JP7377786B2 - Radioisotope production device and radioisotope production method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a radioisotope production apparatus and a radioisotope production method.

It is known that radioactive isotopes are used for medical and industrial purposes. Patent Document 1 describes that a radioactive isotope is manufactured by inserting a raw material into an instrumentation tube of a nuclear reactor vessel and irradiating the raw material with neutrons. Patent Document 1 describes that a radioactive isotope is manufactured by moving a holding structure containing a raw material from a pipe of a delivery system to an instrumentation pipe.

Patent No. 5798305

However, since instrumentation tubes are long or curved, improvements are needed to properly insert the holding structure containing the raw material into the instrumentation tube to produce radioactive isotopes. There is room for For example, Patent Document 1 does not disclose the detailed structure of the holding structure, and there is a possibility that the holding structure cannot be properly inserted into the instrumentation tube. Further, in the device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to move the holding structure from the entrance of the instrumentation tube to the target position.

The present disclosure solves the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a radioisotope production device and a radioisotope production method that can appropriately insert a radioisotope raw material into an instrumentation tube. .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, a radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure has one end disposed inside the nuclear reactor and the other end disposed outside the nuclear reactor. A supply section movable inside the instrumentation tube, and the supply section having one end disposed inside the reactor, supply the RI from the other end side of the instrumentation tube to the one end of the supply section. A transport mechanism capable of transporting raw materials.

Further, the method for producing a radioisotope according to the present disclosure is a method for producing a radioisotope, in which an RI raw material, which is a raw material for the radioisotope, is placed inside a nuclear reactor to produce the radioisotope, and the method includes: moving the inside of an instrumentation tube in which the RI is disposed inside the reactor and the other end thereof is disposed outside the reactor to dispose one end of the supply part inside the reactor; a step of transporting the raw material from the other end of the instrumentation tube to the one end of the supply section and placing it in the irradiation area where the neutron beam of the reactor is irradiated; and transferring the RI raw material to the irradiation area. and a step of holding.

According to the present disclosure, a raw material of a radioactive isotope can be appropriately inserted into an instrumentation tube.

FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a nuclear reactor vessel according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the instrumentation tube. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a radioisotope manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the instrumentation tube, the supply tube, and the RI raw material granules according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a conveyance device and a recovery device for RI raw material granules according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of inserting the supply pipe according to the first embodiment into the instrumentation pipe. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an initial state in which the supply pipe according to the first embodiment is filled with RI raw material granules. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an intermediate state in which the supply pipe according to the first embodiment is filled with RI raw material granules. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the latter stage of filling the supply pipe with RI raw material granules according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a radioisotope manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of inserting a supply pipe into an instrumentation pipe according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an initial state in which the supply pipe according to the second embodiment is filled with RI raw material granules. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an intermediate state in which the supply pipe according to the second embodiment is filled with RI raw material granules. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the latter stage of filling the supply pipe with RI raw material granules according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the RI raw material. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a capsule constituting the RI raw material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and if there are multiple embodiments, the present invention may be configured by combining each embodiment.

[First embodiment]
(reactor vessel)
FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a nuclear reactor vessel according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a nuclear reactor vessel 101 according to the first embodiment is used in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) of a nuclear power plant. However, the reactor vessel 101 is not limited to being used in a pressurized water reactor, and may be used in, for example, a boiling water reactor. As shown in FIG. 1, the reactor vessel 101 has reactor internals including a fuel assembly 120 inside the reactor vessel main body 101a.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the instrumentation tube. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of instrumentation pipes 147A are connected to the reactor vessel body 101a. The instrumentation pipes 147A are arranged at multiple locations in the lower part of the reactor vessel body 101a. The instrumentation tube 147A includes an instrumentation nozzle 146, an in-core instrumentation guide tube 147, a conduit tube 148, and a thimble tube 151. The instrumentation nozzle 146 passes through the lower mirror 101e. The instrumentation nozzle 146 has an in-furnace instrumentation guide tube 147 connected to its upper end inside the furnace, and a conduit tube 148 connected to its lower end outside the furnace. The in-core instrumentation guide pipe 147 is connected to the instrumentation nozzle stub 146 and extends to a region inside the reactor core where the fuel assembly 120 is arranged. The conduit tube 148 is arranged outside the reactor vessel body 101a and is connected to the instrumentation nozzle 146 and the seal table 156. The thimble tube 151 is a tube inserted into the conduit tube 148, the instrumentation nozzle 146, and the in-furnace instrumentation guide tube 147. A neutron flux detector (not shown) capable of measuring neutron flux is inserted through the thimble tube 151 . The thimble tube 151 can be inserted into the conduit tube 148, the instrumentation nozzle 146, and the in-core instrumentation guide tube 147 to the region where the fuel assembly 120 is arranged.

A neutron flux detector is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A. The instrumentation tube 147A extends to the reactor core 129, so that the inserted neutron flux detector is exposed to the neutron flux and detects the neutron flux.

As shown in FIG. 2, the instrumentation tube 147A extends to the outside of the reactor vessel 101. In the reactor containment vessel 100, a piping chamber 155 is formed below the reactor vessel 101. The plurality of conduit tubes 148 are pulled out from the instrumentation nozzle 146 in the lower mirror 101e to the outside of the reactor vessel 101, curved through the piping chamber 155, and then routed upward. It is fixed at 156. Thimble tube 151 is inserted from the end of this fixed conduit tube 148. A neutron flux detector is inserted into this thimble tube 151.

The seal table 156 is formed into a plate shape, and is fixed with the end of the conduit tube 148 passed through from the bottom to the top. A plurality of conduit tubes 148 are arranged in a forest from the upper surface of the seal table 156.

In this way, the instrumentation tube 147A has a configuration in which the conduit tube 148 is inserted into the thimble tube 151, but is not limited to this, and can be a tube of any shape into which a neutron flux detector or a supply section to be described later is inserted, or a tube of any shape. , it may be a hollow member whose internal space is an elongated passage.

(Radioisotope production equipment)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a radioisotope manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes a supply section 12, a transport mechanism 14, and a recovery mechanism 16. The supply section 12 is movable inside the instrumentation tube 147A tube. The transport mechanism 14 and the collection mechanism 16 are connected to the end of the supply section 12 .

(Supply Department)
The supply section 12 is a supply tube 20 that forms a conduit that is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A. The supply tube 20 has an outer tube 21, an inner tube 22, and a seal ring 23. In the supply tube 20, an inner tube 22 is disposed inside an outer tube 21, and a seal ring 23 is provided at one end of the outer tube 21. The inner tube 22 is provided with a first path 22a therein. A gap is ensured between the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 21 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 22, and a ring-shaped second path 21a is provided in the gap. Although one end of the inner tube 22 protrudes from one end of the outer tube 21 by a predetermined length, it does not need to protrude. Although the seal ring 23 is fixed to one end of the outer tube 21, it may be integrally formed when the outer tube 21 is formed. Further, although the seal ring 23 is provided at a position shifted from one end of the outer tube 21 by a predetermined length toward the other end, it may be provided at one end of the outer tube 21. Further, a plurality of seal rings 23 may be provided. Note that the outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22 are preferably made of stainless steel, but may be made of other materials.

The outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22 that constitute the supply tube 20 have a rigidity that allows them to be moved inside the instrumentation tube 147A into which they are inserted, and a flexibility that allows them to be deformed along the instrumentation tube 147A. has. The supply tube 20 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the instrumentation tube 147A. The supply tube 20 as the supply unit 12 has a length that allows it to reach the seal table 156 from a predetermined position in the reactor vessel 101, specifically, from the irradiation area where the neutron beam is irradiated.

The supply unit 12 supplies RI (Radioisotope) raw material to the irradiation area of the reactor vessel 101 through the supply tube 20 . One end of the supply tube 20 is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A without being filled with RI raw material, and this end is connected to the irradiation area of the reactor vessel 101 (the position where the fuel assembly 120 is located). ), the RI raw material is supplied inside by the transport mechanism 14. The supply tube 20 is filled with the RI raw material, and one end thereof is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A, and this end is inserted into the irradiation area of the reactor vessel 101 (where the fuel assembly 120 is arranged). position).

(RI raw material)
The RI source is a source of radioactive isotopes. The RI raw material is converted into a radioactive isotope by being exposed to a neutron flux within the instrumentation tube 147A located within the reactor vessel 101. The RI raw material may be a granular material as long as it can be transported by the transport mechanism 14 described later, and is preferably a granular material, but is not limited to a granular material. Good too. Note that the shape of the block body may be any shape, and may be a sphere, a pellet shape, a cylindrical shape, an amorphous shape, or the like. RI raw materials include, for example, molybdenum-98, chromium-50, copper-63, dysprosium-164, erbium-168, holmium-165, iodine-130, iridium-191, iron-58, lutetium-176, palladium-102, It may be at least one of phosphorus-31, potassium-41, rhenium-185, samarium-152, selenium-74, sodium-23, strontium-88, ytterbium-168, ytterbium-176, and yttrium-89. By irradiating these RI raw materials with neutron flux, the radioactive isotopes are molybdenum-99, chromium-51, copper-64, dysprosium-165, erbium-169, holmium-166, and iodine-131, respectively. , Iridium-192, Iron-59, Lutetium-177, Palladium-103, Phosphorus-32, Potassium-42, Rhenium-186, Samarium-153, Selenium-75, Sodium-24, Strontium-89, Ytterbium-169, Ytterbium -177 and yttrium-90 are produced.

(supply tube)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the instrumentation tube, the supply tube, and the RI raw material granules according to the first embodiment. Here, the instrumentation tube 147A is composed of an in-core instrumentation guide tube 147, a conduit tube 148, a thimble tube 151, and the like. Hereinafter, the supply unit 12 (supply tube 20) can move inside the thimble tube 151 or inside the in-core instrumentation guide pipe 147 and conduit tube 148 from which the thimble tube 151 has been removed. As shown in FIG. 4, when the inner diameter of the instrumentation tube 147A is D0 and the outer diameter of the supply tube 20 (seal ring 23) is D1, the outer diameter of the supply tube 20 (seal ring 23) is adjusted such that D0>D1. D1 is set. However, the gap between the inner diameter D0 and the outer diameter D1 is a minute gap, and is large enough to allow the supply tube 20 to move inside the instrumentation tube 147A without the RI raw material granules M leaking from the gap.

When the inner diameter D2 of the inner tube 22 and the outer diameter D3 of the RI raw material granules M are set, the inner diameter D2 of the inner tube 22 and the outer diameter D3 of the RI raw material granules M are set so that D2>D3. Here, the RI raw material granules M have a spherical shape, but may have another shape, and in this case, the outer diameter D3 of the RI raw material granules M is the maximum outer diameter. Furthermore, when the length of the radial gap between the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 21 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 22 is D4, the inner diameter of the outer tube 21 and the outer diameter of the inner tube 22 are adjusted so that D3>D4. The outer diameter D3 of the RI raw material granules M is set. In this case, the length D4 is the length when the inner tube 22 is located at the center position of the outer tube 21, but considering that the inner tube 22 is shifted in the radial direction with respect to the outer tube 21, D3> It is preferable to set it to 2×D4.

