Design & Development of a Machine for Dimensional Measurement- cum-dismantling of Irradiated Fuel Subassemblies

AbstractPeriodic performance assessment of selected fuel subassemblies (FSA) in the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam is carried out through post irradiation examination (PIE) to facilitate life extension of the remaining FSAs to safe and optimum limits. A dimensional measurement–cum-laser dismantling (DMLD) machine has been developed, installed and operated inside the radioactive environment of the hot cells for dimensional measurements and dismantling of highly irradiated FSAs discharged from the reactor. This paper discusses the various constructional features of the remotely operated machine, techniques for remote dimensional measurements, reconstruction of 3-D image, and dismantling of FSAs using laser and diamond wheel