EP0151058B1 - Device for putting a radioactive sourc in a cylindrical housing, and method of transporting this surce to a shipping container - Google Patents

Device for putting a radioactive sourc in a cylindrical housing, and method of transporting this surce to a shipping container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0151058B1
EP0151058B1 EP85400067A EP85400067A EP0151058B1 EP 0151058 B1 EP0151058 B1 EP 0151058B1 EP 85400067 A EP85400067 A EP 85400067A EP 85400067 A EP85400067 A EP 85400067A EP 0151058 B1 EP0151058 B1 EP 0151058B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
source holder
source
passage
drum
tool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP85400067A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0151058A1 (en
Inventor
Christian Bezer
André Olombel
Georges Viel
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Oris Industrie SA
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Oris Industrie SA
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Priority to AT85400067T priority Critical patent/ATE38916T1/en
Publication of EP0151058A1 publication Critical patent/EP0151058A1/en
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Publication of EP0151058B1 publication Critical patent/EP0151058B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/015—Transportable or portable shielded containers for storing radioactive sources, e.g. source carriers for irradiation units; Radioisotope containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for the establishment of a radioactive source which aims to simplify the operations of placing and removing a radioactive source in irradiation apparatus.
  • the device, object of the invention was designed to be used in the head “of an apparatus" of cobaltherapy of the "ALCYON" type.
  • the present invention also relates to a device which allows troubleshooting in situ of cobaltherapy heads of the same type.
  • the irradiation apparatuses using radioactive sources include the necessity of the installation of these sources and of their change when the radioactive decay has become too great, a few years for the coconut for example.
  • the extremely high activity which reigns in contact with the source and in its vicinity does not simplify this type of operation; in fact, these must be carried out either in shielded cells with remote clamps, or with appropriate transfer casks, shielded with lead.
  • Such devices comprise, in known manner, a radioactive source, conforming to an approved model, which is presented externally in the form of a cylinder which it is prohibited to modify before filling with the active material, in order to add devices for anchor or screw thread.
  • This type of source is introduced into a cylindrical housing in which it is then fixed by various means.
  • the source is mounted on a sliding drawer in a cobaltherapy installation and fixed in its housing by a screw.
  • the source is mounted on a barrel in an "ALCYON" type irradiator and fixed in its housing by a clip clamp.
  • the present invention provides a device for the establishment of a radioactive source, which overcomes this type of drawback by providing in particular, a simplified installation (or extraction). Indeed, the source is introduced into a source holder constituted so as to block the latter in a very simple manner, without however hindering the exit of the radiation beam; this source holder is then itself introduced into an appropriate housing of the irradiator.
  • This device comprising a source holder and a cylindrical housing adapted to receive the source holder in the interior of which is blocked a radioactive source is characterized in that said cylindrical housing surmounts a cylindrical housing of greater diameter in the walls of which are partially implanted at least one rod and at least one lug, and in that the source holder comprises in its lower part a chamfered collar in its upper part, comprising an annular groove intended to receive the non-implanted part of the rod, and at least one groove inclined with respect to the axis of revolution of the source holder, of width at least equal to the diameter of said lug, opening onto the upper face of said flange; said groove for guiding the lug is such that the position of the lug in the bottom of the groove corresponds to that of the rod in the annular groove.
  • the device according to the invention is characterized in that the source holder comprises at its upper end the foldable metal tabs, which ensure the blocking of the source in said source holder.
  • the device according to the invention is characterized in that the source holder comprises at its base a groove intended to receive the ends of the fingers of a specially adapted tool, in particular in the form of two-finger pliers, through which the source holder is inserted into the appropriate cylindrical housing.
  • the invention provides a method for allowing the transfer of the source holder, containing the radioactive source, from its cylindrical housing to a transfer castle.
  • transfer castle is meant, throughout the rest of this text, an armored device used for temporary housing of the source during any intervention on the head of the irradiator requiring the removal of this source.
  • the invention overcomes this type of drawback, in particular by eliminating any fixing means of the clip-on or screw type.
  • 1 designates the radioactive source which, according to an approved model, is externally in the form of a cylinder which it is prohibited to modify before filling with the active material, to add devices anchor or screw threads, etc ...
  • This radioactive source 1 is introduced into a metallic cylindrical envelope, the source holder 2, and blocked in said source holder 2, by means of the folding down of three metal tabs 10, situated in the upper part thereof; the source holder 2 is itself mounted on a barrel 15, of the type of those contained in an "ALCYON" irradiator head, inside a suitable cylindrical housing 3, which surmounts a second cylindrical housing of diameter higher 4.
  • Said housing 4 has partially implanted in its walls two rods 5, in piano wire, diametrically opposite, and two lugs 6, also diametrically opposite, arranged perpendicular to the rods 5.
  • the lower part of the source holder 2 comprises a flange 7 chamfered in its upper part 16, the cylindrical surface of revolution of which comprises an annular groove 8, V-shaped, produced by two symmetrical chamfers (17a, b); it also includes two diametrically opposite grooves 9 opening out above said flange 7. These grooves 9 are inclined relative to the axis of revolution of the source holder 2 and their width equal at least the diameter of a lug 6.
  • the source holder 2 has at its base a circular groove 13, on which the ends of the two articulated "fingers" 12 controlled by the operating rod 11 a of a tool in the form of pliers 11 are closed.
  • the device for placing a radioactive source in an appropriate cylindrical housing operates as follows:
  • the source holder 2 is grasped by the tool 11, provided for this purpose, in the form of two-finger pliers 12, by the circular groove 13, then is introduced in the manner of an electric bulb into its socket, in the appropriate cylindrical housing 3 of the barrel 15.
  • the positioning of the source holder 2 in its housing 3 is identical to that of the base of an electric bayonet bulb in the socket corresponding to this except that the bayonets (pins 6) are located on the housing 4 of the door -source 2 and the grooves 9 on the source holder 2.
  • the immobilization of the source holder 2 using the two rods 5 housed in the annular groove 8 allows permanent blocking in the housing 4 of the barrel 15.
  • a design of this type has the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of the device for the installation of a radioactive source, in an appropriate housing, according to the invention.
  • the device for placing (or extracting) a radioactive source in a housing suitable according to the invention allows, for example, in a simple manner, the transfer from the source 1 to a transfer castle 20.
  • FIGs. 5 and 6 show, seen in plan and in elevation section, the transfer castle 20 in its position associated with a radiator 21, of the Alcyon type, of which the body 30 and the barrel 15 containing the housing 3 of the source holder 2 are seen.
  • This transfer castle 20 itself comprises an external shielding zone 31 and a central barrel 32 provided with a transverse passage 33, which can come into alignment with the passages 34 of the shield 31 and 35 of the head of the irradiator 21. .
  • the pliers-shaped tool 11 is housed in the corridor 33 and has a groove 36 positioned to come opposite the control rod 37 of the barrel 32 (FIG. 6) when the source holder 2 is housed in this same barrel 32.
  • a command 38 makes it possible to act through the shielding 31 on the tool 11 for translating and locking in rotation the source holder 2 in its housing 3.
  • transmission means 39 for this command 38 are housed in the corridor 34 and are connected at 40 with the end of the tool 11 opposite the irradiator 21.
  • FIG. 5a The detail of this connection is visible in FIG. 5a where we see a blocking ball 41 held in its housing by an external jacket 42 which allows the joining 39 in translation and in rotation of the control 39 and of the tool 11.
  • the barrel 32 also comprises a cylindrical radial housing 43 able to come in rotation in alignment with the passage 34 and to receive the transmission rod 39 moved by the control 38 and intended to immobilize the barrel 32 in rotation.
  • Fig. 6 we see in particular the rod 37 for controlling the rotation of the barrel 32 which comprises a control head 44 which can be locked by a padlocking system 45 and a profiled end 46 to penetrate into the groove 36 of the tool 11 and immobilize the latter in translation.
  • This type of transfer has the advantage in the event of mechanical failure of the irradiator to allow difficult repairs, even impossible in the presence of the source, which until now required the return of the "ALCYON" head to the center. test, in an armored cell before any unloading.

