WO2015144828A1 - Radiation tolerant cable reel - Google Patents

Radiation tolerant cable reel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015144828A1
WO2015144828A1 PCT/EP2015/056569 EP2015056569W WO2015144828A1 WO 2015144828 A1 WO2015144828 A1 WO 2015144828A1 EP 2015056569 W EP2015056569 W EP 2015056569W WO 2015144828 A1 WO2015144828 A1 WO 2015144828A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
camera
cable reel
ionizing radiation
cable
signals
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2015/056569
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jan Gunnarsson
Niklas Barringer
Original Assignee
Isec Industrial Security Ab
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 Isec Industrial Security Ab filed Critical Isec Industrial Security Ab
Publication of WO2015144828A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015144828A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G21NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21CNUCLEAR REACTORS
    • G21C17/00Monitoring; Testing ; Maintaining
    • G21C17/003Remote inspection of vessels, e.g. pressure vessels
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02GINSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G11/00Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts
    • H02G11/02Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts using take-up reel or drum
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H75/00Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
    • B65H75/02Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
    • B65H75/34Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
    • B65H75/38Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
    • B65H75/40Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H75/00Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
    • B65H75/02Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
    • B65H75/34Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
    • B65H75/38Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
    • B65H75/44Constructional details
    • B65H75/4457Arrangements of the frame or housing
    • B65H75/4468Tubular frame
    • GPHYSICS
    • G21NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21FPROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/06Details of, or accessories to, the containers
    • G21F5/065Containers provided with a rotatable drum
    • GPHYSICS
    • G21NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21FPROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F7/00Shielded cells or rooms
    • G21F7/02Observation devices permitting vision but shielding the observer
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/30Handled filamentary material
    • B65H2701/34Handled filamentary material electric cords or electric power cables
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/50Storage means for webs, tapes, or filamentary material
    • B65H2701/52Integration of elements inside the core or reel
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05GX-RAY TECHNIQUE
    • H05G1/00X-ray apparatus involving X-ray tubes; Circuits therefor
    • H05G1/02Constructional details
    • YGENERAL 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
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E30/00Energy generation of nuclear origin
    • Y02E30/30Nuclear fission reactors

