Innovation Research Series: Robotics and used fuel packaging

The Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability (CCNS) and Eclipse have entered into a Collaborative Research Agreement to study the use of robotics, automation, and process improvement to remove reactor components and develop a unique packaging design.

Eclipse will research the use of robotics to handle and move high dose equipment, including reactor components, as part of OPG’s decommissioning strategy. This innovative solution would remotely remove equipment that controls and monitors the reactor and store it in flasks. Automating the removal will enhance worker safety, while reducing cost.

With an innovative approach, the study will also look to eliminate the need to handle used fuel twice. This study will determine if used fuel can be transferred directly from the Fuel Bay to a Used Nuclear Fuel Container (UNFC) capsule, which can then be placed directly into the Deep Geologic Repository.

About Eclipse:

Eclipse is an international organization based in Cambridge, Ont., with 16 facilities throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. They bring innovative custom automation to the Life Science, Transportation, Energy, Consumer, Electronics and Industrial markets. From heavy tooling and equipment to automation systems that refurbish nuclear reactors, they support the work of decontamination, decommissioning, reactor life extension and site revitalization.

Innovation Research Series:

The Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability has established an annual $2-million innovation fund for new research and development projects that will help prepare for decommissioning and advance solutions for minimizing nuclear materials and recycling clean materials.

The ideas, techniques and solutions that come from these projects will help reduce timelines and costs for the decommissioning project, enhance employee safety, reduce radiation exposure and waste, and ensure the safety of the community and environment.