Description

La présente invention est relative à un dispositif pour la mise en place d'une source radioactive qui a pour but de simplifier les opérations de mise en place et d'enlèvement d'une source radioactive dans les appareils d'irradiation.The present invention relates to a device for the establishment of a radioactive source which aims to simplify the operations of placing and removing a radioactive source in irradiation apparatus.

Plus précisément, le dispositif, objet de l'invention, a été conçu pour être utilisé dans la tête "d'un appareil" de cobalthérapie du type "ALCYON".More specifically, the device, object of the invention, was designed to be used in the head "of an apparatus" of cobaltherapy of the "ALCYON" type.

La présente invention a également pour objet un dispositif qui permet le dépannage in situ des têtes de cobalthérapie du même type.The present invention also relates to a device which allows troubleshooting in situ of cobaltherapy heads of the same type.

Selon l'art antérieur, les appareils d'irradiation utilisant des sources radioactives comportent la nécessité de la mise en place de ces sources et de leur changement lorsque la décroissance radioactive est devenue trop importante, quelques années pour le coco par exemple. L'activité extrêmement élevée qui règne au contact de la source et dans son voisinage ne simplifie pas ce type d'opérations; en effet, celles-ci doivent être effectuées, soit dans des cellules blindées avec des pinces à distance, soit avec des châteaux de transfert appropriés, blindés de plomb.According to the prior art, the irradiation apparatuses using radioactive sources include the necessity of the installation of these sources and of their change when the radioactive decay has become too great, a few years for the coconut for example. The extremely high activity which reigns in contact with the source and in its vicinity does not simplify this type of operation; in fact, these must be carried out either in shielded cells with remote clamps, or with appropriate transfer casks, shielded with lead.

