KR100241142B1 - An automatic sample extraction apparatus using air ejector - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an automatic sample collection device using an air ejector that can remotely sample a highly toxic or radioactive solution-like material from a storage container or process piping.

The device features remote operation in a shielded or enclosed space to prevent exposure of the body from these solutions, and allows for the simple and rapid collection and discharge of samples at regular intervals. In addition, the principle and the composition of the device are simply designed to guarantee the durability of the device and to make the operation simple with consistent continuous operation. In order to ensure durability, the ejector is used to minimize the driving part of the device.

Description

Automatic Sampling Device Using Air Ejector

1 is an overall flow chart of the device of the present invention.

2 is a plan view (second (a)) and a front view (second (b)) showing the combined appearance of the device of the present invention.

3 is a detailed view of the air ejector 1.

4 is a detailed view of the Bakum chamber (2).

5 is a detailed view of the float valve 3.

6 is a detailed view of the plotter 4 in the float valve.

7 is a detailed view of the gravity valve 5.

8 is a detailed view of a sample container (8).

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

a: Air pressure regulating valve

b, c: Air actuator valve for control of compressed air supply

d: Air actuator valve for solution discharge

1: air ejector 2: bacum chamber

3: float valve 4: floater

5: Gravity Valve 6: Weight

7: Separator Valve 8: Sample Container

9: solution inlet and outlet 10,11: device support

The present invention prevents the body from being exposed when sampling a substance having strong toxicity or radioactivity in a storage container or a process pipe, and can automatically and easily collect and discharge a certain amount of liquid sample remotely. to be.

In general, liquid sampling devices with strong toxicity and radioactivity are usually operated remotely in shielded or enclosed spaces, especially in hot cells for high-level radioactive materials. As a result, when equipment such as pumps are used in such devices with a large number of driving parts, problems such as equipment failure and leakage of solution may require a lot of time to maintain these equipment, generate waste, and are particularly susceptible to exposure to these materials. In addition, when analyzing the process solution periodically using an analyzer such as a gamma spectrometer, it should be possible to store a certain amount of sample solution in the analyzer's sample container for a certain measurement time and then discharge it. There is a need for a remotely controlled sample collection device to perform these repetitive tasks periodically.

However, most existing sampling devices include a method of using a sea line, a method of using a metering pump, and an method of using an ejector to transfer a solution from a storage container to a sample container. In recent years, the automated sample apparatus using the ejector has been generalized, and the basic concept is that the sample solution mixed with the compressed air or steam supplied to the ejector is circulated to the solution storage tank of the process via the sample container and the ejector. . However, the device may be clogged by ejectors due to changes in the volume of the stored solution, the risk of contamination spreading and the solution passing through the ejector.

In order to solve this problem, a valve port is installed at the front of the ejector, and the suction port is sucked into the suction pipe by using the ejector, and the compressed air is supplied into the pipe at a constant speed to the sample container connected to the needle block. The device is complicated by the need for an accessory for the rapid sampling and analysis of a volume of solution on a periodic basis.

In order to solve this problem, the present invention has produced an automatic sample collection device using an air ejector that can be easily operated and minimized the driving portion of the device to increase maintenance and durability.

The device features remote operation in a shielded or enclosed space to prevent exposure of the body from these solutions, and allows for the simple and rapid collection and discharge of samples at regular intervals. In addition, the principle and the composition of the device are simply designed to guarantee the durability of the device and to make the operation simple with consistent continuous operation. In order to ensure durability, the ejector is used to minimize the driving part of the device. However, when a solution is introduced into the ejector due to an operator's mistake in using the ejector, problems such as clogging may occur due to the introduction of a substance such as a concentrated nitric acid solution containing insoluble solids as well as diffusion of contamination.

