Diakont recently supplied a complete state-of-the-art radiation-tolerant manipulator system for the remote robotic removal of Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) test specimens.

Test specimens are housed within containers that are welded to the inner diameter (ID) surface of the RPV. To retrieve them, it is necessary to perform precision cuts of the welds that fasten the containers to the RPV.

Unlike previous now-obsolete solutions, Diakont’s new manipulator implements technology that eliminates ingress of welding slag and other foreign material into the RPV, eliminating the requirement to conduct extra FOSAR operations at the bottom of the RPV.

Diakont manipulators are equipped with “best-in-class” D40 radiation tolerant cameras, which provide reliable monitoring of underwater operations in the very high radiation work area.

The RPV specimen removal manipulator was designed and fabricated by the same division of Diakont engineers that previously developed a manipulator for the grinding repair of defects on the RPV ID, and that also design Diakont’s refueling machines.

The first manipulator for removing RPV test specimens has already been supplied to the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant. Presently Diakont is manufacturing an identical manipulator to be supplied to the Rostov Nuclear Power Plant.

More information about Diakont Radiation Tolerant Manipulators

Diakont Robots Demonstrate their Resilience during a Successful Nuclear Plant Repair

Diakont has developed and implemented a unique robotic system for conducting remote repairs in inaccessible areas of the reactor cores at Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant.

Diakont’s RODiS-TST robotic system successfully completed a pilot operation conducted at the St. Petersburg, Russia nuclear plant between August and November 2011. The use of this robotic system reduced personnel dose exposure by a factor of 200, increased speed of repair by a factor of 3, and considerably reduced the quantity of hard radioactive waste produced by the repair.

The system is comprised of two remotely-controlled robots, both of which are designed to operate in very high radiation environments. The robots worked in pairs to perform their most complex assigned task – the delivery and installation of specialized mechanical collars that, through the repair, became part of the reactor.

The first of the robots (for intervention) was designed with a magnetic chassis, such that it could travel along the underside of metal plates within the reactor core. The second robot (for delivery) was designed with a rugged crawler track chassis, so that it could transverse over protruding, uneven surfaces in the bowels of the reactor. Several onboard high resolution cameras allowed the robot operators to deploy and manipulate the system, and reliably conduct the repair work with high levels of accuracy.

The Diakont RODiS-TST robotic system was developed, manufactured, and delivered in a very short period of time. This rapid development was possible because of Diakont’s highly-skilled engineers and technicians, their expansive production and testing facility, and the support of the customer throughout the process.

Diakont’s accomplishment was highly acclaimed by Russian Vice-Premier Dmitry Kozak and the Governor of St. Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko at the 4th International Innovation Forum in November 2011.

Diakont has significant experience with the creation of unique robotic systems for the nuclear and gas industries. Through this base of experience in state-of-the-art robotic technologies, Diakont is able to create effective solutions that remotely accomplish dangerous and challenging tasks.

Video demonstration of RODiS-TST system during qualification testing

More information about Diakont Radiation Tolerant Inspection and Intervention Robotic Systems

Replacement of the CRT tube is fast and easy, since no tuning is required – but care should be taken such that camera components are properly handled. The following guide is meant to be used as an overview, and should not be used in place of appropriate training.

1.)   Assemble required materials:

• General knowledge of safe D40 operation and maintenance practices
• Replacement tube and tuning board
• Spanner tool (4026)
• Tube removal tool (4038)
• Small thin-blade slotted screwdriver
• Lint-free cloth
• Gloves
• Compressed dry air
• 1:1 alcohol-ether mixture

Note:  Before starting this process, connect the Camera to the CCU and turn power on; “Focus Near” until the Focus Motor stops. This moves the Tube and Focusing Assembly backward in the Module, so that it is more-accessible during removal and installation.

2.) With the Camera Module removed from the Housing, and the Lens removed, unscrew the 8 small fasteners that hold the Lens Mounting Bracket in place, and remove the bracket.

3.) Remove the 2 small screws that hold the Anti-lag Cover in place, and remove the cover.

4.) Unscrew and remove the Anti-lag Board Locking Nut located in front of the Tube using the short pins of spanner 4026.

5.) Carefully disconnect the 2-pin Anti-lag Board connector from the Ring Board, and remove the Anti-lag Board.

6.) Unscrew the Tube Locking Nut using the short pins of spanner 4026, and remove the nut.

