EP1277513A1 - Apparatus for homogenizing powder, its use and a method making use of such an apparatus - Google Patents

Apparatus for homogenizing powder, its use and a method making use of such an apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1277513A1
EP1277513A1 EP02291785A EP02291785A EP1277513A1 EP 1277513 A1 EP1277513 A1 EP 1277513A1 EP 02291785 A EP02291785 A EP 02291785A EP 02291785 A EP02291785 A EP 02291785A EP 1277513 A1 EP1277513 A1 EP 1277513A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
powder
drum
orifice
external
cylindrical
Prior art date
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Granted
Application number
EP02291785A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1277513B1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Bertolotti
Christian Orange
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Orano Demantelement SAS
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Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires SA
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/60—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/60—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • B01F27/74—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a horizontal or inclined axis with rotary cylinders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/90—Heating or cooling systems
    • B01F35/92—Heating or cooling systems for heating the outside of the receptacle, e.g. heated jackets or burners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/90—Heating or cooling systems
    • B01F35/95—Heating or cooling systems using heated or cooled stirrers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a homogenization device powder, its use and a homogenization process using such a device.
  • the present invention relates to a powder homogenization device specially adapted for a noxious powder releasing heat, in particular a radioactive powder, such as plutonium oxide or more particularly dioxide plutonium (PuO 2 ).
  • a radioactive powder such as plutonium oxide or more particularly dioxide plutonium (PuO 2 ).
  • Such a homogenization device must both respect the homogeneity, particle size and isotopic composition constraints powder, while avoiding the formation of segregations, and evacuating the thermal emissions inherent in the harmful powder and its brewing.
  • Powder homogenization devices offered up to today do not allow to respond effectively to all of these conditions.
  • this solution uses a system of internal cooling of the homogenization device and of the powder it contains.
  • this solution allows homogenize by mixing the powder contained in the annular space formed between the cylindrical wall of the outer drum mobile and the ferrule of the fixed body.
  • the cooling of the powder is made possible by the presence of cold air inside the space of revolution delimited between the external drum and the internal drum, which generates a large heat exchange surface (the entire surface of the cylindrical wall of the external drum) between the cold air and the powder.
  • axial half means the internal drum or external drum, one of the two parts (or first longitudinal half drum) of this drum separated from the other part (or second longitudinal half drum) by a transverse plane orthogonal to the longitudinal or axial direction (X, X ') of the drum, this transverse plane being located at half the length of the drum concerned.
  • this transverse plane is that which passes by the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z').
  • said blades are helical and form a no reverse screw between each axial half of the external drum.
  • each axial half of the external drum is covered, on its external face, a helical internal blade attached to said external face all along of said axial half and of a helical outer blade spaced from said external face all along said axial half, said internal blades and external having between them, on each axial half of the wall cylindrical, an inverted screw thread.
  • said ferrule is formed, at least in its lower part, of a double-walled waterproof envelope in which is likely to circulate cooled air from a system supply of cooled air.
  • said enclosure is fitted with fins arranged on the face of the wall upper of said envelope facing inward of said envelope.
  • the present invention also relates to the use of the powder homogenization device of the aforementioned type, the device being placed in a glove box, said powder being radioactive and preferably consisting of plutonium dioxide (PuO 2 ).
  • the powder homogenization device 10 comprises essentially a fixed cylindrical body 14 containing an assembly 16 cylindrical drums movable in rotation and a shaft 18 arranged according to the direction of the longitudinal axis (XX ') of the body 14 and of the assembly of drums 16.
  • the body 14 is composed of a cylindrical shell 14a delimiting a cylindrical volume of circular section sealed by two disc-shaped flanges 14b arranged at the two ends of the ferrule 14a.
  • the drum assembly 16 is mounted coaxially by relative to the body 14 around the shaft 18 to which it is integral. So, the shaft 18 passes longitudinally through the body 14 while being rotatably mounted by relative to this body 14 thanks to two bearings 20 mounted respectively at front and rear of the body 14 on the external face of the flanges 14b (see Figures 1A and 1B).
  • the set of drums 16 disposed inside the body 14 is consists of an external drum and an internal drum coaxial between them around the axis (X, X ') and which are mounted integrally on tree 18.
  • the external drum consists of a cylindrical wall 16a, having a diameter smaller than that of the ferrule 14a, and of two walls 16b in the form of a disc, the length of the cylindrical wall 16a being substantially lower than that of the shell 14a along the axis (X, X ').
  • the internal drum placed inside the external drum, is consists of a cylindrical wall 16c, having a diameter less than that of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum, and of two walls 16d in the form of a disc, the length of the cylindrical wall 16c being lower than that of the cylindrical wall 16a along the axis (X, X ').
  • This space of revolution comprises a longitudinal zone 16th, located between the wall cylindrical 16a of the outer drum and the cylindrical wall 16c of the drum internal, and two radial zones 16 f, located between one of the walls 16b in disc shape of the outer drum and the disc-shaped wall 16d internal drum.
  • Each radial zone 16f has a disc shape surrounding the shaft 18, this radial zone 16f being more thick in the vicinity of the tree by defining an enlarged area 16g.
  • the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum outer is covered with helical blades 22a, 22b intended to brew and mix the powder contained in an annular space 24 delimited between this cylindrical wall 16a and the ferrule 14a, in order to homogenize this powder.
  • Each axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external (to the right and to the left of direction II-II in FIG. 1) is provided an helical internal blade 22a extending integrally over 180 ° being attached all along the outside of the axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum.
  • the right axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum is equipped with a first blade internal helical 22a forming a screw thread turning to the left, while that the left axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external is equipped with a second internal helical blade 22a forming a screw thread turning to the right.
  • the first internal blade 22a and the second internal blade 22a are located diametrically opposite (respectively at the rear and at the front of the set of drums 16 in FIG. 1) and on longitudinal or axial halves different from the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external (respectively to the right and left of the plane passing through the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z') in Figure 1).
  • Each of the two internal blades 22a extends over the entire length and half the circumference of a axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the outer drum.
  • Each axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external (right and left of direction II-II in figure 1) is also provided with an external helical blade 22b extending from integral 360 ° along the outside of the half axial of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum.
  • These external blades 22b are spaced from the outer face of the outer drum to create a powder passage between them and the cylindrical wall 16a.
  • the blades 22b are substantially tangent to the ferrule 14a so as to scrape the face of the wall of the ferrule 14a facing inward.
  • the first external blade 22b and the second blade external 22b are located on longitudinal or axial halves different from the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external (respectively to the right and left of the plane passing through the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z') in Figure 1) being arranged one with respect to the other symmetrically around the point of intersection of the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z').
  • Each of the two outer blades 22b extends over the entire length and around the entire circumference of an axial half of the wall cylindrical 16a of the outer drum.
  • the distance separating each outer blade from the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum is greater than the width (in the radial direction) internal blades 22a.
  • the internal blades 22a and external blades 22b have a width, in the radial direction, substantially identical.
  • the internal blades 22a are shorter than the blades external 22b if we consider their length distributed so helical along the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum from one end to the middle of the wall cylindrical 16a.
  • the direction of rotation of the drum assembly 16 is such that the internal blades 22a direct the powder contained in the annular space 24 towards the flanges 14b, i.e. towards the ends of the body 14.
  • the external blades 22b bring the powder contained in the space annular 24 towards the diametrical plane of symmetry of the body 14 passing through the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z'), that is to say in the direction of the center of the body 14.
  • This action has the advantage of making it possible to easily empty all the powder contained in the annular space 24 during emptying.
  • a scraper device is disposed between each flange 14b of the cylindrical body 14 and the disk-shaped wall 16b to prevent the deposition of powder in this area.
  • This scraper device is mobile and is advantageously constituted by at at least one radial blade 26 mounted integrally on the face outer on each of the two disc-shaped walls 16b.
  • the cylindrical body 14 also includes several openings: a filling orifice 14c, a drainage orifice 14d, a degassing port 14i, an inlet port for cooling air 14e, an outlet for cooling air 14f and ports for tree passage 14g and 14h.
  • said opening is opened degassing 14i to "breathe” the homogenization device 10.
  • the seal between the space ring 24 and the interior of the glove box 12 is obtained using a sealing system which comprises at least one cable gland and, preferably braids in contact with the shaft 18 of the assembly drums 16.
  • a sealing system which comprises at least one cable gland and, preferably braids in contact with the shaft 18 of the assembly drums 16.
  • Each bearing 20 ensures the rotation of the shaft 18 and the drum which is attached to it by means of bearings, preferably rolls.
  • the powder feed from the upstream device to the powder homogenization device 10 is carried out by a chute supply 28 disposed between the opening 12a of the glove box and the filling orifice 14c.
  • the orifice of filling 14c is connected to the powder supply chute 28 which communicates with an upstream device.
  • An isolation valve 30 disposed in the chute supply 28, near the filling orifice 14c, allows open or close the powder passage from the upstream device to the homogenization device 10.
  • an outlet chute 32 is disposed from the drain port 14d at less until opening 12b of the glove box.
  • drain port 14d is connected to the outlet chute of powder 32 which is equipped with at least one system, forming a valve, in order to ability to close or open powder passage from device homogenization 10 to a downstream device communicating with the powder outlet chute 32.
  • valve systems are provided to control and regulate the outlet of powder outside the homogenization device 10.
  • the valve system firstly comprises a flap hatch 34 controlled by jacks 36.
  • the device homogenization further comprises, downstream of the flap hatch 34, an isolation valve 38 fitted to the powder outlet chute 32.
  • This isolation valve 38 makes it possible to separate the device homogenization 10 of the downstream device while, under the control cylinders 36, the opening of the hatch 34 makes it possible to limit the flow of emptying the homogenization device 10.
  • the shutters of the hatch 34 are located in the extension of the bottom wall of the shell 14a which delimits the annular space 24, which avoids the formation of a corner where the powder could become lodged.
  • the homogenization device 10 comprises, between the shutter flap 34 and the isolation valve 38, a cellular valve 40 (see Figure 2) to change the flow rate of powder flowing through the outlet chute 32 to the downstream device.
  • the internal cooling system has a system of cooled air supply with a cooled air inlet pipe 42 mounted on a rotary joint 44.
  • the rotary joint 44 is itself arranged outside the cylindrical body 14 around a first portion end 18a of the shaft 18 so that said inlet pipe 42 communicates with a first longitudinal channel 18c extending longitudinally throughout the first end portion 18a of the shaft 18 from outside the body 14 to the space 16th, 16f delimited between the outer drum and the inner drum.
  • the rotary joint 44 has an interior space annular 44a (see Figure 3) in fluid communication on the one hand with the inlet pipe 42 and on the other hand, at at least one inlet orifice 18th, with said first channel 18c.
  • the illustrated embodiment has two 18th inlet ports.
  • the first end portion 18a of the shaft is equipped, in the part located in the enlarged zone 16g of the radial zone 16f, at least one supply port 18f.
  • the shaft 18 has a second end portion 18b also digs at the site of a second longitudinal channel 18d.
  • the first longitudinal channel 18c and the second longitudinal channel 18d do not communicate with each other at tree level 18.
  • the air is exhausted by the second 18d channel thanks to at least one 18g evacuation orifice located at the level of the second end portion 18b of the shaft 18.
  • 18g evacuation orifice located at the level of the second end portion 18b of the shaft 18.
  • FIG. 1B and in the left part of Figures 1 and 3 there are four holes evacuation 18g.
  • These 18g orifices are in fluid communication with a part with the second channel 18d and, on the other hand, with the interior of the space 16e, 16f delimited between the external drum and the internal drum, at the level of the enlarged zone 16g of the radial zone 16f.
  • the second channel 18d extends at least until the opening 12d of the glove box so that the air is evacuated, and possibly recycled, in a high vacuum ventilation system.
  • the ferrule 14a is surrounded by a bottom wall 46a thus delimiting an envelope 46 with double wall.
  • This envelope 46 is connected to another supply system in cooled air, on the one hand by an inlet duct 46b disposed at a first end of the envelope 46 which is located on the side of the second end portion 18b of the shaft, and on the other hand by a conduit outlet 46c disposed at the second end of the envelope which is located on the side of the first end portion 18a of the shaft.
  • the upper part of the shell 14a is consisting of a single shell while the lower part of the shell 14a consists of the double envelope 46.
  • the space delimited by the external face of the wall of the ferrule 14a and through the internal face of the wall lower 46a of the double jacket 46 is provided with fins 48 for promote heat exchange (see Figures 2 and 3).
  • the fins 48 are located against the wall 14a of the envelope. In the case of the embodiment shown, the fins 48 extend parallel to the axis (X, X ') of rotation of the drum assembly 16.
  • the inlet and outlet conduits 46b and 46c are connected to a cooling system 50 which is external to the glove box 12 (see figure 3).
  • This air cooling system 50 includes a fan 52 and a finned exchanger 54 cooled by a circulation of chilled water 56. This system 50 makes it possible to cool the air leaving through the outlet duct. 46c from a temperature of around 50 ° C to a temperature of around 25 ° C, the air being sent by the fan 52 at the level of the duct input 46b.
  • the space 16th, 16f delimited between the drum external and the internal drum is equipped with fins 17 as can be see in particular in Figures 2 and 3.
  • these fins 17 are located on the internal face of the wall cylindrical 16a and parallel to the axis (X, X ') of the internal drums and external.
  • the upper part of the body 14 includes the degassing orifice 14i connected to a tube leading to a solenoid valve fitted with a filter which allows the device to "breathe” homogenization 10 during the emptying phase. Indeed, in this case, it allows the admission of air from the enclosure formed from the box to gloves 12.
  • the homogenization device 10 preferably also includes a vibration system arranged to the exterior of the cylindrical body 14 near the drain orifice 14d.
  • a vibration system arranged to the exterior of the cylindrical body 14 near the drain orifice 14d.
  • a set of four hammers 58 is disposed against the casing 46, on the external face from the bottom wall 46a, equidistant all around the chute 32.
  • These pneumatic hammers send vibrations to envelope 46: these vibrations take off the powder from the shell walls 14a and favor the emptying of the homogenization device 10. It is understood that this vibratory system could just as easily be arranged directly in contact with the ferrule 14a.
  • annular space 24 provision is made for the geometry of the annular space 24 to ensure the criticality safety of the device during the homogenization of a certain charge of plutonium (di) oxide powder PuO 2 .
  • the plutonium oxide from the upstream cycle is received by gravity in the homogenization device, in the annular space 24 above.
  • the isolation valve 30 located in the feed chute 28 is open, hatch 34 and isolation valve 38 located in the outlet chute 32 are closed.
  • the isolation valve 30 is closed and then opened the degassing orifice 14i to make the device "breathe” homogenization 10 during the homogenization phase.
  • the isolation valve 30 of the feed chute 28 being maintained closed, the flap hatch 34 and the isolation valve 38 of the outlet chute 32, while the honeycomb valve 40 is used to adjust the powder discharge rate.
  • the solenoid valve, and its associated filter allow the air intake of the body 14 from the enclosure formed from the glove box 12.
  • the degree of opening of the flap hatch 34, the speed of rotation of the drum assembly 16 and the speed of rotation of the alveolar valve 40 allows to adjust the instant powder flow to the downstream device.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Accessories For Mixers (AREA)
  • Mixers Of The Rotary Stirring Type (AREA)

