Removing Irradiated Materials in Nuclear Power
In nuclear power plants, the safe removal of radioactive materials and debris is a critical task to protect the health and safety of workers. When materials become irradiated in environments such as deep water pools, the risks associated with the removal process increase significantly. Unified Engineering specializes in designing and delivering innovative solutions for the safe removal of radioactive waste, even in the most hazardous conditions. With our expertise in radiation shielding, material handling, and custom engineering, we provide safe, efficient, and reliable solutions for radioactive waste management.
The Challenge:
In nuclear power plants, materials and debris can become irradiated at very high levels of radiation in heavy water, posing significant health risks to field technicians. A critical task is to remove this radioactive waste safely and efficiently, especially from confined, hazardous environments. One such unique requirement involved removing small debris from a 20-foot deep pool containing radioactive material, while minimizing radiation exposure to workers.
The Solution:
Unified Engineering developed a custom, turnkey radioactive waste removal system to meet this challenging need. This system includes a long reach tool, a gripper for debris removal, and an integrated vision system for precise location identification. By utilizing a manual tool with extended reach, the design ensured that the removal process could be conducted from a safe distance. The system was rigorously tested in-house to confirm its functionality before installation, ensuring it would meet the necessary safety standards for radioactive waste management.
The Benefit:
The removal system improves safety by reducing technician radiation exposure during the debris collection process. The inclusion of a vision system enables precise, efficient removal of debris from deep pools, while the basket retrieval tool serves as a radiation shielding flask for secure temporary storage. The system provides a safe and efficient solution for managing radioactive waste in challenging environments, supporting decommissioning efforts and minimizing radiation risk for workers.
