Recovery of solid matter in nuclear environments

Orano DS provides services and tools to support both the sampling and recovery of radioactive solids from hostile environments.

• The Challenge

  The operation, clean-up and decommissioning of nuclear facilities require the collection of samples or the recovery of highly radioactive matter, whether to be packed in waste packages or for laboratory analysis. These elements may be found in radioactive environments that are difficult for operators to access.

  To recover samples or highly radioactive matter, the access conditions as well as the physical, chemical, and dimensional characteristics of the elements to be recovered must be considered. 

  Therefore, the challenge is to have a wide range of tools to suit each situation and guarantee effective recovery under optimum safety and security conditions.

  
  

  
  

• The Solution

  The know-how acquired over many years by its teams enables Orano DS to offer different types of recovery tools designed to recover various materials (solids, liquids, powders, sludge, etc.) in a wide variety of operating conditions (alpha environment, very high doses, remote operation, etc.).

   

  The ANEMONE tool has been designed to grip all types of solid elements. It consists of a rigid body and a flexible head equipped with appendages that allow all types of objects or materials to be collected and held. The retraction movement is ensured by means of a pneumatic, electric, or mechanical power supply (under development). This universal tool can be used remotely with a pole, a remote-controlled arm, or manipulator.

  
  

  The ANEMONE solution has been patented in France (FR 20 02401) and it has also been filed for a PCT for international use (FR 2021050414).

  
  

• Key Features

  Orano DS offers to its customers services as well as tools for the sampling and recovery of solid matter that can be adapted to their needs. 

  
  

  ANEMONE was implemented for the first time in tank 41 of silo 115 at La Hague at the request of Orano Recyclage. 9 samples were taken from a tank containing solid graphite waste emanating from the reprocessing of graphite gas-cooled reactor fuel at the UP2-400 plant and from graphite hulls containers coming from the AT1 workshop.

  
  

• Expertise & Experiences

  ANEMONE sampling tool (standard version) :

  • Diameter: 95 mm

  • Length (approx.): 340/220 mm (deployed/retracted)

  • Weight: 1.7 kg

  • Payload: Recovery of items up to approx. 10 kg

  • Radiation resistance: 20 kGy 

  
  

  Pole:

  • Length: 2 to 10 m

  • Type: with connecting sections

  • Equipped with a remote-controlled swivel head for tool orientation.

   

  

• Your Benefits at a glance

  All our tools have the capacity to undertake targeted sampling in constrained, irradiating, or submerged environments.

  
  

  Concerning ANEMONE: 

  • It can grab all type of elements, even if they have a variable and complex geometry. Tool dimensions are adaptable to the size of the objects to be recovered and to access constraints.

  • The tool’s ease of use allows a considerable reduction in operator exposure.

  
  

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