Abstract

Two cylindrical drums (16) are mounted coaxially on an axle (18) inside a leak-proof cylindrical body (14) along its horizontal longitudinal axis (XX'). The outer drum has blades (22) on its outer surface and the powder is homogenized in the space between the outer drum and the sleeve of the body as the drums rotate driven by the axle. Cold air is supplied via a channel in the axle The leaf-proof cylindrical body has a cylindrical sleeve (14a) closed at its ends by two discs (14b). There is a filling orifice (14c) at the top and an emptying orifice (14d) at the bottom. The internal and external drums each have a cylindrical wall (16a, 16c) closed at the ends by discs (16b, 16d). The axle (18) is on a bearing (20) at each end disc, and the drums are fixed to it. One end section (18a) of the axle has a first internal longitudinal channel connected to an external supply of cold air and an orifice inside the body to send the cold air into the space between the drum and the body. The other end section has a second internal longitudinal channel connected to means of evacuating the air . Each bearing is sealed to ensure it is leak-proof, and the device includes a motor to rotate the axle. A scraper (26) is placed between each end of the body and the end of the corresponding drum to prevent powder deposits forming. The means of making the bearings leak-proof include a pressure-seal. The cold air is supplied via an inlet nozzle (42) on a rotating joint (44) outside the body to connect to the first channel. The space between the two drums is also fitted with blades (17). At least the lower part of the sleeve is a double envelope in which the cold air can circulate using another source of supply. The top surface of this double envelope has blades. The powder inlet orifice is connected to a supply of powder with an isolation valve. The top of the body has a degassing orifice connected to a control valve with a filter. The powder outlet orifice is connected to a powder system via a valve, such as a butterfly trap with an alveolar valve to vary the flow and an isolation valve downstream. A vibration system is outside the body near the emptying orifice. The blades are helical forming an inverted screw between each half of the outer drum. An Independent claim is included for a process of homogenizing and cooling a powder using the above device.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre, son utilisation et un procédé d'homogénéisation utilisant un tel dispositif.The present invention relates to a homogenization device powder, its use and a homogenization process using such a device.

De manière plus spécifique, mais non exclusive, la présente invention concerne un dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre spécialement adapté à une poudre nocive dégageant de la chaleur, en particulier une poudre radioactive, telle que de l'oxyde de plutonium ou plus particulièrement du dioxyde de plutonium (PuO2).More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a powder homogenization device specially adapted for a noxious powder releasing heat, in particular a radioactive powder, such as plutonium oxide or more particularly dioxide plutonium (PuO 2 ).

Un tel dispositif d'homogénéisation doit à la fois respecter les contraintes d'homogénéité, de granulométrie et de composition isotopique de la poudre, tout en évitant la formation de ségrégations, et en évacuant les dégagements thermiques inhérents à la poudre nocive et à son brassage.Such a homogenization device must both respect the homogeneity, particle size and isotopic composition constraints powder, while avoiding the formation of segregations, and evacuating the thermal emissions inherent in the harmful powder and its brewing.

En outre, la présente invention a également pour but de fournir un dispositif d'homogénéisation d'une poudre nocive qui puisse s'intégrer dans une chaíne de traitement entre un dispositif amont en direction d'un dispositif aval, en permettant également d'évacuer la poudre vers le dispositif aval tout en contrôlant et en régulant le débit de la poudre depuis le dispositif d'homogénéisation vers le dispositif aval.Furthermore, the present invention also aims to provide a device for homogenizing a harmful powder that can be integrated in a processing chain between an upstream device towards a downstream device, also allowing the powder to be discharged to the downstream device while controlling and regulating the powder flow from the homogenization device to the downstream device.

Les dispositifs d'homogénéisation de poudre proposés jusqu'à aujourd'hui ne permettent pas de répondre efficacement à toutes ces conditions.Powder homogenization devices offered up to today do not allow to respond effectively to all of these conditions.

