Reactor divers repair faulty mechanical gear. [PWR and BWR]

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1977 · Electr. World; (United States)

OSTI ID:7235586

Jennings, C

In at least one area in this nuclear age, man is now displacing the machine: human divers have made over 30 underwater repairs of faulty mechanical gear in PWR and BWR nuclear reactors and fuel-storage pools in the Northeast--with a minimum of public notice--over the past few years. Simple yet tedious and time-consuming repair jobs, formerly carried out by articulated mechanical-arm-actuated tools and sophisticated TV and mirror visual-aid systems, have been safely completed by divers in minutes or hours--rather than days or weeks. And because of the effectiveness of divers' protective gear and the closely coordinated work-sequence and safety procedures developed between the diving service company and the utilities involved, no incidence of radiation overexposure has been experienced. An added benefit: expensive equipment, such as remotely operated TV and tool systems, does not have to be destroyed because of contamination.

• OSTI ID: 7235586
• Journal Information: Electr. World; (United States), Vol. 187:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
BWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR MAINTENANCE
REPAIR
PWR TYPE REACTORS
MAINTENANCE
REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
210100* - Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Boiling Water Cooled
210200 - Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled