Mobile robotic unit for fire-fighting at NPPs

Abstract

Fires and accidents at nuclear power facilities that occurred in the past resulted in considerable property damage, both direct and indirect one. The emerging threats had a negative impact on the fire-fighting process that had to be interrupted, which contributed to spreading of fire. One way of solving the problem is to develop and use robotics, and in order to achieve the effectiveness of robotics equipment, this must be designed taking into account the specifics of the facility, where it is planned to be used, and operate throughout the plant premises, while being of the light class. Having analyzed the peculiarities of origination and development of fires at NPPs, as well as taking into account the specifics of the facility, technical requirements for the design of the robotic equipment were developed, which formed the basis for the creation of a prototype implemented in a mobile robotic fire-fighting unit (MRUP). In order to check the stated tactical and technical characteristics, MRUP was subjected to tests for its running performance, operability of its components and assemblies, and fire-extinguishing properties. The test of running performance was carried out on dedicated stands with a variety of inclined surfaces, climbing angles and heights. For MRUP firefighting efficiency to be tested, a model hotspot was extinguished, the range of delivery and the consumption of fire-extinguishing agents were measured.