(Transport device and collection device)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a conveyance device and a recovery device for RI raw material granules according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the transport mechanism 14 is connected to the other end of the supply section 12. That is, the transport mechanism 14 is arranged on the seal table 156 side of the instrumentation tube 147A, and is connected to the other end of the supply tube 20. The transport mechanism 14 transports the RI raw material granules M from the other end of the supply tube 20 through the interior to one end, and supplies the RI raw material granules M to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A. Specifically, the transport mechanism 14 fills the irradiation region of the instrumentation tube 147A with the RI raw material granules M through the supply tube 20. The transport mechanism 14 transports the RI raw material particles M inside the supply tube 20 using a transport gas. Here, the transport gas is preferably carbon dioxide, but may also be air or other inert gas or gas.

The supply tube 20 is constructed by disposing an inner tube 22 inside an outer tube 21. A first path 22a is formed inside the inner tube 22, and a second path 21a is formed between the outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22. When the supply tube 20 supplies the RI raw material granules M to the irradiation area of the instrumentation tube 147A, the first route 22a is used as a supply route, and the second route 21a is used as a gas recovery route. A branch pipe 31 is connected to the other end of the inner pipe 22 . Branch pipe 31 has two branch parts 31a and 31b. The other end of the outer tube 21 is separated from the inner tube before the branch tube 31 and is connected to a supply/discharge section (not shown). The supply/discharge section communicates with the outside via, for example, a filter.

In the branch pipe 31, a gas supply pipe 32 is connected to one branch portion 31a. The gas supply pipe 32 is provided with an on-off valve 33 at a connection portion with the branch pipe 31 . A blower 34 is provided in the middle of the gas supply pipe 32 . The gas supply pipe 32 is provided with an on-off valve 35 at the upstream end in the gas flow direction and can be opened to the outside. Furthermore, a branch pipe 36 is connected to the gas supply pipe 32 between the blower 34 and the on-off valve 35 . The branch pipe 36 is connected to connecting pipes 38 and 39 via a three-way valve 37. One connecting pipe 38 is connected to an RI raw material storage section 40, and the other connecting pipe 39 is connected to a dummy raw material storage section 41. The RI raw material storage section 40 stores a large number of RI raw material granules M, and the dummy raw material storage section 41 stores a large number of dummy raw material granules N. The dummy raw material granules N are manufactured using, for example, a dummy raw material other than the RI raw material. Here, as the dummy raw material, for example, materials such as aluminum, silicon, stainless steel, and activated carbon can be used.

The collection mechanism 16 is connected to the other end of the supply section 12 similarly to the transport mechanism 14 . That is, the recovery mechanism 16 is arranged on the seal table 156 side of the instrumentation tube 147A, and is connected to the other end of the supply tube 20. The collection mechanism 16 transports the RI raw material particles M filled in one end of the instrumentation tube 147A from one end of the supply tube 20 through the inside to the other end, and collects the RI raw material granules M. Specifically, the recovery mechanism 16 recovers the RI raw material particles M located in the irradiation area of the instrumentation tube 147A through the supply tube 20. The recovery mechanism 16 also recovers the dummy raw material particles N in the instrumentation tube 147A through the supply tube 20. The recovery mechanism 16 suctions and conveys the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material granules N inside the supply tube 20 using negative pressure.
When the supply tube 20 collects the RI raw material particles M in the irradiation area of the instrumentation tube 147A, the first path 22a is used as a recovery path, and the second path 21a is used as a gas supply path.

The branch pipe 31 connected to the other end of the inner pipe 22 has a gas discharge pipe 42 connected to the other branch part 31b. The gas discharge pipe 42 is provided with an on-off valve 43 at a connection portion with the branch pipe 31 . A vacuum pump 44 is provided in the middle of the gas exhaust pipe 42 . The gas discharge pipe 42 is provided with an on-off valve 45 at the downstream end in the gas flow direction and can be opened to the outside. Furthermore, a branch pipe 46 is connected between the gas exhaust pipe 42 and the vacuum pump 44 and the on-off valve 45 . A separation device 47 is connected to the branch pipe 46 . The separation device 47 sorts the collected RI raw material granules M and dummy raw material granules N.

Separation device 47 is, for example, a wet filter. A wet filter is configured by storing, for example, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide solution) as a dissolving liquid inside a storage tank. The RI raw material particles M and the dummy raw material particles N recovered by the recovery mechanism 16 are put into a wet filter. The RI raw material granules M are dissolved by the solution stored in the storage tank, and the dummy raw material granules N remain as a solid without being dissolved by the solution stored in the storage tank. Therefore, by removing the dummy raw material granules N from the solution in the storage tank in which the RI raw material granules M are dissolved, the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material granules N can be sorted.

Note that the dissolving liquid is not limited to caustic soda. What is necessary is just to set it suitably according to the kind of dummy raw material which comprises the dummy raw material granule N. That is, the dissolving liquid may be any solution as long as it dissolves the RI raw material particles M and does not dissolve the dummy raw material particles N. Furthermore, the separation device 47 is not limited to a wet filter. For example, the particle size of the RI raw material granules M and the particle size of the dummy raw material granules N may be made different, and the sorting may be performed by particle size separation.

