RU2758189C1 - Inspection and examination complex - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: cargo inspections.

SUBSTANCE: invention is used for non-contact X-ray inspection of large-sized objects (LSO). The essence of the invention consists in the fact that an inspection and examination complex (IEC) receiving power supply from the state electric grid (SEG) via a power cable, containing the equipment of the complex mounted on an automobile chassis, an X-ray source, a crane beam with a detector ruler, forming a U-shaped gate in the working position of the complex, in the alignment of which a large-sized object (LSO) of control is installed, a rotary mechanism of the radiation source and the gate, and during the scanning process the IEC remains stationary, while the LSO moves relative to it on a flatcar, which moves along rails laid strictly parallel to the axis of symmetry of the IEC along the entire length of the working platform, at the ends of which there are bridges for the arrival (exit) of a large-sized object on (from) the flatcar, to avoid the flatcar’s impacts on the bridges in the latter, parking sensors are installed at the flatcar level, transmitting signals to the flatcar’s brake system and a controlled starter, and the length of the rails is equal to twice the maximum length of the platform with an interval between the extreme positions of the flatcar, in the middle of which is the plane of the gate, at the same time, two sets of equipment installed inside the corresponding bridges are used to move the flatcar back and forth, each of which includes a non-reversible electric motor, a step-down mechanical gearbox and a drum for winding the cable, and the drums rotate in different directions through their reducers from the corresponding electric motors powered by the SEG through their power cables through the contacts of the controlled starters, and the ends of the drum cables are rigidly fixed in the corresponding eyelets installed in the middle of the first and second ends of the flatcar.

EFFECT: simplification of the system for moving the flatcar with the LSO installed on it by eliminating the reversible electric drive, the power cable (approximately 30 m long) and the cable-laying device.

1 cl, 3 dwg

Description

The invention relates to the field of technical means for non-contact X-ray inspection of large-sized objects (CGO) and can be used to detect illegal hidden investments in them, for example, drugs, explosives, weapons, ammunition, etc., at various checkpoints and control.

According to the modern classification, there are two types of inspection and inspection complexes (IDK): stationary and mobile. Mobile inspection systems (MIDK) are considered the cheapest and most convenient to operate [1].

Practically all MFAs, both Russian and foreign, are a car chassis with the appropriate X-ray and other equipment installed on it and have a single operating principle [2].

The essence of the work of the well-known classical MIDKs, which are analogs, upon arrival at the work site, is as follows [3, 4]:

1. The air pressure in the air springs of the vehicle chassis is partially released and all equipment is lowered to the minimum permissible height. This is necessary so that when scanning the CGO with a narrow fan-shaped X-ray beam, it is possible to illuminate its lower parts, in particular, the wheels of cars.

2. Own (on-board) diesel generator set (DGS) is launched to provide power supply to all equipment of the MIDK with three-phase alternating voltage throughout the entire operating time of the complex.

3. The boom and the detector line are deployed, forming the so-called U-shaped gates, in the alignment of which the monitored KGO is installed.

4. The driver-operator carries out scanning of the stationary KGO regardless of the direction of movement of the complex: forward or backward.

5. After receiving the X-ray image, it is analyzed by the information analysis operator.

The main disadvantage of the overwhelming majority of classical MIDKs is not the efficiency of power supply to their equipment from the onboard diesel generator set (backup power source), and not from the State Power Grid (HPP), the main source of electricity. In [5], the time and financial losses are shown for such a power supply. In particular, temporary losses increase almost three times (the time for periodic refueling of fuel tanks of diesel generator sets and the main engine of the tractor, repair and maintenance of diesel generators, etc.), and financial losses for the Federal Customs Service alone amount to more than fifty million rubles per year (for account of the cost of fuel, current and major repairs of diesel generators, etc.).

The following equally important disadvantages can be added to the above main drawback of the MIDK power supply from DGU:

- high noise levels and exhaust gases, which contribute to fatigue of the shift operators;

- almost constant vibration loads on the elements of the MIDK automobile chassis.

To eliminate the main drawback, the work site is equipped (retrofitted) with a three-phase voltage supply system to the equipment of the complex not from the DGS, but from the HPP [6, p. 15.5]. In this case, the supply voltage is supplied to the MIDK via a power cable, which can be suspended by means of appropriate fasteners at a certain height to a cable located parallel to the MIDK along the entire length of the working platform (about 50 m). The cable can also be placed on the corresponding trolleys, which move along the monorail located on the supports also at a certain height parallel to the MIDK along the length of the site. In both cases, the cable straightens when the MIDK moves from the electrical distribution board, and when moving in the opposite direction to the distribution board, it contracts and takes the form of a snake.