7.) Disconnect the wiring harness from the Tuning Board and remove 4 screws holding the board in place. Carefully lift the board, disconnect the wire connector from the bottom of the board, and remove the board.

8.) On the opposite side of the Camera from the Tuning Board is the Intermediate Amplifier Board; disconnect the wire connector from the top, remove the 4 screws, and lift the board out of the way (NOTE: It is OK to leave the wiring harness connected to the Intermediate Amplifier Board, and just setting the board slightly aside).

9.) Using a small slotted screwdriver, carefully disconnect the Tube from the tube connector.

10.) Use the Tube Removal Tool 4038 to remove the old Tube - slide the shoehorn side into the front of the Focusing Assembly so that the end of the tool is flush with the Tube (this protects the pogo pins on the front of the Tube). Align the tube connector so that its sockets do not line up with the tube pins, and push on the connector so that the Tube moves forward and can be accessed from the front of the module (NOTE: Be careful not to shoot the tube across the room!). Slide the old Tube out of the Focusing Assembly.

11.) With the Tube removed, inspect module internals for debris, and blow out with dry air. Unpack the new tube and tuning board.

12.) Align the short pin of the new tube with the red dot located on the white connector (usually also aligned with iris drive axle). Cradle the new Tube with the 4038 tool, and fully insert the Tube into the Focusing Assembly.

13.) Mate the connector to the Tube, ensuring that the red dot aligns with the short pin. Attach the connector by pushing in on the 4038 tool while also pushing in on the connector, until it is firmly seated.

14.) Reinstall the Intermediate Amplifer PCB, ensuring the connector is secure.

15.) Install the new Tuning Board, ensuring that both the bottom and top connectors are secure.

16.) While still accessable, ensure that the Tube front window is clean and free from debris; use a lint-free cloth, canned air, or ether/alcohol mixture to clean the tube window.

17.) Carefully align the threads of the Tube Locking Nut. Screw in the nut as far as possible using the short pins of spanner 4026, until hand-tight.

18.) Reinstall the Anti-lag Board, ensuring that it is flat and level with the locking nut. Connect the wire harness to the Ring Board, making sure the red wire is oriented toward the outside of the camera module. Run the wires through the slot of the tube holder.

19.) Reinstall the Anti-lag Locking Nut using the short pins of spanner 4026; screw the nut in as far as possible until hand-tight.

20.) Reinstall the Anti-lag Cover and 2 fasteners.

21.) Reinstall the Lens Mounting Bracket and 8 fasteners.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or for additional information, training, parts, tools, or contracted service. Diakont is committed to ensuring the success of your operations through the continued reliability of our equipment.

support@diakont.us.com
+1-858-551-5551

Through typical camera use, the acrylic window may become scratched, or embrittled due to radiation exposure. The acrylic window and O-rings should be replaced at least once a year, or as-necessary to ensure proper impact-resistance, sealing, and image quality.

Replacement is easy and fast – but must be completed properly to ensure that the water-tight integrity of the camera is maintained.

To replace the axial head acrylic window, follow these steps:

1.)   Assemble required materials:

• General knowledge of safe D40 operation and maintenance practices
• Replacement acrylic window
• Replacement window O-ring (31.47×1.78, 2-026)
• Replacement axial head O-ring (34.65×1.78, 2-028)
• 4027 wrench
• 4035 wrench
• Thin screwdriver, or pick
• Lint-free cloth
• Gloves
• Magnifying lens
• Compressed dry air
• 1:1 alcohol-ether mixture
• Silicone grease (494-124 “RS”)
• Thread grease (VNIINP-275)

2.)   Turn off CCU, disconnect power, and disconnect D40 from umbilical cable

3.)   Don gloves

4.)   Remove the axial head “lens cap” (if applicable); Remove the axial head from the camera (use the 4027 wrench if necessary)

5.)   Using the 4027 & 4035 wrenches together, carefully loosen, unscrew, and remove the stainless steel window retaining ring from the axial head housing

6.)   Remove the spacer and the window

7.)   Using the thin screwdriver or pick, remove both the window and the head O-rings from their grooves

8.)   Remove any old buildup from the O-ring grooves, threads, and sealing surfaces; Clean with a lint-free cloth moistened in the alcohol-ether mixture

9.)   Carry out a visual inspection of the new replacement O-rings using the magnifying lens; Do not use O-rings with defects such as splits, cracks, or blisters (NOTE – While inspecting and positioning the O-rings, brief stretching is allowed, but stretching should not exceed +50% of length for rings with an inner diameter < 50 mm)