Definitions

  • the present inventive concept generally relates to a cable reel. More specifically, the present inventive concept relates to a cable reel for connecting a camera located in an ionizing radiation environment to a control system. The present inventive concept also relates to a method for manufacturing such a cable reel.
  • Typical electronic equipment which is situated in a nuclear power plant needs to be carefully designed.
  • Typical electronic equipment which is used for monitoring purposes within a nuclear power plant facility includes a radiation tolerant camera.
  • the camera needs to be made tolerant to ionizing radiation, at least to a certain degree.
  • the camera may be encapsulated in a protective shield as described e.g. in the disclosure
  • the camera is often controlled from a control room which is located within the nuclear power plant.
  • the control room is commonly situated in an area which is protected against ionizing radiation.
  • a control system in the control room is arranged for controlling the camera, e.g. for controlling optics of the camera.
  • the control system uses a specific type of software which is adapted to the particular camera in use in order to control the camera.
  • cables which connect the camera to the control system are typically specific for the particular type of camera which is connected to the control system.
  • the cables may be permanently installed within an existing construction in the nuclear power plant which renders the cables hard to access and which makes a rewiring of the cables difficult.
  • a cable reel for connecting a camera located in an ionizing radiation environment to a control arrangement comprising:
  • an electronic device comprising a signal processor arranged to convert signals which are transmitted by the cable reel between the control arrangement and the camera, and
  • an ionizing radiation protective shield for protecting at least a portion of the electronic device from ionizing radiation.
  • the ionizing radiation environment may be an environment in, or in the vicinity of, a nuclear power plant.
  • the nuclear power plant may comprise a nuclear reactor core, nuclear fuel, control rods, a moderator, a control room, spent fuel pools, etc. It is clear, however, that other ionizing radiation environments are equally conceivable, such as environments when decommissioning a nuclear power plant, environments related to radiotherapy, etc.
  • the ionizing radiation may comprise at least one of gamma radiation, X-rays, radiation with short wavelengths, alpha particles, beta particles, neutron radiation.
  • the ionizing radiation typically comes from nuclear reactions, radioactively decaying materials or subatomic particle decay.
  • the ionizing radiation may cause a direct or an indirect ionization.
  • the camera is adapted to monitor areas in the ionizing radiation environment.
  • the camera may be a radiation tolerant camera which provides a monitoring system in a nuclear power plant.
  • the camera is preferably arranged to register images by means of an electronic image sensor. Individual images may be registered or alternatively moving images, e.g. in the form of video, may be registered. Thereby, an image signal or a video signal may be produced.
  • the camera is preferably radiation tolerant.
  • the camera may have a radiation shield for protecting the camera from ionizing radiation which might damage the operability of the camera.
  • the camera is stationary.
  • the camera may be mounted on a supporting structure, such as a tripod or a bracket.
  • the camera is portable and may be moved to a desired area to be monitored. Specifically, the camera may be transported to the desired area by using a camera transporting robot.
  • the camera may be a RadCam camera.
  • the camera may comprise a media device which includes functions in addition to the image-capturing feature.
  • the media device may record sound, vibrations, etc.
  • the camera may also comprise a device for measuring environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, a level of ionizing radiation, etc. It is understood that, according to an alternative embodiment, the device for measuring environmental parameters may be an independent unit, separate from the camera and connected to the monitoring system, and optionally also to the camera.
  • the control arrangement is adapted to control the camera.
  • the control arrangement may be a control system which is comprised in a monitoring system or a control room which is located nearby the ionizing radiation environment where the camera is located.
  • the control arrangement may be shielded from the ionizing radiation environment by means of an ionizing radiation protection wall.
  • the control arrangement may be an existing control system to which the camera is to be connected by means of the inventive camera reel for implementing signal conversion.
  • an intermediary electronic connection station such as an intermediary box, located within the ionizing radiation environment and the control arrangement, wherein the intermediary electronic connection station is separated from the control arrangement by means of the ionizing radiation protection wall which provides protection against ionizing radiation.
  • the cable reel preferably comprises a cylindrical drum for storing and winding an electrical cable for connection to the camera: a camera cable.
  • the cable reel may further comprise a supporting element on which the cylindrical drum is rotatably mounted and side members for counteracting lateral displacements of the camera cable.
  • a cavity within a central hub of the cable reel may contain electrical components, such as the signal processor.
  • the cable reel may be comprised out a material such as a plastic or metal.
  • the material chosen so that at least a one type of ionizing radiation may be reduced.
  • a material such as a hydrocarbon plastic, a natural and synthetic rubber, or other plastics or resins containing atoms in addition to hydrogen and carbon, the exposure from neutron radiation may be reduced.
  • electrical components within the central hub of the cable reel may thereby be less exposed to ionizing radiation of this type.
  • the signal processor of the electronic device is arranged to implement the signal conversion.
  • the signal processor may be a central processing unit (CPU).
  • the signal processor may comprise a protocol conversion unit, or a protocol converter.
  • the electronic device may further comprise connectors for connecting the cable reel to the control arrangement or monitoring system as well as for connecting the cable reel to the camera. Thereby, physical components between the camera and the control arrangement or monitoring system may be converted or adapted to each other.
  • the signaling system of the camera uses a first type of electrical interface and the signaling system of the control arrangement uses a second type of electrical interface.
  • electrical interface is here meant the electrical characteristics of a device which are used for transmitting and receiving signals. The electrical characteristics may be based on a voltage of a signal, a current of a signal, an amplitude of a signal, a frequency of a signal, a modulation of a signal, a data rate of a signal, signal strength/signal level of a signal, data related to an optical signal, etc.
  • first and second types of electrical interfaces are the same. In a second example, the first and second types of electrical interfaces are different.
  • the first and/or the second type of electrical interface may be based on an RS-232 standard, an RS-422 standard, or an RS-485 standard.
  • the first and/or the second type of electrical interface may be based on IP communication.
  • the first type and/or the second type of electrical interface may be based on the networking platform LonWorks (local operating network).
  • the ionizing radiation protective shield comprises a material which may be used to reduce the exposure to radiation.
  • the protective shield may be a protective shield against gamma radiation. It is understood, however, that the protective shield also may provide protection against other types of ionizing radiation, such as neutron radiation.
  • the protective shield may comprise two protective layers: one protective layer for reducing exposure to gamma radiation and one protective layer for reducing exposure to neutron radiation.
  • the protective layer for reducing gamma radiation may be an inner protective layer and the protective layer for reducing neutron radiation may be an outer protective layer which is arranged on the outside of the inner protective layer.
  • the protective shield partly surrounds the electronic device. In another example, the protective shield completely encloses the electronic device. In the latter case, the electrical connections to the electronic device may be located outside of the protective shield.
  • a minimum thickness of the protective shield may be much larger than a maximal thickness of the signal processor. In a non-limiting example, a minimum thickness of the protective shield may be of about a few centimeters.
  • the minimum thickness of the protective shield may be one centimeter, two centimeters, or five centimeters.
  • the protective shield preferably comprises a cavity for keeping the signal processor.
  • the protective shield may comprise two parts which may be interconnected to each other.
  • the shape of the protective shield may be in the form of a cylinder. Alternatively, however, the protective shield may be formed as a sphere, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cone, in a frustoconical shape, etc.
  • the electronic device comprised in the cable reel is connected to the camera by means of a distal end of the camera cable comprised in the cable reel.
  • the camera cable has a length of between 10 and 50 meters.
  • the electronic device comprised in the cable reel is preferably connected to the control arrangement by means of a control cable.
  • the control cable is preferably arranged externally to the cable reel.
  • the cable may be adapted to communicate data in the form of image data, video data, sound data, media data, control data, information about environmental parameters, etc.
  • the camera cable and the control cable may comprise a different number of conductors, or wires.
  • the control cable may be multi-unit cable.
  • the control cable may comprise a pair of conductors for each function of the camera, where the function may be panning or tilting of the camera, or controlling the optics of the camera, which inter alia includes zooming, focusing and controlling the iris of the camera.
  • the camera may be controlled by means of relay control.
  • camera cables and control cables which are specifically adapted for use within a nuclear power plant are used.
  • the cables may use specific materials, coverings, etc., and may be adapted for use within areas having high temperatures and/or radioactivity.
  • the type of cable which are suitable to use between the camera and the control arrangement may be an optical fiber cable, a coaxial cable, a twin wire, a data cable, an Ethernet cable, a serial cable, the cable may comprise copper, etc.
  • the signal to be converted preferably is an electrical signal or a data signal.
  • the signal conversion may be accomplished by means of an active signal conversion.
  • a signal which is transmitted from the control arrangement for controlling the camera is referred to as a control signal.
  • a control signal which has been converted by the signal processor and which is transmitted to the camera is referred to as a camera signal.
  • a signal which is transmitted from the camera comprising media data, such as image data, video data or sound data is referred to as a media signal.
  • a signal which is transmitted from the camera comprising information as measured by means of the device for measuring environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, a level of ionizing radiation, is referred to as an environmental signal.
  • a control signal may be converted into a camera signal which is appropriate for the camera under consideration in order to obtain interoperability between the camera and the control arrangement and particularly to control the camera.
  • a signal transmitted in the opposite direction, from the camera to the control arrangement or the monitoring system may also have to be converted by means of the inventive cable reel in order to obtain interoperability.
  • the inventive cable reel may be used when the camera and the control arrangement utilize different signaling systems for transmitting and receiving signals.
  • different protocols may be used.
  • a protocol is here meant a set of rules for providing communication.
  • a protocol may be a data protocol, a communications protocol, a network protocol, etc.
  • the protocol may comprise a data format, scheduling information, error checking, data correction, data command, information about start bits, stop bits, control bits, etc.
  • a protocol may be implemented by means of software, hardware or firmware.
  • the protocol may be a proprietary protocol.
  • the protocol may be an industrial protocol.
  • the protocol may be comprised in a protocol family wherein a plurality of protocols are cooperating.
  • the protocol of the camera may be a Pelco protocol or, more specifically, a Pelco-D protocol, which is a protocol used in the field of closed- circuit television (CCTV) for controlling cameras.
  • CCTV closed- circuit television
  • the protocol of the control arrangement may be based on an Internet Protocol (IP) and a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), a so-called TCP/IP.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • TCP Transmission Control Protocol
  • a control signal is in the form of a data block which may be converted by the signal processor into a suitable camera signal.
  • the protocols may alternatively be based on relay control.
  • a voltage of the control signal may be converted by means of the signal processor into a camera signal for controlling the camera.
  • a positive or a negative voltage of the control signal may correspond to an instruction to move the camera to the left or the right, respectively.