Afin d'atteindre ce but, la présente invention prévoit un dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

  • un corps cylindrique de section circulaire et d'axe longitudinal sensiblement horizontal, étanche et présentant une virole cylindrique refermée à ses extrémités par deux flasques en forme de disque, ledit corps étant muni d'au moins un orifice de remplissage situé en partie haute dudit corps et d'au moins un orifice de vidange débouchant dans le fond dudit corps,
  • un ensemble de tambours cylindriques de section circulaire disposé à l'intérieur du corps avec lequel il est coaxial et étanche, ledit ensemble de tambours comprenant un tambour interne et un tambour externe munis chacun d'une paroi cylindrique refermée à ses extrémités par deux parois en forme de disque, la face extérieure de la paroi cylindrique dudit tambour externe étant recouverte de pales qui permettent d'homogénéiser la poudre contenue dans l'espace annulaire formé entre la paroi cylindrique du tambour externe et la virole du corps, un espace de révolution étant crée entre lesdits tambours interne et externe,
  • un arbre disposé selon ledit axe longitudinal à travers ledit corps cylindrique en étant monté sur un palier au niveau de chaque flasque et sur lequel ledit ensemble de tambours cylindriques est monté de manière solidaire, ledit arbre comprenant une première portion d'extrémité munie d'un premier canal interne longitudinal et une deuxième portion d'extrémité munie d'un deuxième canal interne longitudinal, ledit premier canal étant relié, à l'extérieur du corps, à un système d'alimentation en air refroidi et ladite première portion d'extrémité étant, à l'intérieur du corps, munie d'au moins un orifice d'alimentation pour l'amenée de l'air refroidi dans ledit espace de révolution depuis ledit premier canal, ladite deuxième portion d'extrémité étant, à l'intérieur du corps, munie d'au moins un orifice d'évacuation mettant en communication de fluide ledit espace de révolution avec ledit deuxième canal, et ledit deuxième canal étant, à l'extérieur du corps, relié à un système d'évacuation de l'air pour la sortie de l'air hors dudit espace de révolution, un système d'étanchéité équipant chaque palier, et
  • des moyens moteurs mettant en rotation ledit arbre.
In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a powder homogenization device, characterized in that it comprises:
  • a cylindrical body of circular section and of substantially horizontal longitudinal axis, sealed and having a cylindrical shell closed at its ends by two disc-shaped flanges, said body being provided with at least one filling orifice located in the upper part of said body and at least one drain orifice opening into the bottom of said body,
  • a set of cylindrical drums of circular section disposed inside the body with which it is coaxial and sealed, said set of drums comprising an internal drum and an external drum each provided with a cylindrical wall closed at its ends by two walls in disc shape, the outer face of the cylindrical wall of said outer drum being covered with blades which make it possible to homogenize the powder contained in the annular space formed between the cylindrical wall of the outer drum and the shell of the body, a space of revolution being created between said internal and external drums,
  • a shaft disposed along said longitudinal axis through said cylindrical body while being mounted on a bearing at each flange and on which said set of cylindrical drums is mounted integrally, said shaft comprising a first end portion provided with a first longitudinal internal channel and a second end portion provided with a second longitudinal internal channel, said first channel being connected, outside the body, to a cooled air supply system and said first end portion being , inside the body, provided with at least one supply orifice for bringing the cooled air into said space of revolution from said first channel, said second end portion being, inside the body, provided with at least one evacuation orifice placing said space of revolution in fluid communication with said second channel, and said second channel being, outside the body, connected to an air evacuation system for the exit of air from said space of revolution, a sealing system fitted to each bearing, and
  • motor means rotating said shaft.

On comprend que cette solution utilise un système de refroidissement interne du dispositif d'homogénéisation et de la poudre qu'il contient. On comprend également que cette solution permet de réaliser l'homogénéisation par mélange de la poudre contenue dans l'espace annulaire formé entre la paroi cylindrique du tambour externe mobile et la virole du corps fixe. En effet, le refroidissement de la poudre est rendu possible par la présence d'air froid à l'intérieur de l'espace de révolution délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne, ce qui engendre une grande surface d'échange thermique (toute la surface de la paroi cylindrique du tambour externe) entre l'air froid et la poudre.We understand that this solution uses a system of internal cooling of the homogenization device and of the powder it contains. We also understand that this solution allows homogenize by mixing the powder contained in the annular space formed between the cylindrical wall of the outer drum mobile and the ferrule of the fixed body. Indeed, the cooling of the powder is made possible by the presence of cold air inside the space of revolution delimited between the external drum and the internal drum, which generates a large heat exchange surface (the entire surface of the cylindrical wall of the external drum) between the cold air and the powder.

Dans la suite, on entend par l'expression "moitié axiale" du tambour interne ou du tambour externe, l'une des deux parties (ou premier demi tambour longitudinal) de ce tambour séparée de l'autre partie (ou deuxième demi tambour longitudinal) par un plan transversal orthogonal à la direction longitudinale ou axiale (X, X') du tambour, ce plan transversal étant situé à la moitié de la longueur du tambour concerné. Sur les figures 1 et 2, ce plan transversal est celui qui passe par les axes (Y, Y') et (Z, Z').In the following, the expression "axial half" means the internal drum or external drum, one of the two parts (or first longitudinal half drum) of this drum separated from the other part (or second longitudinal half drum) by a transverse plane orthogonal to the longitudinal or axial direction (X, X ') of the drum, this transverse plane being located at half the length of the drum concerned. In FIGS. 1 and 2, this transverse plane is that which passes by the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z').

De préférence, lesdites pales sont hélicoïdales et forment un pas de vis inversé entre chaque moitié axiale du tambour externe.Preferably, said blades are helical and form a no reverse screw between each axial half of the external drum.

Egalement, de préférence, la paroi cylindrique de chaque moitié axiale du tambour externe est recouverte, sur sa face externe, d'une pale interne hélicoïdale accolée sur ladite face externe tout le long de ladite moitié axiale et d'une pale externe hélicoïdale espacée de ladite face externe tout le long de ladite moitié axiale, lesdites pales interne et externe présentant entre elles, sur chaque moitié axiale de la paroi cylindrique, un pas de vis inversé.Also, preferably, the cylindrical wall of each axial half of the external drum is covered, on its external face, a helical internal blade attached to said external face all along of said axial half and of a helical outer blade spaced from said external face all along said axial half, said internal blades and external having between them, on each axial half of the wall cylindrical, an inverted screw thread.

Afin d'améliorer encore l'échange thermique au sein du dispositif d'homogénéisation, on prévoit, de préférence, que l'espace délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne est équipé d'ailettes.In order to further improve the heat exchange within the homogenization device, provision is preferably made for the space delimited between the external drum and the internal drum is equipped fins.

Afin d'améliorer les performances de refroidissement de la poudre par le dispositif d'homogénéisation, selon une solution très avantageuse, on prévoit que ladite virole est formée, au moins dans sa partie inférieure, d'une enveloppe étanche à double paroi dans laquelle est susceptible de circuler de l'air refroidi provenant d'un système d'alimentation en air refroidi.In order to improve the cooling performance of the powder by the homogenization device, according to a very advantageous, it is expected that said ferrule is formed, at least in its lower part, of a double-walled waterproof envelope in which is likely to circulate cooled air from a system supply of cooled air.

Ainsi on comprend que cette disposition ajoute au système de refroidissement interne, un système de refroidissement externe situé à l'extérieur de l'espace annulaire contenant la poudre.So we understand that this provision adds to the system of internal cooling, an external cooling system located outside the annular space containing the powder.

Pour améliorer les capacités d'échange thermique de ce système de refroidissement externe, on prévoit, de préférence, que ladite enveloppe est équipée d'ailettes disposées sur la face de la paroi supérieure de ladite enveloppe tournée vers l'intérieur de ladite enveloppe.To improve the heat exchange capacities of this external cooling system, it is preferably provided that said enclosure is fitted with fins arranged on the face of the wall upper of said envelope facing inward of said envelope.

La présente invention concerne également l'utilisation du dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre du type précité, le dispositif étant placé dans une boíte à gants, ladite poudre étant radioactive et constituée de préférence de dioxyde de plutonium (PuO2).The present invention also relates to the use of the powder homogenization device of the aforementioned type, the device being placed in a glove box, said powder being radioactive and preferably consisting of plutonium dioxide (PuO 2 ).

La présente invention concerne également un procédé d'homogénéisation et de refroidissement d'une poudre, utilisant un dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre du type précité, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes suivantes :

  • a) on ferme l'orifice de vidange,
  • b) on active lesdits moyens moteurs pour entraíner en rotation ledit arbre et ledit ensemble de tambours,
  • c) on active ledit système d'alimentation en air refroidi afin de remplir et faire circuler de l'air refroidi dans l'espace délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne,
  • d) on ouvre ledit orifice de remplissage afin de permettre l'arrivée de poudre dans ledit espace annulaire entre le tambour externe et la virole du corps,
  • e) on ferme ledit orifice de remplissage lorsque la quantité de poudre souhaitée a été introduite dans ledit espace annulaire,
  • f) on réalise l'homogénéisation par rotation dudit arbre et dudit ensemble de tambours, et
  • g) on ouvre ledit orifice de vidange pour vider ledit espace annulaire lorsque l'homogénéisation est terminée.
    • The present invention also relates to a method for homogenizing and cooling a powder, using a powder homogenizing device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
  • a) the drain opening is closed,
  • b) activating said motor means for rotating said shaft and said set of drums,
  • c) activating said cooled air supply system in order to fill and circulate cooled air in the space delimited between the external drum and the internal drum,
  • d) said filling orifice is opened in order to allow the arrival of powder in said annular space between the external drum and the shell of the body,
  • e) closing said filling orifice when the desired quantity of powder has been introduced into said annular space,
  • f) the homogenization is carried out by rotation of said shaft and of said set of drums, and
  • g) said drain opening is opened to empty said annular space when the homogenization is complete.

    • D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront à la lecture de la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation, en se référant aux dessins annexés, donnés simplement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, dans lesquels :

    • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon la direction I-I de la figure 2 du dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre selon la présente invention,
    • les figures 1A et 1B sont des vues partielles agrandies respectivement des détails IA et IB de la figure 1,
    • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la direction II-II de la figure 1, et
    • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale représentant schématiquement le principe de refroidissement du dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre selon la présente invention.
    Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of an embodiment, with reference to the appended drawings, given simply by way of nonlimiting example, in which:
    • FIG. 1 is a view in longitudinal section in direction II of FIG. 2 of the powder homogenization device according to the present invention,
    • FIGS. 1A and 1B are partial enlarged views respectively of the details IA and IB of FIG. 1,
    • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in the direction II-II of FIG. 1, and
    • Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the principle of cooling of the powder homogenization device according to the present invention.