De tels dispositifs comportent, de façon connue, une source radioactive, conforme à un modèle agrée, se présentant extérieurement sous la forme d'un cylindre qu'il est interdit de modifier avant le remplissage par la matière active, pour adjoindre des dispositifs d'ancrage ou filet de vis. Ce type de source est introduit dans un logement cylindrique dans lequel elle est ensuite fixée par des moyens divers.Such devices comprise, in known manner, a radioactive source, conforming to an approved model, which is presented externally in the form of a cylinder which it is prohibited to modify before filling with the active material, in order to add devices for anchor or screw thread. This type of source is introduced into a cylindrical housing in which it is then fixed by various means.

Dans un premier exemple de réalisation, la source est montée sur un tiroir coulissant dans une installation de cobalthérapie et fixée dans son logement par une vis.In a first embodiment, the source is mounted on a sliding drawer in a cobaltherapy installation and fixed in its housing by a screw.

Dans un autre exemple de réalisation connue, la source est montée sur un barillet dans un irradiateur de type "ALCYON" et fixée dans son logement par un serre-clips. Ces deux exemples présentent divers inconvénients en ce sens qu'ils présentent des difficultés lors du montage ou du démontage de la source dans un irradiateur, notamment lorsqu'il s'agit de poser ou déposer un serre-clips dans une enceinte blindée à l'aide de pinces à distance.In another example of known embodiment, the source is mounted on a barrel in an "ALCYON" type irradiator and fixed in its housing by a clip clamp. These two examples have various drawbacks in that they present difficulties during mounting or dismounting of the source in an irradiator, in particular when it is a question of fitting or depositing a clip clamp in a shielded enclosure with the using remote pliers.

La présente invention propose un dispositif pour la mise en place d'une source radioactive, qui pallie ce type d'inconvénients en procurant notamment, une pose (ou une extraction) simplifiée. En effet, la source est introduite dans un porte-source constitué de manière à bloquer celle-ci de façon très simple, sans toutefois gêner la sortie du faisceau de rayonnement; ce porte-source est ensuite lui-même introduit dans un logement approprié de l'irradiateur.The present invention provides a device for the establishment of a radioactive source, which overcomes this type of drawback by providing in particular, a simplified installation (or extraction). Indeed, the source is introduced into a source holder constituted so as to block the latter in a very simple manner, without however hindering the exit of the radiation beam; this source holder is then itself introduced into an appropriate housing of the irradiator.

Ce dispositif comprenant un porte-source et un logement cylindrique apte à recevoir le porte-source dans l'intérieur duquel se trouve bloquée une source radioactive se caractérise en ce que ledit logement cylindrique surmonte un logement cylindrique de diamètre supérieur dans les parois duquel sont partiellement implantés au moins un jonc et au moins un ergot, et en ce que le porte-source comporte en sa partie inférieure une collerette chanfreinée en sa partie haute, comprenant une gorge annulaire destinée à recevoir la partie non implantée du jonc, et au moins une rainure inclinée par rapport à l'axe de révolution du porte-source, de largeur au moins égale au diamètre dudit ergot, débouchant sur la face supérieure de ladite collerette; ladite rainure assurant le guidage de l'ergot est telle que la position de l'ergot dans le fond de la rainure correspond à celle du jonc dans la gorge annulaire.This device comprising a source holder and a cylindrical housing adapted to receive the source holder in the interior of which is blocked a radioactive source is characterized in that said cylindrical housing surmounts a cylindrical housing of greater diameter in the walls of which are partially implanted at least one rod and at least one lug, and in that the source holder comprises in its lower part a chamfered collar in its upper part, comprising an annular groove intended to receive the non-implanted part of the rod, and at least one groove inclined with respect to the axis of revolution of the source holder, of width at least equal to the diameter of said lug, opening onto the upper face of said flange; said groove for guiding the lug is such that the position of the lug in the bottom of the groove corresponds to that of the rod in the annular groove.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le dispositif selon l'invention se caractérise en ce que le porte-source comprend à son extrémité supérieure les languettes métalliques rabattables, qui assurent le blocage de la source dans ledit porte-source.According to another characteristic of the invention, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the source holder comprises at its upper end the foldable metal tabs, which ensure the blocking of the source in said source holder.

Egalement, selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le dispositif selon l'invention se caractérise en ce que le porte-source comprend à sa base une gorge destinée à recevoir les extrémités des doigts d'un outil spécialement adapté, notamment en forme de pinces à deux doigts, par l'intermédiaire duquel on introduit le porte-source dans le logement cylindrique approprié.Also, according to another characteristic of the invention, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the source holder comprises at its base a groove intended to receive the ends of the fingers of a specially adapted tool, in particular in the form of two-finger pliers, through which the source holder is inserted into the appropriate cylindrical housing.

Selon la revendication 7, l'invention propose un procédé pour permettre le transfert du porte-source, contenant la source radioactive, de son logement cylindrique vers un château de transfert.According to claim 7, the invention provides a method for allowing the transfer of the source holder, containing the radioactive source, from its cylindrical housing to a transfer castle.

