1. Do you currently use robotics, if so what applications? Yes, we use a Video Ray underwater ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). We utilize this ROV to perform underwater inspections in the reactor cavity, reactor vessel, transfer canal, and spent fuel pool.
2. Type of robot used submersible, land or stationed? Submersible. There is a laptop computer and controllers that come with the ROV. Everything is neatly packed in Pelican cases for ease of travel to work areas and deployment. We use the Video Ray Pro 4 model of submersible. Their website is http://videoray.com/ 3. Is the robot remotely used or tethered? The ROV is tethered. There are different types of tethers (floating, neutral, and sinking) that can be used for specific scenarios. 4. What are the capabilities of the robot? The ROV has a camera on the front of the submersible. It also has a gripper tool that can be attached for FME retrieval. There are other various accessories that can be purchased from Video Ray. 5. What are some limitations of the robot? As with any electronic device, Radiation has a negative impact. The ROV is not built to withstand high radiation levels. However, I personally have driven the sub into the reactor outlet nozzles and had no issues. I would imagine that if the sub got to close to a fuel assembly or the fuel area in the vessel it would kill the ROV. The sub floats to the surface if all power is lost, as well as having the tether attached for retrieval. 6. What are some examples of outage and non-outage use? We have used this ROV to perform the reactor vessel outlet nozzle VT-1 exam as well as the flange surface (Outage). We have also used this to inspect the fuel transfer system in the transfer canal (Non-outage). It is possible to connect an AMP-100 probe to the sub and get underwater dose rates on specific areas. The gripper tool was actually used to retrieve a tape measure in the lower cavity, it worked quite well for this application. 7. Do you own or use vendor robots, if a vendor is used what company? We own 2 ROVs from Video Ray. We went to a vendor training session and were given certificates to allow for repair and operation of the submersible. I would highly advise attending the training, as once the sub is contaminated there is no way to get it back to Video Ray for repair (they do not have a license to receive radioactive material). 8. Site robotics subject matter expert contact info: Alex Nelson Radiation Protection Technician (Remote Monitoring/ALARA) DC Cook Nuclear Plant 1 Cook Place, Bridgman, Michigan 49106 Phone: 269-465-5901 ext./pager x7550/0484 Elizabeth Heyeck Health Physicist D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 269-466-2545 From: Bebb, Jeremy L. [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 11:17 AM To: '[email protected]'; Frix, Joshua T. Subject: [EXTERNAL] [powernet] Robotics Usage This is an EXTERNAL email. STOP. THINK before you CLICK links or OPEN attachments. ________________________________ Cooper Nuclear Station would like to know what extent other plants are utilizing robotics for ALARA purposes. Your responses to the below questions would be greatly appreciated. 1. Do you currently use robotics, if so what applications? 2. Type of robot used submersible, land or stationed? 3. Is the robot remotely used or tethered? 4. What are the capabilities of the robot? 5. What are some limitations of the robot? 6. What are some examples of outage and non-outage use? 7. Do you own or use vendor robots, if a vendor is used what company? 8. Site robotics subject matter expert contact info: Thanks, Jeremy Bebb Staff Health Physicist Cooper Nuclear Station 402 825-5026
