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