The purpose of this project is to assess the state-of-the art of computerized robots to determine whether cost/ beneficial applications can be made in nuclear plant maintenance and if such applications are possible, to develop a plan to substantiate the cost/benefit analysis and to identify the… More

An evaluation will be made to determine the feasibility of and methods for applying industrial robotic components to perform fusion reactor inspection and maintenance work. the objective is to decrease both the radiological hazards to workers and the plant outage time required for performing the… More

A robotic inspection system will be developed to eliminate the need for worker entry into reactor cavities at pressurized water reactor (pwr) plants. currently, workers must enter the cavity to look for water leaks from the refueling cavity during each refueling outage. these entries are a major… More

All fusion machine concepts have adopted a maintenance philosophy for removing and replacing of failed components in order to minimize machine downtime for repair. many components are connected to the machine by large bolted flanges. the unbolting and bolting operations are to ber performed by… More

The conceptual design of a low cost mobile robot will be prepared utilizing proven and existing technology and component. requirements will be established by surveying potential educational and laboratory users. alternate modes of mobility will be evaluated. modularity and interfaces will be defined… More

The specialized configuration of the ctt (compact ignition tokamak) plasma chamber with its limited access space, high radiation levels, and high vacuum conditions requires the development of special purpose remote-handling equipment. initial assembly of the vacuum vessel and port plus in-vessel… More

Demonstration testing of advanced process equipment is expected to confirm the feasibility of the integral fast reactor (ifr) fuel cycle process at the hot fuel examination facility - south (hfef-s) on the argonne-west site in idaho. test results will be incorporated into the design of a commercial… More

This project involves the development of a mobile robot system that can withstand very high levels of radiation and very high temperatures. although many robot systems are presently available, none can operate in this extreme environment, as was dramatically evidenced during the recovery activities… More