It is very difficult to solve this problem remotely, so the Bakum chamber and float valve were installed in front of the ejector to block the solution from entering. The float valve, in conjunction with the gravity valve that determines the lift height of the solution, shuts off the solution quickly with consistent continuous operation. In addition, by using an analyzer such as a gamma spectrometer, a predetermined amount of sample solution may be stored in the feed container of the analyzer for a desired measurement time so as to periodically analyze the process solution in the shortest possible time. In addition, the sample container is connected to the float valve and the gravity valve to collect and discharge a certain amount of sample simply and quickly in a series of continuous operations.

And the device can be operated automatically using a simple PLC controller.

The present invention relates to a device for collecting liquid samples, and in particular, a certain amount of radioactive solution can be easily refluxed to a storage container which is sampled and then sampled again using an analyzer such as a gamma spectrometer.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the major structural units of an automatic sample collection device. When a sample having a toxic or radioactive substance is collected from a storage container or a process pipe, the Bakum chamber (between the air ejector 1 and the float valve 3) 2) to keep the negative pressure of the device constant and to prevent the solution which can pass through the float valve (3) from finally entering the air ejector (1), the Bakum chamber (2) and the sample A device for installing a float valve (3) between the vessel (8) to block the solution flow into the Bakum chamber (2) from the sample container (8), between the Bakum chamber (2) and the float valve (3) A device for preventing the solution from flowing into the air ejector 1 through the float valve 3 by connecting the gravitation valve 5 in parallel, and the floater 4 embedded in the float valve 3. Grooves 29 are formed at the bottom so that the solution is transferred to the sample container 8. Bakum to the chamber (2), including the device and the device that can give and Gravity valve 5, a weight 6, a float check valve device consisting of Sepharose concentrator valve 7.

The main structure of FIG. 1 consists of the air ejector 1, the baccum chamber 2, the float valve 3, and the gravity valve 5, the separator valve 7, and the sample container 8. As shown in FIG. The device can be operated manually with three air actuator valves (b, c, d) or automatically with a PLC controller. Valve a is an air pressure regulating valve for supplying constant compressed air to the apparatus. Valve b is a valve for controlling the compressed air supplied to the air-ejector 1 to create a negative pressure in the apparatus. Valve c is a control valve for discharging the trace amount of solution that may remain in the device as compressed air when discharging the solution by gravity. And the valve d is a valve for discharging the solution to the sample container (8).

2 is a plan view (second (a) diagram) of the apparatus incorporating the structural unit of FIG. 1 and a side view (second (b) diagram) viewed from the front of the apparatus. Arrangement and coupling of the unit device is shown in Figure 2 and the support 10 of the device used is made of rectangular parallelepiped Teflon material. For the coupling of the device, a screw is made on the support 10 to fix the device with bolts. And the pipes connected between the devices can be used to select stainless steel or Teflon material according to the characteristics of the solution used. A hole 13 is made in the center of the support 10 to allow it to pass through the connecting tube of the device. To prevent leakage of air or liquid at the connection between the device and the pipe, make a thread in the device and use a nipple screw. And the combined device is fixed to the support (11).

The functions and features of the structural units of the apparatus of the present invention are as follows.

3 is a detailed view of the air ejector 1 of FIG. The air ejector 1 forms a negative pressure in the device by using compressed air at a constant pressure to suck the solution of the storage container into the device. Compressed air is controlled to a constant pressure by installing a constant pressure (A) in front of the ejector inlet (14), and then installed an air actuator valve (b) in the rear end of the constant pressure (A) to perform the on-off function. Exhaust gas is discharged through the discharge port 16 and connected with the off-gas system to prevent contamination from the gas or mist introduced through the inlet port 15 of the ejector 1 connected to the Bakum chamber (2).

The feature of the air ejector 1 is that when using a large number of driving parts, such as a pump, there is a high risk of problems such as equipment failure and leakage of solution. And it takes a lot of time to maintain these mercy, waste is generated, especially workers exposed to toxic or radioactive materials. Therefore, the use of a device such as the air ejector (1) having no driving portion at all can improve this problem. The device uses a commercially available product that can prevent corrosion and installs a bacum chamber 2 and a float valve 3 in front of the inlet 15 of the air ejector 1 to prevent clogging.