Further, the transport mechanism 14 has a holding mechanism that holds the RI raw material granules M transported to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A in an irradiation region within the reactor vessel 101 where the neutron beam is irradiated. The holding mechanism is constituted by dummy raw material particles N filled in the instrumentation tube 147A. That is, after the RI raw material granules M are conveyed to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A, the dummy raw material granules N are subsequently filled into the instrumentation tube 147A. Therefore, the dummy raw material granules N filled in the instrumentation tube 147A prevent the RI raw material granules M filled in one end of the instrumentation tube 147A from falling, and are held in the irradiation area.

Therefore, the on-off valve 33 is opened and the on-off valve 43 is closed. Further, the on-off valve 35 is opened and the on-off valve 45 is closed. Further, the three-way valve 37 allows the branch pipe 36 and the connecting pipe 38 to communicate with each other, while the branch pipe 36 and the connecting pipe 39 do not communicate with each other. In this state, the blower 34 is driven. Then, the external transport gas is introduced into the gas supply pipe 32 by the suction force of the blower 34, and the RI raw material granules M in the RI raw material storage section 40 are introduced into the gas supply pipe 32 via the connecting pipe 38 and the branch pipe 36. will be introduced in The RI raw material particles M are sucked by the transport gas introduced into the gas supply pipe 32 and then pushed out, and are supplied from the branch pipe 31 to the inner pipe 22 of the supply tube 20, as indicated by arrow A1. Then, the RI raw material granules M are conveyed to one end of the inner tube 22 through the first path 22a, and filled into one end of the instrumentation tube 147A. The transport gas is recovered through the second path 21a between the outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22, as indicated by arrow A2.

When one end of the instrumentation pipe 147A is filled with a predetermined amount of RI raw material granules M, the three-way valve 37 sets the branch pipe 36 and the connecting pipe 38 out of communication, while the branch pipe 36 and the connecting pipe 39 communicate with. Then, the dummy raw material particles N in the dummy raw material storage section 41 are introduced into the gas supply pipe 32 via the connecting pipe 39 and the branch pipe 36. The dummy raw material particles N are pushed out after being sucked by the transport gas introduced into the gas supply pipe 32, and are supplied from the branch pipe 31 to the inner pipe 22 of the supply tube 20, as indicated by arrow A1. Then, the RI raw material granules M are conveyed to one end of the inner tube 22 through the first path 22a, and are filled into the instrumentation tube 147A.

On the other hand, the on-off valve 33 is closed and the on-off valve 43 is opened. Further, the on-off valve 35 is closed and the on-off valve 45 is opened. In this state, the vacuum pump 44 is driven. Then, negative pressure generated by the suction force of the vacuum pump 44 acts on the inner tube 22 of the supply tube 20 via the gas discharge tube 42 and the branch tube 31. When negative pressure acts on the inner tube 22, first, the dummy raw material granules N filled in the instrumentation tube 147A are collected through the first path 22a of the inner tube 22, as indicated by arrow B1, and branched. The gas is collected into a separation device 47 via a pipe 31, a gas discharge pipe 42, and a branch pipe 46. At this time, the transport gas is supplied to the instrumentation tube 147A through the second path 21a between the outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22, as indicated by arrow B2. When the collection of the dummy raw material granules N filled in the instrumentation pipe 147A is completed, the RI raw material granules M filled in the instrumentation pipe 147A are similarly collected.

Note that in the first embodiment, the transport mechanism 14 and the collection mechanism 16 having the above-described configurations are provided, but the transport mechanism 14 and the collection mechanism 16 are not limited to the above-described configurations. For example, by applying negative pressure generated by a vacuum pump to the second path 21a between the outer pipe 21 and the inner pipe 22, one end of the instrumentation pipe 147A is made into a negative pressure, and the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material The granular material N may be suction-conveyed and supplied to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A through the first path 22a of the inner tube 22. In addition, by supplying the conveying gas to the second path 21a between the outer pipe 21 and the inner pipe 22 by a blower, one end of the instrumentation pipe 147A is made high pressure, and the RI raw material granules M in the instrumentation pipe 147A are Alternatively, the dummy raw material particles N may be extruded and conveyed through the first path 22a of the inner tube 22 and recovered.

(Method for producing radioisotope)
Next, a method of radioactive isotope production by radioactive isotope production apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the method of inserting the supply pipe according to the first embodiment into the instrumentation pipe, and FIG. 7 is an initial state in which the supply pipe according to the first embodiment is filled with RI raw material granules. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an intermediate state in which the supply pipe according to the first embodiment is filled with RI raw material granules, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram representing a late state of filling.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the supply section 12 is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A from the opening at the end of the instrumentation tube 147A protruding from the upper surface of the seal table 156. Insert the supply tube 20 as shown in FIG. For example, the supply tube 20 is inserted into the thimble tube 151 in which the neutron flux detector is not inserted. That is, the supply tube 20 is inserted into the thimble tube 151 (instrumentation tube 147A) for the neutron flux detector. The supply tube 20 is not filled with the RI raw material particles M or the dummy raw material particles N, and is hollow inside. By advancing the supply tube 20 inside the instrumentation tube 147A, one end portion is moved to a predetermined position within the reactor vessel 101.