However, there are some disadvantages here too:

1. The relative complexity and high cost of installing the appropriate supports for placing the power cable on them.

2. Some inconveniences in the operation of the MIDK with such a voltage supply.

3. In the process of scanning, the cable is constantly exposed to bending and bending mechanical stress, which somewhat reduces its service life.

4. The following principle is applied when scanning the CGO: MIDK moves back and forth relative to the object stationary in the gate. In this case, the motion control operator must set each KGO strictly parallel to the axis of symmetry of the MIDK. The driver-operator, when driving the MIDK truck tractor, is obliged to move the complex also strictly parallel to the KGO (especially when moving backwards). If, due to the human factor, the parallelism between the KGO and the MIDK is at least slightly violated, then as a result, the MIDK may hit the KGO with the consequent damage to the expensive equipment of the complex - the detector line. Unfortunately, such facts of the MIDK hitting the KGO are not isolated in practice.

The closest technical solution is the inspection and inspection complex [7]. In the prototype, upon arrival at the work site, the MIDK is set up strictly parallel to the rails laid along the length of the work site and remains stationary. On the rails back and forth relative to the MIDK moves the platform on which the controlled KGO is located. The supply voltage to the MIDK is supplied from the hydroelectric power station via a power cable, and, since the complex is stationary, the supply of power to it is extremely simplified. The complex's own diesel generator set is not used at the same time and serves as a backup power source. The platform moves by means of a three-phase reversible electric drive, the supply voltage to which is supplied through a separate power cable laid under the platform and laid using a special cable layer.

The main advantages of the prototype include:

- a simple system of power supply from the hydroelectric power station to the stationary MIDK;

- exclusion of the driver-operator from the scanning process, since the MIDK is stationary during scanning;

- avoidance of collisions between the gate of the IDK and the controlled KGO, since initially the IDK is set strictly parallel to the rails and remains motionless during scanning.

However, the prototype has the disadvantage that it is difficult to supply a three-phase voltage to the electric drive of the platform with KGO through a power cable, which must be properly laid under the platform when it moves back and forth.

The aim of the present invention is to simplify the system for moving the platform with installed on it KGO due to the exclusion from the prototype of a reversible electric drive, a power cable (about 30 m long) and a cable layer.

This goal is achieved by the fact that the inspection and inspection complex, which receives power from the state electrical network (HPP) through a power cable, contains the equipment of the complex installed on a car chassis, an X-ray source, an arrow with a detector ruler, which in the operating position of the complex P- shaped gates, in the alignment of which a large-sized object (KGO) of control is installed, a rotary mechanism of the radiation source and the gate, and, in the process of scanning, the IDK remains stationary, and the KGO moves relative to it on a platform that moves along rails laid strictly parallel to the axis of symmetry of the IDK along the entire length of the working platform, at the ends of which there are walkways for the entry (exit) of a large-sized object onto the platform (from the platform), to prevent the platform from hitting the walkway, parking sensors are installed at the platform level at the platform level, transmitting signals to the platform brake system and a controlled actuator b, and the length of the rails is equal to twice the maximum length of the platform with an interval between the extreme positions of the platform, in the middle of which the plane of the gate is located, two drums with cables are additionally introduced to move the platform back and forth, and the drums rotate in different directions through their lowering mechanical gearboxes from the corresponding non-reversible electric motors powered by hydroelectric power plants through their power cables through the contacts of controlled starters, and each set of equipment (electric motor, gearbox and drum) is installed inside the corresponding walkways, and the ends of each cable of the drums are rigidly fixed in the corresponding lugs installed in the middle of the front and rear ends of the platform.

The principle of operation of the inspection complex is illustrated in Fig. 1, which shows the rear view of the IDK in the working position and the KGO on the platform; fig. 2, which shows a side view of a KGO on a platform with an IDK detector line, and FIG. 3, which shows an example of driving a drum with a cable into rotation.

The inspection and screening complex (Fig. 1) includes equipment 1, located on a car chassis 2, an X-ray source 3, an arrow 4 with an L-shaped detector ruler, a rotary mechanism of X-ray equipment and gates 5, pneumatic stands 6 according to the number of wheels in car tractor. Large-sized object 7 is installed on a movable platform 8, which on several wheel pairs (let two pairs) 9 moves along two rails 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ .

