Abstract: A flange flush tool includes an outer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to engage the flange, and a shield tube within the outer tube. A channel is defined between an outer surface of the shield tube and an inner surface of the outer tube. The shield tube is configured to move longitudinally within the outer tube.

Abstract: A flange flush tool includes an outer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to engage the flange, and a shield tube within the outer tube. A channel is defined between an outer surface of the shield tube and an inner surface of the outer tube. The shield tube is configured to move longitudinally within the outer tube.

Abstract: Systems join with a control rod drive and expand or contract to displace elements necessary for decoupling. Joining structures affix to on sides of the control rod drive allow discriminatory jacking by a powered drive also in contact with the control rod drive. A moveable piston tube can be displaced by this jacking with hundreds or thousands of pounds of force with respect to the control rod drive. Probes and other instrumentation and sensors are useable in the systems to accurately measure any of piston tube displacement, temperature, malfunction; drive power status, displacement or speed; and communications status. Manual interaction with the systems are not required during the jacking, and installation and removal of the systems requires no tools or great amount of time or effort. Through remote operation and brief installation, human exposure to radiation about control rod drives is minimized.

Abstract: Systems join with a control rod drive and expand or contract to displace elements necessary for decoupling. Joining structures affix to on sides of the control rod drive allow discriminatory jacking by a powered drive also in contact with the control rod drive. A moveable piston tube can be displaced by this jacking with hundreds or thousands of pounds of force with respect to the control rod drive. Probes and other instrumentation and sensors are useable in the systems to accurately measure any of piston tube displacement, temperature, malfunction; drive power status, displacement or speed; and communications status. Manual interaction with the systems are not required during the jacking, and installation and removal of the systems requires no tools or great amount of time or effort. Through remote operation and brief installation, human exposure to radiation about control rod drives is minimized.

Abstract: Systems and methods permit discriminate access to nuclear reactors. Systems provide penetration pathways to irradiation target loading and offloading systems, instrumentation systems, and other external systems at desired times, while limiting such access during undesired times. Systems use selection mechanisms that can be strategically positioned for space sharing to connect only desired systems to a reactor. Selection mechanisms include distinct paths, forks, diverters, turntables, and other types of selectors. Management methods with such systems permits use of the nuclear reactor and penetration pathways between different systems and functions, simultaneously and at only distinct desired times. Existing TIP drives and other known instrumentation and plant systems are useable with access management systems and methods, which can be used in any nuclear plant with access restrictions.

Abstract: A retainer is placed on a conduit to control movement of objects within the conduit in access-restricted areas. Retainers can prevent or allow movement in the conduit in a discriminatory fashion. A fork with variable-spacing between prongs can be a retainer and be extended or collapsed with respect to the conduit to change the size of the conduit. Different objects of different sizes may thus react to the fork differently, some passing and some being blocked. Retainers can be installed in inaccessible areas and allow selective movement in remote portions of conduit where users cannot directly interface, including below nuclear reactors. Position detectors can monitor the movement of objects through the conduit remotely as well, permitting engagement of a desired level of restriction and object movement. Retainers are useable in a variety of nuclear power plants and with irradiation target delivery, harvesting, driving, and other remote handling or robotic systems.

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.