  • a magnitude of the voltage of the control signal may control a speed of the movement.
  • An advantage of the present inventive concept is that an installation in an ionizing radiation environment of a camera having a first type of signaling system, to a control arrangement with a second type of signaling system is simplified.
  • the control arrangement may be part of an existing monitoring system within a nuclear power plant. Indeed, it is typically cumbersome and expensive to make a reinstallation of the necessary electronic equipment comprised in the control arrangement and to exchange the existing cables from the control arrangement to the camera.
  • the signal processor in the cable reel the signaling systems of the camera and the control arrangement may be easily adapted to each other. This may be particularly
  • the camera is to be connected to the existing control arrangement only for a short period of time, e.g. when testing a new camera.
  • the first type of signaling system may be based on a first type of protocol and the second type of signaling system may be based on a second type of protocol.
  • An additional advantage of the inventive cable reel is that it is portable.
  • the cable reel may easily be placed in a desired location, e.g. within the ionizing radiation environment.
  • the ionizing radiation protective shield which may protect radiation sensitive electronic components comprised within the cable reel, the cable reel may be placed within the ionizing radiation environment.
  • Yet another advantage is that the length of the camera cable may easily be varied by adapting the amount of winding of the camera cable around the drum. This fact may be particularly advantageous when the camera is portable.
  • the signal processor is arranged to convert signals by performing protocol conversion.
  • a first type of protocol may be used by the camera and a second type of protocol may be used by the control arrangement, wherein the second type of protocol is different than the first type of protocol.
  • the control signal may be converted into a suitable camera signal by means of the signal processor which may comprise a protocol conversion unit.
  • the media signal from the camera may be converted by means of the signal processor.
  • the signals comprise camera movement control signals.
  • the camera movement control signals may control a movement of the camera.
  • the movement may be at least one of a movement related to panning or tilting the camera, or a movement of the optics, including zooming, focusing and controlling the iris of the camera.
  • the movement may be a movement of a light device which is mounted on or in proximity of the camera.
  • the movement may be a movement of a supporting structure of the camera, e.g. a displacement or a rotation of the supporting structure.
  • the signals comprise at least one of image signals, video signals, sound signals and environmental signals, wherein the environmental signals comprise information about at least one of temperature, pressure, relative humidity, or a level of ionizing radiation.
  • the signals may be used for presenting images and sound on a display and in a speaker system, respectively, comprised in the monitoring system.
  • the environmental signals may be used for presenting environmental information, e.g. in a trend diagram.
  • At least a portion of the ionizing radiation protective shield is arranged in a central hub of the cable reel.
  • the density of the protective shield may be much larger than the density of the drum.
  • the ionizing radiation protective shield comprises at least one of lead, tungsten, and a material having a high concentration of hydrogen atoms and comprising boron.
  • lead and tungsten the electronic device may be less exposed to gamma radiation.
  • the material having a high concentration of hydrogen atoms and comprising boron the electronic device may be less exposed to neutron radiation.
  • the amount of concentration of hydrogen atoms for obtaining an acceptable reduction of neutron radiation is well-known to a person skilled in the art. It is understood that compounds of these materials may be used. According to alternative embodiments, other materials having similar shielding properties against ionizing radiation may be used.
  • the electronic device comprises a first unit, which includes the signal processor and which is arranged inside the ionizing radiation protective shield, and a second unit, which is connected to the first unit and which is more resistant to ionizing radiation than the first unit and is located outside the ionizing radiation protective shield.
  • the first unit may be adapted to perform protocol conversion.
  • the first unit may comprise semiconductor electronic components.
  • the first unit may be arranged on a printed circuit card.
  • the second unit may comprise passive electronic components such as resistors, relays, capacitors, etc.
  • the second unit may comprise semiconductor electronic components.
  • the second unit may be arranged on a printed circuit card.
  • a power supply may be connected to the second unit for driving the first and the second unit. It is understood that the second unit also may assist in performing the protocol conversion.
  • At least a portion of the second unit may be arranged on an outside of said cable reel.
  • An advantage of the present embodiment is that only some parts of the electronic device need to be protected by a protective shield. Thereby, less material for the protective shield may be needed, which may reduce material costs and also may give rise to a smaller weight of the protective shield, and consequently the cable reel. A smaller weight may also imply a cable reel which is more easily rotated, transported and operated.
  • the first unit is preferably smaller that the second unit. Indeed, by making the first unit small, less material for the protective shield may be needed.
  • the ionizing radiation protection shield encloses the first unit as well as the second unit.
  • the electronic device further comprises an electronic connector element for adapting electronic equipment of the control arrangement to electronic equipment of the camera.
  • the electronic equipment of the control arrangement may be existing electronic equipment to which the electronic equipment of the camera needs to be adapted.
  • the electronic device may comprise a first signal adaptation unit for adapting an electrical interface of the control arrangement to an electrical interface of the signal processor. Further, the electronic device may comprise a second signal adaptation unit for adapting the electrical interface of the signal processor to an electrical interface of the camera.
  • the signal adaptation units may comprise filters, transformers, etc.
  • the electronic device may comprise bus communication systems, storage devices, etc.
  • the first and the second signal adaptation units may be comprised in the second unit.
  • the electronic device and the ionizing radiation protective shield form a conversion module which is interchangeable.
  • a first conversion module may be changed into a second conversion module having a different electronic device and/or ionizing radiation protective shield.
  • the electronic device of the second conversion module may comprise a different signal processor than the electronic device of the first conversion module.
  • the ionizing radiation environment where the cable reel may be located may become very hot. Therefore, according to yet an alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the cable reel is connected to a cooling element.
  • the connection between the cable reel and the cooling element may be a thermal connection.
  • the cooling element may include a thermoelectric cooling module, such as a module using the Peltier effect.
  • a camera arrangement for use in an ionizing radiation environment comprising a cable reel and a camera, wherein the camera is connected to a cable of the cable reel.
  • the cable may be the camera cable.
  • the electronic device of the cable reel preferably comprises a signal processor which is adapted to the signaling system of the camera.
  • a camera system comprising a camera arrangement and a control arrangement located outside the ionizing radiation environment, wherein the control arrangement is connected to the cable reel.
  • the electronic device of the cable reel preferably comprises a signal processor which is adapted to relate the signaling system of the control arrangement with the signaling system of the camera.
  • an ionizing radiation protection wall may be located between the camera and the control arrangement for protecting the control
  • a method for manufacturing a cable reel comprising: providing a drum,
  • a conversion module comprising an ionizing radiation protective shield and a signal processor which is adapted to perform signal conversion of signals to be transmitted to the cable reel, and which is arranged within the ionizing radiation protective shield, and
  • the conversion module is preferably chosen as to provide a suitable signal conversion between a given camera having a first type of signaling system and a given control arrangement having a second type of signaling system.
  • the conversion module may be adapted to be interchangeable.
  • the interchangeability may be implemented by means of an easy and quick connection fitting between the conversion module and a receiving cavity in the cable reel, such as the central hub of the cable reel.
  • the conversion module may thereby easily be replaced when the signal processor or some other device comprised in the module is defective or when the cable reel is to be used for a different type of signal conversion.
  • the connecting comprises arranging at least a portion of the conversion module in a central hub of the drum.
  • the providing an conversion module comprises selecting the conversion module out of a plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules comprise signal processors which are adapted to perform different signal conversions.
  • Each module may be adapted for signal conversion between different types of cameras and control arrangements.
  • a radiation tolerant device or a radiation resistant device such as a camera or a radiation tolerant electronic component
  • the device is tolerant or resistant to radiation for at least a minimum period of time.
  • the minimum period of time may be a month, a year, five years or ten years.
  • a radiation sensitive device such as a radiation sensitive electronic component
  • the device runs the risk of being damaged under the minimum period of time referred to above, which potentially may lead to a
  • signals as used herein is to be interpreted in a wide sense and should not be limited.
  • the signals are preferably electrical. Moreover, the signals may be analog or digital.
  • the signals transmitted from the control arrangement may be received by the camera for controlling the camera. Signals transmitted from the camera, such as recorded media signals, environmental signals, may be received by the monitoring system.
  • the term "between the control arrangement and the camera" as used above is to be interpreted in a wide sense and should not be limited.
  • the signals are transmitted from the control arrangement and are received by the camera.
  • the signals are transmitted from the camera and are received by the monitoring system.
  • signals are transmitted from the camera and the control arrangement simultaneously, which may be received by the monitoring system and camera, respectively.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive cable reel according to the present inventive concept.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the cable reel according to Fig. 1 , wherein a first circular side member has been separated from the rest of the cable reel.
  • Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the cable reel in Fig. 1 , wherein the main parts comprised in the cable reel are illustrated.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of some electronic components comprised in the electronic device of the cable reel in Fig. 1 , including connections to a control system and a camera.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a camera system comprising a camera, a cable reel and a control arrangement.
  • Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for
  • the cable reel 100 comprises a cylindrical drum 1 10, a first circular side member 120, a second circular side member 130, a supporting element 140, and a camera cable 150 which is adapted to be connected to a camera.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the cable reel according to Fig. 1 , wherein the first circular side member 120 has been separated from the drum 1 10.
  • the cable reel 100 further comprises an electronic device 200 which in a mounted state is arranged within a central hub 1 18 of the cylindrical drum 1 10.
  • the cylindrical drum 1 10 is adapted for storing and winding the camera cable 150.
  • the camera cable 150 is shown in an unwounded state, but it is clear that the camera cable 150 may be winded and stored on the cylindrical drum 1 10.
  • the camera cable 150 may be winded on a surface 1 15 of the cylindrical drum 1 10 by rotating the drum 1 10 and the first 120 and second 130 side members.
  • the camera cable 150 does not have any additional protection against ionizing radiation.
  • the cylindrical drum 1 10 comprises a first cylindrical drum member 1 12 and a second cylindrical drum member 1 13.
  • the first 1 12 and second 1 13 drum members are arranged in locking abutment with each other to form the smooth cylindrical surface 1 15.
  • the first 1 12 and second 1 13 drum members each have annular cross sections, whereby there are cavities within them for arrangement of electronic equipment, such as the electronic device 200.
  • the central hub 1 18 of the cylindrical drum 1 10 comprises these cavities.
  • the first drum member 1 12 is provided with a circular hole (not shown) in its surface 1 15 for leading through the camera cable 150 into its interior, within the cavity.
  • the first circular side member 120 is releasably engaging with an annular top portion 1 14 of the first drum member 1 12.
