Development of bore tools for pipe welding and cutting

摘要

In the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), in-vessel components replacementand maintenance requires that connected cooling pipes be cut and removed beforehand and that newcomponents be installed to which cooling pipes must be rewelded. All welding must be inspected forsoundness after completion. These tasks require a new task concept for ensuring shielded areas andaccess from narrow ports.Thus, it became necessary to develop autonomous locomotion welding and cutting tools for branchand main pipes to weld pipes by in-pipe access; a system was proposed that cut and welded branchand main pipes after passing inside pipe curves, and elemental technologies developed.This paper introduces current development in tools for welding and cutting branch pipes and othertools for welding and cutting the main pipe.