    Comme on peut le voir sur les figures 1 et 3, le dispositif d'homogénéisation selon la présente invention, référencé 10, est disposé dans une boíte à gants 12 formant une enceinte isolant parfaitement le dispositif de son environnement. Cette boíte à gants 12 comporte toutefois des ouvertures présentées ci-après :

    • l'ouverture 12a, placée dans la partie haute de la boíte à gants 12 permet de raccorder le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 à un dispositif amont,
    • l'ouverture 12b, disposée dans la partie basse de la boíte à gants 12 permet de raccorder le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 à un dispositif aval,
    • l'ouverture 12c et l'ouverture 12d permettent de raccorder respectivement l'entrée et la sortie du système de refroidissement interne à une alimentation et à une évacuation d'air,
    • les ouvertures 12e et 12f, situées en partie basse de la boíte à gants à chacune des extrémités en direction longitudinale du dispositif d'homogénéisation 10, permettent respectivement l'entrée et la sortie d'air du système de refroidissement externe,
    • l'ouverture 12g permet le passage du système de raccordement mécanique entre un arbre rotatif et des moyens moteurs, et
    • les ouvertures 12h et 12i permettent le passage des moyens de commande des différentes vannes commandant respectivement l'arrivée et la sortie de poudre.
    As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the homogenization device according to the present invention, referenced 10, is arranged in a glove box 12 forming an enclosure perfectly isolating the device from its environment. This glove box 12 however has openings presented below:
    • the opening 12a, placed in the upper part of the glove box 12 makes it possible to connect the homogenization device 10 to an upstream device,
    • the opening 12b, arranged in the lower part of the glove box 12 makes it possible to connect the homogenization device 10 to a downstream device,
    • the opening 12c and the opening 12d make it possible to connect the inlet and the outlet of the internal cooling system respectively to a supply and an exhaust of air,
    • the openings 12e and 12f, located in the lower part of the glove box at each of the ends in the longitudinal direction of the homogenization device 10, allow respectively the entry and exit of air from the external cooling system,
    • the opening 12g allows the passage of the mechanical connection system between a rotary shaft and the driving means, and
    • the openings 12h and 12i allow the passage of the control means of the various valves controlling respectively the arrival and the exit of powder.

    Le dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre 10 comprend essentiellement un corps cylindrique 14 fixe renfermant un ensemble 16 de tambours cylindriques mobiles en rotation et un arbre 18 disposé selon la direction de l'axe longitudinal (XX') du corps 14 et de l'ensemble de tambours 16.The powder homogenization device 10 comprises essentially a fixed cylindrical body 14 containing an assembly 16 cylindrical drums movable in rotation and a shaft 18 arranged according to the direction of the longitudinal axis (XX ') of the body 14 and of the assembly of drums 16.

    Le corps 14 est composé d'une virole cylindrique 14a délimitant un volume cylindrique de section circulaire rendu étanche par deux flasques en forme de disque 14b disposées aux deux extrémités de la virole 14a.The body 14 is composed of a cylindrical shell 14a delimiting a cylindrical volume of circular section sealed by two disc-shaped flanges 14b arranged at the two ends of the ferrule 14a.

    L'ensemble de tambours 16 est monté de manière coaxiale par rapport au corps 14 autour de l'arbre 18 auquel il est solidaire. Ainsi, l'arbre 18 traverse longitudinalement le corps 14 en étant monté rotatif par rapport à ce corps 14 grâce à deux paliers 20 montés respectivement à l'avant et à l'arrière du corps 14 sur la face externe des flasques 14b (voir les figures 1A et 1B).The drum assembly 16 is mounted coaxially by relative to the body 14 around the shaft 18 to which it is integral. So, the shaft 18 passes longitudinally through the body 14 while being rotatably mounted by relative to this body 14 thanks to two bearings 20 mounted respectively at front and rear of the body 14 on the external face of the flanges 14b (see Figures 1A and 1B).

    L'ensemble de tambours 16 disposé à l'intérieur du corps 14 se compose d'un tambour externe et d'un tambour interne coaxiaux entre eux autour de l'axe (X, X') et qui sont montés de manière solidaire sur l'arbre 18.The set of drums 16 disposed inside the body 14 is consists of an external drum and an internal drum coaxial between them around the axis (X, X ') and which are mounted integrally on tree 18.

    Le tambour externe se compose d'une paroi cylindrique 16a, présentant un diamètre inférieur à celui de la virole 14a, et de deux parois 16b en forme de disque, la longueur de la paroi cylindrique 16a étant sensiblement inférieure à celle de la virole 14a selon l'axe (X, X').The external drum consists of a cylindrical wall 16a, having a diameter smaller than that of the ferrule 14a, and of two walls 16b in the form of a disc, the length of the cylindrical wall 16a being substantially lower than that of the shell 14a along the axis (X, X ').

    Le tambour interne, disposé à l'intérieur du tambour externe, se compose d'une paroi cylindrique 16c, présentant un diamètre inférieur à celui de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe, et de deux parois 16d en forme de disque, la longueur de la paroi cylindrique 16c étant inférieure à celle de la paroi cylindrique 16a selon l'axe (X, X').The internal drum, placed inside the external drum, is consists of a cylindrical wall 16c, having a diameter less than that of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum, and of two walls 16d in the form of a disc, the length of the cylindrical wall 16c being lower than that of the cylindrical wall 16a along the axis (X, X ').

    Ainsi, un espace de révolution autour de l'axe (X, X') est crée entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne afin de permettre le refroidissement de la poudre comme il sera expliqué ci-après. Cet espace de révolution comprend une zone longitudinale 16e, située entre la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe et la paroi cylindrique 16c du tambour interne, et deux zones radiales 16 f, situées entre l'une des parois 16b en forme de disque du tambour externe et la paroi 16d en forme de disque correspondante du tambour interne. Chaque zone radiale 16f présente une forme de disque entourant l'arbre 18, cette zone radiale 16f étant plus épaisse au voisinage de l'arbre en définissant une zone élargie 16g.Thus, a space of revolution around the axis (X, X ') is created between the outer drum and the inner drum to allow the cooling the powder as will be explained below. This space of revolution comprises a longitudinal zone 16th, located between the wall cylindrical 16a of the outer drum and the cylindrical wall 16c of the drum internal, and two radial zones 16 f, located between one of the walls 16b in disc shape of the outer drum and the disc-shaped wall 16d internal drum. Each radial zone 16f has a disc shape surrounding the shaft 18, this radial zone 16f being more thick in the vicinity of the tree by defining an enlarged area 16g.

    La face extérieure de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe est recouverte de pales hélicoïdales 22a, 22b destinées à brasser et mélanger la poudre contenue dans un espace annulaire 24 délimité entre cette paroi cylindrique 16a et la virole 14a, afin d'homogénéiser cette poudre.The outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum outer is covered with helical blades 22a, 22b intended to brew and mix the powder contained in an annular space 24 delimited between this cylindrical wall 16a and the ferrule 14a, in order to homogenize this powder.

    Chaque moitié axiale de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe (à droite et à gauche de la direction II-II sur la figure 1) est munie d'une pale interne 22a hélicoïdale s'étendant de manière solidaire sur 180° en étant accolée tout le long de la face extérieure de la moitié axiale de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe.Each axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external (to the right and to the left of direction II-II in FIG. 1) is provided an helical internal blade 22a extending integrally over 180 ° being attached all along the outside of the axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum.

    Comme il ressort de la figure 1, la moitié axiale droite de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe est équipée d'une première pale interne 22a hélicoïdale formant un pas de vis tournant à gauche, tandis que la moitié axiale gauche de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe est équipée d'une deuxième pale interne 22a hélicoïdale formant un pas de vis tournant à droite. La première pale interne 22a et la deuxième pale interne 22a sont situées de manière diamétralement opposée (respectivement à l'arrière et à l'avant de l'ensemble de tambours 16 sur la figure 1) et sur des moitiés longitudinales ou axiales différentes de la face extérieure de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe (respectivement à droite et à gauche du plan passant par les axes (Y, Y') et (Z, Z') sur la figure 1). Chacune des deux pales internes 22a s'étend sur toute la longueur et sur la moitié de la circonférence d'une moitié axiale de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe.As shown in Figure 1, the right axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum is equipped with a first blade internal helical 22a forming a screw thread turning to the left, while that the left axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external is equipped with a second internal helical blade 22a forming a screw thread turning to the right. The first internal blade 22a and the second internal blade 22a are located diametrically opposite (respectively at the rear and at the front of the set of drums 16 in FIG. 1) and on longitudinal or axial halves different from the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external (respectively to the right and left of the plane passing through the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z') in Figure 1). Each of the two internal blades 22a extends over the entire length and half the circumference of a axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the outer drum.

    Chaque moitié axiale de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe (à droite et à gauche de la direction II-II sur la figure 1) est également munie d'une pale externe 22b hélicoïdale s'étendant de manière solidaire sur 360° tout le long de la face extérieure de la moitié axiale de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe. Ces pales externes 22b sont espacées de la face extérieure du tambour externe afin de créer un passage de poudre entre elles et la paroi cylindrique 16a. Les pales externes 22b sont sensiblement tangentes à la virole 14a de façon à racler la face de la paroi de la virole 14a tournée vers l'intérieur.Each axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external (right and left of direction II-II in figure 1) is also provided with an external helical blade 22b extending from integral 360 ° along the outside of the half axial of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum. These external blades 22b are spaced from the outer face of the outer drum to create a powder passage between them and the cylindrical wall 16a. The blades 22b are substantially tangent to the ferrule 14a so as to scrape the face of the wall of the ferrule 14a facing inward.

    Comme il ressort de la figure 1, la moitié axiale droite de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe est équipée d'une première pale externe 22b hélicoïdale formant un pas de vis tournant à droite, tandis que la moitié axiale gauche de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe est équipée d'une deuxième pale externe 22b hélicoïdale formant un pas de vis tournant à gauche. La première pale externe 22b et la deuxième pale externe 22b sont situées sur des moitiés longitudinales ou axiales différentes de la face extérieure de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe (respectivement à droite et à gauche du plan passant par les axes (Y, Y') et (Z, Z') sur la figure 1) en étant disposées l'une par rapport à l'autre de manière symétrique autour du point d'intersection des axes (Y, Y') et (Z, Z'). Chacune des deux pales externes 22b s'étend sur toute la longueur et sur toute la circonférence d'une moitié axiale de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe.As shown in Figure 1, the right axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum is equipped with a first blade external helical 22b forming a screw thread turning to the right, while the left axial half of the cylindrical wall 16a of the outer drum is equipped with a second helical external blade 22b forming a pitch of screw turning to the left. The first external blade 22b and the second blade external 22b are located on longitudinal or axial halves different from the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the drum external (respectively to the right and left of the plane passing through the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z') in Figure 1) being arranged one with respect to the other symmetrically around the point of intersection of the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z'). Each of the two outer blades 22b extends over the entire length and around the entire circumference of an axial half of the wall cylindrical 16a of the outer drum.

