Fully Robotic Hot Cell Crane for Target Hall Operations at Isotope Research Facility - 18329

Conference · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 2018

OSTI ID:22975468

Owen, Rob; Hengel, Dale ^[1]

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1. PaR Systems, Inc. (United States)

There are many types of equipment used in high radiation environments, but the super-sized and high precision lifting requirements for an isotope research facility in the USA called for one of the largest fully robotic cranes in the US. The 20 Ton Remote Handling Bridge Crane provided by PaR Systems met many challenging requirements for accuracy, repeatability and unique lifting motions in the radiation-shielded target hall of this facility. This robotic system was designed to address four main issues. The first is that the crane needed to be operated remotely due to high radioactivity during the time when it is needed most. Second is that high precision is needed due to the complex fit of multiple heavy shielding blocks. Third problem is that automated routines and exclusion areas were needed due to the remote operation of the system around high capital cost equipment. Lastly is the survivability of the equipment due to the high radiation environment. The facility robotic crane is an overhead top running multiple girder hot cell bridge crane (hereafter referred to as the system). The system is intended to be used in either manually operated or automated operation under computer control. Under automated control, the system provides highly accurate motion control in three linear axes as well as hook rotation. Using motion control programming, this highly accurate system ensures safe, remote movement of in-cell components. The system was designed to be remotely operated by a technician from the remote handling control room in the facility. This is facilitated by computer control using the System Graphical User Interface with feedback from a facility supplied video system. It can also be operated using a wireless hand held controller. The system will be used to place sensitive components with high precision in locations that will be difficult to observe directly. In order to accomplish this, it is critical that the system be capable of moving its payload with minimal swing, and with high accuracy, repeatability and reliability. The system will be operating in an environment where it will be exposed to both high energy neutrons and gamma radiation. Under beam-off conditions, the target hall will be hands-on accessible to accommodate crane maintenance. The system was installed and tested in early 2017 in advance of the live operations of the facility. (authors)

• Research Organization: WM Symposia, Inc., PO Box 27646, 85285-7646 Tempe, AZ (United States)
• OSTI ID: 22975468
• Report Number(s): INIS-US--20-WM-18329
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
42 ENGINEERING
ACCURACY
AUTOMATION
AVAILABILITY
CONTAMINATION
CRANES
GAMMA RADIATION
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
HOT CELLS
NEUTRONS
OPERATION
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOACTIVITY
RELIABILITY
REMOTE CONTROL
REMOTE HANDLING
ROBOTS
SHIELDING
USA