10.) Fit each of the new O-rings into their respective grooves

11.) Verify that the inner surfaces of the head are clean; If not, first wipe the surfaces with the lint-free cloth moistened in the alcohol-ether mixture; then blow out with compressed air (NOTE – Do not apply any grease to the window O-ring or window retaining ring threads)

12.) Fit the new acrylic window and the spacer in position inside the stainless
steel window retaining ring (spacer farthest from camera, then the acrylic window); The shoulder on the perimeter of the acrylic window should face away from the camera

13.) Carefully thread the retaining ring (with spacer and window) onto the axial head, and tighten using the 4027 & 4035 wrenches together (NOTE – Do not overtighten more than 1/8 turn past hand-tight; it is normal for there to be a gap between the retaining ring and the axial head housing)

14.) Lightly lubricate the axial head O-ring with a small amount of silicone grease, and the axial head threads with a small amount of thread grease

15.) Verify that the camera lens glass and camera internal areas are clean; If not, first wipe the surfaces with the lint-free cloth moistened in the alcohol-ether mixture; then blow out with compressed air

16.) Carefully thread the axial head assembly onto the camera (NOTE – Do not overtighten
beyond hand-tight)

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or for additional information, parts, or tools. Diakont is committed to ensuring the success of your operations through the continued reliability of our equipment.

support@diakont.us.com

+1-858-551-5551

POSITION: Marketing Specialist
POSITION CODE: 1107
TYPE: F/T
LOCATION: San Diego, CA 92123

DUTIES:
* Develop, promote, and propagate the corporate brand, toward increased awareness, for the goal of continual increasing market share.
* Coordinate the production, implementation, and execution of marketing campaigns that may involve direct mail, email blasts, outbound calls, trade shows and events, media advertisements, promotions, and other activities.
* Work jointly with, and coordinate activities with external marketing, design, publishing, and P.R. service providers.
* Track campaigns, prepare performance reports, and make recommendations for enhancement modifications.
* Support sales activities including development of proposals and presentations.
* Write and maintain content of company website and blog.
* Write, submit, and track press releases.
* Ensure customer satisfaction.
* Attend trade shows and events.
* Monitor and maintain company’s online presence.
* Work with customers in the development of case studies, references, white papers, and testimonials.
* Update industry and technical knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organizations, and attending trade shows and seminars.
* Protect organization’s value by maintaining strict discretion and confidentiality.
* Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base on company product lines.
* Perform other activities as directed.

REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* Must have a minimum of 3 years of directly-related work experience.
* Must have up-to-date skills in modern marketing, encompassing the digital environment and social networking, and also skills working with traditional marketing tools including print.
* Must have exceptional writing skills, for the creation of content.
* Must have fluency with WordPress.
* Must have general knowledge of SEO strategies.
* Must have basic experience in working with computer design tools.
* Experience in web design and HTML programming is desirable.
* Must have a strong understanding and ability to apply marketing principles.
* Must have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as marketing, business, or communication.
* Must have excellent communication skills. Must be able to present information effectively in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees.
* Must be able to prioritize and multi-task effectively.
* Must be discreet, energetic, self-starting, self-managed, highly ethical, and have impeccable attention to detail and time-management skills.
* Must have a strong work ethic.
* Must be a team player with personality traits and communication skills that enable him/her to work with all levels of staff, vendors, and customers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to manipulate items, and feel, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is also required to sit. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

APPLY:
Interested candidates should supply resume and cover letter to jobs@diakont.us.com, describing qualifications in detail.

Diakont Advanced Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.

The individual will utilize their knowledge and connections to guide inspection tool and service product development and rollout, and then capture and develop new business. The individual will build market position by locating, defining, developing, negotiating, and closing business relationships.

The exact parameters of the position, including working location, will be established based on the experience, connections, and skill set of the selected individual. The ideal candidate will have worked 10+ years in the industry and have high-level connections.

POSITION:     Business Development Director – Pipeline Inspection
TYPE:             F/T (or P/T or contract)
LOCATION:    San Diego, CA 92123 (or remote)

Diakont Advanced Technologies is part of a global group of companies dedicated to the design and manufacturing of high-technology products that enhance the safety and reliability of the energy industry. Among its corporate values are a commitment to provide a motivational environment that exceeds expectations; a drive to achieve high standards of personal and corporate performance; and a commitment to winning in today’s competitive marketplace.

