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Title: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor

Abstract

Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator ("manipulator") operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Inventors:
; ; ; ;
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Special Applications Technology, Inc., Loveland, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1162130
Patent Number(s):
8873696
Application Number:
12/967,068
Assignee:
Special Applications Technology, Inc. (Loveland, CO)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21C - NUCLEAR REACTORS
G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21D - NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
DOE Contract Number:  
S-126,321
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2010 Dec 14
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS

Citation Formats

Heim, Robert R, Adams, Scott Ryan, Cole, Matthew Denver, Kirby, William E, and Linnebur, Paul Damon. Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor. United States: N. p., 2014. Web.
Heim, Robert R, Adams, Scott Ryan, Cole, Matthew Denver, Kirby, William E, & Linnebur, Paul Damon. Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor. United States.
Heim, Robert R, Adams, Scott Ryan, Cole, Matthew Denver, Kirby, William E, and Linnebur, Paul Damon. Tue . "Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1162130.
@article{osti_1162130,
title = {Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor},
author = {Heim, Robert R and Adams, Scott Ryan and Cole, Matthew Denver and Kirby, William E and Linnebur, Paul Damon},
abstractNote = {Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator ("manipulator") operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {2014},
month = {10}
}

Works referenced in this record:

Method of handling a structure and equipment of handling the same
patent-application, June 2005