  • the first circular side member 120 may engage with the annular top portion 1 14 by means of tight-fitting, snapping, screwing, or similarly.
  • the first circular side member 120 comprises a control system connector 122, or control arrangement connector 122.
  • the control system is adapted to control the camera and the control system connector 122 is adapted to receive a control cable which is connected to the control system. This will be explained more in detail further below.
  • the second circular side member 130 is permanently attached to an annular bottom portion 1 16 of the second drum member 1 13. Moreover, it comprises a central attachment device (not shown) for rotational engagement with a protruding element (not shown) of the supporting element 140.
  • the first 120 and second 130 circular side members serve at least a dual purpose. Firstly, they may be used when rotating the cylindrical drum 1 10 for winding or unwinding the cable 150. Secondly, they may be used for supporting the camera cable 150, preventing lateral displacements of the cable 150 beyond the circular side members 120, 130.
  • first 1 12 and second 1 13 drum members may comprise hydrocarbon plastics (such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene), natural and synthetic rubber (such as silicone rubber), and other plastics or resins containing atoms in addition to hydrogen and carbon (such as acrylic, polyester, polyurethanes and vinyl resins).
  • hydrocarbon plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene
  • natural and synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber
  • other plastics or resins containing atoms in addition to hydrogen and carbon such as acrylic, polyester, polyurethanes and vinyl resins.
  • These organic polymers show a high effectiveness of shielding against neutrons due to a high concentration of hydrogen atoms in these materials.
  • Fast neutrons that are slowed down by repeated collisions with light nuclei form thermal neutrons that can be absorbed by nuclear reactions.
  • the total neutron shielding ability of polyethylene may be improved by adding to it a material having a high thermal neutron absorbing capacity.
  • the first 120 and second 130 circular side members may be made out of a rigid material, such as a plastic material, or metal.
  • the supporting element 140 comprises two elongated legs 142, 144 for rigidly supporting the cable reel 100 against a supporting ground such as a floor in a nuclear power plant. Furthermore, the supporting element 140 comprises a handle 146 for carrying the cable reel 100.
  • Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the cable reel in Fig. 1 , wherein the main parts comprised in the cable reel 100 are illustrated. It is understood that in a mounted state of the cable reel 100, the parts are assembled together as in Fig. 1 .
  • the electronic device 200 comprises a first unit 210 and a second unit 220 which in a mounted state are connected to each other by means of wires 212.
  • the wires 212 may be part of a ribbon cable. According to the present embodiment, the wires 212 are not encapsulated by a shield against ionizing radiation.
  • the first unit 210 comprises a first printed circuit board, PCB board, with semiconductors which are sensitive to ionizing radiation.
  • the first PCB board comprises a signal processor in the form of a CPU 218 and is provided with wires 212 for connection to the second unit 220.
  • the CPU 218 is adapted to perform protocol conversion.
  • the first unit 210 is arranged in a recess 233 which is provided in a carrier 232. Moreover, in a mounted state, a cover 234 tightly fits around the carrier 232.
  • the carrier 232 and the cover 234 provide an ionizing radiation protective shield 230 for protecting the first PCB board from ionizing radiation in the form of gamma radiation, cf. Fig. 4.
  • the carrier 232 and the cover 234 may comprise lead or tungsten.
  • the cover 234 comprises an aperture 236 for leading the wires 212 through the cover 234, thereby providing an outside connection to the first unit 210 which is enclosed in the ionizing radiation protective shield 230.
  • An extension of the cylindrically shaped ionizing radiation protective shield 230 in an axial direction is four centimeters and a diameter of a circular cross-section of the protective shield 230 is ten centimeters.
  • the wires 212 may be arranged in a "staircaselike" shape, e.g. by being sandwiched between an outer surface of the carrier 232 and an inner surface of the cover 234, for reducing the exposure to radiation and for leading out the wires 212 from the first unit 210.
  • the conversion module 240 is indicated by a box with broken lines in Fig. 3.
  • a first conversion module 240 comprising a first CPU may be interchanged with a second conversion module 240 comprising a second CPU, wherein the first and the second CPU:s are adapted for different types of signal conversions.
  • the second unit 220 may be comprised in the conversion module.
  • the second unit 220 comprises a second PCB board with semiconductors which are more tolerant to ionizing radiation than the first PCB board. Therefore, the second unit 220 does not need any additional ionizing radiation protective shield 230 against gamma radiation.
  • the second unit 220 is connected to the first unit 210 by means of the wires 212. Furthermore, in a mounted state the second unit 220 is connected to camera cable 150 which has been lead through a circular hole in the surface of the first drum member 1 12. Additionally, the second unit 220 is connected to the control system connector 122.
  • a power supply (not shown) is connected to the second unit 220 for driving the first 210 and second 220 unit.
  • the inner ionizing radiation protective shield 230 which is formed by the carrier
  • the outer ionizing radiation protective shield which is formed by the cylindrical drum 1 10, reduces the exposure to neutron radiation to the first unit 210 as well as the second unit 220.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of some electronic components comprised in the electronic device 200 of the cable reel 100 in Fig. 1.
  • the electronic device 200 comprises a first unit 210 and a second unit 220.
  • the second unit 220 is connected to a control system by means of a control cable 160 and to a camera by means of a camera cable 150.
  • the connections to the control system and the camera will be described further below.
  • the camera utilizes a first type of protocol and the control system utilizes a second type of protocol.
  • control signals based on the second protocol may be converted into camera signals based on the first protocol.
  • the second unit 220 comprises a first signal adaptation unit 222 which provides adaptation between an electrical interface of the control system and an electrical interface of the first unit 210.
  • the second unit 220 further comprises a second signal adaptation unit 224 which provides adaptation between the electrical interface of the first unit 210 and the camera.
  • the first 222 and second 224 signal adaptation units may comprise electronic components according to well-known techniques for a person skilled in the art.
  • the signal adaptation unit 222, 224 may comprise electronic components such as filters, transformers, etc.
  • the first unit 210 comprises a bus receiver 214, a bus driver 216 and a signal processor in the form of a CPU 218.
  • the bus receiver 214 is connected to the first signal adaptation unit 222 by means of conductors 226, and is also connected to the CPU 218.
  • the bus driver 216 is connected to the CPU 218 and also to the second signal adaptation unit 224 by means of conductors 228.
  • the conductors 226 and 228 are comprised in the ribbon cable 212.
  • the first unit 210 is encapsulated by means of the ionizing radiation protective shield 230, which is indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 4. Reference to the above is made for a more detailed explanation of the ionizing radiation protective shield 230.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a camera system comprising a camera 300 and a monitoring system
  • the monitoring system 400 which are connected to each other by means of the cable reel 100.
  • the monitoring system 400 may be a control room.
  • the monitoring system 400 is an existing system to which the camera 300 is to be connected.
  • the camera 300 is located in an ionizing radiation environment 700 within a nuclear power plant. In operation, the camera 300 is monitoring and recording a process related to an apparatus 600 which is a source of ionizing radiation R. It is noted that the cable reel 100 is located further away from the apparatus 600 than the camera 300, which means that the cable reel 100 is less exposed to ionizing radiation.
  • the drum 1 10 of the cable reel 100 is located in a first radiation area
  • a distal end 152 of the camera cable 150 is located in a second radiation area
  • first radiation area 702 is less exposed to ionizing radiation than the second radiation area 704.
  • the separation between the first 702 and the second 704 radiation areas are indicated by the broken vertical line in Fig. 5.
  • the camera 300 records images and sounds and thereby produces a media signal which is adapted to be transmitted to the monitoring system 400. Additionally, environmental signals may be produced and transmitted to the monitoring system 400. Moreover, the camera 300 is connected to the cable reel 100 by means of the camera cable 150.
  • the monitoring system 400 is located in an area 800 which is outside of the ionizing radiation environment 700. More specifically, the monitoring system 400 is located behind an ionizing radiation protection wall 500 which reduces the exposure of ionizing radiation to the monitoring system 400.
  • the monitoring system 400 is connected to an existing intermediary box 430 which is located within the ionizing radiation environment 700 by means of a penetration cable 170 which is penetrated through the ionizing radiation protection wall 500 in a hole.
  • the intermediary box 430 is connected to the cable reel 100 by the control cable 160.
  • the monitoring system 400 comprises a control system 410 for controlling the camera 300 and a receiving system 420.
  • the receiving system 420 receives the media signal and processes and stores the data from the media signal.
  • the receiving system 420 includes a display screen and a speaker for presenting the images and sounds recorded by the camera.
  • the control system 410 may control the camera 300 by transmitting a control signal in the penetration cable 170, via the intermediate box 430, and further on to the cable reel 100 in the control cable 160. As explained in the above, the control signal is converted in the cable reel 100 and is then transmitted to the camera 300 as a camera signal. Reference is also made to the above as how the camera 300 may be controlled.
  • the camera 300 utilizes a first type of protocol while the monitoring system 400, including the control system 410, utilizes a second type of protocol.
  • the first and second types of protocols need to be related. This is achieved by means of protocol conversion executed by the CPU comprised in the cable reel 100.
  • Each of the cables 150, 160 and 170 may comprise a plurality of conductors for providing communication between the monitoring system 400 and the camera 300.
  • the cables 150, 160 and 170 may allow for two-way communication, whereby on the one hand the control signal may be transmitted to the camera 300 from the control system 410, and on the other hand the media signal may be transmitted to the receiving system 420 from the camera 300.
  • the two-way communication may be implemented by using one camera cable 150, one control cable 160 and one penetration cable 170.
  • the two-way communication may be implemented by using a plurality of camera cables, control cables and penetration cables. In the latter example, communication in a first direction may be implemented by a first set of cables, and communication in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, may be implemented by a second set of cables.
  • the cable reel 100 is connected to a cooling element 190 which is used for dissipating heat from the cable reel 100 and its components.
  • the cooling element 190 comprises a thermoelectric cooling module. It is understood, however, that other cooling elements 190 may be used for cooling the cable reel 100, such as conventional air and/or fluid systems.
  • Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 900 for manufacturing a cable reel according to the present inventive concept.
  • a cylindrical drum 1 10 which is arranged on a supporting element 140 is provided (Box 910).
  • the drum 1 10 comprises a central hub 1 18 in which there is a cavity.
  • a second circular side member 130 is permanently attached to an annular bottom portion 1 16 of the drum 1 10.
  • an ionizing radiation protective shield 230 and a signal processor in the form of a CPU 218 are provided (Box 920).
  • the CPU 218 may be comprised in a first unit 210 as explained above.
  • the first unit 210 may further comprise a bus receiver 214 and a bus driver 216 which are connected according to the above.
  • a conversion module 240 is formed by arranging the first unit 210, comprising the CPU 218, as well as a second unit 220 which is connected to the first unit 210 by means of a ribbon cable, within the ionizing radiation protective shield 230 (Box 930).
  • the second unit 220 may comprise electronic components which are more tolerant to ionizing radiation that electronic components comprised within the first unit 210.
  • the conversion module 240 is subsequently connected to the drum 1 10 by arranging it in the central hub 1 18 (Box 940).
  • the second unit 220 is connected to the camera cable 150 which is led through a circular hole in the surface of the drum 1 10.
  • the method according to the present embodiment comprises arranging the first circular side member 120 on an annular top portion 1 14 of the drum 1 10, thereby sealing the interior of the drum 1 10 from the outside.
  • the first circular side member 120 comprises a control system connector 122 for connection to the control system 410.

Abstract

There is disclosed a cable reel for connecting a camera located in an ionizing radiation environment to a control arrangement. The cable reel comprises an electronic device comprising a signal processor arranged to convert signals which are transmitted by the cable reel between the control arrangement and the camera. Moreover, the cable reel comprises an ionizing radiation protective shield for protecting at least a portion of the electronic device from ionizing radiation. There is also disclosed a method for manufacturing cable reel of this type.

Description

RADIATION TOLERANT CABLE REEL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present inventive concept generally relates to a cable reel. More specifically, the present inventive concept relates to a cable reel for connecting a camera located in an ionizing radiation environment to a control system. The present inventive concept also relates to a method for manufacturing such a cable reel.
BACKGROUND ART
Electronic equipment which is situated in a nuclear power plant needs to be carefully designed. Typical electronic equipment which is used for monitoring purposes within a nuclear power plant facility includes a radiation tolerant camera. As the name suggests, the camera needs to be made tolerant to ionizing radiation, at least to a certain degree. In order to achieve this protection against ionizing radiation, the camera may be encapsulated in a protective shield as described e.g. in the disclosure
WO2010/1 14469.
The camera is often controlled from a control room which is located within the nuclear power plant. The control room is commonly situated in an area which is protected against ionizing radiation. A control system in the control room is arranged for controlling the camera, e.g. for controlling optics of the camera.
The control system uses a specific type of software which is adapted to the particular camera in use in order to control the camera. Moreover, cables which connect the camera to the control system are typically specific for the particular type of camera which is connected to the control system. Additionally, the cables may be permanently installed within an existing construction in the nuclear power plant which renders the cables hard to access and which makes a rewiring of the cables difficult.
In view of the above, it may be cumbersome and expensive to install a new type of camera, which necessitates a different type of cables and/or which utilizes another type of software, in an area within the nuclear power plant which has an existing wire laying as well as an existing electronic infrastructure.
l SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above, it is therefore an object of the present inventive concept to provide a cable reel which simplifies an installation of a camera, which is to be located in an ionizing radiation environment, to a control system which is adapted to control the camera. It is a further object of the present inventive concept to provide a method for manufacturing such a cable reel.
According to a first aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a cable reel for connecting a camera located in an ionizing radiation environment to a control arrangement, comprising:
an electronic device comprising a signal processor arranged to convert signals which are transmitted by the cable reel between the control arrangement and the camera, and
an ionizing radiation protective shield for protecting at least a portion of the electronic device from ionizing radiation.
The ionizing radiation environment may be an environment in, or in the vicinity of, a nuclear power plant. In particular, the nuclear power plant may comprise a nuclear reactor core, nuclear fuel, control rods, a moderator, a control room, spent fuel pools, etc. It is clear, however, that other ionizing radiation environments are equally conceivable, such as environments when decommissioning a nuclear power plant, environments related to radiotherapy, etc.
The ionizing radiation may comprise at least one of gamma radiation, X-rays, radiation with short wavelengths, alpha particles, beta particles, neutron radiation. In the present context, the ionizing radiation typically comes from nuclear reactions, radioactively decaying materials or subatomic particle decay.
The ionizing radiation may cause a direct or an indirect ionization.
The camera is adapted to monitor areas in the ionizing radiation environment. For example, the camera may be a radiation tolerant camera which provides a monitoring system in a nuclear power plant. The camera is preferably arranged to register images by means of an electronic image sensor. Individual images may be registered or alternatively moving images, e.g. in the form of video, may be registered. Thereby, an image signal or a video signal may be produced.
Moreover, the camera is preferably radiation tolerant. By way of example, the camera may have a radiation shield for protecting the camera from ionizing radiation which might damage the operability of the camera. In one example, the camera is stationary. The camera may be mounted on a supporting structure, such as a tripod or a bracket. In another example, the camera is portable and may be moved to a desired area to be monitored. Specifically, the camera may be transported to the desired area by using a camera transporting robot. In a non- limiting example, the camera may be a RadCam camera.
Optionally, the camera may comprise a media device which includes functions in addition to the image-capturing feature. For example, the media device may record sound, vibrations, etc. The camera may also comprise a device for measuring environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, a level of ionizing radiation, etc. It is understood that, according to an alternative embodiment, the device for measuring environmental parameters may be an independent unit, separate from the camera and connected to the monitoring system, and optionally also to the camera.
The control arrangement is adapted to control the camera. For example, the control arrangement may be a control system which is comprised in a monitoring system or a control room which is located nearby the ionizing radiation environment where the camera is located. The control arrangement may be shielded from the ionizing radiation environment by means of an ionizing radiation protection wall. As explained further below, the control arrangement may be an existing control system to which the camera is to be connected by means of the inventive camera reel for implementing signal conversion.
It is noted that there may be additional electronic connection stations located between the control arrangement and the camera. For instance, there may be a connection between an intermediary electronic connection station, such as an intermediary box, located within the ionizing radiation environment and the control arrangement, wherein the intermediary electronic connection station is separated from the control arrangement by means of the ionizing radiation protection wall which provides protection against ionizing radiation.
The cable reel, or cable winder, preferably comprises a cylindrical drum for storing and winding an electrical cable for connection to the camera: a camera cable. Moreover, the cable reel may further comprise a supporting element on which the cylindrical drum is rotatably mounted and side members for counteracting lateral displacements of the camera cable. A cavity within a central hub of the cable reel may contain electrical components, such as the signal processor. By means of the cable reel, the extension of the electrical cable may be varied. Thereby, the drum of the cable reel may be placed in a first area and a distal end of the camera cable may be placed in a second area. For example, the first area may have a lower intensity of ionizing radiation than the second area.
The cable reel may be comprised out a material such as a plastic or metal.
Preferably, however, the material chosen so that at least a one type of ionizing radiation may be reduced. For example, by choosing a material such as a hydrocarbon plastic, a natural and synthetic rubber, or other plastics or resins containing atoms in addition to hydrogen and carbon, the exposure from neutron radiation may be reduced.
In particular, electrical components within the central hub of the cable reel may thereby be less exposed to ionizing radiation of this type.
The signal processor of the electronic device is arranged to implement the signal conversion. The signal processor may be a central processing unit (CPU).
Moreover, the signal processor may comprise a protocol conversion unit, or a protocol converter. The electronic device may further comprise connectors for connecting the cable reel to the control arrangement or monitoring system as well as for connecting the cable reel to the camera. Thereby, physical components between the camera and the control arrangement or monitoring system may be converted or adapted to each other.
The signaling system of the camera uses a first type of electrical interface and the signaling system of the control arrangement uses a second type of electrical interface. By electrical interface is here meant the electrical characteristics of a device which are used for transmitting and receiving signals. The electrical characteristics may be based on a voltage of a signal, a current of a signal, an amplitude of a signal, a frequency of a signal, a modulation of a signal, a data rate of a signal, signal strength/signal level of a signal, data related to an optical signal, etc.
In a first example, the first and second types of electrical interfaces are the same. In a second example, the first and second types of electrical interfaces are different.
In non-limiting examples, the first and/or the second type of electrical interface may be based on an RS-232 standard, an RS-422 standard, or an RS-485 standard. Alternatively, the first and/or the second type of electrical interface may be based on IP communication. In another non-limiting example, the first type and/or the second type of electrical interface may be based on the networking platform LonWorks (local operating network).
The ionizing radiation protective shield comprises a material which may be used to reduce the exposure to radiation. In particular, the protective shield may be a protective shield against gamma radiation. It is understood, however, that the protective shield also may provide protection against other types of ionizing radiation, such as neutron radiation. For instance, the protective shield may comprise two protective layers: one protective layer for reducing exposure to gamma radiation and one protective layer for reducing exposure to neutron radiation. The protective layer for reducing gamma radiation may be an inner protective layer and the protective layer for reducing neutron radiation may be an outer protective layer which is arranged on the outside of the inner protective layer.
In one example, the protective shield partly surrounds the electronic device. In another example, the protective shield completely encloses the electronic device. In the latter case, the electrical connections to the electronic device may be located outside of the protective shield. A minimum thickness of the protective shield may be much larger than a maximal thickness of the signal processor. In a non-limiting example, a minimum thickness of the protective shield may be of about a few centimeters.
Specifically, the minimum thickness of the protective shield may be one centimeter, two centimeters, or five centimeters.
The protective shield preferably comprises a cavity for keeping the signal processor. The protective shield may comprise two parts which may be interconnected to each other. The shape of the protective shield may be in the form of a cylinder. Alternatively, however, the protective shield may be formed as a sphere, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cone, in a frustoconical shape, etc.
Preferably, the electronic device comprised in the cable reel is connected to the camera by means of a distal end of the camera cable comprised in the cable reel. In a non-limiting example, the camera cable has a length of between 10 and 50 meters. Moreover, the electronic device comprised in the cable reel is preferably connected to the control arrangement by means of a control cable. The control cable is preferably arranged externally to the cable reel.
The cable may be adapted to communicate data in the form of image data, video data, sound data, media data, control data, information about environmental parameters, etc.
The camera cable and the control cable may comprise a different number of conductors, or wires. By way of example, the control cable may be multi-unit cable. The control cable may comprise a pair of conductors for each function of the camera, where the function may be panning or tilting of the camera, or controlling the optics of the camera, which inter alia includes zooming, focusing and controlling the iris of the camera. In this example, the camera may be controlled by means of relay control.
Preferably, camera cables and control cables which are specifically adapted for use within a nuclear power plant are used. The cables may use specific materials, coverings, etc., and may be adapted for use within areas having high temperatures and/or radioactivity.
The type of cable which are suitable to use between the camera and the control arrangement may be an optical fiber cable, a coaxial cable, a twin wire, a data cable, an Ethernet cable, a serial cable, the cable may comprise copper, etc.
The signal to be converted preferably is an electrical signal or a data signal. The signal conversion may be accomplished by means of an active signal conversion.
Here and in the following, a signal which is transmitted from the control arrangement for controlling the camera is referred to as a control signal. A control signal which has been converted by the signal processor and which is transmitted to the camera is referred to as a camera signal. Moreover, a signal which is transmitted from the camera comprising media data, such as image data, video data or sound data, is referred to as a media signal. Additionally, a signal which is transmitted from the camera comprising information as measured by means of the device for measuring environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, a level of ionizing radiation, is referred to as an environmental signal.
Thus, by way of example, a control signal may be converted into a camera signal which is appropriate for the camera under consideration in order to obtain interoperability between the camera and the control arrangement and particularly to control the camera. Clearly, a signal transmitted in the opposite direction, from the camera to the control arrangement or the monitoring system, may also have to be converted by means of the inventive cable reel in order to obtain interoperability.
The inventive cable reel may be used when the camera and the control arrangement utilize different signaling systems for transmitting and receiving signals. In particular, different protocols may be used. By a protocol is here meant a set of rules for providing communication. A protocol may be a data protocol, a communications protocol, a network protocol, etc. The protocol may comprise a data format, scheduling information, error checking, data correction, data command, information about start bits, stop bits, control bits, etc. A protocol may be implemented by means of software, hardware or firmware.
The protocol may be a proprietary protocol. Alternatively, the protocol may be an industrial protocol. Moreover, the protocol may be comprised in a protocol family wherein a plurality of protocols are cooperating.
In a non-limiting example, the protocol of the camera may be a Pelco protocol or, more specifically, a Pelco-D protocol, which is a protocol used in the field of closed- circuit television (CCTV) for controlling cameras.
Additionally, the protocol of the control arrangement may be based on an Internet Protocol (IP) and a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), a so-called TCP/IP. Here, a control signal is in the form of a data block which may be converted by the signal processor into a suitable camera signal.