    En particulier, comme il ressort de la figure 2, la distance séparant chaque pale externe de la face extérieure de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe est supérieure à la largeur (en direction radiale) des pales internes 22a. In particular, as shown in Figure 2, the distance separating each outer blade from the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum is greater than the width (in the radial direction) internal blades 22a.

    Comme il apparaít sur la figure 2, les pales internes 22a et les pales externes 22b ont une largeur, en direction radiale, sensiblement identique. En outre, les pales internes 22a sont plus courtes que les pales externes 22b si l'on considère leur longueur répartie de manière hélicoïdale le long de la face extérieure de la paroi cylindrique 16a du tambour externe depuis une extrémité jusqu'au milieu de la paroi cylindrique 16a.As it appears in Figure 2, the internal blades 22a and external blades 22b have a width, in the radial direction, substantially identical. In addition, the internal blades 22a are shorter than the blades external 22b if we consider their length distributed so helical along the outer face of the cylindrical wall 16a of the external drum from one end to the middle of the wall cylindrical 16a.

    Le sens de rotation de l'ensemble de tambours 16 est tel que les pales internes 22a dirigent la poudre contenue dans l'espace annulaire 24 vers les flasques 14b, c'est à dire en direction des extrémités du corps 14.The direction of rotation of the drum assembly 16 is such that the internal blades 22a direct the powder contained in the annular space 24 towards the flanges 14b, i.e. towards the ends of the body 14.

    Egalement pendant la rotation de l'ensemble de tambours 16, les pales externes 22b ramènent la poudre contenue dans l'espace annulaire 24 vers le plan de symétrie diamétral du corps 14 passant par les axes (Y, Y') et (Z, Z'), c'est à dire en direction du centre du corps 14. Cette action a l'avantage de permettre de vider facilement toute la poudre contenue dans l'espace annulaire 24 lors de la vidange.Also during the rotation of the drum assembly 16, the external blades 22b bring the powder contained in the space annular 24 towards the diametrical plane of symmetry of the body 14 passing through the axes (Y, Y ') and (Z, Z'), that is to say in the direction of the center of the body 14. This action has the advantage of making it possible to easily empty all the powder contained in the annular space 24 during emptying.

    Afin de limiter la rétention de la poudre dans cet espace annulaire 24, un dispositif racleur est disposé entre chaque flasque 14b du corps cylindrique 14 et la paroi en forme de disque 16b correspondante pour empêcher le dépôt de poudre dans cette zone. Ce dispositif racleur est mobile et est avantageusement constitué par au moins une lame 26 radiale montée de manière solidaire sur la face externe sur chacune des deux parois en forme de disque 16b.In order to limit the retention of the powder in this space ring 24, a scraper device is disposed between each flange 14b of the cylindrical body 14 and the disk-shaped wall 16b to prevent the deposition of powder in this area. This scraper device is mobile and is advantageously constituted by at at least one radial blade 26 mounted integrally on the face outer on each of the two disc-shaped walls 16b.

    Le corps cylindrique 14 comprend également plusieurs ouvertures : un orifice de remplissage 14c, un orifice de vidange 14d, un orifice de dégazage 14i, un orifice d'entrée pour l'air de refroidissement 14e, un orifice de sortie pour l'air de refroidissement 14f et des orifices de passage d'arbre 14g et 14h.The cylindrical body 14 also includes several openings: a filling orifice 14c, a drainage orifice 14d, a degassing port 14i, an inlet port for cooling air 14e, an outlet for cooling air 14f and ports for tree passage 14g and 14h.

    Notamment, lors de la phase de vidange, on ouvre ledit orifice de dégazage 14i pour faire "respirer" le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10.In particular, during the emptying phase, said opening is opened degassing 14i to "breathe" the homogenization device 10.

    Au niveau de chaque palier 20, l'étanchéité entre l'espace annulaire 24 et l'intérieur de la boíte à gants 12 est obtenue à l'aide d'un système d'étanchéité qui comporte au moins un presse-étoupe et, de préférence, des tresses en contact avec l'arbre 18 de l'ensemble de tambours 16. Chaque palier 20 assure la rotation de l'arbre 18 et du tambour qui lui est solidaire grâce à des roulements, de préférence à rouleaux.At each level 20, the seal between the space ring 24 and the interior of the glove box 12 is obtained using a sealing system which comprises at least one cable gland and, preferably braids in contact with the shaft 18 of the assembly drums 16. Each bearing 20 ensures the rotation of the shaft 18 and the drum which is attached to it by means of bearings, preferably rolls.

    L'alimentation en poudre depuis le dispositif amont vers le dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre 10 s'effectue par une goulotte d'alimentation 28 disposée entre l'ouverture 12a de la boíte à gants et l'orifice de remplissage 14c .The powder feed from the upstream device to the powder homogenization device 10 is carried out by a chute supply 28 disposed between the opening 12a of the glove box and the filling orifice 14c.

    Ainsi, comme on le voit sur les figures 1 à 3, l'orifice de remplissage 14c est relié à la goulotte d'alimentation en poudre 28 qui communique avec un dispositif amont.Thus, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the orifice of filling 14c is connected to the powder supply chute 28 which communicates with an upstream device.

    Une vanne d'isolement 30 disposée dans la goulotte d'alimentation 28, à proximité de l'orifice de remplissage 14c, permet d'ouvrir ou de fermer le passage de poudre depuis le dispositif amont vers le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10.An isolation valve 30 disposed in the chute supply 28, near the filling orifice 14c, allows open or close the powder passage from the upstream device to the homogenization device 10.

    Pour l'évacuation de la poudre en direction du dispositif aval, une goulotte de sortie 32 est disposée depuis l'orifice de vidange 14d au moins jusqu'à l'ouverture 12b de la boíte à gants.For the evacuation of the powder towards the downstream device, an outlet chute 32 is disposed from the drain port 14d at less until opening 12b of the glove box.

    Ainsi l'orifice de vidange 14d est reliée à la goulotte de sortie de poudre 32 qui est équipée d'au moins un système, formant vanne, afin de pouvoir fermer ou ouvrir le passage de poudre depuis le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 vers un dispositif aval communicant avec la goulotte de sortie de poudre 32.Thus the drain port 14d is connected to the outlet chute of powder 32 which is equipped with at least one system, forming a valve, in order to ability to close or open powder passage from device homogenization 10 to a downstream device communicating with the powder outlet chute 32.

    Selon le mode de réalisation illustré (voir figures 1 et 2), trois systèmes formant vanne sont prévus pour contrôler et réguler la sortie de poudre hors du dispositif d'homogénéisation 10.According to the illustrated embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2), three valve systems are provided to control and regulate the outlet of powder outside the homogenization device 10.

    En effet le système formant vanne comporte tout d'abord une trappe à volets 34 commandée par des vérins 36. Ensuite, le dispositif d'homogénéisation comporte en outre, en aval de la trappe à volets 34, une vanne d'isolement 38 équipant la goulotte de sortie de poudre 32. Cette vanne d'isolement 38 permet de séparer le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 du dispositif aval tandis que, sous la commande des vérins 36, l'ouverture de la trappe 34 permet de limiter le débit de vidange du dispositif d'homogénéisation 10.In fact, the valve system firstly comprises a flap hatch 34 controlled by jacks 36. Next, the device homogenization further comprises, downstream of the flap hatch 34, an isolation valve 38 fitted to the powder outlet chute 32. This isolation valve 38 makes it possible to separate the device homogenization 10 of the downstream device while, under the control cylinders 36, the opening of the hatch 34 makes it possible to limit the flow of emptying the homogenization device 10.

    En position fermée de la trappe, les volets de la trappe 34 se trouvent dans le prolongement de la paroi inférieure de la virole 14a qui délimite l'espace annulaire 24, ce qui évite la formation d'un recoin où de la poudre pourrait se loger à demeure. In the closed position of the hatch, the shutters of the hatch 34 are are located in the extension of the bottom wall of the shell 14a which delimits the annular space 24, which avoids the formation of a corner where the powder could become lodged.

    En outre, le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 comprend, entre la trappe à volets 34 et la vanne d'isolement 38, une vanne alvéolaire 40 (voir figure 2) permettant de modifier le débit de poudre s'écoulant par la goulotte de sortie 32 vers le dispositif aval.In addition, the homogenization device 10 comprises, between the shutter flap 34 and the isolation valve 38, a cellular valve 40 (see Figure 2) to change the flow rate of powder flowing through the outlet chute 32 to the downstream device.

    Les deux systèmes de refroidissement (interne et externe) vont maintenant être décrits en relation avec les figures 1 à 3.Both cooling systems (internal and external) will now be described in relation to Figures 1 to 3.

    Le système de refroidissement interne comporte un système d'alimentation en air refroidi muni d'un tuyau d'arrivée de l'air refroidi 42 monté sur un joint tournant 44. Le joint tournant 44 est lui-même disposé à l'extérieur du corps cylindrique 14 autour d'une première portion d'extrémité 18a de l'arbre 18 de sorte que ledit tuyau d'arrivée 42 communique avec un premier canal longitudinal 18c s'étendant longitudinalement dans toute la première portion d'extrémité 18a de l'arbre 18 depuis l'extérieur du corps 14 jusque dans l'espace 16e, 16f délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne.The internal cooling system has a system of cooled air supply with a cooled air inlet pipe 42 mounted on a rotary joint 44. The rotary joint 44 is itself arranged outside the cylindrical body 14 around a first portion end 18a of the shaft 18 so that said inlet pipe 42 communicates with a first longitudinal channel 18c extending longitudinally throughout the first end portion 18a of the shaft 18 from outside the body 14 to the space 16th, 16f delimited between the outer drum and the inner drum.

