Design guidelines for remotely maintained equipment

Technical Report · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6660033· OSTI ID:6660033

Burgess, T. W.; Evans, J. H.; Peishel, F. L.; Schrock, S. L.; Smith, G. E.; Macdonald, D.

The CFRP has pioneered and developed the concept of totally remote operation and maintenance of process equipment in spent fuel reprocessing, using force-reflecting master/slave servomanipulators, coupled with television viewing, to extend human capabilities effectively throughout an uninhabitable environment. This concept enhances safeguard control of nuclear materials, provides for low-exposure of personnel to radiation and reliable recovery from unplanned events, ensures high plant availability, and aids eventual decommissioning of the plant. The results of this experience have been organized in this document to enable designers to consider this technology, not only in spent fuel reprocessing, but among various other situations that may be hazardous to personnel. This document is an expanded and updated version of an earlier design guide that was specific to fuel reprocessing requirements. The guidelines identified in the present document suggest a general approach to the design of effective, reliable, safe, remotely operated and maintained facilities. This document may be used broadly to apply remotely maintained equipment in hostile environments based on proven techniques, equipment, and well-established practices. The concepts are particularly applicable to large plant facilities where economy of scale is important. The theme emphasizes utilization of ordinary commercial tools, equipment, and materials widely available. 5 refs., 51 figs., 10 tabs.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6660033
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-10864; ON: DE89004309
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420202 -- Engineering-- Protective Structures & Equipment
420203* -- Engineering-- Handling Equipment & Procedures
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FUEL REPROCESSING PLANTS
FUELS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
MAINTENANCE
MANIPULATORS
MATERIALS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR FUELS
RADIATION HAZARDS
REACTOR MATERIALS
REMOTE HANDLING
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
REMOTE VIEWING EQUIPMENT
SAFETY
SERVOMECHANISMS
SPENT FUELS