Par château de transfert, on entend, dans toute la suite du présent texte, un appareil blindé servant au logement provisoire de la source pendant toute intervention sur la tête de l'irradiateur nécessitant le retrait de cette source.By transfer castle is meant, throughout the rest of this text, an armored device used for temporary housing of the source during any intervention on the head of the irradiator requiring the removal of this source.

La manière dont l'invention peut être réalisée, et les avantages qui en découlent, ressortiront mieux de l'exemple de réalisation qui suit, donné à titre indicatif et non limitatif, à l'appui des figures annexées:

  • - la figure 1, de même que la figure 2, sont des vues en coupes verticales illustrant deux modes de réalisation de l'art antérieur actuellement adoptés. Plus distinctement, la figure 1 illustre un mode de fixation de la source dans son logement par vis, tandis que la figure 2, illustre un mode de fixation de la source dans son logement par serre-clips.
  • - les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en coupes verticales, qui représentent respectivement l'introduction et la pose du porte-source dans un logement cylindrique approprié, selon l'invention;
  • - les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues en plan et en coupe verticale schématiques illustrant, notamment en cas de panne mécanique sur l'irradiateur, le transfert de la source radioactive vers un château de transfert.
The manner in which the invention can be implemented, and the advantages which ensue therefrom, will emerge more clearly from the following embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, in support of the appended figures:
  • - Figure 1, as well as Figure 2, are views in vertical sections illustrating two embodiments of the prior art currently adopted. More clearly, FIG. 1 illustrates a method of fixing the source in its housing by screws, while FIG. 2 illustrates a method of fixing the source in its housing by clip clips.
  • - Figures 3 and 4 are views in vertical sections, which respectively represent the introduction and installation of the source holder in a suitable cylindrical housing, according to the invention;
  • - Figures 5 and 6 are schematic plan and vertical section views illustrating, in particular in the event of mechanical failure on the irradiator, the transfer of the radioactive source to a transfer castle.

Selon l'art antérieur, deux exemples de réalisation de mise en place d'une source radioactive dans un logement approprié ont été donnés:

  • Sur la figure 1, la source 1 est montée dans un logement 41, sur un tiroir 42, dans une installation de cobalthérapie. Elle repose sur un épaulement en couronne 44, situé dans la partie basse du logement 41, de sorte qu'il ne gêne pas la sortie du faisceau de rayonnement issu de la source 1; celle-ci est fixée dans le logement 41 par une vis 43.
  • Sur la figure 2, la source 1 est montée dans un logement 45, sur un barillet 15, dans la tête 30 d'un irradiateur du type "ALCYON"; elle est fixée dans ledit logement par un serre-clips 46.
According to the prior art, two exemplary embodiments of placing a radioactive source in an appropriate housing have been given:
  • In FIG. 1, the source 1 is mounted in a housing 41, on a drawer 42, in a cobaltherapy installation. It rests on a ring shoulder 44, located in the lower part of the housing 41, so that it does not hinder the exit of the radiation beam from the source 1; this is fixed in the housing 41 by a screw 43.
  • In FIG. 2, the source 1 is mounted in a housing 45, on a barrel 15, in the head 30 of an irradiator of the "ALCYON"type; it is fixed in said housing by a clip clamp 46.

Ces deux exemples mettent en évidence les difficultés qui peuvent être rencontrées lors du montage et du démontage d'une source dans un irradiateur selon l'art connu, notamment, lors de la pose ou dépose d'un serre-clips ou d'une vis, dans une enceinte blindée à l'aide de pinces à distance.These two examples highlight the difficulties which may be encountered during the mounting and dismounting of a source in an irradiator according to the known art, in particular, during the installation or removal of a clip clamp or a screw. , in a shielded enclosure using remote clamps.

L'invention remédie à ce type d'inconvénients notamment en éliminant tout moyen de fixation du type serre-clips ou vis.The invention overcomes this type of drawback, in particular by eliminating any fixing means of the clip-on or screw type.

En se référant aux figures 3 et 4, 1 désigne la source radioactive qui, selon un modèle agréé, se présente extérieurement sous la forme d'un cylindre qu'il est interdit de modifier avant le remplissage par la matière active, pour adjoindre des dispositifs d'ancrage ou filets de vis, etc...Referring to Figures 3 and 4, 1 designates the radioactive source which, according to an approved model, is externally in the form of a cylinder which it is prohibited to modify before filling with the active material, to add devices anchor or screw threads, etc ...

Cette source radioactive 1 est introduite dans une enveloppe cylindrique métallique, le porte-source 2, et bloquée dans ledit porte-source 2, grâce au rabattage de trois languettes métalliques 10, situées en la partie supérieure de celui-ci; le porte-source 2 est lui-même monté sur un barillet 15, du type de ceux contenus dans une tête d'irradiateur "ALCYON", à l'intérieur d'un logement cylindrique approprié 3, qui surmonte un second logement cylindrique de diamètre supérieur 4.This radioactive source 1 is introduced into a metallic cylindrical envelope, the source holder 2, and blocked in said source holder 2, by means of the folding down of three metal tabs 10, situated in the upper part thereof; the source holder 2 is itself mounted on a barrel 15, of the type of those contained in an "ALCYON" irradiator head, inside a suitable cylindrical housing 3, which surmounts a second cylindrical housing of diameter higher 4.

