Underwater Navigation Robot for the Inspection of Nuclear Reactor Vessels (A-UT Machine)
Underwater Navigation Robot for the Inspection of Nuclear Reactor Vessels (A-UT Machine)
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This unit has been developed to conduct for the purpose of conducting non-destructive inspections of nuclear reactor vessels in underwater environments characterized by high radiation levels.
Distributors :
| Item | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Functional performance | The unit navigates underwater and uses a manipulator to perform non-destructive inspections of the weld lines of a nuclear reactor vessel. |
| External dimensions and mass | Total length, 1800 mm; Width, 1000 mm; Total height, 900 mm; Weight, 400 kg (0 kg when underwater) |
| Methods of movement | The unit navigates using a thruster and travels on wall surfaces using wheels |
| Manipulator | 7-axis; Transportable load, 10 kg; Positioning precision, ±0.1 mm The manipulator features a tool changer at the tip, meaning that inspection tools can be switched out for others. |
| Operational scope | Maximum water depth of 20 m |
| Position acquisition | A target mounted onto the robot is tracked in real time using a camera. The principle of triangulation is used to ensure position orientation. |
| Operation | Simultaneously operating two units greatly reduces the time required for an inspection. Control of the unit is performed remotely using a desktop computer and joystick. |
| Track record | The unit has been in operation at PWR plants in Japan since 1995. Forty-six instances of installation have taken place thus far. The unit has been certified as the #1 Maintenance Heritage by the Japan Society of Maintenology. (See note.)
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