Remote separation of absorber open test assembly test section at the FFTF IEM Cell.

摘要

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) has an Interim Examination and Maintenance (IEM) Cell that is used for the remote disassembly of irradiated fuel and material experiments. Some material experiments such as 3.6-m (12-ft)-long absorber test assemblies are transferred into the IEM Cell to be processed for shipment only to an offsite hot-cell facility where they are disassembled and examined. One long material experiment, a 12-m (40-ft)-long instrumented absorber open test assembly (AOTA), was transferred into the IEM Cell to be processed for an offsite shipment. A specially designed and developed cutter was used to sever the AOTA test section (slightly less than 3.6 m long) from its upper stalk. A specially designed grapple adapter was then installed in the top of the test section, which provided an attachment for handling the AOTA test section in the same was as a regular absorber test assembly. This presentation discusses remote equipment and techniques used in this process. 7 figs.