4 is a detailed view of the bacum chamber 2 of FIG. In this chamber 2, the connection port 21 of the float valve 3 and the connection port 30 of the gravity valve 5 are connected to the connection ports 20 and 19 of the chamber 2, respectively. The solution in the apparatus is discharged by gravity, but a constant pressure (A) and an air actuator valve (c) are installed in front of the compressed air supply port 18 to completely discharge it if necessary. The function of the chamber 2 is to first install an unstable negative pressure by the air ejector 1 and thus affect the movement of the weight 6 embedded in the gravity valve 5 so that the chamber 2 is installed in the apparatus. By maintaining a constant negative pressure it is possible to accurately adjust the movement of the weight (6) without malfunction.

And the fine amount of solution that can pass through the float valve (3) is gas-liquid separation to prevent finally entering the air ejector (1).

Reference numeral 17 in the accompanying drawings is a chamber connector.

5 is a detailed view of the float valve 3 of FIG. The connector 21 at the top of the float valve 3 is connected to the connector 20 at the bottom of the baccum chamber 2 and the connector 25 at the bottom is connected to the connector 39 at the top of the sample container 8. The connector 26 on the side of the valve 3 is connected to the connector 38 on the bottom of the gravity valve 5 with a cylindrical separator valve 7 having a gas-liquid separation function therebetween. The connector 30 of the upper end of the gravity valve 5 is connected to the connector 19 of the upper end of the Bakum chamber 2. The function of the float valve 3 is that when the solution introduced into the sample container 8 is introduced into the float valve 3 along the connected pipe, the floater 4 is floated by the introduced solution. When the floater 4, which rises in the vertical direction by buoyancy, blocks the connector 21 of the upper end of the valve 3 connected to the baccum chamber 2, the inflow of the solution into the valve 3 is stopped. At the same time, the negative pressure in the Bakum chamber 2 increases until the weight of the weight 6 embedded in the Gravity Valve 5 connected to the Bakum chamber 2 is balanced. The negative pressure of the chamber 2 is increased to move the weight 6 embedded in the gravity valve 5 in the vertical direction. At this time, the weight 6 blocks the inlet 37 of the passage connected to the atmospheric pressure, and then opens, so that the negative pressure in the apparatus is passed through the side connector 26 of the float valve 3 connected to the pipe via the separator valve 7. Since the solution is at atmospheric pressure, the solution in the float valve 3 is automatically lowered to the sample container 8 by gravity.

6 is a detailed view of the plotter 4 embedded in the float valve 3. The plotter 4 is cylindrical in size and can be appropriately adjusted according to the specific gravity of the solution and the specific gravity of the material of the plotter 4. However, the size of the plotter 4 should be as small as possible to reduce the amount of solution to be handled. Therefore, in order to reduce the volume of the plotter 4, a material having a low specific gravity is selected. And material selection should be made according to the solution to be used to ensure durability. In the case of stainless steel, the volume of the plotter 4 is increased because of its good specific gravity, but its high specific gravity. In the case of tape, the durability is relatively less than that of stainless steel, but the specific gravity is much lower, and the acid and alkali resistance are good, so it is used in this apparatus. The surface of the upper lid 27 of the plotter 4 is smoothly processed so as to be in close contact when the upper tube is blocked. The bottom surface of the lower portion of the body portion 28 so that the solution can be smoothly made, the hatch-shaped grooves 29 to form a fan-shaped irregularities like a plan view of the lower body 28.