When the supply tube 20 is placed inside the instrumentation tube 147A, as shown in FIG. Move it to one end. Note that when the RI raw material granules M are moved by the supply tube 20, it is preferable to create a carbon dioxide atmosphere inside the instrumentation tube 147A. When the RI raw material granules M move to one end of the supply tube 20, the RI raw material granules M are discharged from one end of the inner tube 22 to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A. At this time, the radioisotope production apparatus 10 withdraws and retreats the supply tube 20 while discharging the RI raw material granules M from one end of the inner tube 22 using the transport gas. Then, the space at one end of the instrumentation tube 147A formed by the retreat of the supply tube 20 is filled with the RI raw material granules M. As shown in FIG. 8, the RI raw material granules M filled from one end of the instrumentation tube 147A are prevented from falling by the transport gas and the RI raw material granules M discharged from one end of the inner tube 22. One end of the instrumentation tube 147A is filled with a predetermined amount of RI raw material granules M.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the RI raw material granules M are filled up to the irradiation region L1 in the reactor vessel 101 where one end of the instrumentation tube 147A is arranged, the RI raw material granules supplied to the supply tube 20 are The granular material M is switched to the dummy raw material granular material N. That is, the RI raw material granules M are filled only in the irradiation area L1 of the instrumentation tube 147A, and the dummy raw material granules N are filled in the non-irradiation area L2. The instrumentation tube 147A has an inverted U shape. Further, the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material granules N have the same mass. Therefore, the dummy raw material granules N are filled up to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A, that is, to the height at which the RI raw material granules M are filled. Then, the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material granules N are balanced inside the instrumentation tube 147A, and the RI raw material granules M filled in one end of the instrumentation tube 147A are held and prevented from falling. Note that when the mass of the RI raw material granules M is larger than the mass of the dummy raw material granules N, the dummy raw material granules N are filled up to the upper surface of the seal table 156, and a stopper is attached to the other end of the instrumentation tube 147A. Good too. Instead of attaching a stopper, air may be constantly blown to prevent the RI raw material particles M and the dummy raw material particles N from falling. Moreover, it is not necessary to fill all the areas in the instrumentation tube 147A with the dummy raw material granules N. For example, when filling the instrumentation pipe 147A with the dummy raw material granules N while pulling out the supply tube 20, the movement of the supply tube 20 and the supply of the dummy raw material granules N to the instrumentation pipe 147A are stopped midway, and the supply The tube 20 may remain inside the instrumentation tube 147A.

The radioisotope production apparatus 10 maintains a state in which the irradiation region L1 at one end of the instrumentation tube 147A is filled with and held with the RI raw material granules M. Then, the RI raw material particles M held in the irradiation region L1 of the instrumentation tube 147A are irradiated with a neutron flux onto the radioactive isotope, thereby producing the radioactive isotope.

When the radioisotope is manufactured, the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10 causes the collection mechanism 16 to move the RI raw material granules M filled in the instrumentation tube 147A from one end of the supply tube 20 to the other end. Collect the radioactive isotope. The supply tube 20 as the supply section 12 is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A from the opening at the end of the instrumentation tube 147A protruding from the upper surface of the seal table 156. At this time, the collection mechanism 16 applies suction force to one end of the inner tube 22 of the supply tube 20 . Then, when one end of the supply tube 20 moves forward inside the instrumentation tube 147A, the dummy raw material particles N are sucked and collected from one end of the inner tube 22. When the supply tube 20 is further advanced inside the instrumentation tube 147A, the recovery of the dummy raw material particles N filled in the non-irradiation area L2 is completed, and subsequently the recovery of the RI raw material particles M begins. At this time, since the RI raw material granules M held at one end of the instrumentation tube 147A fall due to their own weight when the lower dummy raw material granules N are collected, one end of the supply tube 20 is It is not necessary to advance the tube to one end of the tube 147A. Then, when the suction by the inner tube 22 of the supply tube 20 is continued, all the RI raw material particles M filled in the instrumentation tube 147A are recovered. When the RI raw material granules M are collected, the supply tube 20 is pulled out from the instrumentation tube 147A.

(effect)
The radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment inserts the supply unit 12 capable of transporting the RI raw material granules M into the instrumentation pipe 147A, moves it to the irradiation area L1 in the reactor vessel 101, and then , the RI raw material granules M are filled into one end of the instrumentation tube 147A through the supply section 12 and held therein. By irradiating the RI raw material particles M held in the irradiation region L1 in the reactor vessel 101 with a neutron flux, a radioactive isotope can be manufactured. By manufacturing the structure that irradiates the RI raw material with neutron beams inside the instrumentation tube 147A in this manner, it is possible to suppress damage to the structure filled with the RI raw material when the instrumentation tube 147A is moved. In addition, in the process of irradiating the RI raw material granules M with neutron beams, it is not necessary to arrange the supply unit 12 in the instrumentation tube 147A, so it is possible to create an environment in which it is difficult for objects other than the target object to be irradiated with neutron beams. . Thereby, the radioactive isotope can be manufactured more suitably.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a radioisotope manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Radioisotope production equipment)
As shown in FIG. 10, a radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment includes a supply section 12A, a transport mechanism 14, and a recovery mechanism 16. The supply section 12A is movable inside the instrumentation tube 147A. The transport mechanism 14 and the recovery mechanism 16 are connected to the end of the supply section 12A.

(Supply Department)
The supply section 12A is a supply tube 50 that forms a conduit that is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A. The supply tube 50 has a pipe 51 and a mesh (opening) 52. The supply tube 50 is provided with a mesh 52 at one end of the tube 51 . Instead of the mesh 52, for example, a perforated plate may be used. The tube 51 is provided with a path 51a inside. A path 51 a of the tube 51 is inserted to the outside through an opening in the mesh 52 . The size of the openings of the mesh 52 is smaller than the particle diameters of the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material granules N. That is, the openings of the mesh 52 are large enough to prevent the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material granules N supplied to the path 51a of the pipe 51 from leaking to the outside through the openings. The tube 51 constituting the supply tube 50 has a rigidity that allows it to move inside the instrumentation tube 147A into which it is inserted, and a flexibility that allows it to be deformed along the instrumentation tube 147A. The supply tube 50 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the instrumentation tube 147A. The supply tube 50 as the supply section 12A has a length that allows it to reach the seal table 156 from a predetermined position in the reactor vessel 101, specifically, from the irradiation area where the neutron beam is irradiated.

