Remote Handling and Accelerators

Abstract

2!E!UYThe high-current levels of contemporary and proposed accelerator facilities induce radiation levels into components, requiring consideration be given to maintenance techniques that reduce personnel exposure. Typical ccxnponents involved include beamstops, targets, collimators, windows, hnd instrumentation that intercepts the direct beam. Also included are beam extraction, injection, splitting, and kicking regions, as well as purposeful sPill areas where beam tail:c;[e trinnned and neutral particles are deposited.tered beam and secondary particles activate components all along a beanline such as vacuum pipes, magnets, and shi~lding. Maintenance techniques vary from "hands-on" to TV-viewed operation using state-of-theart servomanipulators. Bottom-or side-entry casks are used with thimble-type target and diagnostic assemblies. Long-handled tools are operated from behind shadow shields.Swinging shield doors, unstacking block, and horizontally rolling shield roofs are all used to provide access. Comnon to all techniques is the need to make operations qimple and to provide a means of seeing dnd reaching the area.

Advanced manufacturing and digital twin technology for nuclear energy*

“…Advanced manufacturing techniques facilitate the development of remote handling systems and manipulators to perform these tasks (Ibarra et al, 2010). Remote handling systems use robotic arms, specialized grippers, and advanced sensors to safely handle radioactive materials, reducing the risk to human operators (Wilson, 1983). These systems are used for activities such as radioactive waste disposal, maintenance of nuclear reactors, and handling of nuclear fuel and spent fuel (McAffee et al, 1997).…”