The protocols may alternatively be based on relay control. For example, a voltage of the control signal may be converted by means of the signal processor into a camera signal for controlling the camera. A positive or a negative voltage of the control signal may correspond to an instruction to move the camera to the left or the right, respectively. Optionally, a magnitude of the voltage of the control signal may control a speed of the movement.
An advantage of the present inventive concept is that an installation in an ionizing radiation environment of a camera having a first type of signaling system, to a control arrangement with a second type of signaling system is simplified. The control arrangement may be part of an existing monitoring system within a nuclear power plant. Indeed, it is typically cumbersome and expensive to make a reinstallation of the necessary electronic equipment comprised in the control arrangement and to exchange the existing cables from the control arrangement to the camera. By means of the signal processor in the cable reel, the signaling systems of the camera and the control arrangement may be easily adapted to each other. This may be particularly
advantageous when the camera is to be connected to the existing control arrangement only for a short period of time, e.g. when testing a new camera.
The first type of signaling system may be based on a first type of protocol and the second type of signaling system may be based on a second type of protocol.
An additional advantage of the inventive cable reel is that it is portable.
Thereby, the cable reel may easily be placed in a desired location, e.g. within the ionizing radiation environment. Indeed, by means of the ionizing radiation protective shield, which may protect radiation sensitive electronic components comprised within the cable reel, the cable reel may be placed within the ionizing radiation environment.
Yet another advantage is that the length of the camera cable may easily be varied by adapting the amount of winding of the camera cable around the drum. This fact may be particularly advantageous when the camera is portable.
According to one embodiment, the signal processor is arranged to convert signals by performing protocol conversion. A first type of protocol may be used by the camera and a second type of protocol may be used by the control arrangement, wherein the second type of protocol is different than the first type of protocol. In order relate the first and the second type of protocols, i.e. in order to obtain interoperability between the camera and the control arrangement, the control signal may be converted into a suitable camera signal by means of the signal processor which may comprise a protocol conversion unit. Optionally or additionally, the media signal from the camera may be converted by means of the signal processor.
According to one embodiment, the signals comprise camera movement control signals. The camera movement control signals may control a movement of the camera. The movement may be at least one of a movement related to panning or tilting the camera, or a movement of the optics, including zooming, focusing and controlling the iris of the camera. Additionally, the movement may be a movement of a light device which is mounted on or in proximity of the camera. Furthermore, the movement may be a movement of a supporting structure of the camera, e.g. a displacement or a rotation of the supporting structure.
According to one embodiment, the signals comprise at least one of image signals, video signals, sound signals and environmental signals, wherein the environmental signals comprise information about at least one of temperature, pressure, relative humidity, or a level of ionizing radiation. By means of this
embodiment, an improved monitoring of an area within the ionizing radiation
environment may be provided. In particular, the signals may be used for presenting images and sound on a display and in a speaker system, respectively, comprised in the monitoring system. Additionally, the environmental signals may be used for presenting environmental information, e.g. in a trend diagram.
According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the ionizing radiation protective shield is arranged in a central hub of the cable reel. The density of the protective shield may be much larger than the density of the drum. By arranging the protective shield in the central hub, a more well-balanced cable reel may be provided. In particular, by adding weight to the center, the cable reel may be more stable under rotation of the drum.
According to one embodiment, the ionizing radiation protective shield comprises at least one of lead, tungsten, and a material having a high concentration of hydrogen atoms and comprising boron. By means of lead and tungsten the electronic device may be less exposed to gamma radiation. By means of the material having a high concentration of hydrogen atoms and comprising boron, the electronic device may be less exposed to neutron radiation. The amount of concentration of hydrogen atoms for obtaining an acceptable reduction of neutron radiation is well-known to a person skilled in the art. It is understood that compounds of these materials may be used. According to alternative embodiments, other materials having similar shielding properties against ionizing radiation may be used.
According to one embodiment, the electronic device comprises a first unit, which includes the signal processor and which is arranged inside the ionizing radiation protective shield, and a second unit, which is connected to the first unit and which is more resistant to ionizing radiation than the first unit and is located outside the ionizing radiation protective shield.
The first unit may be adapted to perform protocol conversion. The first unit may comprise semiconductor electronic components. The first unit may be arranged on a printed circuit card.
The second unit may comprise passive electronic components such as resistors, relays, capacitors, etc. The second unit may comprise semiconductor electronic components. The second unit may be arranged on a printed circuit card. A power supply may be connected to the second unit for driving the first and the second unit. It is understood that the second unit also may assist in performing the protocol conversion.
At least a portion of the second unit may be arranged on an outside of said cable reel.
An advantage of the present embodiment is that only some parts of the electronic device need to be protected by a protective shield. Thereby, less material for the protective shield may be needed, which may reduce material costs and also may give rise to a smaller weight of the protective shield, and consequently the cable reel. A smaller weight may also imply a cable reel which is more easily rotated, transported and operated.
The first unit is preferably smaller that the second unit. Indeed, by making the first unit small, less material for the protective shield may be needed.
According to an alternative embodiment, the ionizing radiation protection shield encloses the first unit as well as the second unit.
According to one embodiment, the electronic device further comprises an electronic connector element for adapting electronic equipment of the control arrangement to electronic equipment of the camera. The electronic equipment of the control arrangement may be existing electronic equipment to which the electronic equipment of the camera needs to be adapted.
More specifically, the electronic device may comprise a first signal adaptation unit for adapting an electrical interface of the control arrangement to an electrical interface of the signal processor. Further, the electronic device may comprise a second signal adaptation unit for adapting the electrical interface of the signal processor to an electrical interface of the camera. The signal adaptation units may comprise filters, transformers, etc. Moreover, the electronic device may comprise bus communication systems, storage devices, etc.
The first and the second signal adaptation units may be comprised in the second unit.
According to an alternative embodiment, the electronic device and the ionizing radiation protective shield form a conversion module which is interchangeable. A first conversion module may be changed into a second conversion module having a different electronic device and/or ionizing radiation protective shield. In particular, the electronic device of the second conversion module may comprise a different signal processor than the electronic device of the first conversion module.
Occasionally, the ionizing radiation environment where the cable reel may be located may become very hot. Therefore, according to yet an alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the cable reel is connected to a cooling element. The connection between the cable reel and the cooling element may be a thermal connection. The cooling element may include a thermoelectric cooling module, such as a module using the Peltier effect. By means of the cooling element, heat from the cable reel, and in particular the electronic device comprised in the cable reel, may be efficiently dissipated. Thereby, deterioration of the cable reel may be counteracted and, additionally, shielding from the ionizing radiation may be improved.
According to one embodiment, there is provided a camera arrangement for use in an ionizing radiation environment comprising a cable reel and a camera, wherein the camera is connected to a cable of the cable reel. The cable may be the camera cable. The electronic device of the cable reel preferably comprises a signal processor which is adapted to the signaling system of the camera.
According to one embodiment, there is provided a camera system comprising a camera arrangement and a control arrangement located outside the ionizing radiation environment, wherein the control arrangement is connected to the cable reel. The electronic device of the cable reel preferably comprises a signal processor which is adapted to relate the signaling system of the control arrangement with the signaling system of the camera. Moreover, an ionizing radiation protection wall may be located between the camera and the control arrangement for protecting the control
arrangement from radiation.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for manufacturing a cable reel, comprising: providing a drum,
providing a conversion module comprising an ionizing radiation protective shield and a signal processor which is adapted to perform signal conversion of signals to be transmitted to the cable reel, and which is arranged within the ionizing radiation protective shield, and
connecting the conversion module to the drum.
The details and advantages of the second aspect of the invention are largely analogous to those of the first aspect of the invention, wherein reference is made to the above. In addition, it is noted that the conversion module is preferably chosen as to provide a suitable signal conversion between a given camera having a first type of signaling system and a given control arrangement having a second type of signaling system.
Moreover, the conversion module may be adapted to be interchangeable. The interchangeability may be implemented by means of an easy and quick connection fitting between the conversion module and a receiving cavity in the cable reel, such as the central hub of the cable reel. For instance, the conversion module may thereby easily be replaced when the signal processor or some other device comprised in the module is defective or when the cable reel is to be used for a different type of signal conversion.
According to one embodiment, the connecting comprises arranging at least a portion of the conversion module in a central hub of the drum.
According to one embodiment, the providing an conversion module comprises selecting the conversion module out of a plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules comprise signal processors which are adapted to perform different signal conversions. Each module may be adapted for signal conversion between different types of cameras and control arrangements. This embodiment implements the interchangeability of modules as described above.
By a radiation tolerant device or a radiation resistant device, such as a camera or a radiation tolerant electronic component, is here meant that the device is tolerant or resistant to radiation for at least a minimum period of time. In non-limiting examples, the minimum period of time may be a month, a year, five years or ten years.
By a radiation sensitive device, such as a radiation sensitive electronic component, is here meant that the device runs the risk of being damaged under the minimum period of time referred to above, which potentially may lead to a
malfunctioning of the device.
The term "signals" as used herein is to be interpreted in a wide sense and should not be limited. The signals are preferably electrical. Moreover, the signals may be analog or digital. The signals transmitted from the control arrangement may be received by the camera for controlling the camera. Signals transmitted from the camera, such as recorded media signals, environmental signals, may be received by the monitoring system.
The term "connected" with respect to etc. is to be construed as "electrically connected" unless a different meaning is clear from the context.
The term "between the control arrangement and the camera" as used above is to be interpreted in a wide sense and should not be limited. In a first example, the signals are transmitted from the control arrangement and are received by the camera. In a second example, the signals are transmitted from the camera and are received by the monitoring system. In a third example, signals are transmitted from the camera and the control arrangement simultaneously, which may be received by the monitoring system and camera, respectively.
Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive cable reel according to the present inventive concept.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the cable reel according to Fig. 1 , wherein a first circular side member has been separated from the rest of the cable reel.
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the cable reel in Fig. 1 , wherein the main parts comprised in the cable reel are illustrated.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of some electronic components comprised in the electronic device of the cable reel in Fig. 1 , including connections to a control system and a camera.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a camera system comprising a camera, a cable reel and a control arrangement.
Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for
manufacturing a cable reel according to the present inventive concept.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Next, an embodiment of the inventive cable reel will be described with reference to Figs. 1 -3. As schematically illustrated in Fig. 1 , which is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive cable reel, the cable reel 100 comprises a cylindrical drum 1 10, a first circular side member 120, a second circular side member 130, a supporting element 140, and a camera cable 150 which is adapted to be connected to a camera. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the cable reel according to Fig. 1 , wherein the first circular side member 120 has been separated from the drum 1 10. In Fig. 2 it is seen that the cable reel 100 further comprises an electronic device 200 which in a mounted state is arranged within a central hub 1 18 of the cylindrical drum 1 10.
The cylindrical drum 1 10 is adapted for storing and winding the camera cable 150. In Figs. 1 -3, the camera cable 150 is shown in an unwounded state, but it is clear that the camera cable 150 may be winded and stored on the cylindrical drum 1 10. In particular, once the camera cable 150 is fixed to the drum 1 10, it may be winded on a surface 1 15 of the cylindrical drum 1 10 by rotating the drum 1 10 and the first 120 and second 130 side members. According to the present embodiment, the camera cable 150 does not have any additional protection against ionizing radiation.