7 is a detailed view of the gravity valve 5 of FIG. The connection part 30 of the upper part of the gravitation valve 5 is connected to the Bakum chamber 2, and the connection part 38 of the lower part is connected to the connection part 26 of the side of the float valve 3. And there is an inlet 37 that can open and close the passage connected to the atmospheric pressure by the weight (6). The cap 32 is screwed to form a conical weight 6 into the upper portion of the body 34 of the gravitation valve 5, and is coupled. In the center of the lid 32, a hole 35 smaller than the inner diameter of the main body 34 is made. The adjustment screw 31 is coupled to the hole 35 to adjust the height of the inner space of the main body 34. The function of the gravity valve 5 has been described in relation to the function of the FIG. 5 float valve 3. In addition, it is effective to wrap the outside of the weight 6 with Teflon tape so that the weight 6 can be in close contact with the inner diameter of the main body 34 to block the atmospheric pressure. At this time, the weight of the weight (6) is determined in consideration of the specific gravity, water head difference and frictional loss of the solution. Therefore, the height of the weight 6 changes according to the weight change of the weight 6 so that the thread 33 is formed on the outer side of the body of the gravity valve 5 to adjust the height of the internal space of the valve 5. .

8 is a detailed view of the sample container 8 of FIG. The upper connector 39 of the sample container 8 is connected to the connector 25 at the bottom of the float valve 3 and the solution inlet 41 located at the upper end of the sample container 8 is connected to the solution reservoir 50. Since the inlet port 41 is not provided with a valve, the solution above the inlet port 41 installed in the main body 40 of the sample container 8 passes through the solution inlet port 41 when the gravity valve 5 is connected to atmospheric pressure. It is refluxed to the storage container 50. At this time, the inlet 41 is attached obliquely to the inlet when the solution is refluxed by gravity to always take a certain amount of sample.

The discharge line at the bottom of the sample container 8 is discharged when necessary using a ball valve. When the solution of the sample container 8 is used as a sample container of an analyzer such as a gamma ray detector, after measuring a predetermined time, the solution is refluxed to the storage container 50 using a ball valve.

Reference numeral 42 in the accompanying drawings is an inclined surface.

The main advantage of the present invention is to simply configure the device by minimizing the driving portion to increase the durability of the device is easy to operate and low production cost. By connecting the Bakum chamber (2), the float valve (3), and the gravity valve (5) to prevent the sample solution from entering the air ejector (1) to prevent contamination and prevent clogging of the air ejector (1) This minimizes the occurrence and prevents the operator from having to spend a lot of time maintaining the device. In addition, by installing the inlet 41 of the sample container 8 in accordance with the level of the desired amount of solution, it is possible to sample and discharge a certain amount of solution quickly and simply, as well as a consistent continuous operation. In particular, on-line analysis of nuclides and concentrations directly from the storage vessels or piping of the process using gamma spectroscopy has problems in the reliability of the analysis results due to the change and movement of the solution.

However, by using the automated sample collection device of the present invention simply and quickly to take the sample can be freely adjusted according to the measurement time can compensate for the disadvantages in the on-line analysis.

Claims (2)

When sampling a toxic or radioactive material from a storage container or process piping, a Bachum chamber (2) is installed between the air ejector (1) and the float valve (3) to maintain the negative pressure of the device and to maintain the float valve ( 3) a device for preventing the solution which can pass through to the air ejector (1) finally, and a float valve (3) between the Bakum chamber (2) and the sample container (8) by installing a sample container In (8), the device for preventing the solution from flowing into the Bakum chamber (2), and the gravitation valve (5) in parallel between the Bakum chamber (2) and the float valve (3) the solution is a float valve ( A device for preventing the inflow into the air ejector 1 through 3), and a groove 29 is formed at the bottom of the plotter 4 embedded in the float valve 3 so that the solution can be sampled. And devices that can be easily pulled out of the Bakum chamber (2), including gravure Float check valve device comprising a valve 5, a weight 6, and a separator valve 7, and a sample container 8 at the lower end of the float valve 3, and a solution inlet 41 on the side thereof. Automatic sample collection device using an air ejector, characterized in that consisting of a device for automatically refluxing the solution of the height of the inlet (41) or more through the inlet (41) to leave a certain amount of solution in the sample container (8). The method of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the sample container (8) is formed by the inclined surface 42 to minimize the solution remaining in the sample container (8) when discharging the solution and the valve ( and d) to close the valve (d) to store the solution in the sample container (8) for a certain time so that the measurement time can be freely adjusted when using an analytical device such as a gamma spectrometer. Automatic sampling device using air ejector.