_{Two lugs 11 1} and 11 ₂ are rigidly attached to the platform on both sides in the center, to which the cables 12 ₁ and 12 ₂ are attached (Fig. 2). These cables are wound on drums 13 ₁ and 13 ₂ . The drums are driven by three-phase electric motors (ED) 14 ₁ and 14 ₂ through mechanical reduction gears (R) 15 ₁ and 15 ₂ .

To protect the sub-platform space from the ingress of snow into it along the entire length of the rails, snow protectors 16 are installed on both sides (they may not be installed in the summer). All of the above equipment, IDK and KGO can be located under canopy 17 to protect against various atmospheric precipitation. All electrical equipment of the stationary IDK is powered from the hydroelectric power station by means of a power cable 18.

FIG. 2 shows the walkways 19 ₁ and 19 ₂ , along which the KGO enters the platform 8 or leaves it. The walkway height is the same as the platform height. To prevent the platform from hitting the walkways when driving, parktronic sensors (radars) 20 ₁ and 20 _{2 are} installed on them at the platform level. These sensors, when the platform approaches the walkways to a certain minimum permissible distance, give a signal to automatically stop the platform (to disconnect the electric motor 14 ₁ or 14 ₂ from the power supply and to the platform brake system).

The brake system of the platform railway wheels is not shown in the figure. The principle of its operation is well known and is not considered in the description. One of the classic options for its operation is as follows: when a signal for braking is received, the brake cylinder (hydraulic or pneumatic) is activated and its rod presses the corresponding pads against the rear or front pair of platform wheels until it stops completely. When the platform has stopped, the braking system is automatically reset.

The minimum permissible distance at which the parktronic radars are triggered should include the path that the platform moves by inertia after receiving a signal to stop it. Since the speed of movement of the platform when scanning the CGO is not high, this path will be small.

To start and end the activation of X-ray radiation, an optoelectronic pair 21 (source and receiver of optical radiation) is installed on the detector line 4. When moving the platform to the right (as shown in Fig. 2), the CHO crosses the optical radiation beam of the optocoupler 21 and the formation of a fan-shaped X-ray beam begins automatically, i.e. the process of scanning the object begins. After the end of scanning, the KGO leaves the area of operation of the optocoupler 21 and the generation of X-ray radiation is automatically stopped. FIG. 2 snow retainers 16 and the IDK itself are not shown.

FIG. 3 shows an example of rotation of one of the drums 13 with a cable 12 using a gearbox 15 and a three-phase electric motor 14. In the figure, letters indicate:

- V _pl is the linear speed of the platform movement [m / min];

- N _p - gearbox shaft rotation frequency [rpm];

- N _ed - frequency of rotation of the motor shaft [rpm].

A gearbox is a mechanism that changes the torque and power of the electric motor, and is designed to reduce the speed of rotation of its shaft to a value corresponding to the linear speed of the platform or the speed of movement of the KGO relative to the IDK. Usually this speed is 24 m / min (or 1.44 km / h).

Formulas connecting these quantities can be represented as follows:

V _pl = K ₁ ⋅N _p ;

N _p = K ₂ ⋅N _ed ;

V _pl = K ₁ ⋅K ₂ ⋅N _ed ,

where K ₁ and K ₂ are the corresponding gear ratios.

A three-phase voltage of 380 V 50 Hz is supplied to the electric motor from the hydroelectric power station through the contacts of a controlled three-phase starter 22 (Fig. 3). The control commands "Start" and "Stop" are sent to the starter, respectively, to close and open the contacts of the starter, i.e. to start and stop the movement of the platform. These commands can be given by the operator (from the remote control or from the emergency stop buttons) or automatically, for example, from the parking sensors 20 ₁ and 20 ₂ .

The total length of the working platform L should be not less than twice the length S of the longest possible KGO (or the length of the platform) and a certain distance Δ between the platforms in their extreme positions:

L = 2⋅S + Δ.

The distance Δ is necessary for placement between the end positions of the platforms of the U-shaped gates (Fig. 2 shows the vertical part of the detector line 4). Simple calculations show that this distance should be on the order of 1–2 m. Usually, in practice, the length L is 50 m.

The height of the platform h above the rails is chosen such that the platform with KGO fit into the overall height of the U-shaped gate IDK.

As platform wheels, it is advisable to use small-sized wheels from railway trolleys or to manufacture special wheels with an even smaller diameter.

The proposed IDK works as follows.

Upon arrival of the IDK at the working platform, the driver-operator sets it to the indicated place so that the plane of the "gate" is exactly in the middle of the length of the working platform. The axis of symmetry of the IDK should be strictly parallel to the rails along which the platform 8 moves. Next, the operator-operator puts the IDK on the parking brake, turns off the engine of the truck tractor, uses the power cable 18 to connect the IDK equipment to the hydroelectric power station, unfolds the boom (U-shaped gate) and includes all the equipment needed for scanning. The operator then leaves the jobsite.

