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US3717267A - Device for leak-tight transfer of objects - Google Patents

Device for leak-tight transfer of objects Download PDF

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Publication number
US3717267A
US3717267A US00016411A US3717267DA US3717267A US 3717267 A US3717267 A US 3717267A US 00016411 A US00016411 A US 00016411A US 3717267D A US3717267D A US 3717267DA US 3717267 A US3717267 A US 3717267A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tape
glove box
funnel
leak
tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00016411A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
M Godart
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Original Assignee
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA filed Critical Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3717267A publication Critical patent/US3717267A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
    • G21C21/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted to the manufacture of reactors or parts thereof
    • G21C21/02—Manufacture of fuel elements or breeder elements contained in non-active casings
    • G21C21/08—Manufacture of fuel elements or breeder elements contained in non-active casings by a slip-fit cladding process by crimping the jacket around the fuel
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F7/00—Shielded cells or rooms
    • G21F7/005—Shielded passages through walls; Locks; Transferring devices between rooms
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
    • Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors

Definitions

  • the invention is also directed to a method of transfer for the practical application of said device.
  • This device essentially comprises a tube which is fixed so as to penetrate through the wall in leak-tight manner, a funnel placed within the tube and having the same crosssectional area as the container to be filled so as to permit of exact location in the line of extension of this latter, a flexible tubular connection which closely surrounds the oppositely facing extremities of the funnel and of the container, and a shield envelope which surrounds the flexible connection and can be rigidly fixed to the extremity of the container.
  • this device is subject to disadvantages in that it does not completely remove all danger of contamination of the edge or end face of the container which is located opposite to the funnel.
  • a sealing end-cap is subsequently placed on the end face and closed by welding along the edge and must therefore be decontaminated prior to positioning of the end-cap.
  • the present invention is intended to provide a leaktight transfer device which meets practical requirements more effectively than comparable devices of the prior art, especially insofar as it is. not subject to the disadvantages mentioned above.
  • the invention proposes a device which permits leak-tight transfer of objects through an enclosure wall to a container and comprises a tube which penetrates through the wall and is attached thereto in leak-tight manner, the internal diameter of the tube being such as to correspond to the internal diameter of an opening of the container.
  • Said device is essentially constituted by a tape pierced by holes having a diameter which corresponds to the internal diameter of the tube and by means for transferring the tape from the exterior to the interior of the enclosure along a path which causes the holes to pass between the tube and the container.
  • the leak-tight transfer device is mounted so as to pass through the wall 2 which forms a separation between a contaminated glove box 4 constituting the enclosure and a clean or uncontaminated glove box 6.
  • the atmosphere of the contaminated glove box 4 is maintained at a slightly negative pressure (a few millimeters of mercury) relative to the atmosphere of the uncontaminated glove box 6. This latter is in turn maintained at a negative pressure relative to the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the transfer device proper comprises a funnel 8 consisting of a cylindrical tube having an internal diameter which corresponds to the internal diameter of each can 12 for receiving fuel pellets 14 which are stored in the contaminated glove box 4.
  • the internal end portion of the funnel 8 (namely that portion which is located within the contaminated glove box 4) is flared so as to facilitate introduction of the pellets 14.
  • the funnel 8 is attached to the wall 2 in leaktight manner by means of a bushing 16 and clamping screws 18.
  • One or a number of seals are evidently provided between the funnel 8 and the members which are associated therewith.
  • the external end portion of the funnel 8 (namely which is located in the glove box 6) opens into a compartment 20 which is limited by the wall 2 and by a recessed backing plate 24.
  • Said compartment 20 is adapted to communicate with the uncontaminated glove box through an aperture 26 having a small cross-sectional area which is placed at one end of the compartment.
  • Said compartment 20 is also adapted to communicate with the contaminated glove box through a slot 28 which is placed at the other end of this compartment.
  • the compartment 20 also communicates with the uncontaminated glove box 6 through a bore 30 which is coaxial with the funnel 8 and has a diameter which is slightly larger than that of the cans 12.
  • the device according to the invention comprises a mechanism for transferring a sealing tape 32 within the compartment along a path which causes it to pass between the outer extremity of the funnel 8 and the edge or end face of each can 12 which is positioned in turn.
  • Said tape-transfer mechanism comprises a payoff reel 34 which is placed within the uncontaminated glove box 6, a guide roller 36, a tape guide 38 which is attached to the wall 2, a flat passageway 40 for-med in the plate 24 at the same end as the aperture 26 and a takeup reel 42.
  • the tape 32 is transferred from the uncontaminated glove box to the contaminated glove box and provides a separation between the funnel 8 of the uncontaminated glove box and the edge of the can when this later is maintained opposite to the funnel. Said tape is swept by the gas which emanates from the uncontaminated glove box and this gas flow tends to return dust particles to the glove box 4, and the contaminated portion of the tape.
