Robotics applied in the module for fabrication and refabrication of dense mixed uranium-plutonium fuel of the pilot demonstration energy complex of «SCP» JSC. Decommissioning of nuclear and radiation hazardous facilities as a driver of Russia’s and world robotics markets

Abstract

The article is devoted to the topic of great current interest that is the issue of using robots in the nuclear industry, in particular, in the module for fabrication and refabrication (MFR) of dense mixed uranium-plutonium fuel of the Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex (PDEC) of “SCP” JSC. The author attributes this to the danger or impossibility of direct participation of a person in some operations associated with adverse effects of high radiation burden and toxicity on the human body. Therefore, the author emphasizes the need to use technologies for indirect control of a number of processes or their automation, partial or complete. Particular attention is paid to the fact that robots are not introduced into existing production lines, but the robotic fabrication of fuel is implemented from the very outset, i.e. at the design stage. The author predicts that one of the benefits gained from the employment of robots will be the ability to ensure product quality at a more stable level. The article clarifies that, at the MFR, robotic manipula-tors, automated guided carts (AGC), and transfer carts will be used in the principal process in operations con-cerned with the fabrication of fuel assemblies, when handling radioactive waste, and in automated transport sys-tem lines. The growing need to solve the problems of decommissioning of nuclear energy facilities (NEF) requires new approaches to their implementation, including the minimization of human work directly in conditions of in-creased radiation background. As such an approach, it is suggested to use modern robotic technologies that make it possible to efficiently resolve problems at all stages of decommissioning of nuclear energy facilities, thereby adopting a comprehensive problem-solving approach and laying the groundwork for the future. The introduction of robotic complexes within the framework of the federal project not only has practical value for the NEF decommis-sioning in terms of resource efficiency, cost optimization and speed of project work, but also enables the imple-mentation of Russia’s strategic tasks in the social and economic spheres.