    A cet effet le joint tournant 44 comporte un espace intérieur annulaire 44a (voir figure 3) en communication de fluide d'une part avec le tuyau d'arrivée 42 et d'autre part, au niveau d'au moins un orifice d'arrivée 18e, avec ledit premier canal 18c. Le mode de réalisation illustré comporte deux orifices d'arrivée 18e.For this purpose the rotary joint 44 has an interior space annular 44a (see Figure 3) in fluid communication on the one hand with the inlet pipe 42 and on the other hand, at at least one inlet orifice 18th, with said first channel 18c. The illustrated embodiment has two 18th inlet ports.

    Afin de permettre l'arrivée, dans l'espace 16e, 16f délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne, de l'air refroidi provenant du tuyau d'arrivée 42, la première portion d'extrémité 18a de l'arbre est munie, dans la partie située dans la zone élargie 16g de la zone radiale 16f, d'au moins un orifice d'alimentation 18f. Sur la figure 1A et dans la partie de droite des figures 1 et 3, on distingue trois orifices d'alimentation 18f.In order to allow the arrival, in the space 16th, delimited 16f between the outer drum and the inner drum, cooled air from of the inlet pipe 42, the first end portion 18a of the shaft is equipped, in the part located in the enlarged zone 16g of the radial zone 16f, at least one supply port 18f. In Figure 1A and in the right part of Figures 1 and 3, there are three supply ports 18f.

    A l'autre extrémité du dispositif d'homogénéisation 10, de manière symétrique, l'arbre 18 comporte une deuxième portion d'extrémité 18b également creuse à l'emplacement d'un deuxième canal longitudinal 18d. Le premier canal longitudinal 18c et le deuxième canal longitudinal 18d ne communiquent pas entre eux au niveau de l'arbre 18.At the other end of the homogenization device 10, symmetrically, the shaft 18 has a second end portion 18b also digs at the site of a second longitudinal channel 18d. The first longitudinal channel 18c and the second longitudinal channel 18d do not communicate with each other at tree level 18.

    Après circulation à l'intérieur de l'espace 16e, 16f délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne, l'air est évacué par le deuxième canal 18d grâce à au moins un orifice d'évacuation 18g situés au niveau de la deuxième portion d'extrémité 18b de l'arbre 18. Sur la figure 1B et dans la partie de gauche des figures 1 et 3, on distingue quatre orifices d'évacuation 18g. Ces orifices 18g sont en communication de fluide d'une part avec le deuxième canal 18d et, d'autre part, avec l'intérieur de l'espace 16e, 16f délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne, au niveau de la zone élargie 16g de la zone radiale 16f.After circulation inside the 16th space, 16f delimited between the outer drum and the inner drum, the air is exhausted by the second 18d channel thanks to at least one 18g evacuation orifice located at the level of the second end portion 18b of the shaft 18. In FIG. 1B and in the left part of Figures 1 and 3, there are four holes evacuation 18g. These 18g orifices are in fluid communication with a part with the second channel 18d and, on the other hand, with the interior of the space 16e, 16f delimited between the external drum and the internal drum, at the level of the enlarged zone 16g of the radial zone 16f.

    Le deuxième canal 18d s'étend au moins jusqu'à l'ouverture 12d de la boíte à gants pour que l'air soit évacué, et éventuellement recyclé, dans un système de ventilation haute dépression.The second channel 18d extends at least until the opening 12d of the glove box so that the air is evacuated, and possibly recycled, in a high vacuum ventilation system.

    Afin de compléter le refroidissement du dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 et de la poudre disposée dans l'espace annulaire 24, il est prévu en outre un système de refroidissement externe formé dans la partie basse du dispositif d'homogénéisation 10, c'est-à-dire là où se trouve l'essentiel de la poudre du fait de la gravité.In order to complete the cooling of the homogenization device 10 and powder disposed in the annular space 24, it is further provided an external cooling system formed in the lower part of the homogenization device 10, that is to say where finds most of the powder due to gravity.

    A cet effet, comme on peut le voir notamment sur la figure 2, au moins dans la moitié inférieure de la section transversale du corps 14, la virole 14a est entourée par une paroi inférieure 46a en délimitant ainsi une enveloppe 46 à double paroi.To this end, as can be seen in particular in Figure 2, at less in the lower half of the cross section of the body 14, the ferrule 14a is surrounded by a bottom wall 46a thus delimiting an envelope 46 with double wall.

    Cette enveloppe 46 est reliée à un autre système d'alimentation en air refroidi, d'une part par un conduit d'entrée 46b disposé à une première extrémité de l'enveloppe 46 qui est située du côté de la deuxième portion d'extrémité 18b de l'arbre, et d'autre part par un conduit de sortie 46c disposé à la deuxième extrémité de l'enveloppe qui est située du côté de la première portion d'extrémité 18a de l'arbre.This envelope 46 is connected to another supply system in cooled air, on the one hand by an inlet duct 46b disposed at a first end of the envelope 46 which is located on the side of the second end portion 18b of the shaft, and on the other hand by a conduit outlet 46c disposed at the second end of the envelope which is located on the side of the first end portion 18a of the shaft.

    On comprend donc que la partie supérieure de la virole 14a est constituée d'une coque simple tandis que la partie inférieure de la virole 14a est constituée de la double enveloppe 46. L'espace délimité par la face externe de la paroi de la virole 14a et par la face interne de la paroi inférieure 46a de la double enveloppe 46 est muni d'ailettes 48 pour favoriser les échanges thermiques (voir les figures 2 et 3). De préférence, pour un meilleur échange thermique avec l'espace annulaire rempli de poudre, les ailettes 48 sont situées contre la paroi 14a de l'enveloppe. Dans le cas du mode de réalisation représenté, les ailettes 48 s'étendent parallèlement à l'axe (X, X') de rotation de l'ensemble de tambours 16.It is therefore understood that the upper part of the shell 14a is consisting of a single shell while the lower part of the shell 14a consists of the double envelope 46. The space delimited by the external face of the wall of the ferrule 14a and through the internal face of the wall lower 46a of the double jacket 46 is provided with fins 48 for promote heat exchange (see Figures 2 and 3). Preferably, for better heat exchange with the annular space filled with powder, the fins 48 are located against the wall 14a of the envelope. In the case of the embodiment shown, the fins 48 extend parallel to the axis (X, X ') of rotation of the drum assembly 16.

    Les conduits d'entrée et de sortie 46b et 46c sont reliés à un système de refroidissement 50 qui est externe à la boíte à gants 12 (voir figure 3). Ce système de refroidissement d'air 50 comporte un ventilateur 52 et un échangeur à ailettes 54 refroidi par une circulation d'eau glacée 56. Ce système 50 permet de refroidir l'air sortant par le conduit de sortie 46c depuis une température de 50°C environ à une température de l'ordre de 25°C, l'air étant envoyé par le ventilateur 52 au niveau du conduit d'entrée 46b.The inlet and outlet conduits 46b and 46c are connected to a cooling system 50 which is external to the glove box 12 (see figure 3). This air cooling system 50 includes a fan 52 and a finned exchanger 54 cooled by a circulation of chilled water 56. This system 50 makes it possible to cool the air leaving through the outlet duct. 46c from a temperature of around 50 ° C to a temperature of around 25 ° C, the air being sent by the fan 52 at the level of the duct input 46b.

    Afin de favoriser les échanges thermiques entre le système de refroidissement interne et l'espace annulaire 24 rempli de poudre, il est avantageusement prévu que l'espace 16e, 16f délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne est équipé d'ailettes 17 comme on peut le voir notamment sur les figures 2 et 3. Dans le cas du mode de réalisation représenté, ces ailettes 17 sont situées sur la face interne de la paroi cylindrique 16a et parallèlement à l'axe (X, X') des tambours interne et externe.In order to favor the thermal exchanges between the system of internal cooling and the annular space 24 filled with powder it is advantageously provided that the space 16th, 16f delimited between the drum external and the internal drum is equipped with fins 17 as can be see in particular in Figures 2 and 3. In the case of the embodiment shown, these fins 17 are located on the internal face of the wall cylindrical 16a and parallel to the axis (X, X ') of the internal drums and external.

    Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 1, la partie supérieure du corps 14 comporte l'orifice de dégazage 14i reliée à un tube menant à une électrovanne munie d'un filtre qui permet de faire "respirer" le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 lors de la phase de vidange. En effet, dans ce cas, on permet l'admission d'air provenant de l'enceinte formée de la boíte à gants 12.As can be seen in Figure 1, the upper part of the body 14 includes the degassing orifice 14i connected to a tube leading to a solenoid valve fitted with a filter which allows the device to "breathe" homogenization 10 during the emptying phase. Indeed, in this case, it allows the admission of air from the enclosure formed from the box to gloves 12.

    Le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 selon la présente invention comporte, de préférence, en outre, un système vibratoire disposé à l'extérieur du corps cylindrique 14 à proximité de l'orifice de vidange 14d. A cet effet, comme il est illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, un ensemble de quatre marteaux 58 est disposé contre l'enveloppe 46, sur la face externe de la paroi inférieure 46a, de façon équidistante tout autour de la goulotte de sortie 32. Ces marteaux pneumatiques envoient des vibrations à l'enveloppe 46: ces vibrations décollent la poudre des parois de la virole 14a et favorisent la vidange du dispositif d'homogénéisation 10. Il est entendu que ce système vibratoire pourrait tout autant être disposé directement en contact avec la virole 14a.The homogenization device 10 according to the present invention preferably also includes a vibration system arranged to the exterior of the cylindrical body 14 near the drain orifice 14d. To this end, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a set of four hammers 58 is disposed against the casing 46, on the external face from the bottom wall 46a, equidistant all around the chute 32. These pneumatic hammers send vibrations to envelope 46: these vibrations take off the powder from the shell walls 14a and favor the emptying of the homogenization device 10. It is understood that this vibratory system could just as easily be arranged directly in contact with the ferrule 14a.