Ledit logement 4 comporte partiellement implantés dans ses parois deux joncs 5, en corde à piano, diamétralement opposés, et deux ergots 6, également diamétralement opposés, disposés perpendiculairement aux joncs 5.Said housing 4 has partially implanted in its walls two rods 5, in piano wire, diametrically opposite, and two lugs 6, also diametrically opposite, arranged perpendicular to the rods 5.

La partie inférieure du porte-source 2 comporte une collerette 7 chanfreinée en sa partie supérieure 16, dont la surface cylindrique de révolution comprend une gorge annulaire 8, en forme de V, réalisée par deux chanfreins symétriques (17a, b); elle comporte également deux rainures 9 diamétralement opposées débouchant au-dessus de ladite collerette 7. Ces rainures 9 sont inclinées par rapport à l'axe de révolution du porte-source 2 et leur largeur égale au moins le diamètre d'un ergot 6.The lower part of the source holder 2 comprises a flange 7 chamfered in its upper part 16, the cylindrical surface of revolution of which comprises an annular groove 8, V-shaped, produced by two symmetrical chamfers (17a, b); it also includes two diametrically opposite grooves 9 opening out above said flange 7. These grooves 9 are inclined relative to the axis of revolution of the source holder 2 and their width equal at least the diameter of a lug 6.

Enfin, le porte-source 2 comporte à sa base une gorge circulaire 13, sur laquelle se referment les extrémités des deux "doigts" articulés 12 commandés par la tige de manoeuvre 11 a d'un outil en forme de pince 11.Finally, the source holder 2 has at its base a circular groove 13, on which the ends of the two articulated "fingers" 12 controlled by the operating rod 11 a of a tool in the form of pliers 11 are closed.

Le dispositif pour la mise en place d'une source radioactive dans un logement cylindrique approprié, selon l'invention, fonctionne de la manière suivante:The device for placing a radioactive source in an appropriate cylindrical housing, according to the invention, operates as follows:

Le porte-source 2 est saisi par l'outil 11, prévu à cet effet, en forme de pinces à deux doigts 12, par la gorge circulaire 13, puis, est introduit à la façon d'une ampoule électrique dans sa douille, dans le logement cylindrique approprié 3 du barillet 15.The source holder 2 is grasped by the tool 11, provided for this purpose, in the form of two-finger pliers 12, by the circular groove 13, then is introduced in the manner of an electric bulb into its socket, in the appropriate cylindrical housing 3 of the barrel 15.

Lorsqu'on fait effectuer au porte-source 2, une certaine rotation, il s'exerce par un effet important de levier, une force considérable dans le sens de l'enfoncement du porte-source (2) dans le logement (3). Cette force permet au chanfrein 16 d'écarter les joncs 5 qui s'introduisent alors dans la gorge annulaire 8; simultanément, les ergots 6 parviennent au fond des rainures 9 (voir figure 4):il y a immobilisation totale de l'ensemble.When the source holder 2 is made to perform a certain rotation, it is exerted by a significant lever effect, a considerable force in the direction of the insertion of the source holder (2) into the housing (3). This force allows the chamfer 16 to spread the rods 5 which are then introduced into the annular groove 8; simultaneously, the pins 6 reach the bottom of the grooves 9 (see FIG. 4): there is total immobilization of the assembly.

Pour extraire le porte-source 2, hors du logement 3, on lui fait effectuer à l'aide de l'outil 11, une rotation de sens inverse à celui de la précédente. Cette rotation engendre une force de sens contraire à la précédente, qui agit sur le chanfrein supérieur 17a de la gorge 8, lequel chanfrein 17a écarte les joncs 5 et permet l'extraction du porte-source 2.To extract the source holder 2, out of the housing 3, it is made using the tool 11, a rotation in the opposite direction to that of the previous one. This rotation generates a force of direction opposite to the previous one, which acts on the upper chamfer 17a of the groove 8, which chamfer 17a separates the rods 5 and allows the extraction of the source holder 2.

Ainsi, le positionnement du porte-source 2 dans son logement 3, est identique à celui du culot d'une ampoule électrique à baïonnettes dans la douille correspondante à ceci près, que les baïonnettes (ergots 6) sont situées sur le logement 4 du porte-source 2 et les rainures 9 sur le porte-source 2.Thus, the positioning of the source holder 2 in its housing 3 is identical to that of the base of an electric bayonet bulb in the socket corresponding to this except that the bayonets (pins 6) are located on the housing 4 of the door -source 2 and the grooves 9 on the source holder 2.

