The robotics device was constructed specifically for
servicing new types of nuclear power plants, according to a statement by
officials.
“Additional operations like draining water from the pool or
unloading fuel in order to operate the NPP are no longer required, unlike the
current way of NPP operation.”
“The distinguishing feature of the robot is its versatility:
it looks for potential leaks, determines their coordinates, cleans up the
defective surface and performs plating of the surface by welding. Its repair
modules are equipped with swivel brackets. This allows for work in any
hard-to-reach areas of the pool, for example, in the corners.”
“Leningrad NPP-2 chief engineer, Aleksandr Belyaev said, “A
robot that can inspect and repair the lining of the fuel pool, if necessary,
will quickly eliminate leaks to maintain the design water level in it.”
The device was tested at a special stand, where experts
simulated the entire chain of operations it needs to perform. The robot is
ready for operation in the storage pools of Leningrad NPP Units 5 and 6.
The spent fuel pool is a reinforced concrete structure with
metal cladding filled with water with boric acid. The storage cassettes with
spent nuclear fuel are stored for several years until the heat dissipates and
radioactivity levels decrease, the statement said.