Robots are widely used in the nuclear industry. Their main application is to perform automated and repetitive work or to execute hazardous tasks that are dangerous to human beings. First, profitability is the motivation to switch from a regular worker to an automated system. Second, safety of the worker and regulation are issues that should not be ignored. In nuclear world, protection of workers became a catalyst for the development of robotics. Today, the regulation 10 CFR 20 from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission indicates that an occupational worker cannot receive more than 50 mSv per year for the full body dose. Due to this dose regulation more workers have to be employed to accomplish a mission. Once the maximum dose has been reached the employee must stop working immediately. In nuclear power plants, the reactor must be shut down or at least be brought to a fraction of its maximum power to allow human intervention near the core.
Robots shorten the maintenance time and the number of workers needed; this reduction generates many additional savings: less protective clothes, waste and paperwork. Due to the aging of nuclear reactors, increased inspections and repairs are needed at a deeper level than ever before. Finally, an estimation of the hazardous environment in an emergency situation avoids putting personnel at risk. Although human safety is the main reason for the use of robots, profitability is also a strong motivator. Furthermore, a remote system is often the only way to enter a very high radiation field. The use of robotics in the nuclear industry is obvious due to the factors mentioned.
Dassault Systemes DELMIA Robotics Solution help to Simulate a physical hazardous condition first time right, thereby reducing the setup time and cost.. The DELMIA Robotics in Nuclear field is being used in Japan and being evaluated for Nuclear power plants in India. The DELMIA Robotics Simulation could be widely used for the following activities in Nuclear Industry… A Detailed presentation on TeleRobots application using DELMIA is attached..
1. Mobile Robots for Routine Monitoring and Surveillance
2. Inspection and Maintenance of Reactor Components
3. Inspection and Maintenance of Reactor Components
4. Inspection and Cleaning of a Typical Steam Generator
5. Inspection of Reactor Vessel 6. Underwater Inspection
7. Handling and Processing of Waste
8. Decontamination and Decommissioning
9. Surface Cleanup
10. Spent Fuel Handling and Storage In the Power Plant
11. Spent Fuel Disassembly and Waste Processing
