Pipe crawler development for duct elbow removal

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:6826244

Zollinger, W T; Treanor, R C

This paper describes the development of equipment for removing an elbow in a 36 inch diameter ventilation line by cutting from the inside. Radiation levels, high air flow and physical constraints preclude any manual rework of the ventilation system. A remotely operated pipe crawler was developed. Testing has been performed in a full-scale mockup which models the ventilation duct configuration with the exception of radiation levels. The results gathered from the testing are discussed, and illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the crawler and plasma arc torch system. To date, the equipment has successfully completed the tasks of maneuvering through the duct geometry, performing the two required cuts, and backing out of the duct mockup. The elbow successfully fell away from the main duct, showing that the line would be clear of obstructions.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• OSTI ID: 6826244
• Report Number(s): WSRC-MS-91-549; CONF-930403--2; ON: DE93002169
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

054000 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Health & Safety
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
42 ENGINEERING
420203* -- Engineering-- Handling Equipment & Procedures
DESIGN
DUCTS
EQUIPMENT
INSPECTION
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
REPAIR
ROBOTS
SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT
TESTING
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
VENTILATION SYSTEMS