The supply unit 12A supplies an RI (Radioisotope) material to the irradiation region of the reactor vessel 101 through the supply tube 50. One end of the supply tube 50 is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A without being filled with the RI raw material, and this end is connected to the irradiation area of the reactor vessel 101 (the position where the fuel assembly 120 is located). ), the RI raw material is supplied inside by the transport mechanism 14. Note that the transport mechanism 14 and the collection mechanism 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their explanations will be omitted.

(Method for producing radioisotope)
Next, a method of radioactive isotope production by radioactive isotope production apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of inserting a supply pipe according to the second embodiment into an instrumentation pipe, and FIG. 12 is an initial state in which the supply pipe according to the second embodiment is filled with RI raw material granules. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an intermediate state in which the supply pipe according to the second embodiment is filled with RI raw material granules, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the filling of RI raw material granules into the supply pipe according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram representing a late state of filling.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, a supply section 12A is inserted into the instrumentation tube 147A from the opening at the end of the instrumentation tube 147A protruding from the upper surface of the seal table 156. Insert the supply tube 50 as shown in FIG. The supply tube 50 is not filled with the RI raw material particles M or the dummy raw material particles N, and is hollow inside. By advancing the supply tube 50 inside the instrumentation tube 147A, one end portion is moved to a predetermined position within the reactor vessel 101.

When the supply tube 50 is placed inside the instrumentation tube 147A, as shown in FIG. Move it to one end. When the RI raw material granules M move to one end of the supply tube 50, the RI raw material granules M come into contact with the mesh 52 provided at one end of the tube 51 and remain at that position. On the other hand, the transport gas passes through the mesh 52 and is recovered from the gap between the supply tube 50 and the instrumentation tube 147A. Then, one end of the supply tube 50 is filled with the RI raw material particles M. As shown in FIG. 13, the RI raw material granules M filled from one end of the supply tube 50 are prevented from falling by the RI raw material granules M that are sequentially supplied to the pipe 51 by the transport gas, and the RI raw material granules M filled from one end of the supply tube 50 are prevented from falling. A predetermined amount of RI raw material granules M is filled into one end of the container.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the RI raw material granules M are filled up to the irradiation region L1 in the reactor vessel 101 where one end of the supply tube 50 is arranged, the RI raw material granules M supplied to the supply tube 50 are The dummy raw material granules N are switched from the body M. That is, the RI raw material granules M are filled only in the irradiated region L1 of the supply tube 50, and the dummy raw material granules N are filled in the non-irradiated region L2. The supply tube 50 is arranged inside the instrumentation tube 147A and has an inverted U shape. Further, the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material granules N have the same mass. Therefore, the dummy raw material granules N are filled up to one end of the supply tube 50, that is, to the height at which the RI raw material granules M are filled. Then, the RI raw material granules M and the dummy raw material granules N are balanced inside the supply tube 50, and the RI raw material granules M filled in one end of the supply tube 50 are held and prevented from falling.

The radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10A maintains a state in which the irradiation area L1 at one end of the supply tube 50 disposed inside the instrumentation tube 147A is filled with and held with the RI raw material granules M. Then, the RI raw material particles M held in the irradiation region L1 of the instrumentation tube 147A are irradiated with a neutron flux onto the radioactive isotope, thereby producing the radioactive isotope.

When the radioisotope is manufactured, the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10A uses the collection mechanism 16 to collect the RI raw material granules M filled in the supply tube 50 disposed inside the instrumentation tube 147A at one end of the supply tube 50. The radioactive isotope is collected by moving it from one end to the other end. A suction force is applied to the other end of the pipe 51 in the supply tube 50 by the collection mechanism 16 . Then, the dummy raw material particles N are sucked into the supply tube 50 from the other end of the tube 51 and collected. Recovery of the dummy raw material particles N filled in the non-irradiation area L2 is completed, and subsequently recovery of the RI raw material particles M begins. Then, all the RI raw material particles M filled in the supply tube 50 are recovered. When the RI raw material granules M are collected, the supply tube 50 is pulled out from the instrumentation tube 147A.

(effect)
The radioisotope manufacturing apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment inserts a supply unit 12A capable of transporting RI raw material granules M into an instrumentation pipe 147A, moves it to an irradiation area L1 in a reactor vessel 101, and then , the RI raw material granules M are filled into one end of the instrumentation tube 147A through the supply section 12A and held therein. By irradiating the RI raw material particles M held in the irradiation region L1 in the reactor vessel 101 with a neutron flux, a radioactive isotope can be manufactured. By manufacturing the structure that irradiates the RI raw material with neutron beams inside the instrumentation tube 147A in this manner, it is possible to suppress damage to the structure filled with the RI raw material when the instrumentation tube 147A is moved. Further, in the process of irradiating the RI raw material granules M with neutron beams, the supply section 12A is disposed in the instrumentation tube 147A, so that the manufacturing work can be simplified. Thereby, the radioactive isotope can be manufactured more suitably.

