New Automated Robot for Barrel Inspection in "P" Style Reactors

Press Release Summary:

• Delivers high resolution color human readable images of the baffle plates along with full CAD models of the baffle former bolts and keepers
• Consists of center mast, vertical gear box, indexing positioning arm, rotational gear box and counter-weight
• Secured and centered by a cross piece or frame that attaches on the reactor flange

Original Press Release:

Newton Labs Develops The First Automated Robot to Accurately Measure PWR Baffle-Former Assembly Void Swelling

Newton Labs has developed an automated robot to accurately measure void swelling and irradiation growth of the Baffle Former Assembly. Void swelling is a key age-related mechanism which results in significant dimensional change and distortion. Severe void swelling is correlated with extremely low fracture toughness and cracking of components under stress. The robot was originally used for measuring degradation in “B” style reactor barrels and has now been modified for barrel inspection in “P” style reactors.

Newton’s robot is programed to position the measuring head in the correct position to perform laser scanning segments of the Baffle Former Assembly. Each laser scan segment is joined together creating a Baffle Former Assembly 3D CAD model with a swelling accuracy of + 0.0004 (0.01 mm) inches. The system also delivers high resolution color human readable images of the baffle plates along with full CAD models of the baffle former bolts and keepers.

The robotic system consists of center mast, vertical gear box, indexing positioning arm, rotational gear box, counter-weight, laser scanning/camera measuring head and control unit. The robot is secured and centered by a cross piece or frame that attaches on the reactor flange supplied by the customer or can be supplied by Global Nuclear Associates (GNA). (https://www.globalnuclearassociates.com)

In addition, the measuring head cameras are very high resolution and produce human viewable images that can perform EVT-1, VT-1 and VT-3 visual inspection of the lower core barrel to meet MRP227, MRP228 and ASME Section XI requirements.

About Newton Labs

Seattle based Newton Labs is a privately held manufacturer of nuclear machine vision, laser scanning, robotics, and optical automation. Newton is the original developer of core verification systems and nuclear underwater laser scanners; both systems won NEI TIP Awards. Newton is also the world’s largest producer of core verification systems and underwater laser scanners. Over its more than 20 year history, Newton Labs has deployed more than 30,000 machine vision, laser scanning, robotic, and automation systems worldwide.

Please contact Newton Labs sales or Newton’s US nuclear sales representative:

Keith Moser 
moser.keith@gmail.com
https://www.austinrobertsllc.technology/
630-815-6915