Underwater Laser Scanner provides in-vessel reactor measurements.
Press Release Summary:
Specifically designed to operate underwater, in-vessel, within either PWR or BWR reactors, NM200UW Nuclear Underwater Laser Scanner produces detailed point cloud output for generation of full measurable 3D CAD models of internals. It provides precise dimensioning of features, cracks, welds and other areas, and information can be trended over time. Device is offered as alternative to video cameras, which cannot take precise measurements.
Original Press Release:
Nuclear Underwater Laser Scanner Delivers Precise In-Vessel Measurements
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - A new tool has entered the industry, solving a problem that has vexed nuclear power utility operators for many years: how do you precisely measure underwater the internals of a nuclear reactor?
Newton Labs, a Seattle, Washington-based manufacturer of machine vision, robotics and optical automation has developed and deployed a laser scanning product specifically designed to operate underwater, in-vessel, within either PWR or BWR reactors. The device, the NM200UW Nuclear Underwater Laser Scanner, designed in partnership with a major U.S. nuclear utility, produces a point cloud output so detailed that when utilized with industry standard three-dimentional software a full measurable CAD model can be generated.
"This is a very exciting new product for the nuclear industry." stated John W. Bramblet, President and CEO of Newton. "The need has existed for some time to be able to produce precise measurements and dimensions in-vessel. The NM200UW, when used in conjunction with 3D software, provides fully measurable CAD models of the internals. In addition, its ability to provide precise dimensioning of features, cracks, welds and other areas allows trending that was never before possible." he added.
According to Justin Everly, Vice President of Development at Newton Labs, the capability of the laser scanner is important to nuclear utility operators because they often question the accuracy of as-built reactor blue prints created many years ago. "The only real-world evaluation available to operators today is via video cameras which cannot take precise measurements. " Everly said.
The NM200UW Nuclear Laser Scanner, along with its sister product the NM200E PWR Fuel Assembly Mapping system, are the latest additions to the Newton line of nuclear advanced technology measurement devices. A full data sheet for the NM200UW Nuclear Underwater Laser Scanner can be downloaded at: http://newtonlabs.com/inspec_app_group.htm.
About Newton Labs
Seattle-based Newton Research Labs, Inc. is a privately held manufacturer of machine vision, robotics and optical automation with considerable expertise in the Nuclear Industry. An original spin-off of M.I.T., the company has for more than 18 years developed and marketed high-performance, computer-driven automation for industrial processes. Newton's products are designed to allow the quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness of computer technology to replace the human element in virtually every industry. Newton Labs has deployed more that 20,000 machine vision, robotic and automation systems world-wide. Additional information about Newton and its products may be found at www.newtonlabs.com.