  • the tape 32 is pierced at uniform intervals by circular holes 44 having a diameter corresponding to the internal diameter both of the funnel and of the cans.
  • the hole spacing is preferably of the order of five times the diameter -(50 mm. in respect of a diameter of mm., for example).
  • the takeup reel 42 is provided with drive means so that, each time said means are actuated, the tape 32 is displaced by an interval corresponding to one-half the pitch of the holes formed in the tape.
  • Said tape consists of a film of material which is sufiiciently deformable to ensure absolute leak-tightness when the tape is pressed between the terminal portion of the funnel 8 and the end face of a can 12; a thin film of polyester material having high tensile strength and known by the trade name Mylar is particularly suited to this purpose.
  • the means for driving the takeup reel can be of any known type provided that the necessary standards of accuracy and operational safety are complied with. It is possible in particular to employ a system of the type known as a Geneva movement or maltese cross mechamsm.
  • the unncontaminated glove box 6 also contains a device for carrying out the movement of aproach and centering of cans as well as maintaining these latter against the tape 32 with a sufiicient pressure to apply the tape against the outer extremity of the funnel 8.
  • the device which is illustrated comprises a feed arm 46 (as shown in chain-dotted lines) provided with a displacement mechanism which is not shown in the drawings and a fixed chunk 48 which is coaxial with the funnel. Clamping and releasing of the chuck are controlled by a cone '50 carried by a shaft 52 which is rotatable in bearings (not shown). The shaft terminates in a spur pinion 54 which is adapted to engage with a drive rack 56.
  • the contaminated glove box 4 contains a trough 58 for feeding and guiding the pellets 14. Said pellets can be displaced through the funnel 8 towards a can 12 through a hole of the tape 32 by means of a push-rod which is not illustrated.
  • the contaminated glove box 4 contains acertain number of pellets which are fabricated, for example, from mixed uranium and plutonium oxide and are placed on guide troughs 58, one of which is aligned with the funnel 8.
  • the tape 32 is moved to a position such that a full portion of wall is placed opposite to the funnel 8, a hole 44 being located on each side of said portion.
  • the tape 32 is then displaced by one-half pitch by means of the rnachanism which drives the takeup reel 42.
  • a hole of the tape 32 is then located opposite to the funnel 8 and to the can 12.
  • the can is inserted so as to apply the tape 32 around the hole 44 against the outer end face of the funnel, thereby forming a leak-tight joint between the funnel 8 and the can 12.
  • the tape can advantageously consist of a Mylar film.
  • the fuel pellets 14 are then inserted in the can 12 either once or a number of times, the chuck 48 is then caused to open so as to release the can, whereupon the can is moved back over a short distance and freed from the tape 32.
  • the drive mechanism of the takeup reel 42 is then immediately actuated so as to displace the tape by one-half pitch so that a full portion is again located opposite to the funnel.
  • the can which is loaded with fuel is then removed, its closure end-cap being preferably placed in position immediately in order to prevent any contamination. A new can is brought into position and again subjected to the same sequence.
  • the device which as been described can evidently be associated with conventional automation circuits.
  • the device can also be equipped with removable elements (not shown) which provide a leak-tight separation between the two glove boxes during those periods when the device is not in use.
  • these elements can comprise covers which are screwed on the bushing 18 and also or alternatively screwed on an end-piece which is provided for this purpose on the plate 24 (but is not shown in the drawings).
  • a device for the leak-tight transfer of objects from an enclosure towards a container through a wall of the enclosure comprising a tube which sealingly projects through the wall and the internal diameter of which corresponds to the internal diameter of an opening of the container, a tape formed with holes corresponding in diameter to the internal diameter of the tube and means for transferring the tape from the exterior to the interior of the enclosure along a path which causes the holes to pass between said tube and said container.
  • a device according to claim 1, wherein the tape is a film of polyester material having high tensile strength.
  • a device wherein said tube opens into a compartment which is connected to the enclosure by means of a slot through which the tape passes towards said enclosure and to the outside by means of a passageway for guiding the tape towards said compartment.
  • a device wherein the enclosure is at a pressure lower than that of the outside and wherein the compartment is connected to the outside by an aperture located in proximity to the tape admission slot so as gas circulates along the tape towards said enclosure.
  • a device wherein the means for transferring the tape comprise a takeup reel located within the enclosure and a mechanism for forward displacement of the reel by steps equal to one-half the spacing between two successive holes of the tape.
  • a device comprising means References Cited for displacing said container towards and away from UN S ATES PA NTS the tube and means for locking the container in a posi- 2,873,160 1 5 Board 14 B X tion in which it presses said tape against a radial end face 5 3,137,397 6/1964 Nicoll et a1 2l4-17 B X of the tube.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Structure Of Emergency Protection For Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)
US00016411A 1969-03-10 1970-03-04 Device for leak-tight transfer of objects Expired - Lifetime US3717267A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR6906778A FR2059937A1 (es) 1969-03-10 1969-03-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3717267A true US3717267A (en) 1973-02-20