The cylindrical drum 1 10 comprises a first cylindrical drum member 1 12 and a second cylindrical drum member 1 13. The first 1 12 and second 1 13 drum members are arranged in locking abutment with each other to form the smooth cylindrical surface 1 15. The first 1 12 and second 1 13 drum members each have annular cross sections, whereby there are cavities within them for arrangement of electronic equipment, such as the electronic device 200. The central hub 1 18 of the cylindrical drum 1 10 comprises these cavities. The first drum member 1 12 is provided with a circular hole (not shown) in its surface 1 15 for leading through the camera cable 150 into its interior, within the cavity.
The first circular side member 120 is releasably engaging with an annular top portion 1 14 of the first drum member 1 12. The first circular side member 120 may engage with the annular top portion 1 14 by means of tight-fitting, snapping, screwing, or similarly. Moreover, the first circular side member 120 comprises a control system connector 122, or control arrangement connector 122. The control system is adapted to control the camera and the control system connector 122 is adapted to receive a control cable which is connected to the control system. This will be explained more in detail further below.
The second circular side member 130 is permanently attached to an annular bottom portion 1 16 of the second drum member 1 13. Moreover, it comprises a central attachment device (not shown) for rotational engagement with a protruding element (not shown) of the supporting element 140.
The first 120 and second 130 circular side members serve at least a dual purpose. Firstly, they may be used when rotating the cylindrical drum 1 10 for winding or unwinding the cable 150. Secondly, they may be used for supporting the camera cable 150, preventing lateral displacements of the cable 150 beyond the circular side members 120, 130.
It is noted that the first 1 12 and second 1 13 drum members may comprise hydrocarbon plastics (such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene), natural and synthetic rubber (such as silicone rubber), and other plastics or resins containing atoms in addition to hydrogen and carbon (such as acrylic, polyester, polyurethanes and vinyl resins). These organic polymers show a high effectiveness of shielding against neutrons due to a high concentration of hydrogen atoms in these materials. Fast neutrons that are slowed down by repeated collisions with light nuclei form thermal neutrons that can be absorbed by nuclear reactions. The total neutron shielding ability of polyethylene may be improved by adding to it a material having a high thermal neutron absorbing capacity. A suitable thermal neutron absorbing material may be e.g. boron. Thereby, a protective cover against neutron radiation may be provided by the drum 1 10.
The first 120 and second 130 circular side members may be made out of a rigid material, such as a plastic material, or metal.
As seen in Fig. 1 , the supporting element 140 comprises two elongated legs 142, 144 for rigidly supporting the cable reel 100 against a supporting ground such as a floor in a nuclear power plant. Furthermore, the supporting element 140 comprises a handle 146 for carrying the cable reel 100.
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the cable reel in Fig. 1 , wherein the main parts comprised in the cable reel 100 are illustrated. It is understood that in a mounted state of the cable reel 100, the parts are assembled together as in Fig. 1 .
The electronic device 200 comprises a first unit 210 and a second unit 220 which in a mounted state are connected to each other by means of wires 212. The wires 212 may be part of a ribbon cable. According to the present embodiment, the wires 212 are not encapsulated by a shield against ionizing radiation.
The first unit 210 comprises a first printed circuit board, PCB board, with semiconductors which are sensitive to ionizing radiation. The first PCB board comprises a signal processor in the form of a CPU 218 and is provided with wires 212 for connection to the second unit 220. The CPU 218 is adapted to perform protocol conversion.
In a mounted state, the first unit 210 is arranged in a recess 233 which is provided in a carrier 232. Moreover, in a mounted state, a cover 234 tightly fits around the carrier 232. The carrier 232 and the cover 234 provide an ionizing radiation protective shield 230 for protecting the first PCB board from ionizing radiation in the form of gamma radiation, cf. Fig. 4. For example, the carrier 232 and the cover 234 may comprise lead or tungsten. The cover 234 comprises an aperture 236 for leading the wires 212 through the cover 234, thereby providing an outside connection to the first unit 210 which is enclosed in the ionizing radiation protective shield 230. An extension of the cylindrically shaped ionizing radiation protective shield 230 in an axial direction is four centimeters and a diameter of a circular cross-section of the protective shield 230 is ten centimeters.
According to an alternative embodiment, the wires 212 may be arranged in a "staircaselike" shape, e.g. by being sandwiched between an outer surface of the carrier 232 and an inner surface of the cover 234, for reducing the exposure to radiation and for leading out the wires 212 from the first unit 210.
According to the present embodiment, the first unit 210 together with the ionizing radiation protective shield 230, including the carrier 232 and the cover 234, forms a cylindrically shaped conversion module 240. The conversion module 240 is indicated by a box with broken lines in Fig. 3. A first conversion module 240 comprising a first CPU may be interchanged with a second conversion module 240 comprising a second CPU, wherein the first and the second CPU:s are adapted for different types of signal conversions.
Incidentally, it is noted that according to an alternative embodiment, also the second unit 220 may be comprised in the conversion module.
The second unit 220 comprises a second PCB board with semiconductors which are more tolerant to ionizing radiation than the first PCB board. Therefore, the second unit 220 does not need any additional ionizing radiation protective shield 230 against gamma radiation. As explained above, the second unit 220 is connected to the first unit 210 by means of the wires 212. Furthermore, in a mounted state the second unit 220 is connected to camera cable 150 which has been lead through a circular hole in the surface of the first drum member 1 12. Additionally, the second unit 220 is connected to the control system connector 122. Preferably, a power supply (not shown) is connected to the second unit 220 for driving the first 210 and second 220 unit.
It is stressed that there are two kinds of ionizing radiation protective shields according to the present embodiment.
The inner ionizing radiation protective shield 230 which is formed by the carrier
232 and the cover 234 reduces the exposure to gamma radiation to the first unit 210.
The outer ionizing radiation protective shield, which is formed by the cylindrical drum 1 10, reduces the exposure to neutron radiation to the first unit 210 as well as the second unit 220.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of some electronic components comprised in the electronic device 200 of the cable reel 100 in Fig. 1. As detailed above, the electronic device 200 comprises a first unit 210 and a second unit 220.
The second unit 220 is connected to a control system by means of a control cable 160 and to a camera by means of a camera cable 150. The connections to the control system and the camera will be described further below. The camera utilizes a first type of protocol and the control system utilizes a second type of protocol. By means of the electronic device 200 comprised in the cable reel 100, control signals based on the second protocol may be converted into camera signals based on the first protocol.
The second unit 220 comprises a first signal adaptation unit 222 which provides adaptation between an electrical interface of the control system and an electrical interface of the first unit 210. The second unit 220 further comprises a second signal adaptation unit 224 which provides adaptation between the electrical interface of the first unit 210 and the camera. The first 222 and second 224 signal adaptation units may comprise electronic components according to well-known techniques for a person skilled in the art. For example, the signal adaptation unit 222, 224 may comprise electronic components such as filters, transformers, etc.
The first unit 210 comprises a bus receiver 214, a bus driver 216 and a signal processor in the form of a CPU 218. The bus receiver 214 is connected to the first signal adaptation unit 222 by means of conductors 226, and is also connected to the CPU 218. Moreover, the bus driver 216 is connected to the CPU 218 and also to the second signal adaptation unit 224 by means of conductors 228. The conductors 226 and 228 are comprised in the ribbon cable 212.
The first unit 210 is encapsulated by means of the ionizing radiation protective shield 230, which is indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 4. Reference to the above is made for a more detailed explanation of the ionizing radiation protective shield 230.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a camera system comprising a camera 300 and a monitoring system
400 which are connected to each other by means of the cable reel 100. The monitoring system 400 may be a control room.
According to the present embodiment, the monitoring system 400 is an existing system to which the camera 300 is to be connected.
The camera 300 is located in an ionizing radiation environment 700 within a nuclear power plant. In operation, the camera 300 is monitoring and recording a process related to an apparatus 600 which is a source of ionizing radiation R. It is noted that the cable reel 100 is located further away from the apparatus 600 than the camera 300, which means that the cable reel 100 is less exposed to ionizing radiation.
More specifically, the drum 1 10 of the cable reel 100 is located in a first radiation area
702, and a distal end 152 of the camera cable 150 is located in a second radiation area
704, wherein the first radiation area 702 is less exposed to ionizing radiation than the second radiation area 704. The separation between the first 702 and the second 704 radiation areas are indicated by the broken vertical line in Fig. 5.
The camera 300 records images and sounds and thereby produces a media signal which is adapted to be transmitted to the monitoring system 400. Additionally, environmental signals may be produced and transmitted to the monitoring system 400. Moreover, the camera 300 is connected to the cable reel 100 by means of the camera cable 150.
The monitoring system 400 is located in an area 800 which is outside of the ionizing radiation environment 700. More specifically, the monitoring system 400 is located behind an ionizing radiation protection wall 500 which reduces the exposure of ionizing radiation to the monitoring system 400. The monitoring system 400 is connected to an existing intermediary box 430 which is located within the ionizing radiation environment 700 by means of a penetration cable 170 which is penetrated through the ionizing radiation protection wall 500 in a hole. The intermediary box 430 is connected to the cable reel 100 by the control cable 160.
The monitoring system 400 comprises a control system 410 for controlling the camera 300 and a receiving system 420. The receiving system 420 receives the media signal and processes and stores the data from the media signal. The receiving system 420 includes a display screen and a speaker for presenting the images and sounds recorded by the camera.
The control system 410 may control the camera 300 by transmitting a control signal in the penetration cable 170, via the intermediate box 430, and further on to the cable reel 100 in the control cable 160. As explained in the above, the control signal is converted in the cable reel 100 and is then transmitted to the camera 300 as a camera signal. Reference is also made to the above as how the camera 300 may be controlled. In particular, the camera 300 utilizes a first type of protocol while the monitoring system 400, including the control system 410, utilizes a second type of protocol. Thus, in order to allow for communication between the monitoring system 400 and the camera 300, the first and second types of protocols need to be related. This is achieved by means of protocol conversion executed by the CPU comprised in the cable reel 100.
Each of the cables 150, 160 and 170 may comprise a plurality of conductors for providing communication between the monitoring system 400 and the camera 300. The cables 150, 160 and 170 may allow for two-way communication, whereby on the one hand the control signal may be transmitted to the camera 300 from the control system 410, and on the other hand the media signal may be transmitted to the receiving system 420 from the camera 300. In one example, the two-way communication may be implemented by using one camera cable 150, one control cable 160 and one penetration cable 170. In another example, the two-way communication may be implemented by using a plurality of camera cables, control cables and penetration cables. In the latter example, communication in a first direction may be implemented by a first set of cables, and communication in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, may be implemented by a second set of cables.
According to the present embodiment, the cable reel 100 is connected to a cooling element 190 which is used for dissipating heat from the cable reel 100 and its components. The cooling element 190 comprises a thermoelectric cooling module. It is understood, however, that other cooling elements 190 may be used for cooling the cable reel 100, such as conventional air and/or fluid systems.
Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 900 for manufacturing a cable reel according to the present inventive concept.
First, a cylindrical drum 1 10 which is arranged on a supporting element 140 is provided (Box 910). The drum 1 10 comprises a central hub 1 18 in which there is a cavity. Moreover, a second circular side member 130 is permanently attached to an annular bottom portion 1 16 of the drum 1 10. Then an ionizing radiation protective shield 230 and a signal processor in the form of a CPU 218 are provided (Box 920). The CPU 218 may be comprised in a first unit 210 as explained above. The first unit 210 may further comprise a bus receiver 214 and a bus driver 216 which are connected according to the above. Thereafter, a conversion module 240 is formed by arranging the first unit 210, comprising the CPU 218, as well as a second unit 220 which is connected to the first unit 210 by means of a ribbon cable, within the ionizing radiation protective shield 230 (Box 930). As explained above, the second unit 220 may comprise electronic components which are more tolerant to ionizing radiation that electronic components comprised within the first unit 210.
The conversion module 240 is subsequently connected to the drum 1 10 by arranging it in the central hub 1 18 (Box 940). Next, the second unit 220 is connected to the camera cable 150 which is led through a circular hole in the surface of the drum 1 10.
Finally, the method according to the present embodiment comprises arranging the first circular side member 120 on an annular top portion 1 14 of the drum 1 10, thereby sealing the interior of the drum 1 10 from the outside. The first circular side member 120 comprises a control system connector 122 for connection to the control system 410.
The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. For example, the order of the steps comprised in the manufacturing method may be varied. Also, the conversion module in the described manufacturing method above may include only the first unit and the ionizing protective shield, excluding the second unit.