    En outre, il est prévu que la géométrie de l'espace annulaire 24 assure la sûreté criticité du dispositif lors de l'homogénéisation d'une certaine charge de poudre de (di)oxyde de plutonium PuO2.In addition, provision is made for the geometry of the annular space 24 to ensure the criticality safety of the device during the homogenization of a certain charge of plutonium (di) oxide powder PuO 2 .

    Lors du fonctionnement, l'oxyde de plutonium provenant du cycle amont est reçu par gravité dans le dispositif d'homogénéisation, dans l'espace annulaire 24 précité. During operation, the plutonium oxide from the upstream cycle is received by gravity in the homogenization device, in the annular space 24 above.

    Lors de la phase de remplissage, l'ensemble de tambours 16 étant en mouvement de rotation, la vanne d'isolement 30 située dans la goulotte d'alimentation 28 est ouverte, la trappe 34 et la vanne d'isolement 38 situées dans la goulotte de sortie 32 sont fermées.During the filling phase, the drum assembly 16 being in rotational movement, the isolation valve 30 located in the feed chute 28 is open, hatch 34 and isolation valve 38 located in the outlet chute 32 are closed.

    Ensuite, on ferme la vanne d'isolement 30 puis on ouvre l'orifice de dégazage 14i pour faire "respirer" le dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 lors de la phase d'homogénéisation.Then, the isolation valve 30 is closed and then opened the degassing orifice 14i to make the device "breathe" homogenization 10 during the homogenization phase.

    L'homogénéisation de la poudre (oxyde de plutonium), occupant l'espace annulaire 24 est assurée par la rotation de l'ensemble de tambours 16, à petite vitesse pendant le remplissage et, éventuellement, à plus grande vitesse une fois que la quantité de poudre souhaitée a été introduite dans cet espace annulaire.Homogenization of the powder (plutonium oxide), occupying the annular space 24 is ensured by the rotation of the assembly of drums 16, at low speed during filling and, possibly at higher speed once the amount of powder desired was entered in this annular space.

    On comprend que le dispositif d'homogénéisation comporte deux systèmes de refroidissement à air :

    • un système de refroidissement interne situé à l'intérieur de l'ensemble de tambours 16 lui-même (espace 16e, 16f) et entouré par l'espace annulaire 24. Ce système de refroidissement est constitué par un circuit d'air passant en partie à l'intérieur de l'arbre 18 et de l'espace de révolution 16e, 16f délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne afin d'évacuer les dégagements thermiques dus à la rotation de l'ensemble de tambours, au système d'étanchéité (tresses et presse-étoupe), et au pouvoir calorifique de la poudre, cet air étant repris par la ventilation;
    • un système de refroidissement externe qui entoure la partie inférieure de l'espace annulaire 24 : c'est le circuit de refroidissement de l'enveloppe 46 à double paroi qui permet d'évacuer les dégagements thermiques dus à l'oxyde de plutonium et à son brassage.
    It is understood that the homogenization device comprises two air cooling systems:
    • an internal cooling system located inside the drum assembly 16 itself (space 16e, 16f) and surrounded by the annular space 24. This cooling system is constituted by an air circuit passing in part inside the shaft 18 and the revolution space 16e, 16f delimited between the external drum and the internal drum in order to evacuate the thermal releases due to the rotation of the drum assembly, to the system of sealing (braids and cable gland), and the calorific value of the powder, this air being taken up by ventilation;
    • an external cooling system which surrounds the lower part of the annular space 24: it is the cooling circuit of the double-walled casing 46 which makes it possible to evacuate the thermal releases due to plutonium oxide and to its brewing.

    Le fonctionnement correct des systèmes de refroidissement interne et externe peut être assuré par la mesure des températures en amont et en aval du dispositif d'homogénéisation 10 selon la présente invention.Correct operation of cooling systems internal and external can be ensured by measuring temperatures in upstream and downstream of the homogenization device 10 according to the present invention.

    Ainsi on comprend que les deux systèmes de refroidissement assurent, d'une part, l'évacuation de l'énergie thermique dégagée par les frottements mécaniques au sein du dispositif d'homogénéisation et, d'autre part, l'évacuation de l'énergie calorifique dégagée par l'oxyde de plutonium. So we understand that the two cooling systems on the one hand, ensure the evacuation of the thermal energy released by the mechanical friction within the homogenization device and, on the other hand, the evacuation of the heat energy released by the oxide of plutonium.

    Lors de la phase de vidange du dispositif d'homogénéisation, la vanne d'isolement 30 de la goulotte d'alimentation 28 étant maintenue fermée, on ouvre la trappe à volets 34 et la vanne d'isolement 38 de la goulotte de sortie 32, tandis que la vanne alvéolaire 40 sert au réglage du débit de vidange de la poudre. Pour faciliter la vidange et l'évacuation de la poudre depuis l'espace annulaire 24 vers le dispositif aval, l'électrovanne, et son filtre associé, permettent l'admisssion en air du corps 14 depuis l'enceinte formée de la boíte à gants 12.During the emptying phase of the homogenization device, the isolation valve 30 of the feed chute 28 being maintained closed, the flap hatch 34 and the isolation valve 38 of the outlet chute 32, while the honeycomb valve 40 is used to adjust the powder discharge rate. To facilitate the emptying and evacuation of the powder from the annular space 24 towards the downstream device, the solenoid valve, and its associated filter, allow the air intake of the body 14 from the enclosure formed from the glove box 12.

    Le degré d'ouverture de la trappe à volets 34, la vitesse de rotation de l'ensemble de tambours 16 et la vitesse de rotation de la vanne alvéolaire 40 permettent d'ajuster le débit instantané de poudre vers le dispositif aval.The degree of opening of the flap hatch 34, the speed of rotation of the drum assembly 16 and the speed of rotation of the alveolar valve 40 allows to adjust the instant powder flow to the downstream device.

    Claims (21)

    Dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre (10), caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend : un corps cylindrique (14) de section circulaire et d'axe longitudinal sensiblement horizontal (XX'), étanche et présentant une virole (14a) cylindrique refermée à ses extrémités par deux flasques (14b) en forme de disque, ledit corps (14) étant muni d'au moins un orifice de remplissage (14c) situé en partie haute dudit corps et d'au moins un orifice de vidange (14d) débouchant dans le fond dudit corps, un ensemble de tambours cylindriques (16) de section circulaire disposé à l'intérieur du corps (14) avec lequel il est coaxial et étanche, ledit ensemble de tambours (16) comprenant un tambour interne et un tambour externe munis chacun d'une paroi cylindrique (16a, 16c) refermée à ses extrémités par deux parois en forme de disque (16b,16d), la face extérieure de la paroi cylindrique (16a) dudit tambour externe étant recouverte de pales (22a, 22b) qui permettent d'homogénéiser la poudre contenue dans l'espace annulaire (24) formé entre la paroi cylindrique (16a) du tambour externe et la virole (14a) du corps, un espace (16e, 16f, 16g) de révolution étant crée entre lesdits tambours interne et externe, un arbre (18) disposé selon ledit axe longitudinal (XX') à travers ledit corps cylindrique (14) en étant monté sur un palier (20) au niveau de chaque flasque (14b) et sur lequel ledit ensemble de tambours cylindriques (16) est monté de manière solidaire, ledit arbre (18) comprenant une première portion d'extrémité (18a) munie d'un premier canal interne longitudinal (18c) et une deuxième portion d'extrémité (18b) munie d'un deuxième canal interne longitudinal (18d), ledit premier canal (18c) étant relié, à l'extérieur du corps (14), à un système d'alimentation en air refroidi et ladite première portion d'extrémité (18a) étant, à l'intérieur du corps, munie d'au moins un orifice d'alimentation (18f) pour l'amenée de l'air refroidi dans ledit espace (16e, 16f, 16g) de révolution depuis ledit premier canal (18c), ladite deuxième portion d'extrémité (18b) étant, à l'intérieur du corps (14), munie d'au moins un orifice d'évacuation (18g) mettant en communication de fluide ledit espace (16e, 16f, 16g) de révolution avec ledit deuxième canal (18d), et ledit deuxième canal (18d) étant, à l'extérieur du corps, relié à un système d'évacuation de l'air pour la sortie de l'air hors dudit espace (16e, 16f, 16g) de révolution, un système d'étanchéité équipant chaque palier (20), et des moyens moteurs mettant en rotation ledit arbre (18). Powder homogenization device (10), characterized in that it comprises: a cylindrical body (14) of circular section and substantially horizontal longitudinal axis (XX '), sealed and having a cylindrical ferrule (14a) closed at its ends by two disc-shaped flanges (14b), said body (14) being provided with at least one filling orifice (14c) situated in the upper part of said body and with at least one drain orifice (14d) opening into the bottom of said body, a set of cylindrical drums (16) of circular section arranged inside the body (14) with which it is coaxial and sealed, said set of drums (16) comprising an internal drum and an external drum each provided with a wall cylindrical (16a, 16c) closed at its ends by two disc-shaped walls (16b, 16d), the external face of the cylindrical wall (16a) of said external drum being covered with blades (22a, 22b) which make it possible to homogenize the powder contained in the annular space (24) formed between the cylindrical wall (16a) of the external drum and the ferrule (14a) of the body, a space (16e, 16f, 16g) of revolution being created between said internal and external drums , a shaft (18) arranged along said longitudinal axis (XX ') through said cylindrical body (14) being mounted on a bearing (20) at each flange (14b) and on which said set of cylindrical drums (16) is integrally mounted, said shaft (18) comprising a first end portion (18a) provided with a first longitudinal internal channel (18c) and a second end portion (18b) provided with a second longitudinal internal channel (18d), said first channel (18c) being connected, outside the body (14), to a cooled air supply system and said first end portion (18a) being, inside the body , provided with at least one supply orifice (18f) for bringing the cooled air into said space (16e, 16f, 16g) of revolution from said first channel (18c), said second end portion ( 18b) being, inside the body (14), provided with at least one discharge orifice (18g) connecting tion of fluid said space (16e, 16f, 16g) of revolution with said second channel (18d), and said second channel (18d) being, outside the body, connected to an air evacuation system for the outlet of the air from said space (16e, 16f, 16g) of revolution, a sealing system fitted to each bearing (20), and motor means rotating said shaft (18). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'un dispositif racleur (26) est disposé entre chaque flasque (14b) du corps cylindrique et la paroi en forme de disque (16b) du tambour correspondante pour empêcher le dépôt de poudre.Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that a scraper device (26) is arranged between each flange (14b) of the cylindrical body and the disc-shaped wall (16b) of the corresponding drum to prevent the deposition of powder. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'étanchéité comporte au moins un presse-étoupe.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said sealing system comprises at least one cable gland. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'alimentation en air refroidi comporte un tuyau d'arrivée (42) de l'air refroidi monté sur un joint tournant (44) disposé, à l'extérieur du corps, autour de ladite première portion d'extrémité (18a) de l'arbre de sorte que ledit tuyau d'arrivée (42) communique avec ledit premier canal (18c).Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said cooled air supply system comprises an inlet pipe (42) for the cooled air mounted on a rotating joint (44) arranged on the outside. of the body, around said first end portion (18a) of the shaft so that said inlet pipe (42) communicates with said first channel (18c). Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit joint tournant (44) comporte un espace intérieur annulaire (44a) en communication de fluide d'une part avec ledit tuyau d'arrivée (42) et d'autre part, au niveau d'au moins un orifice d'arrivée (18e), avec ledit premier canal (18c).Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said rotary joint (44) has an annular interior space (44a) in fluid communication on the one hand with said inlet pipe (42) and on the other hand, at level d 'at least one inlet (18th), with said first channel (18c). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite première portion d'extrémité (18a) est munie d'au moins un orifice d'alimentation (18f) et en ce que ladite deuxième portion d'extrémité (18b) est munie d'au moins un orifice d'évacuation (18g).Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first end portion (18a) is provided with at least one supply orifice (18f) and in that said second end portion (18b) is provided with at least one discharge opening (18g). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'espace délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne est équipé d'ailettes (17).Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the space delimited between the external drum and the internal drum is equipped with fins (17). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite virole (14a) est formée, au moins dans sa partie inférieure, d'une enveloppe étanche (46) à double paroi (14a, 46a) dans laquelle est susceptible de circuler de l'air refroidi provenant d'un autre système d'alimentation en air refroidi.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said ferrule (14a) is formed, at least in its lower part, of a sealed envelope (46) with double wall (14a, 46a) in which is capable of circulate cooled air from another cooled air supply system. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ladite enveloppe (46) est équipée d'ailettes (48) disposées sur la face de la paroi supérieure (14a) de ladite enveloppe (46) tournée vers l'intérieur de ladite enveloppe (46).Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said envelope (46) is equipped with fins (48) arranged on the face of the upper wall (14a) of said envelope (46) facing the interior of said envelope (46 ). Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la dite enveloppe (46) est reliée audit autre système d'alimentation en air refroidi, d'une part par un conduit d'entrée (46b) disposé à l'extrémité de l'enveloppe (46) adjacente à la deuxième portion d'extrémité (18b) de l'arbre, et d'autre part par un conduit de sortie (46c) disposé à l'extrémité de l'enveloppe adjacente à la première portion d'extrémité (18a) de l'arbre.Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said casing (46) is connected to said other cooled air supply system, on the one hand by an inlet duct (46b) disposed at the end of the casing (46) adjacent to the second end portion (18b) of the shaft, and on the other hand by an outlet duct (46c) disposed at the end of the casing adjacent to the first end portion ( 18a) of the tree. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit orifice de remplissage (14c) est relié à une goulotte d'alimentation (28) en poudre qui est équipée d'une vanne d'isolement (30), ladite goulotte d'alimentation (28) communicant avec un dispositif amont.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said filling orifice (14c) is connected to a powder supply chute (28) which is equipped with an isolation valve (30), said chute supply (28) communicating with an upstream device. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la partie haute dudit corps (14) est munie d'au moins un orifice de dégazage (14i) relié à une électrovanne munie d'un filtre.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part of said body (14) is provided with at least one degassing orifice (14i) connected to a solenoid valve provided with a filter. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit orifice de vidange (14d) est relié à une goulotte de sortie de poudre (32) qui est équipée d'au moins un système formant vanne, ladite goulotte de sortie de poudre (32) communicant avec un dispositif aval.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said discharge orifice (14d) is connected to a powder outlet chute (32) which is equipped with at least one valve system, the said outlet chute powder (32) communicating with a downstream device. Dispositif selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que ledit système formant vanne comporte une trappe à volets (34) commandée par des vérins (36).Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said valve system comprises a shutter flap (34) controlled by jacks (36). Dispositif selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre, en aval de ladite trappe à volets (34), une vanne d'isolement (38).Device according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises, downstream of said flap hatch (34), an isolation valve (38). Dispositif selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre, entre ladite trappe à volets (34) et ladite vanne d'isolement (38), une vanne alvéolaire (40) permettant de modifier le débit de poudre s'écoulant par la goulotte de sortie de poudre (32) vers le dispositif aval.Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises, between the said flap hatch (34) and the said isolation valve (38), a cellular valve (40) making it possible to modify the flow of powder flowing by the powder outlet chute (32) to the downstream device. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, en outre, un système vibratoire (58) disposé à l'extérieur dudit corps cylindrique à proximité dudit orifice de vidange.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a vibrating system (58) arranged outside said cylindrical body near said drain orifice. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que lesdites pales (22a, 22b) sont hélicoïdales et forment un pas de vis inversé entre chaque moitié axiale du tambour externe.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said blades (22a, 22b) are helical and form an inverted screw pitch between each axial half of the external drum. Dispositif selon la revendication 18, caractérisé en ce que la paroi cylindrique (16a) de chaque moitié axiale du tambour externe est recouverte, sur sa face externe, d'une pale interne hélicoïdale (22a) accolée sur ladite face externe tout le long de ladite moitié axiale et d'une pale externe hélicoïdale (22b) espacée de ladite face externe tout le long de ladite moitié axiale, lesdites pales interne et externe (22a, 22b) présentant entre elles, sur chaque moitié axiale de la paroi cylindrique (16a), un pas de vis inversé.Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the cylindrical wall (16a) of each axial half of the external drum is covered, on its external face, with a helical internal blade (22a) placed against said external face all along said axial half and an external helical blade (22b) spaced from said external face all along said axial half, said internal and external blades (22a, 22b) having between them, on each axial half of the cylindrical wall (16a) , an inverted screw thread. Utilisation du dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 19, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif (10) est placé dans une boíte à gants (12) et en ce que ladite poudre est radioactive et est constituée de préférence de dioxyde de plutonium (PuO2).Use of the powder homogenization device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the device (10) is placed in a glove box (12) and in that said powder is radioactive and preferably consists of plutonium dioxide (PuO 2 ). Procédé d'homogénéisation et de refroidissement d'une poudre, utilisant un dispositif d'homogénéisation de poudre (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 19, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes suivantes : a) on ferme l'orifice de vidange (14d), b) on active lesdits moyens moteurs pour entraíner en rotation ledit arbre (18) et ledit ensemble de tambours (16), c) on active ledit système d'alimentation en air refroidi afin de remplir et faire circuler de l'air refroidi dans l'espace 16e, 16f délimité entre le tambour externe et le tambour interne, d) on ouvre ledit orifice de remplissage (14c) afin de permettre l'arrivée de poudre dans ledit espace annulaire (24) entre le tambour externe et la virole du corps, e) on ferme ledit orifice de remplissage (14c) lorsque la quantité de poudre souhaitée a été introduite dans ledit espace annulaire (24), f) on réalise l'homogénéisation par rotation dudit arbre (18) et dudit ensemble de tambours (16), et g) on ouvre ledit orifice de vidange (14d) pour vider ledit espace annulaire (24) lorsque l'homogénéisation est terminée. Method for homogenizing and cooling a powder, using a powder homogenizing device (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) the drain opening (14d) is closed, b) activating said motor means for rotating said shaft (18) and said set of drums (16), c) activating said cooled air supply system in order to fill and circulate cooled air in the space 16e, 16f delimited between the external drum and the internal drum, d) said filling orifice (14c) is opened in order to allow the arrival of powder in said annular space (24) between the external drum and the shell of the body, e) closing said filling orifice (14c) when the desired quantity of powder has been introduced into said annular space (24), f) the homogenization is carried out by rotation of said shaft (18) and of said set of drums (16), and g) said drain opening (14d) is opened to empty said annular space (24) when the homogenization is complete.
    EP02291785A 2001-07-20 2002-07-16 Apparatus for homogenizing powder, its use and a method making use of such an apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP1277513B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR0109709A FR2827524B1 (en) 2001-07-20 2001-07-20 POWDER HOMOGENEIZATION DEVICE, ITS USE AND A HOMOGENEIZATION METHOD USING SUCH A DEVICE
    FR0109709 2001-07-20

    Publications (2)

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    EP1277513A1 true EP1277513A1 (en) 2003-01-22
    EP1277513B1 EP1277513B1 (en) 2008-01-02

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    EP (1) EP1277513B1 (en)
    JP (1) JP4711594B2 (en)
    DE (1) DE60224331T2 (en)
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    CN105435673B (en) * 2016-01-08 2018-02-27 河南小威环境科技有限公司 A kind of horizontal mixer split-type agitating shaft

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    CN105435673B (en) * 2016-01-08 2018-02-27 河南小威环境科技有限公司 A kind of horizontal mixer split-type agitating shaft

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    DE60224331D1 (en) 2008-02-14
    RU2291741C2 (en) 2007-01-20
    JP2003098292A (en) 2003-04-03
    US20030030194A1 (en) 2003-02-13
    DE60224331T2 (en) 2009-01-02
    FR2827524B1 (en) 2003-09-19
    US6803017B2 (en) 2004-10-12
    FR2827524A1 (en) 2003-01-24
    EP1277513B1 (en) 2008-01-02
    JP4711594B2 (en) 2011-06-29

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