Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 14, 2010
Date of Patent:
October 28, 2014
Assignee:
Special Applications Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert R. Heim, Scott Ryan Adams, Matthew Denver Cole, William E. Kirby, Paul Damon Linnebur
Abstract: The present disclosure introduces modular apparatuses for mechanical devices. In one embodiment, a chain joint is described. The chain joint may include a rotating drum having an attachment point. Further, the chain joint may also include hydraulic cylinders connected to the rotating drum. Lengths of chain may be used to connect the hydraulic cylinders to the rotating drum via the attachment point. Another embodiment describes a robotic apparatus incorporating the chain joint. Other embodiments are also described.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 17, 2011
Publication date:
April 19, 2012
Applicant:
Special Applications Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Matthew Denver Cole, Paul Damon Linnebur, Marc Thomas Rood, Matthew David Zankey, Justin Matthew Vallely
Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 14, 2010
Publication date:
September 29, 2011
Applicant:
Special Applications Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert R. Heim, Scott Ryan Adams, Matthew Denver Cole, William E. Kirby, Paul Damon Linnebur