With the help of appropriate cables, the electric motors 14 ₁ or 14 _{2 are} connected to an alternating three-phase voltage, but the contacts of the three-phase starter 22 (Fig. 3) are still open. Let the platform 8 be in the extreme left position on the working platform close to the walkways 19 ₁ .

Further, the traffic control operator allows the first KGO to enter the platform, controls the entrance and sets the controlled object on the platform along the guides. After that IDK and KGO will be strictly parallel to each other. The KGO driver leaves the work site.

The shift supervisor makes sure that the equipment is ready for scanning, that there are no people in the X-ray area and presses the "Start" button on the corresponding panel. Contacts in the starter 22 are closed, voltage is supplied to the electric motor 14 ₂ , its output shaft drives the reducer 15 ₂ , which transmits torque to the axis of the drum 13 ₂ (Fig. 2, 3). The drum begins to rotate clockwise, the cable 12 ₂ will wind up on this drum and pull the platform 8 from the KGO 7 to the right. In this case, the cable 12 ₁ will be free to unwind from the drum 13 ₁ . The rotation speed of the motor shaft must be constant in order for the platform to move evenly.

As soon as the bumper (or any protruding part) of the CGO crosses the optical radiation beam of the optoelectronic pair 21, the formation of a narrow pulsed fan-shaped X-ray beam begins automatically, which sequentially penetrates the CGO (Fig. 2). The fan-shaped beam that has passed through the CGO enters the detector line, is converted in it into the corresponding digital codes proportional to the intensity of the X-rays passed through the CGO. Further, the digital codes are converted into the corresponding video signals on the monitor screen. So sequentially, as the platform moves with the CGO, an integral X-ray image of the CGO is formed on the monitor screen of the operator, which is then analyzed by him.

After the exit of the CGO from the radiation zone of the optocoupler 21, the generation of a fan-shaped X-ray beam is automatically stopped and the scanning process of the first CGO ends. However, the platform continues to move to the right for a short time. When the platform approaches the bridges 19 ₂ up to the minimum permissible distance, the sensors (radars) of the parking sensors 20 _{2 are} triggered, a “Stop” signal is automatically generated to the starter 22 and to the braking system. The contacts of the starter open, the electric motor 14 _{2 is} de-energized, the brake system is activated (see above) and the platform stops in the extreme right position in front of the walkways 19 ₂ . Further, the traffic control operator gives permission to the KGO driver to leave the platform along these walkways.

The following options are available for scanning the second KGO.

Option number 1. The traffic control operator gives permission to the driver of the second KGO to enter the platform along the walkways 19 ₂ . Three-phase voltage will be supplied to the electric motor 14 ₁ , which will rotate the drum 13 ₁ counterclockwise. The cable 12 ₁ will be wound on this drum and evenly pull the platform 8 with the KGO behind it. Further, everything happens in the same way, but the scanning of the KGO occurs when the platform moves from right to left.

With this option, odd CGOs will be scanned when moving from left to right, and even CGOs - when moving in the opposite direction from right to left. The inconvenience of this option will be the problem of redistribution by the operator of the CGO flow: now on the left, then on the right. At some checkpoints, this is simply impossible to implement.

Option number 2. After scanning the KGO and its exit from the platform along the walkways 19 _{2, the} platform 8, at the command of the operator, without the KGO, returns to its original position - the leftmost position on the working platform (voltage will be applied to the drum 13 ₁ ).

With this option, all CGOs will be scanned when the platform moves only from left to right. In the second option, there will be a “idle” run of the platform, but there will be no problems in the redistribution of the CGO flow. Moreover, there will be no time losses here, since the “idle” run will take place during the operator's analysis of the X-ray image.

Both options are valid and the choice of one of them depends on the management of the checkpoint, although it is obvious that the second option is preferable.

To exclude snow drifts of the rails, it is possible to install snow retainers 16 along their entire length. In addition, for more reliable protection of all equipment from various atmospheric precipitations, it is also possible to build a shed 17. These elements (16 and 17) are optional and may be missing.

It should be noted that the overall dimensions of the drums will be insignificant. This is due to the fact that the length of each cable will be no more than 30 m.With the cable thickness, let 2 cm (which is quite enough for dragging the cart with the KGO on the rails), the diameter of the winding part of the drum can be 0.4 m, and the length of the winding part of the drum will be about 0.5 m. Such dimensions (and even more) will make it possible to place drums, as well as electric motors and gearboxes inside the walkways.