En plus, l'immobilisation du porte-source 2 à l'aide des deux joncs 5 logés dans la gorge annulaire 8 permet un blocage permanent dans le logement 4 du barillet 15.In addition, the immobilization of the source holder 2 using the two rods 5 housed in the annular groove 8 allows permanent blocking in the housing 4 of the barrel 15.

Une conception de ce type présente l'avantage de simplifier la fabrication du dispositif pour la mise en place d'une source radioactive, dans un logement approprié, selon l'invention.A design of this type has the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of the device for the installation of a radioactive source, in an appropriate housing, according to the invention.

Elle présente également l'avantage de faciliter la pose et la dépose de la source dans un irradiateur, ou tout autre dispositif comportant une source radioactive.It also has the advantage of making it easier to place and remove the source in an irradiator, or any other device comprising a radioactive source.

Ainsi, dans le cas d'une panne mécanique d'un irradiateur, notamment d'un appareil d'irradiation du type "ALCYON", le dispositif pour la mise en place (ou l'extraction) d'une source radioactive dans un logement approprié selon l'invention, permet par exemple, de façon simple, le transfert de la source 1 vers un château de transfert 20.Thus, in the case of a mechanical breakdown of an irradiator, in particular of an irradiation device of the "ALCYON" type, the device for placing (or extracting) a radioactive source in a housing suitable according to the invention, allows, for example, in a simple manner, the transfer from the source 1 to a transfer castle 20.

Les Fig. 5 et 6 montrent, vu en plan et en coupe élévation, le château de transfert 20 dans sa position associé à un irradiateur 21, de type Alcyon, dont on voit le corps 30 et le barillet 15 contenant le logement 3 du porte-source 2. Ce château de transfert 20 comprend lui-même une zone externe de blindage 31 et un barillet central 32 muni d'un couloir transversal 33, pouvant venir en alignement avec les couloirs 34 du blindage 31 et 35 de la tête de l'irradiateur 21.Figs. 5 and 6 show, seen in plan and in elevation section, the transfer castle 20 in its position associated with a radiator 21, of the Alcyon type, of which the body 30 and the barrel 15 containing the housing 3 of the source holder 2 are seen. This transfer castle 20 itself comprises an external shielding zone 31 and a central barrel 32 provided with a transverse passage 33, which can come into alignment with the passages 34 of the shield 31 and 35 of the head of the irradiator 21. .

L'outil en forme de pinces 11 est logé dans le couloir 33 et comporte une gorge 36 positionnée pour venir en face de la tige de commande 37 du barillet 32 (Fig. 6) lorsque le porte-source 2 vient se loger dans ce même barillet 32.The pliers-shaped tool 11 is housed in the corridor 33 and has a groove 36 positioned to come opposite the control rod 37 of the barrel 32 (FIG. 6) when the source holder 2 is housed in this same barrel 32.

Une commande 38 permet d'agir au travers du blindage 31 sur l'outil 11 pour la translation et le verrouillage en rotation du porte-source 2 dans son logement 3. A cet effet, des moyens de transmission 39 de cette commande 38 sont logés dans le couloir 34 et se raccordent en 40 avec l'extrémité de l'outil 11 opposée à l'irradiateur 21.A command 38 makes it possible to act through the shielding 31 on the tool 11 for translating and locking in rotation the source holder 2 in its housing 3. To this end, transmission means 39 for this command 38 are housed in the corridor 34 and are connected at 40 with the end of the tool 11 opposite the irradiator 21.

Le détail de ce raccordement est visible sur la Fig. 5a où l'on voit une bille de blocage 41 maintenue dans son logement par un chemisage externe 42 ce qui permet la solidarisation en translation et en rotation de la commande 39 et de l'outil 11.The detail of this connection is visible in FIG. 5a where we see a blocking ball 41 held in its housing by an external jacket 42 which allows the joining 39 in translation and in rotation of the control 39 and of the tool 11.

Le barillet 32 comporte également un logement cylindriqué radial 43 apte à venir par rotation dans l'alignement du couloir 34 et à recevoir la tige de transmission 39 mue par la commande 38 et destinée à immobiliser le barillet 32 en rotation.The barrel 32 also comprises a cylindrical radial housing 43 able to come in rotation in alignment with the passage 34 and to receive the transmission rod 39 moved by the control 38 and intended to immobilize the barrel 32 in rotation.

Sur la Fig. 6, on voit en particulier la tige 37 de commande de rotation du barillet 32 qui comprend une tête de commande 44 que l'on peut verrouiller par un système de cadenassage 45 et une extrémité 46 profilée pour pénétrer dans la gorge 36 de l'outil 11 et immobiliser ce dernier en translation.In Fig. 6, we see in particular the rod 37 for controlling the rotation of the barrel 32 which comprises a control head 44 which can be locked by a padlocking system 45 and a profiled end 46 to penetrate into the groove 36 of the tool 11 and immobilize the latter in translation.

