Abstract: An assembly adapted to access a weld extending circumferentially around a core shroud of a nuclear reactor, wherein the core shroud is contained in a pressure vessel reactor, the assembly including: a baffle plate rail having a lower surface adapted to abut a baffle plate in a gap between the core shroud and the pressure vessel reactor; a telescoping rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the baffle plate rail, and a reciprocating rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the telescoping rail, wherein the reciprocating rail includes at least one of a weld conditioning tool, a weld inspection sensor and a weld repair device.

Abstract: A manipulator for remotely controlled underwater operation in a nuclear radiation environment to perform service activities at difficult to access regions of the reactor vessel is disclosed. The manipulator includes six degrees of freedom in its ability to move so that it can get past obstructions inside a reactor vessel to access and service remote locations in the vessel. The manipulator also includes a rotary drive for inserting and removing the manipulator into and from a reactor vessel and for rotating the manipulator within the vessel. It also includes an arm with two rotary joints and three pivot joints that can be deployed for better access to difficult to reach locations. The manipulator, which is remotely operated, can be used to manipulate a variety of tools to perform various service activities. The tools, which are attached to the end of the arm, include a water jet, a gripper, a cutter and a camera.

Abstract: An assembly adapted to access a weld extending circumferentially around a core shroud of a nuclear reactor, wherein the core shroud is contained in a pressure vessel reactor, the assembly including: a baffle plate rail having a lower surface adapted to abut a baffle plate in a gap between the core shroud and the pressure vessel reactor; a telescoping rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the baffle plate rail, and a reciprocating rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the telescoping rail, wherein the reciprocating rail includes at least one of a weld conditioning tool, a weld inspection sensor and a weld repair device.