Family

ID=9030448

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00016411A Expired - Lifetime US3717267A (en) 1969-03-10 1970-03-04 Device for leak-tight transfer of objects

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US3717267A (es)
JP (1) JPS5126600B1 (es)
BE (1) BE746864A (es)
CH (1) CH516861A (es)
DE (1) DE2011055A1 (es)
ES (1) ES377320A1 (es)
FR (1) FR2059937A1 (es)
GB (1) GB1230550A (es)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0012005A1 (en) * 1978-11-27 1980-06-11 Technical Operations, Incorporated Apparatus for manipulating a quantity of radioactive material between a stored position and a use position
EP0012003A1 (en) * 1978-11-27 1980-06-11 Technical Operations, Incorporated Apparatus for manipulating a quantity of radioactive material between a stored position and a use position

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2615175C2 (de) * 1976-04-08 1984-10-04 Interatom Internationale Atomreaktorbau Gmbh, 5060 Bergisch Gladbach Gas- und strahlendichter Verschluß

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1499227A (fr) * 1966-07-27 1967-10-27 Commissariat Energie Atomique Passage étanche pour le transfert de produits nocifs
FR91976E (fr) * 1967-03-10 1968-09-06 Commissariat Energie Atomique Perfectionnements aux passages étanches pour le transfert de produits nocifs

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0012005A1 (en) * 1978-11-27 1980-06-11 Technical Operations, Incorporated Apparatus for manipulating a quantity of radioactive material between a stored position and a use position
EP0012003A1 (en) * 1978-11-27 1980-06-11 Technical Operations, Incorporated Apparatus for manipulating a quantity of radioactive material between a stored position and a use position

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH516861A (fr) 1971-12-15
BE746864A (fr) 1970-08-17
FR2059937A1 (es) 1971-06-11
DE2011055A1 (de) 1970-09-17
GB1230550A (es) 1971-05-05
JPS5126600B1 (es) 1976-08-07
ES377320A1 (es) 1978-01-01

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