Le transfert du porte-source 2 vers le barillet 32 s'effectue de la façon suivante:

  • - Initialement, la source radioactive 1 contenue dans le porte-source 2 est logée dans le barillet 15 de la tête 30 de l'irradiateur de type "Alcyon";
  • - on assemble la tête "Alcyon" 30 avec le château de transfert 20, de façon à aligner le couloir 35 avec le couloir 33 du château de transfert 20;
  • - on amène, par rotation du barillet 15 le porte-source 2 en face de l'entrée du canal 33 du barillet 32;
  • - on accouple, par manoeuvre de la commande 38, les moyens de transmission 39 avec l'outil 11 et l'on vient saisir le porte-source 2 à l'aide des pinces 12 de l'outil 11 (Fig. 5). On effectue son retrait de l'irradiateur 30 et on l'amène dans la position de la Fig. 6 dans laquelle il est verrouillé en translation par engagement de l'extrémité 46 dans la gorge 36. Dans cette position, l'outil 11 occupe tout le diamètre du barillet et les moyens de transmission 39, déconnectés de cet outil, sont rentrés dans le blindage 31, permettant ainsi la rotation libre du barillet 32 à l'aide de la tige 37.
  • - On fait tourner ensuite le barillet 32 dans son blindage 31 jusqu'à amener le logement cylindrique 43 dans le prolongement du couloir 34, ce qui conduit à placer le porte-source 2 dans la position de stockage 47 indiquée en traits mixtes sur la Fig. 5.
  • - On immobilise le barillet 32 en rotation par introduction, à l'aide de la commande 38, des moyens de transmission 39 dans le logement cylindrique 43 et l'on verrouille le cadenas 45.
The transfer from the source holder 2 to the barrel 32 is carried out as follows:
  • - Initially, the radioactive source 1 contained in the source holder 2 is housed in the barrel 15 of the head 30 of the "Alcyon" type irradiator;
  • - Assembling the head "Alcyon" 30 with the transfer castle 20, so as to align the corridor 35 with the corridor 33 of the transfer castle 20;
  • - It brings, by rotation of the barrel 15 the source holder 2 in front of the inlet of the channel 33 of the barrel 32;
  • - The transmission means 39 are coupled, by maneuvering the control 38, with the tool 11 and the source holder 2 is gripped using the pliers 12 of the tool 11 (Fig. 5). Its removal from the irradiator 30 is carried out and it is brought into the position of FIG. 6 in which it is locked in translation by engagement of the end 46 in the groove 36. In this position, the tool 11 occupies the entire diameter of the barrel and the transmission means 39, disconnected from this tool, are returned to the shielding 31, thus allowing free rotation of the barrel 32 by means of the rod 37.
  • - The barrel 32 is then rotated in its shielding 31 until the cylindrical housing 43 is brought in the extension of the corridor 34, which leads to placing the source holder 2 in the storage position 47 indicated in dashed lines in FIG. . 5.
  • - The barrel 32 is immobilized in rotation by introducing, using the control 38, transmission means 39 into the cylindrical housing 43 and the padlock 45 is locked.

La réintroduction de la source, notamment après dépannage, s'effectue en inversant les étapes ci-dessus décrites.The reintroduction of the source, in particular after troubleshooting, is carried out by reversing the steps described above.

Ce type de transfert présente l'avantage en cas de panne mécanique de l'irradiateur de permettre des dépannages difficiles, voire même impossibles en présence de la source, qui nécessitaient jusqu'à présent le retour de la tête "ALCYON" au centre d'essai, dans une cellule blindée avant tout déchargement.This type of transfer has the advantage in the event of mechanical failure of the irradiator to allow difficult repairs, even impossible in the presence of the source, which until now required the return of the "ALCYON" head to the center. test, in an armored cell before any unloading.

Claims (7)

