Remote-controlled cleaning apparatus
Remote-controlled cleaning apparatus
Keywords: Remote control, Cleaning, Radio active wastes,Patents
Applicant: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, USAPatent number:US2002017005Publication date: 14 February 2002Title:Remote-controlled mobile cleaning apparatus for removal and collection of high radioactive waste debris in hot-cell
The invention presents a mobile cleaning device for remotely removing and collecting high radioactive waste debris in a spent nuclear fuel process and fabrication area, such as a hot-cell. The device comprises: a system for navigating it to the desired cleaning location and for climbing over obstacles such as electrical cables and pneumatic tubes placed on the hotcell floor; a suction and collection system for dislodging, filtering, and capturing high radioactive waste debris; and a cover for protecting the suction and collection system. The remote-controlled device collects loose dry spent nuclear fuel powder and other high-radioactive waste debris adhered to both the contaminated floor and the spent nuclear fuel process and fabrication equipment, without spreading contaminated material within the hot-cell.
The system therefore improves workers' safety by completely eliminating their exposure to high-radioactive contaminants.
Jon Rigelsford
