A unique robot test at the Leningrad nuclear plant
The Leningrad nuclear power plant, which is being implemented by Rosatom, has witnessed tests of a unique robot tasked with carrying out checks and repairs to the wall linings and the bottom of spent nuclear fuel cooling basins in the power units operating with the VVER-1200 reactors. The robot was designed specifically to serve new types of nuclear power stations and does not require additional procedures to prepare the basin for its work, such as draining water from it and discharging spent nuclear fuel, in contrast to the current work system at the plant.
The robot is characterized by its versatility, including searching for potential leaks, determining their coordinates, cleaning the defective surface and repairing it by electroplating. The robot's repair units are equipped with rotating brackets, allowing it to work in any parts of the basin that are difficult to reach, for example, in corners.
"The robot designed to inspect and repair the lining of the fuel storage basin will allow for rapid treatment of leaks if necessary, to keep the water level in it according to design," said Alexander Belyaev, chief engineer at the Leningrad-2 station.
The robot was tested on a special platform, where experts performed a complete simulation of the chain of operations assigned to it, to be ready to work in the fuel cooling basins of the fifth and sixth power units of the Leningrad nuclear plant.