1. Apparatus comprising a source holder and a cylindrical recess (3) able to receive source holder (2) within which is locked a radioactive source (1), characterized in that the cylindrical recess (3) surmounts a larger diameter cylindrical recess (4) in the walls of which are partly fitted at least one locking ring (5) and at least one lug (6) and in that the source holder (2) has in its lower part a flange (7), which is chamfered in its upper part (16), having an annular groove (8) for receiving the unfitted part of the locking ring (5), and at least one slot (9), which slopes with respect to the axis of revolution of the source holder (2) and whose width is at least equal to the diameter of said lug (6), issuing onto the upper face of said flange (7), the slot (9) ensuring the guidance of the lug (6) in such a way that the position of the lug (6) in the bottom of the slot (9) corresponds to that of the locking ring (5) in the annular groove (8).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the source holder (2) has at its upper end metal tongues (10) which can be folded down and which ensure the locking of the source (1) in the source holder (2).
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an especially adapted tool (11) in the form of tongs with two fingers permitting the introduction of the source holder (2) into the appropriate cylindrical recess (3).
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the source holder (2) has a cylindrical groove (13) at its bottom and which serves to receive the fingers (12) of the tool (11).
5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular groove (8) made in the flange (7) is V-shaped.
6. Apparatus according to one of the claims 3 and 4, characterized in that it is associated with a flask (20) having a central drum (32) mounted in rotary manner in shielding (31) with the aid of a control rod (37), said central drum (32) having a diametral passage (33) for housing the source holder (2) gripping tool (11) and, angularly displaced with respect to the passage (33), a radial cylindrical recess (43) which can be aligned with a passage (34) traversing the shielding (31) whilst extending the passage (35) of a head of the irradiator (21) containing the apparatus, said passage traversing the shielding and permitting the introduction of transmission means (39) for the controls of tool (11).
7. Method for transferring a cylindrical source holder (2) to a flask (20) utilizing the apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises assembling the flask (20) and irradiator (21), whilst aligning the passages (35) of the irradiator (21) and (33) of the flask (20) positioning the source holder (2) facing the passage (35) by rotating the drum (15) of irradiator (21), gripping the source holder (2) with the expansion tongs (11) through the passage (35), retracting the source holder (2) into the drum (32) of flask (20), locking the tool (11) in translation in its passage (33) by introducing the end (46) of the control (37) of drum (31) and rotating the drum (32), so as to bring the source holder (2) into the storage position (47) and locking said drum (32) in rotation by introducing transmission means (39) into the cylindrical recess (43).
EP85400067A 1984-01-20 1985-01-15 Device for putting a radioactive sourc in a cylindrical housing, and method of transporting this surce to a shipping container Expired EP0151058B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT85400067T ATE38916T1 (en) 1984-01-20 1985-01-15 DEVICE FOR INSTALLING A RADIOACTIVE SOURCE INTO A CYLINDRICAL HOUSING AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING THIS SOURCE INTO A TRANSPORT CONTAINER.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8400880 1984-01-20
FR8400880A FR2558637B1 (en) 1984-01-20 1984-01-20 DEVICE FOR SETTING UP A RADIOACTIVE SOURCE IN A CYLINDRICAL HOUSING AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING THIS SOURCE IN A TRANSFER CASTLE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0151058A1 EP0151058A1 (en) 1985-08-07
EP0151058B1 true EP0151058B1 (en) 1988-11-23

Family

ID=9300317

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85400067A Expired EP0151058B1 (en) 1984-01-20 1985-01-15 Device for putting a radioactive sourc in a cylindrical housing, and method of transporting this surce to a shipping container

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US4634873A (en)
EP (1) EP0151058B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0634089B2 (en)
AR (1) AR242460A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE38916T1 (en)
CA (1) CA1226978A (en)
DE (1) DE3566471D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2558637B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4893022A (en) * 1987-10-19 1990-01-09 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Closure for casks containing radioactive materials
JPH02296505A (en) * 1989-05-09 1990-12-07 Tokyu Car Corp Running gear unit
US6366633B1 (en) * 1998-08-03 2002-04-02 Eurotope Entwicklungsgesellschaft für Isotopentechnologien mbh Storage and dispatch container for radioactive miniature radiation sources
US7425195B2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2008-09-16 Core Oncology, Inc. Radiation shielding device
EP1938338B1 (en) * 2005-08-12 2009-04-15 Mallinckrodt, Inc. Radiation-shielding assembly having container location feature

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2682352A (en) * 1947-05-09 1954-06-29 Atomic Energy Commission Shipping container for radioactive material
US2675487A (en) * 1947-07-10 1954-04-13 Paul O Schallert Exposure capsule handling device
US2999164A (en) * 1959-02-11 1961-09-05 Nuclear Chicago Corp Storage shield for radioactivity device
GB908134A (en) * 1960-08-03 1962-10-17 Mitchell Engineering Ltd Improvements in or relating to apparatus for use in handling radio-active materials
US3256441A (en) * 1962-11-26 1966-06-14 Abbott Lab Container system for radioactive material
FR1449656A (en) * 1965-04-21 1966-05-06 Saint Gobain Techn Nouvelles Improvements to irradiators
FR2326768A1 (en) * 1975-10-03 1977-04-29 Commissariat Energie Atomique CONTAINER FOR RADIOACTIVE OBJECTS
FR2331127A1 (en) * 1975-11-07 1977-06-03 Cgr Mev Irradiation head utilising radioisotopes in spring-rotated carrier - and having electrically controlled stops giving predetermined irradiation periods
FR2443122A1 (en) * 1978-11-14 1980-06-27 Commissariat Energie Atomique DEVICE FOR STORING A PHOTON SOURCE AND FOR IRRADIATION OF A BODY BY RADIATION OF THE SOURCE
US4406947A (en) * 1981-04-17 1983-09-27 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Calibrating device for ionizing radiation dosimeters

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AR242460A1 (en) 1993-03-31
JPS60163000A (en) 1985-08-24
FR2558637B1 (en) 1986-05-02
EP0151058A1 (en) 1985-08-07
US4634873A (en) 1987-01-06
JPH0634089B2 (en) 1994-05-02
CA1226978A (en) 1987-09-15
FR2558637A1 (en) 1985-07-26
ATE38916T1 (en) 1988-12-15
DE3566471D1 (en) 1988-12-29

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