DUTIES:

• Guide robotic inspection product development, rollout of service offering, and then development of new business.
• Locate or propose potential business deals by contacting potential customers and partners; discovering and exploring opportunities.
• Screen business deals by analyzing market strategies, deal requirements, potential, and financials; evaluate options; guide internal priorities.
• Develop negotiating strategies and positions by studying integration of new venture with company strategies and operations; examine risks and potentials; estimate partners’ needs and goals.
• Close new business deals by coordinating requirements; developing and negotiating contracts; integrating contract requirements with business operations.
• Update industry and technical knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organizations, and attending trade shows and seminars.
• Complete and submit trip reports, expense reports, and other associated paperwork covering activities in the field.
• Protect organization’s value by maintaining strict discretion and confidentiality.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base on technical details of company product line.
• Perform other activities as directed.

REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL:

Travel Percentage: 25-45%, some of which may be international.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to manipulate items, and feel, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is also required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Interested candidates should supply resume and cover letter to jobs@diakont.us.com, describing qualifications in detail.

Diakont Advanced Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.

The D40 Camera is a trusted radiation tolerant video camera that is relied-upon by the nuclear industry for IVVI, MRP, core verification, fuel inspection, FOSAR activities, cask loading, and more. But without sufficient maintenance and proper operation, it may not provide its optimal level of performance. The following are 3 easy ways to ensure that your D40 cameras are working at 100%.

1.)  Use a Good Tube

The CRT tube is the single most important component to optimal camera performance. If the tube in your camera has been exposed beyond its dose limit, has been left idle for too long, or has been flooded or damaged, it may not produce an image of the appropriate quality. Effects may be visible as reduced resolution, excessive smearing, blooming, or reduced sensitivity.

If a tube/camera has been left un-energized for a period of 5 months or more, and exhibits poor focus or oversaturation, it is necessary to “train” the tube. Do this by leaving the camera powered-on for 8 hours with the lens cap on, and the internal lights turned off.

Curing image burn-in

Also, much like a CRT monitor, there is potential to “burn” a ghost image onto the tube if a camera was left stationary while aimed at a bright, non-uniform scene. Depending on the severity, this can usually be remedied by aiming the camera at a bright light, and cyclically “scanning” the camera so that all portions of the video image get aimed at the light for a roughly equal amount of time. Usually within a few minutes the image burn effect can be completely mitigated.

2.)  Remember to Set the Dynamic Focus           

Although much of the D40 system is digital, the camera unit contains analog circuits so that it is able to provide its extremely-high radiation tolerance. As a result, there can be very subtle electrical variations between different cables, cameras, and tubes. These differences are compensated by adjusting the dynamic focus setting on the D40 controller. This setting fine-tunes the focus of the beam of electrons within the tube.

The dynamic focus is adjusted via a screw pot on the controller’s sweep generator module. Although your system will likely work just fine without ever touching this adjustment, for the absolute best possible image quality it is recommended to tweak this any time an element of the system is swapped-out.

Adjusting dynamic focus

To set the dynamic focus, power-on the D40 system as you would normally, and aim the camera at a resolution chart about 12” away. If a resolution chart is not available, you can substitute a glare-free object with fine detail. First, get the optical focus as sharp as possible. Then flip down the controller front panel, and turn the dynamic focus pot using a small slotted screwdriver until the focus is as sharp as possible. Then go through a couple more cycles of alternatively adjusting the optical and the dynamic focus, until the video image displayed is at 600+ lines of horizontal resolution. (NOTE: Do not turn the adjustment pot more than 1-2 turns in either direction)

3.)  Perform Regular Maintenance

Acrylic window

As with all tools and equipment, for consistent, reliable camera system performance, it is recommended to perform regular preventative maintenance. Replace acrylic port windows if they have browned or become embrittled. Take good care of your umbilical cables to ensure they are not bent inside the minimum bend radius – this can damage the internal coax conductors, leading to bad video quality. Check the cable jackets for cuts or breaks – if the cable floods, water can make its way into the camera. And take care to regularly replace and lubricate o-rings to maintain the housing’s hermetic seal.

For additional technical information or guidance on how to keep your camera system working to its fullest, please email support@diakont.us.com or call us 24/7 at 858-551-5551. We have tubes and replacement parts on-hand for immediate shipping, and are scheduling field support and operational/maintenance training sessions for Fall 2011 and beyond.

Click to learn more about the D40 camera