Claims

1 . A cable reel for connecting a camera located in an ionizing radiation environment to a control arrangement, comprising:
an electronic device comprising a signal processor arranged to convert signals which are transmitted by the cable reel between said control arrangement and said camera, and
an ionizing radiation protective shield for protecting at least a portion of said electronic device from ionizing radiation.
2. A cable reel according to claim 1 , wherein said signal processor is arranged to convert signals by performing protocol conversion.
3. A cable reel according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein said signals comprise camera movement control signals.
4. A cable reel according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said signals comprise at least one of image signals, video signals, sound signals and environmental signals, wherein the environmental signals comprise information about at least one of temperature, pressure, relative humidity, or a level of ionizing radiation.
5. A cable reel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of said ionizing radiation protective shield is arranged in a central hub of said cable reel.
6. A cable reel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said ionizing radiation protective shield comprises at least one of lead, tungsten, and a material having a high concentration of hydrogen atoms and comprising boron.
7. A cable reel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic device comprises a first unit, which includes said signal processor and which is arranged inside said ionizing radiation protective shield, and a second unit, which is connected to the first unit and which is more resistant to ionizing radiation than the first unit and is located outside the ionizing radiation protective shield.
8. A cable reel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic device further comprises an electronic connector element for adapting electronic equipment of said control arrangement to electronic equipment of said camera.
9. A camera arrangement for use in an ionizing radiation environment comprising:
a cable reel according to any of the preceding claims, and
a camera,
wherein said camera is connected to a cable of said cable reel.
10. A camera system comprising:
a camera arrangement according to claim 1 1 , and
a control arrangement located outside said ionizing radiation
environment, wherein said control arrangement is connected to said cable reel.
1 1. A method for manufacturing a cable reel, comprising:
providing a drum,
providing a conversion module comprising
an ionizing radiation protective shield and a signal processor which is adapted to perform signal conversion of signals to be transmitted to the cable reel and which is arranged within said ionizing radiation protective shield, and
connecting said conversion module to said drum.
12. A method according to claim 1 1 , wherein said connecting comprises arranging at least a portion of said conversion module in a central hub of said drum.
13. A method according to claim 1 1 or 12, said providing a conversion module comprises selecting the conversion module out of a plurality of modules, wherein said plurality of modules comprise signal processors which are adapted to perform different signal conversions.
PCT/EP2015/056569 2014-03-26 2015-03-26 Radiation tolerant cable reel WO2015144828A1 (en)

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SE1450349-4 2014-03-26
SE1450349A SE1450349A1 (en) 2014-03-26 2014-03-26 Radiation-tolerant cable reel

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Cited By (1)

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US4736826A (en) * 1985-04-22 1988-04-12 Remote Technology Corporation Remotely controlled and/or powered mobile robot with cable management arrangement
JPH01252470A (en) * 1988-03-31 1989-10-09 Showa Electric Wire & Cable Co Ltd Cable drive-out quantity controller
US20130163219A1 (en) * 2011-12-27 2013-06-27 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Container for accommodating cable therein and electronic device assembly with same

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS56139004A (en) * 1980-03-31 1981-10-30 Toshiba Corp Automatic movable inspecting and monitoring apparatus
US4736826A (en) * 1985-04-22 1988-04-12 Remote Technology Corporation Remotely controlled and/or powered mobile robot with cable management arrangement
JPH01252470A (en) * 1988-03-31 1989-10-09 Showa Electric Wire & Cable Co Ltd Cable drive-out quantity controller
US20130163219A1 (en) * 2011-12-27 2013-06-27 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Container for accommodating cable therein and electronic device assembly with same

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2620851A (en) * 2022-11-04 2024-01-24 Alker Fibre Optic Specialists Ltd Apparatus for storing cable

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