Radiation Tolerance Testing Methodology of Robotic Manipulator Prior to Nuclear Waste Handling

Area of Science:

• Robotics and Automation
• Nuclear Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nuclear decommissioning presents significant safety and cost challenges.
• Robotic solutions offer potential for cost savings and improved safety in hazardous environments.
• Electronic components face challenges operating in radioactive material handling facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the viability of using modern electronics in robotic systems for nuclear decommissioning.
• To test the operational capability of a remotely-controlled robotic arm in simulated radioactive conditions.
• To address the challenges posed by radiation to electronic components in nuclear facilities.

Main Methods:

• Developed a methodology for testing robotic arm operation in a radiation cell.
• Simulated radioactive conditions at a dose rate of 10 Gy/h.
• Utilized a robotic arm controlled by modern electronics.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated the operation of a robotic arm controlled by modern electronics under simulated radioactive conditions.
• Validated the methodology for testing electronic component resilience in hazardous nuclear environments.
• Confirmed the potential for robotic solutions in nuclear waste handling facilities.

Conclusions:

• Modern electronics can be effectively employed in robotic systems for hazardous nuclear environments.
• The demonstrated methodology provides a pathway for validating robotic components for nuclear decommissioning.
• Robotic solutions show significant promise for enhancing safety and efficiency in nuclear decommissioning efforts.