Development of an Automated Material Handling System Inside a Nuclear Containment Structure

Abstract

This paper presents design and development of an automated material handling and transfer system inside a containment structure of a nuclear facility. In the nuclear fuel cycle facilities, since, the feed material being handled is radiotoxic in nature all the process operations are carried out inside a mechanical containment structure known as a Glove Box. Main challenges for design are constraints arising due to the presence of highly radioactive material, confined space, limited access for maintenance and operation, maintaining vacuum inside the glove box and remote handling. To address the above-mentioned challenges, a conveyor system is designed for material transfer inside the shielded glove boxes. The system has been developed considering prime design objectives of modularity, ease of remote maintenance, standardization, provision for manual override, interchangeability and the absence of pneumatic devices inside the glove boxes. It is proposed to use the customized roller conveyor system. All the rollers are designed for the in situ maintenance. Three different types of power transmission systems shall be tested, viz. belt mechanism, gear mechanism and chain mechanism. The best out of three fulfilling the above-mentioned design objectives will be finally selected for the installation. It is proposed to initially develop a prototype and then, later on, expand it further to complete the entire fabrication line of glove boxes.