Advanced surveying and 3D modeling approaches help eliminate outage delays
Although the average age of a nuclear plant in the U.S. is 39 years, today’s operating fleet is quite modern due to continuous upgrades of plant components and systems. As next-gen technologies continue to advance and become more readily available, utilities are seeking to incorporate more and more innovative approaches and equipment to increase plant performance, safety and cost-competitiveness.
Westinghouse is helping utilities meet that objective through the development of metrology tools such as our high-accuracy laser scanner. Mounted to a programmable rover, the laser scanner is used for surveillance and 3D modeling of as-found conditions to ensure they are accurately reported and that replacement components fit into existing structured as designed.
In its most recent implementation, Westinghouse performed a survey to determine the elevation of 65 reactor control rod drive thermal sleeves. The survey was performed underneath the reactor head remotely using a high accuracy laser scanner mounted to a programmable rover. The survey included seven pre-programmed scans and took roughly two hours to complete. A preliminary report was delivered 12 hours after the survey was completed that confirmed the elevation of all 65 thermal sleeves.
By combining laser scanning technology with remotely operated vehicles (ROV), Westinghouse’s metrology capabilities deliver enhanced accuracy and improved efficiencies to protect utilities from outage delays and provide increased field personnel safety.
Key Benefits
- Improved precision and accuracy compared to traditional surveillance and inspection methods
- Remotely operated capabilities minimize required technicians on site
- Customizable ROV design tailored to address your plant's specific concerns
