Core vessel insert handling robot for the spallation neutron source

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The Spallation Neutron Source provides the world's most intense pulsed neutron beams for scientific research and industrial development. Its 18 neutron beam lines will eventually support up to 24 simultaneous experiments. Each beam line consists of various optical components that guide the neutrons to a particular instrument. The optical components nearest the neutron moderators are the core vessel inserts (CVIs). Located approximately 9 m below the high bay floor, these inserts are bolted to the core vessel chamber and are part of the vacuum boundary. They are in a highly radioactive environment and must be replaced periodically. During initial SNS construction, four of the beam lines received CVI plugs rather than functional inserts. Recently, the first CVI plug was replaced remotely using several pieces of custom-designed tooling, including a highly complicated CVI Robot. The design of this tool is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication3rd Int. Joint Topical Meeting on Emerg. Preparedness and Response and Robotics and Remote Syst. 2011, EPRRSD, 13th Robotics and Remote Syst. for Hazardous Environ. and 11th Emerg. Prep. and Response
Pages495-509
Number of pages15
StatePublished - 2011
Event3rd Int. Joint Topical Meeting on Emergency Preparedness and Response and Robotics and Remote Systems 2011, EPRRSD, 13th Robotics and Remote Systems for Hazardous Environments and 11th Emergency Preparedness and Response - Knoxville, TN, United States
Duration: Aug 7 2011Aug 10 2011

Publication series

Name3rd Int. Joint Topical Meeting on Emergency Preparedness and Response and Robotics and Remote Systems 2011, EPRRSD, and 13th Robotics and Remote Systems for Hazardous Environments

Conference

Conference3rd Int. Joint Topical Meeting on Emergency Preparedness and Response and Robotics and Remote Systems 2011, EPRRSD, 13th Robotics and Remote Systems for Hazardous Environments and 11th Emergency Preparedness and Response
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKnoxville, TN
Period08/7/1108/10/11

Keywords

  • Core vessel insert
  • Remote handling
  • SNS

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