Remote Evaluation of a Three-Stage 5 cm Annular Centrifugal Contractor Remote Module at the INL
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Development work using Annular Centrifugal Contactors (ACCs) to process spent nuclear fuel supporting Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) program goals continues at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Previous work has resulted in defining and characterizing the performance of 5 cm and 12.5 cm single-stage units in a “cold” environment. The next logical step is to investigate the implementation of ACCs in a “hot” or radioactive environment. Following the design, construction, and hydraulic testing of a three-stage prototype module, the evaluation of the equipment design for use in remote environments was necessary. A remote evaluation of a three-stage CINC V-02 remote prototype module has successfully been completed. The evaluation included multiple removal and re-insertion iterations for each rotor/motor assembly. The iterations were performed using both master-slave (MSM) and electromechanical manipulators (EMM) in a remote mockup test facility. Results from the evaluation indicated that the rotor/motor assemblies can be effectively removed and re-installed with both the MSM and EMM equipment. The EMM is considered to be a better choice for rotor/motor assembly changeout due to a 20 pound at-wrist load capacity associated with the MSM. The sampling evaluation indicated the MSM would be a good choice for smaller, more intricate remote handling activities. A thorough investigation of remote operations personnel capabilities was not performed as the evaluations were considered quite routine as stated by the operator performing the lifts. Following the execution of the lifts, the equipment operator suggested two minimal modifications that would further ease rotor/motor changeouts. The first modification would be to simply re-position the lifting bail so the rotor/motor assembly hangs more vertical which better aligns the assembly when re-installing in the housing. The second modification is to add an additional ¼ to ½ in. length to the rear guide pin. This is a routinely practiced design addition that saves time and provides better alignment of a rotor/motor assembly prior to lowering into the housing.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 1551410
- Report Number(s):
- GNEP-SEPA-AQUE-TD-RT-2008-000043; GNEP-SEPA-PMO-MI-DV-2008-000288
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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