REMOTE CONTROL DECOMMISSIONING MACHINE FOR THEHORIZONTAL FUEL CHANNELS OF NUCLEAR REACTOR

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a concept of the remote control decommissioning machine for the horizontal fuel channels of nuclear reactor. In this paper the authors present some properties of geometry, kinematics and dynamics of the decommissioning machine movement into the reactor fuel channel and a few details regarding the material thickness, according to the radiation protection procedures. The main stages of dismantling operation are: positioning, coupling and locking, operating accordingly with approved decommissioning procedures, sorting and storage extracted items in the machine container. All operating steps are designed to be automated and performed by one machine which shall provide radiation protection during the dismantling stages, ensuring radiation protection of the workers. The operations are monitored by the internal and external sensors and transducers, by cameras for the dismantling components video surveillance and pyrometer for temperature during the cutting process, in order to ensure assembly operating facilities and a permanent control. The remote control decommissioning machine has a safety system able to extract the tools from the channel in case of blocking or ecommissioning activities disruption due to any error registered in order to ensure the environmental and workers protection accordingly with the Canadian nuclear regulations and the fundamental safety principles of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards.