred to the destination, through the pressure gauge 133 of the transfer device 100, it is monitored and checked whether the gas inside the transfer device is leaking.

[0074] In the above process, when it is determined that the introduction of moisture in the air is insignificant Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24 because the gas inside the glove box is sufficiently circulated with the inert gas, the first step may be omitted.

[0075] The present disclosure described above is not limited by the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-05-24

Claims

1. An ISOL uranium target transfer device, the transfer device comprising:
an external housing with one side open;
a cover member for opening or closing the open side of the external housing;
a fastening member configured to fasten and fix the external housing and the cover member to each other;
a fixing member provided inside the external housing and configured to fix an object to be transferred; and a pressure management member provided outside the external housing and having a port communicating with a space inside the external housing.

2. The transfer device of claim 1, wherein the port comprises:
a pressure check port connected to a shut-off valve or a detachable pressure gauge; and a connection port provided with an inlet or outlet and connected to a 3-way valve.

3. The transfer device of claim 2, further comprising:
a hollow internal housing positioned inside the external housing, having an outer surface coupled to and fixed by the fixing member.

4. The transfer device of claim 2, wherein a portion of the external housing or of the cover member is formed to be transparent, thereby the inside of the external housing being observable from the outside.

5. The transfer device of claim 3, wherein the cover member comprises a protrusion part protruding toward the inside of the external housing the protrusion part having a flat surface.

6. The transfer device of claim 3 or 5, wherein the hollow internal housing is formed with an elastic or soft material to protect the uranium target from an external impact.

7. The transfer device of claim 6, further comprising:
a special container for the target inserted into the hollow of the internal housing, brought in contact with the protrusion part when the cover member is fastened to the external housing, formed of a carbon material, and capable of loading the uranium target.

8. The transfer device of claim 7, wherein the special container for the target is loaded with an Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) uranium target designed to simultaneously apply an Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) process and an In-flight Fragmentation (IF) process, which are rare isotope generation processes.

9. The transfer device of claim 7, wherein when the transfer device transfers the uranium target, a pressure of the inert gas charged at a pressure of 1.2 kg/cm2 inside the transfer device is maintained for 48 hours.