Thus, by excluding from the equipment a prototype of a reversible electric drive, a power cable (about 30 m long) and a complex cable layer, and by introducing two drums with cables (which are incomparably cheaper than power cables), two non-reversible electric motors and one gearbox into the IDK equipment, the goal is - simplification of IDK, achieved.

Some more additional advantages of the proposed IDK can be noted:

1. Due to the fact that the IDK constantly uses a platform that acts as a flyover and allows scanning 100% of the object (even cars), there is no need to release the air pressure in the pneumatic shock absorbers to lower the IDK equipment. This will somewhat speed up and simplify the process of preparing the complex for scanning, as well as increase its readiness for possible redeployment if necessary.

2. Due to the fact that the IDK is stationary during scanning, various swaying of massive U-shaped gates is practically excluded, which will, in turn, exclude the possible from swaying “smearing” of individual fragments of the obtained X-ray image of the CGO.

3. If all work sites are equipped as described in the invention, then the driver-operator IDK will not be required at all. It will be necessary to simply have a driver of a road tractor, whose tasks will consist only in moving the tractor from one place of deployment to another.

4. With a stationary IDK, technical prerequisites are created for the implementation of the transmission of scanned images in electronic form by wire (or fiber) in the on-line mode for their storage; for analysis by operators working remotely, as well as for transferring them to a higher level.

5. Since the electric motor, gearbox and drum are placed not under the platform, but in the walkways, it is possible to use the platform wheels of a very small diameter so that the KGO installed on the platform is guaranteed to fit in height into the overall dimensions of the U-shaped gates.

Sources of information

1. Bashly P.N., Verbov V.F. New classification of inspection systems as a means of increasing the efficiency of their use // Bulletin of the Russian Customs Academy. 2017. No. 4. S. 93-100.

2. Bashly P.N., Verbov V.F. and other Customs: inspection and inspection complexes of Russia and foreign states: educational visual aid. - Rostov-on-Don: Rostov branch of the Russian Customs Academy, 2015 .-- 146 p.

3. HCV-Mobile. Heiman Carqo Vision mobile: A technical training manual. Smiths Heiman Publishing House, 2007.

4. Bashly P.N., Verbov V.F. and other Customs business: theory and practice of application of mobile inspection and inspection complexes: textbook. -Rostov-on-Don: Rostov branch of the Russian Customs Academy, 2015 .-- 292 p.

5. Bashly P.N., Verbov V.F., Dolgopolov O.B. Improving the power supply of mobile inspection and screening complexes as a direction to improve the efficiency of customs control // Bulletin of the Russian Customs Academy. 2018. No. 3. S. 49-56.

6. Mantusov VB, Bashly PN, Verbov VF, Karasev AV. Customs: practice and theory of the use of inspection systems: textbook. - Rostov-on-Don: Rostov branch of the Russian Customs Academy, 2018 .-- 360 p. (p. 15.5).

7. Bashly P.N., Verbov V.F., Dolgopolov O.B. Inspection and inspection complex. RF patent for invention No. 2731683, 2020 (Prototype).

Claims (1)

An inspection and inspection complex, receiving power from the state electrical network (HPP) via a power cable, containing the complex equipment installed on a vehicle chassis, an X-ray source, an arrow with a detector ruler, forming a U-shaped gate in the operating position of the complex, in the alignment of which it is installed a large-sized object (KGO) of control, a rotating mechanism of the radiation source and the gate, and in the process of scanning the IDK remains stationary, and the KGO moves relative to it on a platform that moves along rails laid strictly parallel to the axis of symmetry of the IDK along the entire length of the working platform, at the ends of which there are walkways for the entry (exit) of a large-sized object onto the platform (from the platform), to prevent the platform from hitting the walkway in the latter, parktronic sensors are installed at the platform level, transmitting signals to the platform brake system and a controlled starter, and the length of the rails is equal to twice the maximum the length of the platform with an interval between the extreme positions of the platform, in the middle of which the plane of the gate is located, characterized in that two sets of equipment are used to move the platform back and forth, installed inside the corresponding walkways, each of which includes a non-reversible electric motor, a reduction mechanical gearbox and a winding drum cable, and the drums rotate in different directions through their gearboxes from the corresponding electric motors powered by the hydroelectric power station through their power cables through the contacts of the controlled starters, and the ends of the drum cables are rigidly fixed in the corresponding lugs installed in the middle of one and the second ends of the platform.

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