[Modified example]
Note that in each of the embodiments described above, the RI raw material is the RI raw material granular body M, but the structure is not limited to this. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the RI raw material, and FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a capsule constituting the RI raw material.

As shown in FIG. 15, the capsule unit 60 includes a plurality of capsules 61. As shown in FIG. 16, the capsule 61 has a case part 62 in which the RI raw material M0 is stored, and a contact part 63 attached to the end of the case part 62. In the capsule unit 60, the contact portion 63 of one capsule 61 contacts the contact portion 63 of another capsule 61.

The case portion 62 is a hollow member in which a storage space in which the RI raw material M0 is stored is formed. The case portion 62 has a cylindrical portion 64 and a lid portion 65. The cylindrical portion 64 is a cylindrical member, here a cylindrical member. The space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 64 serves as a storage space for the RI raw material M0. The lid portion 65 is a member provided at one end and the other end of the cylindrical portion 64 in the axial direction. The lid part 65 closes off the storage space by covering the opening formed at the end of the cylindrical part 64. Although the lid portion 65 is a disc-shaped member, the shape is not limited thereto and may be any shape. The lid part 65 is fixed to the cylindrical part 64 by, for example, being welded with its surface in contact with the end of the cylindrical part 64. In this case, for example, after the RI raw material M0 is stored in the storage space of the case part 62, the lid part 65 is fixed to the cylinder part 64, and the storage space is closed.

The outer diameter of the case portion 62 is smaller than the inner diameter of the instrumentation tube 147A into which the capsule 61 is inserted. The case portion 62 is preferably made of a material having a certain degree of strength, such as aluminum, silicon, or stainless steel, but is not limited thereto and may be made of any material.

The contact part 63 is a member attached to the end of the case part 62. The contact portion 63 is fixed to the case portion 62. The contact portion 63 is attached to one end and the other end of the case portion 62, respectively. The outer diameter of the contact portion 63 decreases from the surface that contacts the case portion 62 toward the direction away from the case portion 62 . In other words, the contact portion 63 has a hemispherical shape.

Note that the RI raw material M0 stored in the case portion 62 is preferably a powder, but may also be a granular material, a block material, or the like.

(Operations and effects of embodiments)
As described above, the radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a radioisotope production apparatus 10 that places an RI raw material, which is a radioisotope raw material, inside a nuclear reactor and produces a radioisotope. 10A, one end of which is disposed inside the reactor and the other end of which is movable inside an instrumentation tube 147A; It includes a transport mechanism 14 capable of transporting the RI raw material from the other end of the instrumentation tube 147A to one end of the supply parts 12, 12A by means of the supply parts 12, 12A disposed therein. This allows the radioisotope source to be properly inserted into the instrumentation tube.

In the radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure, the supply sections 12 and 12A are flexible supply tubes 20 and 50. Thereby, the supply tubes 20 and 50 can be appropriately inserted and moved into the bent instrumentation tube 147A.

In the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the transport mechanism 14 can transport the RI raw material inside the supply tubes 20 and 50 using a transport gas. Thereby, the RI raw material can be easily moved inside the supply tubes 20, 50 with a simple configuration, and the structure can be simplified.

In the radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure, the supply tube 20 includes an outer tube 21 that is movable inside the instrumentation tube 147A, and an inner tube 22 disposed inside the outer tube, and the supply tube 20 has a transport mechanism. 14 is capable of transporting the RI raw material through the interior of the inner pipe 22 to one end of the instrumentation pipe 147A using a transport gas. Thereby, the RI raw material can be easily filled from the inner pipe 22 into one end of the instrumentation pipe 147A using the transport gas.

In the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the transport mechanism 14 can recover the transport gas supplied to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A from the gap between the outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22. Thereby, by recovering the transport gas from a path different from the inner tube 22, it is possible to appropriately fill one end of the instrumentation tube 147A with the RI raw material from the inner tube 22.

In the radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure, the RI raw material is a RI raw material granular body M that can move inside the inner tube 22 and cannot move in the gap between the outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22. Thereby, the RI raw material granules M can be properly filled into one end of the instrumentation tube 147A without leaking from the gap between the outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22.

In the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the outer tube 21 is provided with a seal ring 23 on the outer circumferential surface of one end thereof to close a gap between the outer tube 21 and the inner circumferential surface of the instrumentation tube 147A. Thereby, leakage of the RI raw material granules M from the gap between the outer tube 21 and the instrumentation tube 147A can be prevented.

In the radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure, the supply tube 50 is provided with a mesh (opening) 52 at one end through which the RI raw material cannot pass and through which the transport gas can pass. Thereby, the RI raw material can be appropriately filled without the transport gas remaining at one end of the supply tube 50.

In the radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure, the transport mechanism 14 has a holding mechanism that holds the RI raw material transported to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A in an irradiation region where the neutron beam of the nuclear reactor is irradiated. Thereby, the RI raw material can be held in the irradiation region at one end of the instrumentation tube 147A, and the radioactive isotope can be appropriately manufactured.

The radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a recovery mechanism 16 that can recover the RI raw material filled in one end of the instrumentation tube 147A. Thereby, the produced radioisotope can be appropriately recovered.

In the radioisotope production apparatus according to the present disclosure, the recovery mechanism 16 applies negative pressure to one end of the instrumentation tube 147A to suck it, or applies positive pressure to the other end to push out the RI raw material. is recoverable. Thereby, the structure can be simplified.

In the radioisotope manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the transport mechanism 14 can transport the RI raw material to one end of the instrumentation pipe 147A, and can transport the dummy raw material to the instrumentation pipe 147A, and the collection mechanism 16 is capable of recovering RI raw materials and dummy raw materials, and has a separation device 47 that sorts the collected RI raw materials and dummy raw materials. This prevents the separation of the dummy raw material from the RI raw material from interfering with the utilization of the RI raw material.

Further, the method for producing a radioisotope of the present disclosure is a method for producing a radioisotope in which the RI raw material, which is a raw material for the radioisotope, is placed inside a nuclear reactor to produce the radioisotope, and one end portion is A step of moving the inside of the instrumentation tube 17A, which is disposed inside the reactor and having the other end disposed outside the reactor, to dispose one end of the supply section 12, 12A inside the reactor; a step of transporting the RI material from the other end of the instrumentation tube to one end of the supply parts 12, 12A and placing it in the irradiation area where the neutron beam of the reactor is irradiated; and a step of holding the RI raw material in the irradiation area. include. This allows the radioisotope source to be properly inserted into the instrumentation tube.

In the radioisotope production method of the present disclosure, the RI raw material is filled from one end of the supply section 12 into one end of the instrumentation tube 147A while the supply section 12 is pulled out from the inside of the nuclear reactor. As a result, the RI raw material can be easily filled from the inner pipe 22 into one end of the instrumentation pipe 147A using the transport gas, and the transport gas can be appropriately recovered from the gap between the outer pipe 21 and the inner pipe 22. be able to.

In the method for producing a radioactive isotope of the present disclosure, the RI raw material is filled into one end of the supply section 12A with the end of the supply section 12A disposed inside a nuclear reactor. Thereby, there is no need to pull out the supply section 12A from the reactor, and workability can be improved.

Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the embodiment is not limited by the content of this embodiment. Furthermore, the above-mentioned components include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are in a so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the constituent elements can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiments described above.

10, 10A Radioisotope production device 12, 12A Supply section 14 Transport mechanism 16 Recovery mechanism 20 Supply tube 21 Outer tube 21a Second path 22 Inner tube 22a First path 23 Seal ring 50 Supply tube 51 Pipe 51a Path 60 Capsule unit 101 Reactor vessel 147A Instrumentation tube M RI raw material granules N Dummy raw material granules

Claims (15)

A radioisotope production device for producing a radioisotope by placing an RI raw material, which is a raw material for the radioisotope, inside a nuclear reactor,
a supply unit movable inside an instrumentation tube having one end disposed inside the nuclear reactor and the other end disposed outside the nuclear reactor;
a transport mechanism capable of transporting the RI raw material from the other end of the instrumentation tube to the one end of the supply unit by the supply unit, one end of which is disposed inside the nuclear reactor;
equipment for producing radioactive isotopes, including The supply unit is a flexible supply tube,
The radioisotope production apparatus according to claim 1. The transport mechanism is capable of transporting the RI raw material inside the supply tube using a transport gas.
The radioisotope production apparatus according to claim 2. The supply tube has an outer tube that is movable inside the instrumentation tube and an inner tube that is disposed inside the outer tube, and the conveyance mechanism transports the RI raw material by the conveyance gas. transportable through the interior of the inner tube to one end of the instrumentation tube;
The radioisotope production apparatus according to claim 3. The transport mechanism is capable of recovering the transport gas supplied to one end of the instrumentation pipe from a gap between the outer pipe and the inner pipe.
The radioisotope production apparatus according to claim 4. The RI raw material is a granular RI raw material that can move inside the inner tube and cannot move through the gap between the outer tube and the inner tube.
The radioisotope production apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. The outer tube is provided with a seal ring on the outer circumferential surface of one end portion to close a gap with the inner circumferential surface of the instrumentation tube.
The radioisotope production apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The supply tube is provided with an opening at one end through which the RI raw material cannot pass and through which the transport gas can pass.
The radioisotope production apparatus according to claim 3. The transport mechanism has a holding mechanism that holds the RI raw material transported to one end of the instrumentation tube in an irradiation area where the neutron beam of the nuclear reactor is irradiated.
The radioisotope production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. including a recovery mechanism capable of recovering the RI raw material filled in one end of the instrumentation tube;
The radioisotope production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The recovery mechanism is capable of recovering the RI raw material by applying negative pressure to one end of the instrumentation tube.
The radioisotope production apparatus according to claim 10. The transport mechanism is capable of transporting the RI raw material to one end of the instrumentation pipe, and is also capable of transporting a dummy raw material to the instrumentation pipe, and the recovery mechanism collects the RI raw material and the dummy raw material. is possible, and has a separation device for sorting the recovered RI raw material and the dummy raw material,
The radioisotope production apparatus according to claim 10 or 11. A method for producing a radioactive isotope, in which an RI raw material, which is a raw material for a radioactive isotope, is placed inside a nuclear reactor to produce a radioactive isotope, the method comprising:
locating one end of the supply section inside the reactor by moving an instrumentation tube having one end disposed inside the reactor and the other end disposed outside the reactor;
transporting the RI raw material from the other end of the instrumentation tube to the one end of the supply section and placing it in an irradiation area to be irradiated with neutron beams of the reactor;
holding the RI raw material in the irradiation area;
A method for producing a radioactive isotope containing. filling the RI raw material from one end of the supply part into one end of the instrumentation tube while withdrawing the supply part from inside the reactor;
A method for producing a radioisotope according to claim 13. filling one end of the supply part with the RI raw material with one end of the supply part disposed inside the nuclear reactor;
A method for producing a radioisotope according to claim 13.

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